Contribution of domestic effluents to hydrocarbon levels of dry weather flow in combined sewers

The importance of hydrocarbon contamination of the sewer network has been reported by many authors recently. Most of the studies are focused on the introduction of such pollutants into combined sewers by street and roof stormwater, but few evaluate the contribution of domestic inputs to hydrocarbon pollution. As a consequence, this work—carried out on the framework of the OPUR (Observatory of Urban Pollutants) research program—assesses the resolved aliphatic (AH), unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations of domestic effluents (DE) and evaluates the role played by such effluents on the hydrocarbon levels of dry weather flow (DWF) in combined sewers. Results show hydrocarbon concentrations in the 200 – 300 μg · l^?1, 300 – 1 000 μg · l^?1 and 0.9 – 1.4 μg · l^?1 ranges for AHs, UCM and the 16 PAHs of the US-EPA, respectively. The assessment of hydrocarbon fluxes conveyed by domestic effluents on the scale of the ‘Le Marais’ experimental urban catchment (42 ha, centre of Paris) reveals the predominant contribution of domestic inputs to the DWF pollution and highlights the unsuspected role of households.     

Biomonitoring of maritime pollution by heavy metals (Pb and Zn) in the coast of Jijel (Algeria)

This paper reports a study of pollution in the coastal waters of Jijel, Algeria, using algae Ulva lactuca and Corallina officinalis as bioindicators. Samples of seawater and algae were collected at four different stations from the coast of Jijel, during the period of April–June 2014. The heavy metal content (Pb and Zn) was determined in seawater and in the algae tissue by the technique of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In seawater, the contents of heavy metals vary from 0.017 to 0.03 mg/l (Pb) and 0.235 to 0.873 mg/l. In the algae tissues, metals concentrations vary between 1.88 to 6.25 μg g^?1 dry weight (Pb), and from 92 to 178.9 μg g^?1 dry weight (Zn). These levels differ by site and species. The calculation of the bioconcentration factor (BCF) leads us to conclude that algae bioaccumulate significant levels of Pb and Zn metals in their tissues. Our results shows that the species of C. officinalis bioaccumulate the metals Pb and Zn more than U. lactuca, where, high biosorption of Zn was observed with BCF values between 203.21 and 238.40. Zn content in seawater and algae tissues appear higher than standards set by USEPA and guides values of Certified Reference Materials, but Pb levels appear lower than this standard.     

Biodegradation of 2-methylisoborneol by single bacterium in culture media and river water environment

2-Methylisoborneol (2-MIB) is a typical odorant in water sources. It is difficult for conventional water treatment to remove it. In this study, three strains capable of removing 2-MIB were isolated from activated carbon of sand filter. They were identified to be Shinella zoogloeoides, Bacillus idriensis and Chitinophagaceae bacterium based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The biodegradation of 2-MIB was improved with the presence of external carbon (glycerol, glucose, etc.). In the period of 20 days, Bacillus idriensis can remove 2 mg L^?1 2-MIB to 368.2 and 315.4 μg L^?1 in mineral salts medium without and with glycerol. Chitinophagaceae bacterium can remove it to 265.6 and 185.4 μg L^?1 without and with glucose. The enzymatic activity of B. Idriensis was lower when external carbon coexisted with 2-MIB. This indicated that a carbon source can inhibit the use of 2-MIB, but it can provide rich nutrients for the growth of bacteria.     

Comparison of the Combustion of Pine Species with Two Sizes of Calorimeter: 10 g vs. 100 g

This study aims to analyze the scale effects on the combustion dynamics and smoke emitted during the burning of vegetation species under laboratory conditions. Experiments were carried out at two scales of combustion with two fuels (Pinus pinaster and Pinus laricio needles). Two oxygen consumption calorimetry devices were used: the cone calorimeter with samples in the scale of 10 g, and Large Scale Heat Release rate calorimeter (LSHR) with samples in the scale of 100 g. Fuel loads of 1.2 kg m^?2 and 1.04 kg m^?2 were considered respectively for Pinus pinaster and Pinus laricio needles. The parameters investigated to analyze the combustion dynamics are the heat release rate, combustion efficiency and mass loss rate. Measuring the extinction coefficient allowed us to obtain the soot emission factor. The emission factors of the combustion gases were obtained by using FTIR and NDIR detectors. A carbon mass balance showed that more than 95% of carbon was recovered. This study revealed an effect of scale on the combustion dynamics (peak HRR of 806 kW m^?2 and 651 kW m^?2 respectively at the bench scale and at full scale for Pinus pinaster), total smoke production, soot emission factor (1.32 g kg^?1 and 5.17 g kg^?1 respectively at the bench scale and at full scale for Pinus pinaster) and nitrogen compounds emission factors (2.47 g kg^?1 and 5.25 g kg^?1 for the NO respectively with the cone calorimeter and LSHR for Pinus laricio). Combustion efficiency appeared to be largely independent of the combustion scale (96.89% and 96.61% respectively at the bench scale and at full scale for Pinus pinaster). We also observed differences in the fire behavior for both types of needles.     

Assessment of heavy metals contamination and its effects on oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) biometry parameters in the Asaluyeh port coasts,Persian Gulf,Iran

The current study examines biometric parameters and concentration of some heavy metals in soft tissues of Saccostrea cucullata in the Asaluyeh coast, Persian Gulf, Iran. The metals concentration in the soft tissue of the Saccostrea cucullata ranged as: Zn: 765–3411 mg kg^?1, Cu: 120.3–580.6 mg kg^?1, Cd: 0.13–3.5 mg kg^?1, As: 0.39–3.3 mg kg^?1, Pb: 0.05–1.64 mg kg^?1, Ni: 0.02–0.44 mg kg^?1, V: 0.06–0.32 mg kg^?1, Cr: 0.02–0.16 mg kg^?1 and Hg: 0.002–0.068 mg kg^?1. The results showed that the concentration of total heavy metals in oysters of the control station (CA) is usually lower. The results also indicated lack of correlation between oyster biometric parameters and bioaccumulated heavy metals, except between Cu and longitudinal diameter (R = 0.77). The concentration of heavy metals is higher than limits recommended by the World Health Organization, except for Cd and Pb.     

Mn and Ni contents in soils of a qualified denomination of origin region: Rioja D.O.Ca,Spain

The distribution of Mn and Ni in soils of one of the most famous winegrowing regions of Spain, Rioja D.O.Ca (Denomination of origin, Spain's top category), was studied in detail according to its geographical location. There were background concentrations of 288.81 mg kg^?1 total Mn in the surface horizon and 296.06 mg kg^?1 in the subsoil; and a total Ni content of 17.89 mg kg^?1 in the surface horizon and 24.76 mg kg^?1 in the subsoil. The amounts of Mn bio- or phytoavailable were 5.28 mg kg^?1 in the upper horizon and 4.70 mg kg^?1 in the subsurface horizon; and for Ni bio- or phytoavailable, the amounts were 0.14 mg kg^?1 in the upper horizon and 0.13 mg kg^?1 in the deeper horizon. Spatial distribution patterns were established using GIS contour maps for the two elements, showing significant variations within and between the sites. The local contamination is generally associated with the quantities that are added to the soil or water from man-made sources such as industrial discharge and volatile emissions, sewage sludge, livestock wastes and other wastes.     

Isolation,identification and development of culture medium in the production of Chlorella vulgaris

Microalgae have gained importance as a potential component of conventional food. The aim of the present study was to study the behaviour of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in relation to the different carbon and nitrogen sources and to improve a culture medium in terms of glucose, urea, manganese chloride and sodium nitrate concentrations. In the investigation of the best source of carbon and nitrogen, it was observed that 1.14 mg L^?1 of glucose and 8.32 mg L^?1 of urea stood out with the production of 0.823 g L^?1 of dry biomass and yield of 52 mg L^?1 day^?1. The best growth rate and specific yield were achieved at the central points for all salts.     

Laboratory and field analysis of pentachlorophenol (PCP) accumulation by salmonids

Rainbow trout were fed diets containing 10–3000 μg kg^?1 pentachlorophenol (PCP) for up to 110 days to examine its accumulation. Fish fed the 10 μg kg^?1 diet maintained whole body levels of 2 μg kg^?1 PCP over the study period, while PCP levels in those fed the 3000 μg kg^?1 diet increased to 40 μg kg^?1 after 40 days, then decreased thereafter to 20 μg kg^?1 at the end of the study. The biological half-life ($\text{T}\text{1}\text{2}$) of PCP in trout was estimated to be approx. 7 days. PCP levels in six species of fish representing two trophic levels from Lake Ontario were also monitored, most species contained 1–10 μg kg^?1 PCP. The results of these and other studies would suggest PCP accumulation in fish is primarily through direct uptake from water rather than accumulation through the food-chain.     

Radioactive element contents of some granites used as building materials: insights into the radiological hazards

This study was conducted to investigate the radioactive potential hazard of granite, which is widely used as building material in Turkey. Natural radiation levels of 18 various, globally-distributed industrial granite samples imported by Turkey, were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometer. The results are compared with the formerly published findings of granite samples from Turkey. Radioactivity levels of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K natural radioactive series elements of the selected 18 specimens were measured, which were from 2.4 ± 0.5 to 88.8 ± 3.6 Bq kg^?1 for ²³⁸U, from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 273 ± 0.9 Bq kg^?1 for ²³²Th, and from 169 ± 24 to 1,479 ± 94 Bq kg^?1 for ⁴⁰K. Radium equivalent activities (Ra_eq) were calculated for the granite samples to assess their radiation hazards in the construction of dwellings. The Ra_eq values of granite samples varied in the range of 39.05–570 Bq kg^?1, only one sample exceeded the safe limit value of 370 Bq kg^?1 set by the OECD-NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency. Exposure to radiation from natural radioactivity in building materials. Report by NEA Group of Experts 1979). Absorbed dose rates in air were found between 18.74 and 261 nGy h^?1 and radiogenic heat production values were calculated in the range of 0.45–6.53 μW m^?3. All rock samples used in this study were also analysed mineralogically and defined their compositions.     

Radioactivity of anthropogenic origin in the Tejo Estuary and need for improved waste management and environmental monitoring

The Tejo Estuary is a large water body surrounded by seven municipalities and industries with liquid effluent discharges containing contaminants that reach the estuary. This is the case for man-made radionuclides used in nuclear medicine, present in liquid effluents discharged by medical facilities. Radionuclide measurements in seaweeds, mussels, fish, water and sediments sampled along the North bank of the estuary revealed the presence of ¹³¹I and ^99mTc, originating from nuclear medicine facilities in Lisboa. Concentrations reached 90 Bq kg^?1 (wet weight) of ^99mTc in fish, and 18 Bq kg^?1 (wet weight) of ¹³¹I in mussels, and were even higher in the water. Another anthropogenic source of radionuclides is industrial waste, such as phosphogypsum the by-product of phosphoric acid production stockpiled at the South bank of the estuary. Main radionuclides present in phosphogypsum are ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ²¹⁰Po and uranium. Concentrations of ²²⁶Ra in phosphogypsum are about 1000 Bq kg^?1, which is a high value in comparison with ²²⁶Ra in soils of the Tejo valley, <100 Bq kg^?1. ²²⁶Ra, in particular, is dissolved by rainwater from phosphogypsum stacks and seeps into the estuary. Other potential sources of radioactivity are discharges from naval nuclear powered vessels and merchant ships transporting radioactive materials that berth in the Lisboa harbour. A whole survey of the estuary indicated low concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs in sediments, mostly attributed to radioactive fallout. Since waste discharges are undergoing deep modifications due to enhanced urban waste treatment, but economic activities have changed and the use of radiopharmaceuticals increases, the periodic radioactivity monitoring of the Tejo Estuary is advised and should provide feedback to enhanced waste management.     

Naturally Pb-contaminated soils in uranium and thorium anomaly

The paper reports an examination of the primary sources of stable lead (Pb) occurring in rocks and soils on dairy farms in the municipalities of Pedra and Venturosa in Pernambuco, Brazil. Lead in rock and soil was quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Pb concentration in calcium silicate rock varied from 21 to 1124.00 mg.kg^?1 and soil varied from 18 to 96 mg.kg^?1. The lead concentration in granite rock varied from 6 to 440 mg.kg^?1 and soil varied from 8 to 15 mg.kg^?1. The results point to the rocks as the primary sources of lead.     

Heavy metals contamination in soils around tailing heaps with various degrees of weathering in Zimapán,Mexico

Dispersion of mine tailings is the main cause of heavy metal (HM) contamination in soils in Zimapán, Mexico; however, the extent of this problem has not been assessed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the degree of contamination and to assess the influence of mine tailings with different degrees of weathering on the spatial distribution of HM in soils. Soil and mine tailing sampling was carried out. The HM concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry; spatial analysis and the size of the contaminated areas were calculated using GIS software; the mine tailings were characterized physically, chemically and mineralogically. The results suggest that all the tailing heaps have contributed to the HM dispersion. High HM concentrations were founded in soils around mine tailings (9402 mg kg^?1 Pb and 52 mg kg^?1 Cd). Surface area contaminated with Pb and Cd was estimated at 6.2 and 2.7 km², in urban soils, respectively.     

210Pb in di-calcium phosphate consumed by dairy cows

In the semiarid region of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, the feedstuffs for dairy cattle contain the mineral supplement of di-calcium phosphate (DCP). This study was carried out to determine the concentration of ²¹⁰Pb in samples of di-calcium phosphate (DCP: CaHPO₄) consumed by dairy cows in Pedra and Venturosa. ²¹⁰Pb concentrations ranged from 17 to 256 Bq.kg^?1, and although they are below the concentrations reported in Spain (up to 2260 Bq.kg^?1), they also could be considered to represent a potential risk of chemical toxicity in dairy cows.     

Nachweis von Natural Attenuation mittels Isotopenuntersuchungen an einem ehemaligen Kokereistandort

Natural attenuation of mono- (BTEX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was studied in groundwater at a former gas plant site over a distance of about 500 m. The contamination source was located within a 4–6 m thick succession of interbedded silt and sand (K _f =1,4?10^?7 m/s) at a depth of about 5–6 m below the surface. Groundwater flow times between source and the receiving surface waters were determined on the order of a few hundred years. The main contaminants were found to be benzene and naphthalene with concentrations up to 200,000 and 8,500 μg/l, respectively. Over the past 9 years, concentrations within the contaminant plume have decreased and degradation of benzene was proven by compound specific carbon isotope analyses. In addition, sulphur isotope studies revealed that sulphate reduction has played a significant role. This was supported by ambient sulphate concentrations of 300–1,800 μg/l at the site that are sufficient to sustain a long-term perspective for this process. In agreement with these physico-chemical conditions, no transfer of BTEX or PAHs from the plume into the nearby river has been observed.     

PAHs in soils: contemporary UK data and evidence for potential contamination problems caused by exposure of samples to laboratory air

Archived (1951–1974) and contemporary (1993) surface soil samples collected from the same 46 locations widely distributed over the UK have been analyzed for 12 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Contemporary soils were analyzed wet, ensuring that contamination, losses or alteration of PAHs in the samples was minimal. Archived soils had been air-dried prior to storage. The ΣPAH concentration of the contemporary and archived soils range from approx. 20 μg kg⁻¹ to 7.4 mg kg⁻¹ (mean = 1.1 mg kg⁻¹) and from approx. 160 μg kg⁻¹ to 7.1 mg kg⁻¹ (mean = 2.1 mg kg⁻¹), respectively. Comparison of the concentrations of PAHs in the archived and contempcrary soils revealed no significant trends for compounds heavier than benzanthracene. For some of the lighter molecular weight compounds the concentrations were notably higher in the archived soils than in the contemporary soils. Two soils of contrasting PAH content (0.08 and 9.8 mg kg⁻¹) were used in an experiment to compare the effects of air-drying on soils with relatively low and high PAH concentrations. Subsamples of soil (10 g) were placed into foil trays and exposed to laboratory air for up to 64 days. A clear increase in theiconcentration of the lighter molecular weight compounds (acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene) occurred in both soils. No marked changes were observed for the heavier molecular weight PAH compounds. This experiment suggests that the higher concentrations of the lower molecular weight compounds measured in the archived soil samples is due to contamination during air drying.     

The fate of fenitrothion in a stream environment and its effect on the fauna,following aerial spraying of a Scottish forest

In order to control an infestation of Pine Beauty moth (Panolis flammea Schiff.) fenitrothion was applied at a rate of 300 g ha^?1 to a forest plantation consisting primarily of Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta Loud.) and Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis Carriere) using the ultra-low volume spraying technique. The concentration of fenitrothion in the forest stream rose to a maximum of 18μgl^?1 within the treated area an hour after spraying, but fell to 0.5 μgl^?1 after 24 hs. There was no evidence that the resident fish population was disturbed by the treatment and no short term effects were noticeable in caged fish. The concentration—time profile in the fish followed closely the profile in the water, and in each of the four fish tissues studied fell to 0.02 mg kg^?1 after 24 hs. Invertebrate drift increased markedly 12–16 hs after spraying, but decreased to around pretreatment levels within 48 hs. Caged insects remained alive during the five-day post-spray observation period, suggesting that drifting insects were displaced rather than killed by the insecticide. Concentration of fenitrothion in Willow Moss (Fontinalis antipyretica) fell from 0.139 mg kg^?1 to 0.003 mg kg^?1 (wet weight) after 48 hs. Fenitrothion was not detected in sediment but his was possibly due to the low surface area/weight ratio of the particles.     

Distribution of total mercury in the fishes of Lake Oahe

In 1971, a joint Federal-State survey was conducted to investigate the total mercury content of fish and sediment in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. Average total mercury concentration of 225 fish flesh samples was 0.27 mg kg⁻¹; game fish samples averaged 0.31 mg kg⁻¹ and nongame fish samples averaged 0.22 mg kg⁻¹. Frequency distributions of total mercury concentrations in the fish are presented by fish species and sampling location. Data include total mercury analyses of 43 sediment samples.     

Errors in the Compilations of Minimum Explosion Concentration Values for Dust Clouds

Database tabulations of minimum explosion concentration MEC for dust clouds often contain data values that are extremely low, i.e., 30 g m^?3, or lower. Such values invariably represent measurement or analysis errors, often due to inadequate dust uniformity in the test vessel. There are only two organic vapors with MEC values below 30 g m^?3, and it is physically implausible that either stationary or randomly moving dust clouds would be more efficient in combustion than vapors. Combustion of dust clouds will have all of the types of heat losses that occur with burning of vapor clouds, but have additional sources of heat losses, particulate radiation and endothermic pyrolysis, not present for vapors (dusts of unstable chemicals are not considered in this paper). Thus, MEC values for dust clouds necessarily have to be higher than for vapors. Other sources of error for dust cloud MEC values have also been identified. These include incorrect data analysis, unrealistic pressure-rise criteria for what constitutes an explosion, and excessive igniter energies used in some apparatuses. German data based on VDI 2263-1 should be post-corrected for statistical treatment errors. But no specific correction exists for low reported MEC values due to mixture nonuniformity or inappropriate pressure criteria. It is recommended that any reported MEC values below 65 g m^?3 for cellulosic agricultural dusts, below 35 g m^?3 for any other organic dusts, and below 55 g m^?3 for dusts of metals or non-metallic elements be expunged as likely to be incorrect. Even at higher MEC values, there is likely to be a systematic bias in the data and this needs to be considered in longer-range research. ASTM E1515 offers more reliable testing and data analysis procedures than does VDI 2263-1 and is preferred.     

Suspended timber ground floors: measured heat loss compared with models

ABSTRACT

There are approximately 6.6 million dwellings in the UK built before 1919, predominantly constructed with suspended timber ground floors whose thermal performance has not been extensively investigated. The results are presented from an in-situ heat-flow measuring campaign conducted at 27 locations on a suspended timber ground floor, and the estimated whole-floor U-value compared with modelled results. Findings highlight a significant variability in heat flow, with increased heat loss near the external perimeter. In-situ measured-point U-values ranged from 0.54?±?0.09?Wm^?2 K^?1, when away from the external wall perimeter, to nearly four times as high (2.04?±?0.21?Wm^?2 K^?1) when near the perimeter. The results highlight the fact that observing only a few measurements is likely to bias any attempts to derive a whole-floor U-value, which was estimated to be 1.04?±?0.12?Wm^?2 K^?1 and nearly twice that derived from current models. This raises questions about the validity of using such models in housing stock models to inform retrofit decision-making and space-heating-reduction interventions. If this disparity between models and measurements exists in the wider stock, a reappraisal of the performance of suspended timber ground floors and heat-loss-reduction potential through this element will be required to support the UK’s carbon-emission-reduction targets.     

Fire Performance of Phase Change Material Enhanced Plasterboard

Sustainable construction materials are increasingly being used to reduce the carbon footprint of modern buildings. These materials have the potential to change the fire dynamics of compartments by altering the compartment energy balance however there is little quantitative understanding of how these materials behave in the event of a real fire. The changes in fire dynamics may be due to increased fuel load in a compartment, reduced time to failure or promotion of flame spread. The objective of this research is to quantify how Phase Change Materials (PCMs) perform in realistic fire scenarios. It was found that a plasterboard product containing microencapsulated PCMs will behave similarly to a charring solid and have the potential to contribute significant fuel to a compartment fire but that they maintain integrity for the duration of flaming period. The critical heat flux for this product was determined in the cone calorimeter to be 17.5 ± 2.5 kW m^?2, the peak heat release rate and mass loss rate ranged from 60.2 kW m^?2 to 107 kW m^?2 and 1.88 g s^?1 m^?2 to 8.47 g s^?1 m^?2 respectively for exposures between 20 kW m^?2 and 70 kW m^?2. Sample orientation was found to increase the peak heat release rate by up to 25%, whilst having little to no effect on the mass loss rate. These parameters, in addition to the in-depth temperature evolution and ignition properties, can be used as design criteria for balancing energy savings with quantified fire performance.