Growth responses of selected freshwater algae to trace elements and scrubber ash slurry generated by coal-fired power plants

In laboratory studies, the freshwater algae Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Scenedesmus obliquus, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Microcoleus vaginatus were exposed to potential pollutants from coal-fired power plants, and their growth responses were evaluated. Using a modification of the EPA Algal Assay Procedure Bottle Test, algae were incubated in media containing As(V) as Na₂HAsO₄ · 7H₂O, Cd(II) as CdSO₄, Hg(II) as HgSO₄, Se(VI) as Na₂SeO₄, in solution, and scrubber ash slurry generated at a western U.S. coal-fired power plant complex. First significant inhibition levels as well as algistatic-algicidal levels are reported. The median effective concentration (EC50) values for the potential pollutants ranged from 0.048–30.761 mg l⁻¹ (0.00064–0.41058 M) As(V), 0.005–0.019 mg l⁻¹ (0.00004–0.00017 M) Cd(II), 0.033–0.253 mg l⁻¹ (0.00016–0.00126 M) Hg(II), 0.033–8.511 mg l⁻¹ (0.00042–0.10779 M) Se(VI), and 3.048–15.417% scrubber ash slurry extract (SASE).     

Effects of wood ash fertilization on forest floor greenhouse gas emissions and tree growth in nutrient poor drained peatland forests

Wood ash (3.1, 3.3 or 6.6 tonnes dry weight ha^− 1) was used to fertilize two drained and forested peatland sites in southern Sweden. The sites were chosen to represent the Swedish peatlands that are most suitable for ash fertilization, with respect to stand growth response. The fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) from the forest floor, measured using opaque static chambers, were monitored at both sites during 2004 and 2005 and at one of the sites during the period 1 October 2007-1 October 2008. No significant (p > 0.05) changes in forest floor greenhouse gas exchange were detected. The annual emissions of CO₂ from the sites varied between 6.4 and 15.4 tonnes ha^− 1, while the CH₄ fluxes varied between 1.9 and 12.5 kg ha^− 1. The emissions of N₂O were negligible. Ash fertilization increased soil pH at a depth of 0-0.05 m by up to 0.9 units (p < 0.01) at one site, 5 years after application, and by 0.4 units (p < 0.05) at the other site, 4 years after application. Over the first 5 years after fertilization, the mean annual tree stand basal area increment was significantly larger (p < 0.05) at the highest ash dose plots compared with control plots (0.64 m² ha^− 1 year^− 1 and 0.52 m² ha^− 1 year^− 1, respectively). The stand biomass, which was calculated using tree biomass functions, was not significantly affected by the ash treatment. The groundwater levels during the 2008 growing season were lower in the high ash dose plots than in the corresponding control plots (p < 0.05), indicating increased evapotranspiration as a result of increased tree growth. The larger basal area increment and the lowered groundwater levels in the high ash dose plots suggest that fertilization promoted tree growth, while not affecting greenhouse gas emissions.     

Fragility assessment of wood sheathing panels and roof-to-wall connections subjected to wind loading

The performance of the wood-frame buildings after tornadoes has shown that the majority of the wind damage resulted from building envelope failure most typically due to the loss of the roof. To assess the performance and the reliability of low-rise wood-frame residential buildings with a focus on the roofs, fragility analysis can be used to estimate the probability of failure of a roof when constructed with specified nails and sheathing sizes. Thus, this paper examines the fragility of specific types of nails, roof-to-wall (RW) connection details, and sheathing sizes based on the damaged roofs that were previously assessed in the Dunrobin area in Ottawa (Ontario) that was hit with an Enhanced Fujita (EF3) tornado on September 21, 2018. The presented fragility analysis considers four scenarios, including different sheathing and nail sizes. Dead loads, wind loads, and resistance on the sheathing panels were compiled and analyzed to determine the failure of the examined roofs. The eight fragility models suggest that the safest roof sheathing (RS) is the 1.22 m × 1.22 m sheathing panel with 8 d nails, and the safest RW connections is achieved by using H2.5 hurricane clips.     

Toxicity of 2,4-dinitrotoluene to terrestrial plants in natural soils

The presence of energetic materials (used as explosives and propellants) at contaminated sites is a growing international issue, particularly with respect to military base closures and demilitarization policies. Improved understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of these materials is needed in order to accurately assess the potential exposure risks and impacts on the environment and its ecosystems. We studied the toxicity of the nitroaromatic energetic material 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli L. Beauv.), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) using four natural soils varying in properties (organic matter, clay content, and pH) that were hypothesized to affect chemical bioavailability and toxicity. Amended soils were subjected to natural light conditions, and wetting and drying cycles in a greenhouse for 13 weeks prior to toxicity testing to approximate field exposure conditions in terms of bioavailability, transformation, and degradation of 2,4-DNT. Definitive toxicity tests were performed according to standard protocols. The median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values for shoot dry mass ranged from 8 to 229 mg kg^− 1, depending on the plant species and soil type. Data indicated that 2,4-DNT was most toxic in the Sassafras (SSL) and Teller (TSL) sandy loam soils, with EC₅₀ values for shoot dry mass ranging between 8 to 44 mg kg^− 1, and least toxic in the Webster clay loam soil, with EC₅₀ values for shoot dry mass ranging between 40 to 229 mg kg^− 1. The toxicity of 2,4-DNT for each of the plant species was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and inversely correlated with the soil organic matter content. Toxicity benchmark values determined in the present studies for 2,4-DNT weathered-and-aged in SSL or TSL soils will contribute to development of an Ecological Soil Screening Level for terrestrial plants that can be used for ecological risk assessment at contaminated sites.     

Probabilistic loss assessment of light-frame wood construction subjected to combined seismic and snow loads

In some areas, e.g., mountainous areas in the western United States, both seismic and snow loads are significant. Limited research has been conducted to investigate the seismic risk of light-frame wood construction in those areas considering the combined loads, particularly the snow accumulation. An object-oriented framework of the risk assessment for light-frame wood construction subjected to combined seismic and snow hazards is proposed in this paper. A typical one-story light-frame wood residential building is selected to demonstrate the proposed framework. Economic losses of the building due to the combined hazards are evaluated using the proposed framework. It is found that in areas with significant snow accumulation, the snow load has significant effects on the seismic risk assessment for light-frame wood construction.     

Trace elements in hair of epileptic and normal subjects

The concentrations of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cu in scalp hair of 101 epileptic patients (48 males and 53 females, average age 25 years) and 101 normal subjects (47 males and 54 females, average age 22 years) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mercury was also determined in some samples. The aim of this investigation was to use scalp hair as a possible indicator of trace element abnormality and to determine whether or not differences in their levels might occur due to this neurological disorder. The results showed significant differences in Fe, Cu, Mg and Zn in the hair between the two groups but no differences were observed in the levels of Ca and Hg. The high Mg and low Zn content in the hair of epileptic patients is reported as of particular interest in the investigation of this neurological disorder.     

Model of local buckling in steel hollow structural elements subjected to biaxial bending

This paper presents a general formulation for the analysis of steel hollow structural beams subjected to biaxial bending. The model has been developed within the framework of lumped damage mechanics. In this approach, the models are based on methods of continuum damage mechanics and the concept of plastic hinge. The model was implemented in a commercial finite element program. In order to calibrate the model, a set of experimental tests were carried out in the Structural Mechanics Laboratory at the Lisandro Alvarado University. The model was evaluated by the numerical simulation of these tests finding a good agreement between the experimental tests and the numerical simulations.     

正断层错动诱发单桩破坏及避让距离研究

历次地震实例表明基岩断层错动诱发建筑桩基破坏,针对桩基础的近断层破坏机理认识不足。采用土工离心机试验,研究正断层错动引起上覆砂土中单桩基础的破坏。试验详细量测单桩及土体变形,监测桩身轴力及弯矩随基岩错动量的变化规律。试验数据表明,当错动量为0.4 m时,单桩与桩周土体协同变形,桩顶出现显著位移。随着错动量增加,上覆土体变形集中于破裂带,使得桩顶位移显著减少。该破裂带在基岩和土体的交界面上偏离基岩错动方向,与水平面呈80°方向发展至地表,并在单桩靠近断层上盘一侧地表出露。上覆砂土变形可分为静止区、剪切区和刚体位移区。当单桩位于剪切区附近,桩身受弯变形使得桩顶向上盘一侧倾斜。针对正断层错动,单桩在下盘一侧和上盘一侧离开基岩断层线的安全避让距离分别为15 m和10 m。     

Age-dependent fragility and life-cycle cost analysis of wood and steel power distribution poles subjected to hurricanes

Power distribution systems are susceptible to damage from natural hazards, especially hurricanes. Hurricane winds can knock down distribution poles thereby causing power outages resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue and restoration costs. Wood has been the dominant material used to support overhead lines in distribution systems in the US. Recently however, utility companies have been searching for cost-effective alternatives to wood due to environmental concerns, durability concerns and high cost of maintenance. Steel has emerged as a viable alternative to wood due to its advantages such as lower maintenance cost, light weight, consistent performance and invulnerability to insect attacks. Both wood and steel poles are prone to deterioration over time due to decay and corrosion, respectively. As utility companies increasingly adopt the use of steel poles, there is need for a comprehensive approach to compare the long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of wood and steel poles. This study demonstrates a framework for comparing wood and steel poles subjected to hurricanes through fragility analysis that takes into account the strength deterioration over time. The framework also includes life-cycle cost analysis that incorporates fragility and strength deterioration. To demonstrate the framework, three locations in Florida, Virginia and Massachusetts were considered.     

The uptake of chemical elements from coal ash and settling basin effluent by primary producers I. Relative concentrations in predominant plants

Chemical elements are released to the surface waters in large concentrations from coal ash, when ash is sluiced from the plant to a settling basin, or disposed on land surfaces. The role of primary producers growing in the drainage system receiving ash basin effluent, in removal or cycling of chemical elements from coal ash, has been investigated. Aquatic plants in the drainage system were collected and analyzed by neutron activation to determine concentrations of 23 chemical elements present in the coal ash effluent.The predominant aquatic producers present were Lemna perpusilla (duckweed), Typha Latifolia (cattail), Pontederia sp., Taxodium distichum (bald cypress), and the algae Oscillatoria sp. and Hydrodictyon sp. Leaves were collected from cattail, cypress and Pontederia sp., and the entire plants were collected from duckweed, Oscillatoria sp. and Hydrodictyon for analysis. Analysis of concentrations showed that duckweed, cattail, Oscillatoria sp. and Hydrodictyon sp. were the most efficient biomagnifiers of the 23 chemical elements. All elements were concentrated by the majority of the plants present relative to the concentration of the elements in the water in which the plants grew. This biomagnification of chemicals appears to be an important mechanism for removal of these elements from the drainage system water.     

Carbonation depth prediction of fly ash concrete subjected to 2- and 3-dimensional CO attack

Based on accelerated carbonation test, 1D, 2D and 3D carbonation of high performance concrete with different fly ash contents (0%, 15%, 20%, 40%, 60%) were studied. The interaction coefficients of 2D and 3D carbonation are defined. The time-dependent coefficient n of carbon dioxide diffusion and the interaction coefficients K of 2D and 3D carbonation are analyzed. The mathematical model which includes n and K is deduced. The experiments indicate that 2D and 3D carbonation have obvious interaction. Interaction coefficients obey the attenuation function through time t. The mathematical model of 2D and 3D carbonation life prediction based on Fick scattering law can be solved by Fourier expansion. The life prediction of concrete of Sutong Bridge beam shows that the 1D, 2D, 3D carbonation prediction life are 1595 a, 882 a and 758 a, respectively, 2D and 3D carbonation life predicted are reduced clearly.     

Vibration analysis of medium and small span bridges subjected to mixed marshalling freight trains

It has been reported several times that train derailment occurs when mixed marshalling freight trains traverse bridges at high speeds in China. This study aims to explain this phenomenon numerically based on the train-bridge coupling vibration theory and its associated computer program. The train-bridge vibration characteristic is analyzed by a computer program when mixed marshalling freight trains traverse 32-meter-span prestressed concrete simple beam bridges. The mechanism that dynamic responses of the bridges are prominent and that empty trains are inclined to derail are derived from the dynamic responses analysis. The analysis indicates that the significant differences of axle loads between heavy vehicles and empty vehicles produce periodic forced loadings of large amplitudes. These periodic loadings cause severe vibration of bridges. In turn, severe vibration of the bridges produces intensive counteraction to empty vehicles. __________ Translated from Journal of Tongji University (Natural Science), 2007, 35(2): 171–175 [译自: 同济大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Vibration analysis of medium and small span bridges subjected to mixed marshalling freight trains

It has been reported several times that train derailment occurs when mixed marshalling freight trains traverse bridges at high speeds in China. This study aims to explain this phenomenon numerically based on the train-bridge coupling vibration theory and its associated computer program. The train-bridge vibration characteristic is analyzed by a computer program when mixed marshalling freight trains traverse 32-meter-span prestressed concrete simple beam bridges. The mechanism that dynamic responses of the bridges are prominent and that empty trains are inclined to derail are derived from the dynamic responses analysis. The analysis indicates that the significant differences of axle loads between heavy vehicles and empty vehicles produce periodic forced loadings of large amplitudes. These periodic loadings cause severe vibration of bridges. In turn, severe vibration of the bridges produces intensive counteraction to empty vehicles.     

横观各向同性饱和层状土中垂直受荷群桩的动力阻抗

给出了稳态振动时,垂直受荷群桩在 横观各向同性 饱和层状土中动力阻抗计算的一般方法。首先,基于 Biot 饱和介质的三维波动理论,借助 Hankel 变换,得到横观各向同性饱和土轴对称动力问题的通解,利用通解,给出饱和土层在 Hankel 变换域内的精确动力刚度矩阵,进而构建出饱和土层在竖向柱面荷载作用下的动力 Green 函数;其次,根据桩–土界面的位移协调及平衡条件,利用 Kynia 的方法,建立了饱和地基–群桩纵向耦合振动的边界元–有限元方程,给出了垂直受荷群桩动力阻抗的计算公式。算例表明：场地土的各向异性及土层刚度的变化,对摩擦型群桩动力刚度的影响要远大于对端承型群桩的影响。     

高层建筑下部重载柱的研究与应用

阐述了高层建筑重载柱在我国的研究和应用概况，对重载柱研究和设计中的关键问题进行了探讨。     

Mesoscale variability of vertical profiles of environmental radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 210Pb and 137Cs) in temperate forest soils in Germany

Vertical profiles of environmental radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 210Pb and 137Cs) were investigated in several temperate forest soils in Germany to estimate heterogeneity of the soil horizon of interest. Absolute values of the activity concentrations of these nuclides varied to a large extent depending on the properties of individual forests as well as local geology. Several trends were generally observed independent of the location: (1) Activity concentrations of 40K increased with increasing soil density reflecting that most potassium is contained in mineral components of the soil. The variations in the 40K activity with depth may relate to biological activities in subsoil, such as root uptake of the nutrients. (2) Profiles of 226Ra with depth could be an indicator for evaluating soil heterogeneity within a horizon of interest. They are also useful to estimate anthropogenic 210Pb (210Pbexc) derived from the atmosphere via dry fallout or wet deposition. In several forests, there appeared surface enrichment of 210Pb down to a depth of approximately 10 cm, in which the 210Pb would have come from the atmosphere by combustion of fossil fuels. (3) Depth profiles of 137Cs were roughly divided into three types in which (a) the activity concentration decreased exponentially with soil depth, (b) small amounts of 137Cs existed only in the upper-most layer of the soil (0-5 cm) and (c) 137Cs disappeared at certain depths and appeared again at deeper portions of the soil. Consequences of bioturbation could be deduced from variability in vertical profiles of the environmental radionuclides. It is probable that a site showing an exponential decrease of the 137Cs activity with depth and also having a surface enrichment of 210Pb is not significantly influenced by bioturbation.     

Trace metals and water chemistry of forest lakes in northern Sweden

To study the influence of airborne pollutants on water quality, water samples were taken from 59 forest lakes in northern Sweden along a section of about 1000 km in length. Determinations were made of pH, water colour, conductivity, major ions, nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as the metals Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, As and V.The lake waters were generally soft, with low levels of electrolytes. The pH values increased and the sulphate concentrations decreased from south to north. The lakes in the southern parts of the area showed evidence of increased deposition of acidifying substances, shown by higher Ca + Mg/alkalinity ratio.A geographical distribution pattern was observed from Zn and to some extent also for Pb and Cd, with the highest concentrations in the south. However, pH and water colour were of major importance for the distribution of trace metals. Mn, Al and Zn were negatively correlated to pH and Fe, Mn, Al, Pb and As were positively correlated to water colour. A multiple regression analysis showed that the distribution of Fe was influenced mainly by water colour, Zn mainly by pH, while Mn and Al were influenced both by pH and colour. Some of the lakes were sampled both in winter and summer and the concentration of metals was found to be around two-fold higher in winter than in summer.     

饱和土中单桩在瑞利波作用下的动力响应

研究了频域内半空间饱和土中单桩在瑞利波作用下的动力响应。首先利用Muki的虚拟桩方法,将桩土共同作用问题分解为拓展的半空间饱和土和虚拟桩的叠加。拓展的半空间饱和土用Biot理论求解,而虚拟桩则用杆和梁的振动理论求解。利用半空间饱和土的基本解和自由波场解及桩、土间变形协调条件,建立了桩土共同作用的第二类Fredholm积分方程。对积分方程的数值求解可得桩在瑞利波作用下的动力响应。数值结果显示了饱和土的渗透系数、桩土相对刚度及入射波的频率对桩的动力响应有显著影响。     

含水率变化下压实路基土动态回弹模量试验研究与预估模型

路基土动态回弹模量MR是路面设计和使用性能评价采用的关键参数,运营期间受含水率变化影响显著。以压实红黏土为研究对象,制备了6个不同含水率和3种不同压实度的试样,采用滤纸法测试了不同状态下的基质吸力,并通过动三轴试验研究了含水率、压实度、动偏应力和围压对动态回弹模量的影响。试验结果表明:MR随压实度、围压的增大而增大,随动偏应力增大呈非线性减小;MR随含水率增大急剧降低,从最佳含水率增加4.5%时,不同压实度下MR均降低约50%,动偏应力和压实度对MR的影响随含水率增大逐渐减弱;MR随含水率和饱和度的变化规律与土性显著相关,而不同土样的MR随基质吸力变化趋势基本一致。进而引入基质吸力,建立了综合考虑含水率和应力水平影响的压实路基土MR预估模型,通过本文和文献试验数据证实了该模型的适用性,并基于13种土样的试验结果建立了模型参数与物性指标之间的经验关系。