Pore fabric shape anisotropy in porous sandstones and its relation to elastic wave velocity and permeability anisotropy under hydrostatic pressure

To understand the relationship between pore space anisotropy and petrophysical properties, we developed a novel apparatus capable of simultaneously measuring permeability, porosity and ultrasonic velocities at hydrostatic pressures up to 100 MPa. First, we use magnetic susceptibilities and acoustic wave velocities to identify the principal anisotropy axes under ambient laboratory conditions. This directional anisotropy data is then used to guide experiments on two sandstones (Bentheim and Crab Orchard) under hydrostatic pressure from 5 to 90 MPa. We find the structural anisotropy formed by the void space is well described by velocity anisotropy in both cases. Under hydrostatic pressure, the acoustic anisotropy of Crab Orchard sandstone (COS) decreases from 3% and 7% at 5 MPa (P-wave and S-wave) to 1.5% and 1%, respectively, at effective pressures over 40 MPa; for Bentheim sandstone the decrease is considerably less. Permeability of COS is 125×10⁻¹⁸ m², decreasing rapidly as effective pressure increases, with permeability parallel to bedding approximately twice that normal to bedding. In contrast, permeability of Bentheim sandstone is 0.86×10⁻¹² m², and varies little with effective pressure or coring direction. We relate many of our measurements made under hydrostatic pressure to the contrasting pore fabric between the two rock types, and infer that a critical pressure is required for the initiation of crack closure.     

Mesoscale characterization of coupled hydromechanical behavior of a fractured-porous slope in response to free water-surface movement

To better understand the role of groundwater-level changes on rock-slope deformation and damage, a carbonate rock slope (30 m×30 m×15 m) was extensively instrumented for mesoscale hydraulic and mechanical measurements during water-level changes. The slope is naturally drained by a spring that can be artificially closed or opened by a water gate. In this study, a 2-h slope-dewatering experiment was analyzed. Changes in fluid pressure and deformation were simultaneously monitored, both at discontinuities and in the intact rock, using short-base extensometers and pressure gauges as well as tiltmeters fixed at the slope surface. Field data were analyzed with different coupled hydromechanical (HM) codes (ROCMAS, FLAC^3D, and UDEC).

Field data indicate that, in the faults, a 40 kPa pressure fall occurs in 2 min and induces a 0.5–31×10⁻⁶ m normal closure. Pressure fall is slower in the bedding-planes, lasting 120 min, with no normal deformation. No pressure change or deformation is observed in the intact rock. The slope surface displays a complex tilt towards the interior of the slope, with magnitudes ranging from 0.6 to 15×10⁻⁶ rad.

Close agreement with model for both slope surface and internal measurements is obtained when a high variability in slope-element properties is introduced into the models, with normal stiffnesses of k_{n_faults}=10⁻³×k_{n_bedding-planes} and permeabilities of k_{h_faults}=10³×k_{h_bedding-planes}. A nonlinear correlation between hydraulic and mechanical discontinuity properties is proposed and related to discontinuity damage. A parametric study shows that 90% of slope deformation depends on HM effects in a few highly permeable and highly deformable discontinuities located in the basal, saturated part of the slope while the remaining 10% is related to elasto-plastic deformations in the low-permeability discontinuities induced by complex stress/strain transfers from the high-permeability zones. The periodicity and magnitude of free water-surface movements cause 10–20% variations in those local stress/strain accumulations related to the contrasting HM behavior for high- and low-permeability elements of the slope. Finally, surface-tilt monitoring coupled with internal localized pressure/deformation measurements appears to be a promising method for characterizing the HM properties and behavior of a slope, and for detecting its progressive destabilization.     

Relating seismic velocities, thermal cracking and permeability in Mt. Etna and Iceland basalts

We report simultaneous laboratory measurements of seismic velocities and fluid permeability on lava flow basalt from Etna (Italy) and columnar basalt from Seljadur (Iceland). Measurements were made in a servo-controlled steady-state-flow permeameter at effective pressures from 5–80 MPa, during both increasing and decreasing pressure cycles. Selected samples were thermally stressed at temperatures up to 900 °C to induce thermal crack damage. Acoustic emission output was recorded throughout each thermal stressing experiment.

At low pressure (0–10 MPa), the P-wave velocity of the columnar Seljadur basalt was 5.4 km/s, while for the Etnean lava flow basalt it was only 3.0–3.5 km/s. On increasing the pressure to 80 MPa, the velocity of Etnean basalt increased by 45%–60%, whereas that of Seljadur basalt increased by less than 2%. Furthermore, the velocity of Seljadur basalt thermally stressed to 900 °C fell by about 2.0 km/s, whereas the decrease for Etnean basalt was negligible. A similar pattern was observed in the permeability data. Permeability of Etnean basalt fell from about 7.5×10⁻¹⁶ m² to about 1.5×10⁻¹⁶ m² over the pressure range 5–80 MPa, while that for Seljadur basalt varied little from its initial low value of 9×10⁻²¹ m². Again, thermal stressing significantly increased the permeability of Seljadur basalt, whilst having a negligible effect on the Etnean basalt. These results clearly indicate that the Etnean basalt contains a much higher level of crack damage than the Seljadur basalt, and hence can explain the low velocities (3–4 km/s) generally inferred from seismic tomography for the Mt. Etna volcanic edifice.     

Compaction of granular calcite by pressure solution at room temperature and effects of pore fluid chemistry

Pressure solution is an efficient compaction mechanism leading to porosity/permeability reduction in both clastic and carbonate rocks. We performed compaction experiments on crushed limestone and granular calcite at room temperature and 1–4 MPa effective stress using various pore fluids. By applying a dry pre-compaction at 8 MPa, we could largely eliminate deformation mechanisms such as grain rearrangement, sliding and fracturing from runs employing a pore fluid. Compaction creep occurred only in samples filled with a saturated carbonate solution, in contrast to those filled with chemically inert fluids, at . The measured strain rates increased with decreasing grain size and with increasing effective stress according to power laws with exponents of about 3 and 1–2, respectively. Samples made from naturally oil-contaminated limestone showed far less compaction than oil-free samples. Addition of dissolution and precipitation inhibitors (magnesium and phosphate ions) to the pore fluid significantly decreased compaction rates of wet samples, indicating that creep must have involved calcite dissolution/precipitation. Pore fluid with a salinity (NaCl) of 0.1–0.5 mole/l increased the compaction strain rate compared to non-saline solutions. The experimental results suggest the main deformation mechanism in calcite under our experimental conditions was pressure solution and that diffusion is likely to be the rate-controlling process in pure solution system.     

Sorption of cadmium(II) and zinc(II) ions from aqueous solutions by cassava waste biomass (Manihot sculenta Cranz)

The sorption of two divalent metal ions, Cd(II) and Zn(II), onto untreated and differentially acid-treated cassava waste biomass over a wide range of reaction conditions was studied at 30°C. The metal ion removal from the spent biomass was also measured. The batch experiments show that pH 4.5–5.5 was the best range for the sorption of the metal ions for untreated and acid-treated biomass. Time-dependent experiments for the metal ions showed that for the two metals examined, binding to the cassava waste biomass was rapid and occurred within 30 min and completed within 1 h. High sorption capacities were observed for the two metals. The binding capacity experiments revealed the following amounts of metal ions bound per gram of biomass: 86.68 mg/g Cd, 55.82 mg/g Zn and 647.48 mg/g Cd, 559.74 mg/g Zn for untreated and acid-treated biomass, respectively. It was further found that the rate of sorption was particle-diffusion controlled, and the sorption rate coefficients were determined to be 2.30×10⁻¹ min⁻¹ (Cd²⁺), 4.0×10⁻³ min⁻¹ (Zn²⁺) and 1.09×10⁻¹ min⁻¹ (Cd²⁺), 3.67×10⁻² min⁻¹ (Zn²⁺) for 0.5 and 1.00 M differential acid treatment, respectively. Desorption studies showed that acid treatment inhibited effective recovery of metal ions already bound to the biomass as a result of stronger sulfhydryl-metal bonds formed. Less than 25% of both metals were desorbed as concentration of acid treating reagent increases. However, over 60% Cd and 40% Zn were recovered from untreated biomass during the desorption study. The results from these studies indicated that both untreated and acid-treated cassava waste biomass could be employed in the removal of toxic and valuable metals from industrial effluents.     

Rock salt dilatancy boundary from combined acoustic emission and triaxial compression tests

This paper presents an experimental investigation of rock salt dilatancy boundary based on combined acoustic emission and triaxial compression tests carried out on the rock salt samples from the Asse Salt Mine, Germany. The experimental results were evaluated to determine the dilatancy boundary under specified stress, stress loading rate and pore pressure. Pore volume changes caused by deviatoric stresses were measured during triaxial compression tests. The dilatancy boundary was then determined from the maximum compression on a stress–strain curve which separates the compression and dilatancy regions. Variations in acoustic emissions that occur during microcrack development under triaxial compression were recorded with ten sensors mounted on the outer surface of the cylindrical samples. A spontaneous increase observed in the cumulative number of acoustic events is consistent with the dilatancy boundary determined from the minimum pore volume. It is confirmed that the dilatancy boundary depends on both stress loading rate and pore pressure. The dilatancy boundary slightly decreases with increasing the loading rate, but increases with increasing the minor normal stress. High pore pressures accelerate the dilatancy. A Biot coefficient of 0.25 for Asse rock salt was determined from the dilatancy boundary. An analysis of two-dimensional (2D) fractal dimensions determined for several samples shows that the samples with smaller dimensions have slightly higher dilatancy boundaries. The dilatancy boundary values of Asse rock salt are lower than those reported for crystalline rocks, although both rock types show similar dilatancy behaviour.     

A pore crack model for the mechanical behaviour of porous granular rocks in the brittle deformation regime

A model is developed for predicting and simulating the mechanical behaviour and failure mode of brittle porous granular rocks loaded in compression. It is based on a fracture mechanics analysis applied to cracks emanating from the surface of cylindrical pores in two-dimensional, which is well suited to the microstructure of such rocks. It is also consistent with the usual experimental procedure used for biaxial compression tests since the numerical scheme is implemented under the assumption of imposed axial strain. The model takes into account interactions between neighbouring cracks, which grow when their stress intensity factor reaches the fracture toughness of the rock. The simulation of crack growth from cylindrical holes, associated with a failure criterion based on the coalescence of interacting cracks, allows one to calculate the critical stress at rupture and to derive theoretical stress–strain curves.The present model is then used to compare theoretical results with laboratory data obtained on four sandstones with porosity ranging between 13% and 25.5% which were deformed under conventional triaxial compression conditions at confining pressures between 0 and 35 MPa. The comparison shows that by using a small number of parameters (pore size, pore density, fracture toughness, and elastic moduli), the model is able to predict the rock behaviour during the compression tests and the stress level at rupture in a quite accurate way, when the microstructural parameters introduced are consistent with the observations.     

不同岩石声发射时频特性实验研究

通过对变粒岩、花岗岩、石灰岩、粉砂岩等四种岩石进行室内单轴加载声发射试验,获取岩石破裂全过程的应力-应变曲线、声发射参数及声发射信号。根据岩石破裂过程,从时、频域对声发射信号进行分析,着重对比了不同岩石的力学性质、声发射信号频域特征。研究结果表明:采用声发射率、能率可以很好地描述岩石破裂损伤的整个阶段;随着加载的进行,根据岩体变形及破裂程度的不同,不同岩石破裂阶段的声发射信号的频带范围也在不断发生变化。结合声发射时间序列参数特征和频谱特性,可得出岩石破裂时的损伤特性,为现场岩体的稳定性监测提供技术支持。     

页岩巴西劈裂裂缝形态评价及功率谱特征分析

定量评价页岩破坏的裂缝形态是评估水力压裂裂缝网络复杂程度的重要前提。通过对黑色页岩试件进行巴西劈裂试验,同时结合数字图像相关技术和声发射技术,建立声发射功率谱频带特征与页岩试件微损伤机制的对应关系,并对裂缝形态进行定量评价。结果表明：层理是页岩功率谱特征、微损伤机理、裂缝形态差异的根本原因。页岩基质张拉、剪切破坏引起高频声发射信号,页岩层理张拉、剪切破坏引起低频声发射信号。随层理与加载方向之间的夹角角度增加,主频、次主频逐渐从低频带向高频带扩散,且高低频数量比H：L也逐渐增加。0°页岩试件的H：L为4.28%∶95.72%,裂缝为直线形;30°和60°页岩试件的H：L分别为15.89%∶84.11%和36.93%∶63.07%,裂缝为圆弧形;90°页岩试件的H：L为93.85%：6.15%,形成圆弧-直线复合型裂缝。研究结果将为解析现场微震数据提供借鉴,为控制页岩储层水力压裂裂缝轨迹提供理论基础。     

Time-dependent tests on intact rocks in uniaxial compression

The influence of strain history on rock specimen deformation during multi-level loading and unloading cyclic uniaxial compression creep tests is studied with a creep testing machine. An experimental data processing method for such creep tests is suggested. The correction formulas to determine the rheological model parameters are derived for the case when load relaxation is considered. Creep and relaxation tests under uniaxial compression on four types of rocks are conducted using an electronic hydraulic servo-controlled stiff testing machine. The creep and relaxation laws of the different rocks are compared. The complete stress–strain curves for red sandstone specimens are obtained at nine strain rates from 2.43×10⁻⁶ to 4.38×10⁻³/s. The effects of strain rates on rock strength and limit strain are discussed. Empirical equations to evaluate the strain rate dependence of rock mechanical properties are presented.     

岩石变形破裂微震、电荷感应、自电位和声发射实验研究

 为有效提取岩石失稳破坏的前兆信息,针对岩石试样在外载荷作用下失稳破坏前伴随有微震、电荷感应、自电位和声发射等信号的变化特性,建立岩石变形破裂过程多参量综合监测系统,对试样在不同加载速率下变形破裂过程微震、电荷感应、自电位和声发射进行同步监测。实验结果表明：试样在失稳破坏前都有明显的微震、电荷感应、自电位和声发射前兆信号,岩石性质不同,岩石变形破裂过程中微震、电荷感应、自电位和声发射信号明显不同,花岗斑岩的前兆信号比大理岩的前兆信号明显丰富。声发射监测数据能较好地反映岩石的微小破裂情况,可利用声发射进行微裂纹的定位,可以较好地反映电荷感应和自电位前兆信息,试样变形破裂过程的电荷感应和自电位信号比微震信号更早发生,受到的干扰更小,可利用早期的电荷感应和自电位信号进行提前预警,当频繁出现同步且幅值较大的各参量信号时,表明岩石即将进入失稳破坏阶段,可利用微震和声发射对微裂纹进行定位,微震、电荷感应、自电位和声发射信号相互对比分析从而准确获得岩石失稳破坏的前兆信息。     

Fish toxicity of jet fuels—I. The toxicity of the synthetic fuel JP-9 and its components

The toxicity of the jet fuel JP-9 and its components RJ-4, RJ-5 and MCH was assessed in static bioassays on the warm water fish, golden shiner (Notemigonus chrysoleucas). The 96-h LC₅₀ of emulsions was 2.0 mg 1⁻¹ for JP-9, 0.51 mg 1⁻¹ for RJ-4, 0.61 mg 1⁻¹ for RJ-5 and 72 mg 1⁻¹ for MCH. As determined by the 96-h LC₅₀ values unemulsified fuel (pools of fuel) JP-9 was 235 times less toxic, RJ-4 was 196 times less toxic, RJ-5 was 7700 times less toxic and MCH was 3.3 times less toxic than the corresponding emulsified materials.

In continuous flow bioassays with the water soluble fraction of the fuel and its components the effect on egg hatchability and fry development of flagfish (Jordanella floridae) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was studied. The no effect of level on flagfish egg hatchability was 0.23 mg 1⁻¹ for JP-9 and 0.05 mg 1⁻¹ for RJ-5. Concentrations of 0.83 mg 1⁻¹ MCH and 0.2 mg 1⁻¹ RJ-4 did not affect egg hatchability. In rainbow trout studies 97-day LC₅₀ values for RJ-4 and RJ-5 were 0.045 mg 1⁻¹ and 0.072 mg 1⁻¹, respectively, and 23-day LC₅₀ values for JP-9 and MCH were 0.26 mg 1⁻¹ and 1.3 mg 1⁻¹, respectively.

The accumulation of fuels in fish bodies was studied and it was found that flagfish can tolerate a total body burden of 0.5 mg MCH g⁻¹ wet weight without lethality. It was also found that body burdens of 0.43 mg RJ-4 g⁻¹ and of 0.27 mg RJ-5 g⁻¹ on a wet weight basis will produce 50% mortality in rainbow trout.

Voiding of MCH from fish bodies occurs readily in fuel-free water, but RJ-4 and RJ-5 are retained in the tissues.     

岩石冻胀变形特征及寒区隧道冻胀变形模拟

运用应变片法测试低温环境下饱和及干燥岩样的低温应变特征,研究岩样冻胀融缩效应,给出严格的岩石冻胀变形规律。试验结果表明：一个冻融循环内,干燥岩样变形表现为线弹性特征,而饱水岩样的变形大致经历冷缩、冻胀、融缩、热胀等阶段,并产生残余应变。依据试验结论,运用理论分析方法研究岩石冻胀应变,并将其运用于工程实例,模拟寒区隧道冻胀变形特征,并得出一定冻结条件下围岩未冻区、正冻区和已冻区的分布状况。     

Non-linear, stress- and strain-dependent behavior of soft rocks under cyclic triaxial conditions

Four saturated Miocene soft rocks of Japan i.e. Ohya tuff, Yokohama siltstone, Kobe mudstone and sandstone were tested under consolidated-undrained, cyclic loading conditions. The deformation behavior, pore pressure changes and strength mobilization, and contraction/dilation characteristics of these rocks were studied with emphasis on the non-linearity, stress- and strain-dependence of their mechanical properties. A procedure was introduced to locate the yield point, to estimate Young's modulus and to study the deformation behavior of these soft rocks. Deformation modulus was found to depend on plastic straining according to an exponential equation, whose coefficients in turn, depend on confining pressure. In addition, it also depends on the deviatoric stress levels causing hysteresis to occur. Patterns of pore pressure changes and associated failure modes were interpreted in terms of the initiation/propagation of micro- and macro-cracks inside the specimens. Characteristic stress levels were found, based on which the “true” rock strength components — cohesion and internal friction angle — were determined and their mobilization with respect to stress and strain levels was analyzed using a new interpretation method. Volume change tendencies were inferred from pore pressure changes whose rate was related to the contraction/dilation behavior of soft rocks. On that basis the dilation angle was estimated and its variation and stress- and strain-dependence was analyzed. A simple equation was introduced to characterize the variation of both internal friction and dilation angles with plastic straining, whereas their stress-dependence was studied through the variation of fit coefficients with confining pressure.     

Micromechanisms of borehole instability leading to breakouts in rocks

This paper reviews the different borehole breakout failure micromechanisms observed during a multiyear laboratory research effort at the University of Wisconsin. Vertical borehole drilling experiments were conducted in a variety of granites, limestones, and sandstones under a wide range of pre-existing stress fields. Test samples that developed breakouts during drilling were analyzed under optical and scanning electron microscopes to establish the micromechanics of failure. All rocks tested, except for the quartz-rich sandstones, develop dog-eared breakouts along the minimum horizontal far-field stress springline, even though the grain-scale mechanisms leading to the final appearance may differ considerably. The common denominator is the incipient failure in the form of dilatant microcracking in the zones of the highest compressive stress concentration around the borehole. Dependent on rock type, these microcracks could be tensile or shear openings, extending inter- or intra-granularly. A type of failure not hitherto recognized was discovered in quartz-rich sandstones, which develop tabular slot-shaped breakouts that maintain a constant very narrow width over an extensive length, resulting in a fracture-like appearance. Such breakouts are the result of a largely non-dilatant micromechanism consisting of localized grain debonding and repacking leading to the formation of an apparent reduced-porosity compaction band along the minimum horizontal far-field stress springline. Breakouts are produced by the removal, with the help of the circulating drilling fluid, of loose grains and grain fragments that were debonded in the process of compaction band forming.     

Experiments on mechanical properties of salt rocks under cyclic loading

The primary purpose of underground gas storages is to provide gas for seasonal consumptions or strategic reserve.The periodical operations of gas injection and extraction lead to cyclic loading on the walls and surrounding rocks of gas storages.To investigate the mechanical behaviors of different host rocks in bedded salt deposit,laboratory experiments were conducted on the samples of rock salt,thenardite,glauberite and gypsum.The mechanical properties of rock samples under monotonic and cyclic loadings were studied.Testing results show that,under monotonic loading,the uniaxial compressive stress(UCS) of glauberite is the largest(17.3 MPa),while that of rock salt is the smallest(14.0 MPa).The UCSs of thenardite and gypsum are 16.3 and 14.6 MPa,respectively.The maximum strain at the peak strength of rock salt(halite) is much greater than those of the other three rocks.The elastic moduli of halite,thenardite,glauberite and gypsum are 3.0,4.2,5.1 and 6.8 GPa,respectively.Under cyclic loading,the peak strengths of the rock specimens are deteriorated except for rock salt.The peak strengths of thenardite,glauberite and gypsum decrease by 33.7%,19.1% and 35.5%,respectively;and the strains of the three rocks at the peak strengths are almost the same.However,the strain of rock salt at the peak strength increases by 1.98%,twice more than that under monotonic loading.Under monotonic loading,deformation of the tested rock salt,thenardite and glauberite shows in an elastoplastic style.However,it changes to a ductile style under cyclic loading.Brittle deformation and failure are only observed for gypsum.The results should be helpful for engineering design and operation of gas storage in bedded salt deposit.     

Kinetics of alachlor transformation and identification of metabolites under anaerobic conditions

Alachlor is one of the two most commonly used herbicides in the United States. In the environment, little mineralization of this compound has been found to occur, and metabolites of alachlor may be formed and could accumulate. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of alachlor biotransformation and to identify the transformation intermediates formed under aqueous denitrifying, methanogenic, and sulfate-reducing conditions. Second-order biotrasnformation coefficients for alachlor were determined to be 7.6 × 10⁻⁵ (±4.0 × 10⁻⁵), 2.9 × 10⁻³ (±1.6 × 10⁻³), and 1.5 × 10⁻² (±1.4 × 10⁻²) 1 mg VSS⁻¹ day⁻¹ under denitrifying, methanogenic, and sulfate-reducing conditions, respectively. Acetyl alachlor and diethyl aniline were positively identified as transformation products of alachlor under all conditions. In denitrifying reactors aniline was identified as a product of alachlor. When acetyl alachlor was fed as the parent compound, aniline was also identified as a transformation product under methanogenic conditions. This research showed that although alachlor is degraded under denitrifying, methanogenic, and sulfate-reducing conditions, significant concentrations of several metabolites are formed and are only slowly degraded.     

Manufacturing effects on the hydraulic properties of needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles

Needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles are entangled to form a complex three-dimensional structure by random fibers, accounting for its bulky nature, wide range of pore size distribution, and good drainage. With needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles, water can move in both the vertical and horizontal directions. This paper examines two types of needlepunched nonwovens: one produced from polyester staple fiber and the other made from polyester spunbond continuous filaments. Experimental results indicate that the permittivity of staple needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles varies from 1.77-4.51 s⁻¹; the permeability coefficient varies from 0.63-2.87 × 10⁻² m/s. The permittivity of spunbond needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles varies from 1.13-1.97 s⁻¹; the permeability coefficient varies from 0.48-1.09 × 10⁻² m/s. In addition, the transmissivity of needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles decrease to an essentially constant value as the normal stress is increases. The transmissivity of needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles examined varies from 155-2.75 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s over the normal stress range examined (5-200 kN/m²). The AOS value of 3 denier staple fiber needlepunched nonwovens is less than 0.074 mm, the AOS value of spunbonded 7 denier and, 15 d and 20 d needlepunched nonwovens are 0.21 mm, 0.25 mm and 0.30 mm, respectively.     

Toxicity of chlorine to juvenile spot, Leiostomus Xanthurus

The sensitivity of juvenile spot, Leiostomus xanthurus, to total residual chlorine (TRC) in flowing sea-water was investigated. Incipient LC₅₀ bioassays, histopathology, avoidance tests and the combined effect of thermal stress and TRC were used to assess sensitivity.

Estimated incipient LC₅₀ values were 0.12 mg 1⁻¹ TRC at 10°C and 0.06 mg 1⁻¹ TRC at 15°C. Histological examination of spot used in the incipient LC₅₀ bioassay at 15°C and sacrificed while alive indicated pseudobranch and gill damage occurred in individuals exposed to a measured TRC concentration of 1.57 mg 1⁻¹. Spot exposed to lower concentrations of TRC, 0.02 0.06 mg 1⁻¹ at 15°C and sacrificed alive showed no consistent tissue damage.

Spot demonstrated temperature dependent avoidance responses to TRC. At 10°C, a concentration of 0.18 mg 1⁻¹ was required for significant (X²; P < 0.05) avoidance; at 15 and 20°C, spot showed significant avoidance of TRC concentrations as low as 0.05 mg 1⁻¹.

Simultaneous exposure of spot to thermal stress (5, 10 or 13°C above the acclimation temperature of 15°C) at measured TRC concentrations of 0.05 0.07 and 0.34–0.52 mg 1⁻¹ demonstrated a significant, (Z²) with Yates correction, P < 0.05) increase in sensitivity to TRC with increased temperature and exposure times for some of the groups tested.     

Combined γ-ray irradiation-activated sludge treatment of humic acid solution from landfill leachate

Humic acid, which is a typical microbially refractory organic substance, was extracted from a landfill leachate. The humic acid solution (COD = 367 mg 1⁻¹; TOC = 293 mg 1⁻¹; BOD = 27 mg 1⁻¹) was applied to a batch scale activated sludge treatment after the modification of its biodegradability by γ-ray irradiation. The BOD increased to 64 mg 1⁻¹ by irradiation of 15 kGy (1.5 Mrad), while the COD and TOC decreased to 231 and 230 mg 1⁻¹, respectively. When the irradiated sample was treated with an activated sludge, the BOD decreased rapidly in 2–3 h to about 15 mg 1⁻¹ which was a similar value as the unirradiated sample was treated. The elimination efficiency of TOC by the sludge treatment was approximately equal to that obtained by irradiation of 15 kGy. These facts suggest a utility of applying microbial processes after radiation treatment of microbially refractory wastewaters.