Continuous-flow metal biosorption in a regenerable Sargassum column

Metal biosorption behavior of raw seaweed S. filipendula in ten consecutive sorption-desorption cycles has been investigated in a packed-bed flow-through column during a continuous removal of copper from a 35mg/L aqueous solution at pH 5. The elutant used was a 1% (w/v) CaCl2/HCl-solution at pH 3. The sorption and desorption was carried out for an average of 85 and 15h, respectively, representing more than 41 days of continuous use of the biosorbent. The weight loss of biomass after this time was 21.6%. The Cu-biosorption capacity of the biomass, based on the initial dry weight, remained relatively constant at approximately 38 mg Cu/g. Loss of sorption performance was indicated by a shortening breakthrough time and a broadening mass-transfer zone. The column service time, considered up to 1 mg Cu/L in the effluent, decreased continuously from 25.4 h for the first to 12.7 h for the last cycle. The critical bed length, representing the mass-transfer zone, increased almost linearly from 28 to 34cm. "Life-factors" for S. filipendula were found to be 0.0008h(-1) for the breakthrough time and 0.008cm/h for the critical bed length, using an exponential decay and linear fitting functions, respectively. Regeneration with CaCl2/HCl at pH 3 provided elution efficiencies up to 100%. Maximum concentration factors were determined to be in the range 16-44, a decreasing tendency was observed with an increasing exposure time.     

Use of slow filtration columns to assess oxygen respiration, consumption of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen transformations, and microbial parameters in hyporheic sediments

Biogeochemical processes mediated by microorganisms in river sediments (hyporheic sediments) play a key role in river metabolism. Because biogeochemical reactions in the hyporheic zone are often limited to the top few decimetres of sediments below the water-sediment interface, slow filtration columns were used in the present study to quantify biogeochemical processes (uptakes of O2, DOC, and nitrate) and the associated microbial compartment (biomass, respiratory activity, and hydrolytic activity) at a centimetre scale in heterogeneous (gravel and sand) sediments. The results indicated that slow filtration columns recreated properly the aerobic-anaerobic gradient classically observed in the hyporheic zone. O2 and NO3- consumptions (256 +/- 13 microg of O2 per hour and 14.6 +/- 6.1 microg of N-NO3- per hour) measured in columns were in the range of values measured in different river sediments. Slow filtration columns also reproduced the high heterogeneity of the hyporheic zone with the presence of anaerobic pockets in sediments where denitrification and fermentation processes occurred. The respiratory and hydrolytic activities of bacteria were strongly linked with the O2 consumption in the experimental system, highlighting the dominance of aerobic processes in our river sediments. In comparison with these activities, the bacterial biomass (protein content) integrated both aerobic and anaerobic processes and could be used as a global microbial indicator in our system. Finally, slow filtration columns are an appropriate tool to quantify in situ rates of biogeochemical processes and to determine the relationship between the microbial compartment and the physico-chemical environment in coarse river sediments.     

Earthquake-induced net section fracture in brace connections — experiments and simulations

Results from six tests, finite element simulations and a synthesis of previous test programs on slotted end bracing connections are presented. The main objective of the research is to examine the deformation capacity of these connections, with the ultimate objective of minimizing the requirement for net section reinforcement that is often inconvenient from the perspective of fabrication. The experiments and simulations feature commonly used pipe specimens and end details. The main parameters investigated include the gusset plate thickness, the slot length and introduction of a wrap-around weld that eliminates the reduced section at the edge of the gusset plate. The results indicate that even without reinforcement, the connections offer adequate to excellent deformation capacity if they are provided with the wrap-around weld or if the net section strength is larger than the gross yield strength. This may be achieved in situations where shear lag in the connection is minimal, and where the area reduction due to the slot is small relative to the gross area. Design considerations are presented along with limitations of the study.     

Human response to blast-induced vibration and air-overpressure: an Indian scenario

Ground vibration (V_max) and air-overpressure/noise (p) are some of the negative effects of blasting. The associated human annoyance and complaints are expected to show an increasing trend in the future as there is no economically viable alternative to blasting in mines in India.A study of the human response to blasting in four mining localities across India has shown that the response is not simply political, as frequently assumed. It has been found that irrespective of those questioned, a basic concern for the safety of property was the main response. There was a greater response from the middle-aged and middle-educated while fewer women than men responded. Assuming that a 100% negative response from the inhabitants will translate into complaints, a methodology is suggested to take account of the human response criteria when considering blasting within 400 m of habitations.     

CROSS - a Program for Determination of Coefficients of Subgrade Reaction

Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering -     

Spatial patterns of cadmium and lead deposition on and adjacent to National Park Service lands in the vicinity of Red Dog Mine, Alaska

Heavy metal escapement associated with ore trucks is known to occur along the DeLong Mountain Regional Transportation System (DMTS) haul road corridor in Cape Krusenstern National Monument, northwest Alaska. Heavy metal concentrations in Hylocomium splendens moss (n = 226) were used in geostatistical models to predict the extent and pattern of atmospheric deposition of Cd and Pb on Monument lands. A stratified grid-based sample design was used with more intensive sampling near mine-related activity areas. Spatial predictions were used to produce maps of concentration patterns, and to estimate the total area in 10 moss concentration categories. Heavy metal levels in moss were highest immediately adjacent to the DMTS haul road (Cd > 24 mg/kg dw; Pb > 900 mg/kg dw). Spatial regression analyses indicated that heavy metal deposition decreased with the log of distance from the DMTS haul road and the DMTS port site. Analysis of subsurface soil suggested that observed patterns of heavy metal deposition reflected in moss were not attributable to subsurface lithology at the sample points. Further, moss Pb concentrations throughout the northern half of the study area were high relative to concentrations previously reported from other Arctic Alaska sites. Collectively, these findings indicate the presence of mine-related heavy metal deposition throughout the northern portion of Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Geospatial analyses suggest that the Pb depositional area extends 25 km north of the haul road to the Kisimilot/Iyikrok hills, and possibly beyond. More study is needed to determine whether higher moss heavy metal concentrations in the northernmost portion of the study area reflect deposition from mining-related activities, weathering from mineralized Pb/Zn outcrops in the broader region, or a combination of the two. South of the DMTS haul road, airborne deposition appears to be constrained by the Tahinichok Mountains. Heavy metal levels continue to diminish south of the mountains, reaching a minimum in the southernmost portion of the study area near the Igichuk Hills (45 km from the haul road). The influence of the mine site was not studied.     

Modification of Polycaproamide Composites Based on 1H,1H,13H-rihydroperfluorotridecan-1-ol and Montmorillonite

Fibre Chemistry - Modification of polycaproamide by 1H,1H,13H-trihydroperfluorotridecan-1-ol immobilized on montmorillonite produced an F-containing polymer composite. The structure of the...     

Improving the Quality of Cellulose for Use in Disposable Sanitary and Hygiene Products

Fibre Chemistry - Under modern conditions the creation of materials for sanitary hygiene and medical products based on cellulose is of paramount importance. Development and improvement in this area...     

Development of a Catalyst Based on Titanium Nanoparticles in a Zeolite Matrix

Glass and Ceramics - A catalyst was developed in the form of a composite based on a zeolite matrix modified with titanium nanoparticles based on zeolite raw materials from the Kulikovskoe deposit...     

Optimization of Technological Regulation of Container Glass Production: Best Available Technologies,General Binding Rules,and Carbon Intensity of Products

Glass and Ceramics - A system for technological regulation of adverse environmental impacts (AEI) that is based on the best available technologies (BAT) was analyzed. The expediency of updating the...