Continuous monitoring of short term dissolved oxygen and algal dynamics

Dissolved oxygen (DO) in coastal bays with frequent algal blooms can undergo significant diurnal changes. Short-term DO and algal dynamics in a sub-tropical, nitrogen-limited, marine ecosystem are studied by means of a specially designed telemetry system. The high resolution data show clearly the importance of the vertical DO structure, and its relationship with environmental variables (solar radiation, water temperature, wind, tidal current) and phytoplankton dynamics. The design, instrumentation and calibration, and operational experience of the system are described. The simple and robust system has proved useful in (i) providing continuous data for full testing of water quality models, and (ii) the planning of field experiments to study algal dynamics.     

Indirect check of aggregate pore effects on concrete

It is very difficult to quantify aggregate pores directly in a way that allows pore/water interaction to be accurately related to hardened concrete properties. This work examines, a number of aggregates through water absorption checks and gives results of tests on some concretes made with them. Three especially relevant concrete properties are examined, initial surface absorption, freeze/thaw behaviour and drying shrinkage; it is shown that aggregate absorption is reflected in these properties.     

Aggregate and concrete microfracture

Thin sections cut from cast concrete cylinders have been examined in transmitted light to investigate the significance of coarse aggregate type in “primary” microfracturing. Concretes manufactured with crushed-rock aggregates and gravel aggregates were studied and, in every case, the dominant fracture type was a parting of the aggregate-matrix bond. Bond cracking was least severe with the marble aggregate where epitaxial calcite over-growth was indicated. The ability of bond cracks to maintain continuity by bridging surface irregularities, via mortar cracks, reduced the inhibiting influence of rough-surfaced aggregate on bond-crack development.     

Toxicity, accumulation and elimination studies of α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) with freshwater organisms of different trophic levels

A short- and long-term toxicity study with α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) was carried out with freshwater organisms of different trophic levels (algae, crustaceae and fishes). In this study mortality, immobilization, growth, reproduction, histopathologic changes and enzyme activities were chosen as criteria.Furthermore accumulation and elimination processes were investigated in separate organisms as well as the uptake of α-HCH by one organism and through a food-chain.Finally a tentative method for deriving an “ecological limit” for χ-HCH in surface water is described.     

Structural analysis of assemblages of thin-walled members

A matrix method for the analysis of structural systems composed of thin-walled members is presented. The matrix displacement analysis includes the effects of thin-walled non-uniform torsion theory, cross-section asymmetry, eccentric restraint as well as joint types peculiar to thin-walled members. The method is used for a prediction of the elastic behaviour of a set of representative test frames. The test frames were pitched-roof portals constructed from channel sections bent about their major-axis and supported by eccentric restraints simulating purlins and girts.     

Upgrading the Activated-Sludge Process for Total Nitrogen Removal in Hong Kong

In order to protect the sensitive waters in Tolo harbour (Hong Kong), Sha Tin and Tai Po sewage-treatment works were first designed to remove 70% of the nitrogen load from the sewage. Since then, due to continuing serious eutrophication problems in the harbour, both plants have been modified to increase the removal efficiency to 90%.
The modifications were based on the Bardenpho process. However, the designers of the two plants adopted different approaches to process intensity, complexity and control of bacterial foam. At Sha Tin, the average monthly results have shown an increase of total nitrogen removal from 60–70% to about 80% since its completion. The addition of methanol was found to be ineffective on further enhancement of the denitrification rate due to difficulties in the apportioning of the second anoxic zone. The overall monthly results for Tai Po have also shown an increase in the removal rate to about 80%, even though 90% was achieved for a short period of time. The major problem encountered at the latter plant was that the process design did not provide an effective control on bacterial foaming, which had affected the smooth operation of the process.     

A method for the analysis of environmental factors controlling patterns of species composition in aquatic communities

In aquatic environmental studies, data from biological samples and from associated observations on environmental variables are often analyzed to determine whether environmental factors are controlling patterns of species composition. Analysis methods which reduce biological data such as species abundances to a more useable form, including ordination, classification and diversity index methods, are critically reviewed. Methods which relate these reduced data to environmental data are also reviewed. Classification (or cluster) analysis of the biological data followed by multiple discriminant analysis of the species-assemblage groups on the environmental variables is the recommended procedure, which is illustrated by an example. Application of these methods to pollution studies is discussed. Possible modifications and extensions are considered.     

Effects of adding organic materials to an acid sulfate soil on the growth of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings

Acid sulfate soils having a pH of less than 3.5 are widespread in Malaysia. Some of these soils are planted to cocoa, but the yield is reported to be low due to soil infertility related to Al toxicity. Cocoa growth is sensitive to the presence of Al in the soil. To a certain extent, Al toxicity in soils can be reduced by organic matter application and to a greater extent in iron-poor acid sulfate soil. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of various types of organic materials easily available in the country to ameliorate acid sulfate soil infertility for growing cocoa seedlings. The treatments were control (nil), lime (3 t/ha), peat (10% w/w), peat plus green manure (10% w/w), peat plus rice straw (10% w/w), peat plus chicken dung (10% w/w) and peat plus POMS (Palm oil mill sludge) (10% w/w). The growth of cocoa seedlings was affected significantly by the presence of Al in the cocoa tissues. As the amount of Al in the leaves increased, the relative top dry weight of cocoa seedlings decreased. Likewise, the relative plant height was negatively correlated with Al in the leaves. Peat as well as peat in combination with green manure, rice straw, chicken dung or palm oil mill sludge was able to reduce Al toxicity in acid sulfate soil; the highest top dry weight of cocoa seedlings were obtained in the peat plus green manure treatment. The best cocoa seedlings root growth was found for the peat treatment alone. The relative top dry weight of cocoa seedlings was negatively correlated with Al(3+) as well as Al(3+)+Al(OH)(2+)+Al(OH)(2)(+) activity in the soil solution. The critical values for Al(3+) and the combination of Al(3+)+Al(OH)(2+)+Al(OH)(2)(+) activity in the soil solution were 10 microM and 15 microM, respectively.