Showing papers by "Dana R. Kester published in 1981"

Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Study of Ferric Equilibria at High Chloride Concentrations

Abstract: The equilibria among the species Fe3+, FeCl2+, FeCl2+, FeOH2+ and Fe(OH)2+ have been examined by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. Our results indicate that previous workers have generally overestimated the stability constant of FeCl2+ and that the association of Fe3+ and Cl− is predominantly inner sphere. The formation constant of FeOH2+ obtained in 0.68 m NaCl is in good agreement with our earlier results obtained in 0.68 m NaClO4. Our results indicate that formation of FeOHCl+ is much less significant than has been previously reported. Molar absorptivities for the species Fe3+, FeCl2+, FeCl2+ and FeOH2+ are reported for wavelengths between 220 and 400 nanometers.

Physical Variability at an East Coast United States Offshore Dumpsite

Abstract: Three hydrographic stations conducted during a 1977 cruise to Deep Water Dumpsite 106 inadvertently sampled an established anti-cyclonic Gulf Stream ring both prior to and after it interacted with the Gulf Stream. Continuous STD data and discrete dissolved oxygen measurements in the ring were analyzed using temperature-salinity (T-S) and temperature-oxygen (T-O2) diagrams. These data showed good correlation with T-S and T-O2 diagrams from Gulf Stream, Sargasso and Slope Waters obtained during a cyclonic Gulf Stream ring study. Apparently, a new entrainment of Gulf Stream Water around the ring occurred within the sampling period and was manifested by increased salinity and decreased levels of dissolved oxygen. Combined satellite surveillance and at-sea measurement of temperature, salinity and oxygen provide an accurate method of describing this highly dynamic and variable region in and around Deep Water Dumpsite 106.

Transition and heavy metals associated with acid-iron waste disposal at deep water dumpsite 106

Abstract: Liquid acid-iron waste has been discharged into the surface waters at Deep Water Dumpsite 106 in 4 × 106 liter quantities since 1976. Upon mixing with seawater hydrous ferric oxide precipitates and can scavenge potentially toxic metals (Cu, Cd, and Pb) and organic substances from the waste plume and the seawater. A series of water samples were collected at various times from 0.5 to 27 hours after a dump of acid-iron waste using a non-contaminating pumping system and acoustic backscattering to locate the waste plume in the mixed layer (upper 20 m). The samples were analyzed for total and particulate Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb, as well as for pH, total suspended matter, phosphate, silicate, temperature and salinity. Because of the high Fe concentrations in the waste (0.5 molar), the total Fe concentration in the waste plume provides a good index of the dilution of the waste. During the first 27 hours after the dump the dilution occurred as a two stage process. There was rapid initial dilution by 104 in the first 0.5 hr followed by slower dilution to 105 after 27 hr. Correlation analysis of the metal concentrations in the waste plume showed that Fe and Pb disperse in a closely coupled fashion related to particulate matter. The Cd and Cu disperse at a slower rate than Fe and Pb and they are less associated with the particulate phase.

Future Prospects of Ocean Dumping

Abstract: The dumping of wastes in the ocean will be an important consideration in waste disposal management in the coming years. Maintaining the quality of the marine environment will require an improved understanding of the fate and effect of wastes in the ocean. In addition to the industrial chemicals, dredged material, and sewage wastes presently dumped in the ocean, consideration should be given to the behavior in the ocean of radioactive wastes, ocean mining wastes, and incineration residues. The concept of assimilative capacity provides a basis for identifying the physical, chemical, and biological processes in the ocean which are important in waste disposal considerations, and one can recognize the distinctive behaviors in the ocean of several types of chemicals such as biodegradable substances, toxic metals, and persistent synthetic organic chemicals. There is a need to improve the assessment of the biological effects of pollutants in the marine environment. Strategies for monitoring waste disposal in the sea should provide an early warning of environmental degradation and should enhance the understanding of marine processes in order to assure effective management of ocean dumping practices.