ARPA-E

About: ARPA-E is a government organization based out in Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Climate change. The organization has 1161 authors who have published 1267 publications receiving 30049 citations. The organization is also known as: Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy.

Spatial variation, speciation and sedimentary records of mercury in the Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Abstract: As part of the “TAGUBAR” (TAngential GUanabara Bay Aeration Recovery) project, surface and long core sediments of the Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were investigated for mercury (Hg). The main, but not the only, input of Hg into the Bay's waters is known to be a Chlor-Alkali Plant (CAP) located in the Acari-Sao Joao de Meriti River system, on the northwestern side of the Bay. Mercury distribution in surface sediments ( The reduction in Hg accumulation in bottom sediments, expected as a consequence of the adoption of contamination control policies (i.e. Hg-free technologies in the CAP and sewage treating facilities), has not been clearly observed in the core profiles. Current estimates of Hg accumulation rates at the core top range from approximately 1 to 18 mg m−2 yr−1. Pre-industrial bottom core samples indicate that the central and northeastern sectors of the Bay are strongly affected by Hg enrichment: concentrations exceed the estimated baseline concentration by up to 20 factors. A cumulative Hg inventory suggests that the metal content has increased with the same order of magnitude in the vicinity of potential contamination sources on the western side of the Bay, but at a different rate; this is apparently determined by local conditions. A natural attenuation of Hg concentrations to background levels is not predictable in the near future.

Quantitative basin characterisation to refine debris-flow triggering criteria and processes: an example from the Italian Western Alps

Abstract: This paper investigates rapid channelized debris flow related to rainfalls in small alpine basins. Its goal is to evaluate and correlate different geological and technical aspects with predisposing and triggering factors that can control these phenomena. The study area is the upper part of the Susa Valley where 12 small basins were selected. For each of them, lithological, geomorphological, climatic and technical information were mapped and analysed. Debris-flow triggering conditions, flow and depositional processes were related to physical characteristics of the basin that can be easily measured and quantified. At least three different groups of basins were found: G1) basins with one event each 4–6 years, characterised by massive or blocky calcareous rocks, G2) basins with more than one event per year that show an abundance of layered or sheared fine-grained rocks and G3) basins with recurrence levels exceeding 10 years, activated only by heavy and prolonged rainfalls, marked by massive or blocky coarse-grained igneous rocks. Furthermore, important morphometric differences were found. These considerations are useful in terms of hazard zonation and risk mitigation.

A deterministic air quality forecasting system for Torino urban area, Italy

Abstract: An urban air quality forecasting system for Torino city has been developed, within the EU funded project FUMAPEX, to support the prevention and management of urban air pollution episodes. The proposed forecasting system is designed to provide stakeholders with information useful to define mitigation actions, and to inform the population. The modelling system is based on prognostic downscaling of weather forecasts and on multi-scale chemical transport model simulation, in order to describe atmospheric circulation in a complex topographic environment, space/time variation of emissions and pollutant import from neighbouring regions. Nested domains are employed to reach the target resolution of 1km, resolving the main structure of the urban area. The modelling system has been verified through its application to a summer photochemical episode and to a winter NO"2 and PM"1"0 episode. The verification has demonstrated the system capability to describe space and time variation of summer NO"2 and O"3 concentrations. Winter pollution levels during rush hours have also correctly reproduced, while underestimation of NO"2 and PM"1"0 has been found during the central part of the day. The positive results of FUMAPEX project induced Piemonte Region and Novara Province Administrations to implement operational air quality forecasting systems for the cities of Torino and Novara.