Showing papers in "Environmental Science & Technology in 1967"
TL;DR: A model has been developed for the movement of chemical in saturated soil, based on Fick's law, conservation of energy, and a sorption isotherm, for realistic values of the water velocity in the pores and the measured diffusion coefficient.
Abstract: H The movement of some chemicals in soils has been treated theoretically by considering for saturated conditions, the chemical diffusion coefficient, the percolation velocity of the water, the sorbtive properties of the soil, the average particle size of the soil, and the fractional number of sorbing sites. A model has been developed for the movement of chemical in saturated soil, based on Fick’s law, conservation of energy, and a sorption isotherm. ‘Theoretical curves for two different boundary conditions are given for realistic values of the water velocity in the pores and the measured diffusion coefficient.
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TL;DR: Gel permeation chromatography shows promise as a tool for fractionation of natural water organic matter and should aid in its characterization.
Abstract: Sephadex columns have been used to fractionate organic matter in natural water into apparent molecular weight groups. Moderately colored creek water was fractionated into 10 fractions. The ratios of dichromate-oxidizable organic matter, color, and organic nitrogen were different for each fraction. Various lakes, streams, and leachable organic matter from lake sediments showed different organic carbon elution patterns. Gel permeation chromatography shows promise as a tool for fractionation of natural water organic matter and should aid in its characterization.
71 citations
TL;DR: NTA can serve as the sole source of organic carbon for activated sludge, demonstrated by operation of a fill-and-draw unit for 6 months under such conditions, and may become a minor component of domestic sewage.
Abstract: rn Nitrilotriacetate may become an important component in detergent formulations in the future, and thus may become a minor component of domestic sewage. However, no significant effects upon the general environment are to be anticipated, since laboratory studies show substantially complete biodegradation. Both fill-and-draw (24-hour cycle) and continuous-flow (6-hour and 3-hour retention) activated sludge units were used, fed synthetic sewage containing NTA at levels from 20 to 500 mg. per liter; the NTA-iron complex was degraded as well as free NTA. The added NTA caused no upsets in the normal functioning of the units. NTA can serve as the sole source of organic carbon for activated sludge, demonstrated by operation of a fill-and-draw unit for 6 months under such conditions. NTA analyses were by a nonspecific method involving chelation of ferric iron.
64 citations
TL;DR: Several odorous organic sulfur-containing compounds have been identified in cultures of blue-green algae using gas chromatographic techniques, but the blue- green algae cultures were bacterially contaminated, and in all but one case the odorous sulfur compounds most probably resulted from bacterial putrefaction ofblue-green algal cells.
Abstract: Several odorous organic sulfur-containing compounds have been identified in cultures of blue-green algae using gas chromatographic techniques. The blue-green algae cultures were bacterially contaminated, and in all but one case the odorous sulfur compounds most probably resulted from bacterial putrefaction of th2 blue-green algal cells. The organism Microcystis flos-qucie, however, was shown to be capable of producing a natural gas odor, which was shown to be isopropyl mercaptan, during periods of active growth. Odorous sulfur compounds produced in decaying blue-green algal cultures and reservoir waters containing blue-green algal blooms included methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, isobutyl mercaptan, and n-butyl mercaptan.
63 citations
62 citations
TL;DR: The response of the Royco PC 200, Southern Research Institute (SRI), and Bausch and Lomb (B and L) single particle counters to nonideal but monodispersed aerosols has been measured.
Abstract: The response of the Royco PC 200, Southern Research Institute (SRI), and Bausch and Lomb (B and L) single particle counters to nonideal but monodispersed aerosols has been measured. Aerosols used were polystyrene latex, dioctylphthalate. India ink. and polystyrene. The indicated size of the absorbing India ink was I,'? t o of the true size for all of the counters. The Royco and SRI counters, which accept light through only a small solid angle, indicated a considerable spread in size distribution for the India ink and polystyrene particles which had some surface roughness. The resolution on rough-surfaced aerosols was better for the B and L counter which accepts light through a much larger solid angle. Experiments were also performed which showed that high concentrations of subcountable-sized monodispersed DOP aerosols (e.g., 10per cc. of 0.25 micron) generated a relatively monodispersed distribution of impulses pulses within the counting range.
58 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a number of methods for determining the identity and concentration of the oxidants produced photochemically in model systems are presented, and the application of these methods to atmospheric sampling is discussed.
Abstract: A number of methods for determining the identity and concentration of the oxidants produced photochemically in model systems are presented. The application of these methods to atmospheric sampling is discussed. The effects of the following variables are considered: spectral characteristics of the reagent blends and the colored species in question; temperature; order of addition, color stablity and rate of color formation; reagent concentrations; hydrogen ion concentration (pH); and various determinate errors. Calibration curves, molar absorptivities, and interferences are presented in detail.
54 citations
TL;DR: A method for the prediction of the dissolved oxygen demand due to the biochemical oxidation of inorganic reduced nitrogen compounds utilizes a digital computer to estimate nitrifying rate parameters for the two-step nitrification process, including kinetic rate constants and initial concentration of nitrify bacteria.
Abstract: A method for the prediction of the dissolved oxygen demand due to the biochemical oxidation of inorganic reduced nitrogen compounds utilizes a digital computer to estimate nitrifying rate parameters for the two-step nitrification process, including kinetic rate constants and initial concentration of nitrifying bacteria. These parameters may then be used to predict the effects of difyerent initial nitrogen concentrations, different concentrations of nitrifying bacteria, or different temperatures on the rate of dissolved oxygen demand. The variation of rate constants with temperature is discussed and a method for evaluating the decay of viable nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the absence of its specific substrate is presented. Examples comparing predicted and measured nitrogen changes are shown.
TL;DR: Atrazine content in washoff was highest during early stages of runoff, and most of the atrazine transported was associated with the water fraction because of the greater amounts of water lost as compared with soil.
Abstract: Measurements were made of atrazine contained in washoff from fallow plots of Cecil soil (6.5% slope). The herbicide was surface applied at 3 pounds per acre and simulated rainfall was used t o produce runoff and erosion. The results indicate that atrazine is transported in small but significant amounts in washoff from field plots. A 10-year frequency storm (2.5 inches in 1 hour), occurring 96 hours after herbicide application, caused atrazine losses of 7.3 %. Losses resulting from a common size storm (0.5 inch) were 75% less or 0.06 pound per acre. Greater losses resulted when rain was applied immediately after herbicide application. Losses of 0.1 pound per acre and less would be most frequently encountered under actual field conditions. Atrazine content in washoff was highest during early stages of runoff. Concentrations in the soil fraction of the washoff were higher than in the water fraction. However, most of the atrazine transported was associated with the water fraction because of the greater amounts of water lost as compared with soil.
TL;DR: This information implies mainly a terrestrial, including pollution, source for selenium as well as sulfur in the atmosphere of the city of Cambridge.
Abstract: rn Selenium was determined by neutron activation in 22 samples of snow and rain collected during the 1964-1965 winter and in seven air samples collected during the following spring in Cambridge, Mass. Sulfate was determined gravimetrically or turbidimetrically in most of the samples. In these samples and in well water and Cambridge tap water analyzed for comparison, the selenium concentration averaged 0.2 Mg. per liter of water or per 200 cu. meters of air, and the average value of the weight ratio Se/S = 1 X loT4. Approximately the same ratio is commonly found in igneous and sedimentary rocks, sulfide ores, and fossil fuels, but the sea water ratio is one thousandth as large. This information implies mainly a terrestrial, including pollution, source for selenium as well as sulfur in the atmosphere of the city of Cambridge.
TL;DR: Variations of time, temperature, and method of extraction affect total weights of organic extracts and concentrations of solvents used to define the organic extracts of airborne particulates.
Abstract: Recently developed spectrophotometric and spectrophotofluorometric methods of determining several known carcinogens were applied in studies of extraction efficiencies of solvent systems used to obtain the organic fractions of airborne particulates. Some of the solvents investigated were pentane, benzene, cyclohexane, acetone, diethyl ether, methylene chloride, and benzene-diethylamine (4 to 1, v./v.). Weights of organic extracts from known weights of carefully composited air particulates ranged from 20 to 1300 mg. Variations of time, temperature, and method of extraction affect total weights of organic extracts and concentrations. In the analysis of equal weights of air particulates enriched with pure benzo(a)pyrene, benz(c)acridine, and 7H-benz(dr)anthracen-7-one, the percentages of these compounds extracted ranged from 50 to 100, 15 to 100, and 40 to 80, respectively. On the basis of these data extraction efficiency studies are required for the proper selection of solvents used to define the organic extracts of airborne particulates.
TL;DR: A new mechanism is proposed to explain the rapid conversion of NO into NOz with a concurrent disappearance of hydrocarbons and appearance of oxidants in photochemical air pollution, and a solution of the differential equations relating to the proposed mechanism yields a set of rate-time curves for NO-NO2-O3.
Abstract: A new mechanism is proposed to explain the rapid conversion of NO into NOz with a concurrent disappearance of hydrocarbons and appearance of oxidants in photochemical air pollution. Singlet oxygen generated by triplet energy transfer from strongly absorbing polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons to normal oxygen produces excited singlet molecular oxygen which attacks olefins to give unstable peroxides. A mechanistic chain is set up involving free radicals generated by decomposition of these peroxides. A solution of the differential equations relating to the proposed mechanism yields a set of rate-time curves for NO-NO2-O3 which have the same general characteristics as those observed in actual smoggy atmospheres. The presence of singlet oxygen in urban atmospheres has potentially great implications in the environmental sciences.
TL;DR: The beneficial and adverse effects of heated or cooled effiuents on stream ecology are found to be in approximately equal proportions on a broad spectrum over a 12 month cycle.
Abstract: T emperature alterations in t'ic aquatic environment have become the latest industrial pollution syndrome. In common parlance, this syndrome is called thermal or heat pollution (Carr, 1966; Hoak, 1961; and Moore, 1958). Historically, the term thermal pollution has been used as a siren call whenever normal ecological conditions in ;I stream have been disrupted by dint of man-made thermal discharges (Laberge, 1959). This connotation has implied that relatively hot effluents have a deleterious effect upon stream purification capacity. Whereas the thermal pollution terminology is more pithy than platitudinous, the stigma should be studiously avoided because it engenders a misguided sense of understanding of the problem. We do not want to infer, however, that the thermal pollution stigma has not served a useful purpose. Since World War IT, the continual use of this terminology has alerted people to the potential hazards of heated discharges from industrial plants. As a consequence, temperat urc elfect\\ i n the aquatic environment have been extensively researched and the f indings seem to suggest a rather interesting paradox. The beneficial and adverse effects of heated or cooled effiuents on stream ecology are found to be in approximately equal proportions on a broad spectrum over a 12 month cycle. Any attempt to define ;I temperature index for stream pollution, therefore, will tend to apply to ;I mtrictecl area of the spectrum rather than to the entire range. The effects of temperaturc change on stream dissolved oxygen is one type of syndrome whereas fish kills due to thermal shocks ; re quite a different kettle of fish.
TL;DR: Agriculture’s effect on nitrate pollution of ground water was investigated in the South Platte valley of Colorado, which is intensively farmed and contains many concentrated livestock feeding operations.
Abstract: Agriculture’s effect on nitrate pollution of ground water was investigated in the South Platte valley of Colorado. The valley is intensively farmed and contains many concentrated livestock feeding operations. A water table, generally between 3 and 20 meters below the surface, underlies much of the area. The average total nitrate-nitrogen to a depth of 6.7 meters in the profiles for the various kinds of land use was: alfalfa (Medicago safiua) (13 cores), 70; native grassland (17 cores), 81 ; cultivated dryland (21 cores), 233; irrigated fields not in alfalfa (28 cores), 452; and feedlots (47 cores), 1282 kg. per hectare. Ground water samples often contained high concentrations of nitrate, and those obtained beneath feedlots contained ammonium-nitrogen and organic carbon.
TL;DR: In an exemplary eutrophic lake in northwestern Connecticut, the nutrient input from a largely forested watershed with no overt source of pollution was adequate to support the observed abundant vegetative growth.
Abstract: The significance of nutrient contamination of water by man can be evaluated only by comparison with all other sources. In an exemplary eutrophic lake in northwestern Connecticut, the nutrient input from a largely forested watershed with no overt source of pollution was adequate to support the observed abundant vegetative growth. In addition, a vast accumulation of nutrients was found in the lake bottom sediments; the upper centimeter of sediment contains at least 10 times the estimated annual input of nitrogen and phosphorus. Moreover, this reservoir of nutrients in the sediments should be capable of supporting plant growth for some time even if all nutrients could be excluded from the lake. Apparently, the abundant weeds and algae in this lake are the result of natural eutrophication which man will be hard pressed to alter.
TL;DR: Physical o r weak chemical bonding between the CIPC and the carbon surface is suggested and there is some indication that this particular adsorption process is diffusion-controlled.
Abstract: B The clay minerals illite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite suspended in dilute pesticide solutions adsorb very little 2,4dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) or isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC). Adsorption of CIPC from aqueous solution with powdered activated carbon is extensive. Equilibrium conditions for the CIPC-activated carbon system can be represented by a Freundlich isotherm. Physical o r weak chemical bonding between the CIPC and the carbon surface is suggested. There is some indication that this particular adsorption process is diffusion-controlled.
TL;DR: Alkyl and aromatic carbonyl compounds obtained from selected automobiles under several operating modes are compared and a methodology is now available for studying combustion sources, using a flame ionization detector.
Abstract: m Automobile exhaust was sampled at 1 liter per minute through a water trap and two bubblers in series. The bubblers contained aqueous acidified 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNP). The carbonyl compounds in the water trap were precipitated with the hydrazine reagent. The hydrazones in the trap and in the bubblers were collected by filtration and extraction, dissolved in carbon disulfide, and analyzed by gas chromatography using a flame ionization detector. The water trap contained mostly formaldehyde. All aldehydes were quantitatively trapped in the first bubbler, and the ketones were determined from the hydrazones in the second bubbler. The role of potential interferences has been evaluated. Sampling efficiencies and analytical errors have been established for several compounds. Alkyl and aromatic carbonyl compounds obtained from selected automobiles under several operating modes are compared. More sensitive methods are needed for analyzing carbonyl compounds in air, but a methodology is now available for studying combustion sources,
TL;DR: A relatively rapid method of identifying and determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soot samples has been developed and a simple method of collecting these fractions and of ensuring that the detector sensitivity remains constant is described.
Abstract: A relatively rapid method of identifying and determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (p.c.a.h.) in soot samples has been developed. The individual hydrocarbons are determined by programmed temperature gas chromatography using dual flame ionization detectors. Peaks in the gas chromatogram are identified by comparing the relative retention times with those of pure hydrocarbons and by ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry of the fractions separated by gas chromatography. A simple method of collecting these fractions and of ensuring that the detector sensitivity remains constant is described. Both normal and Hi-Pak packed columns have been employed. The analyses of soots from ethylene and ethane diffusion flames are given as examples.
TL;DR: The main objective of this study was to trace the fate of pyrene on soil, as a representative reaction of a series of polycyclic, aromatic hydrocarbons (carcinogenic and noncARCinogenic).
Abstract: Irradiation of pyrene adsorbed on garden soil for 240 hours a t 32\" gave a mixture of products that could be separated by thin-layer and column chromatography. Eight compounds were formed, and five have been identified: 1,l '-bipyrene, 1,6and l,S-pyrenediones, and 1,6and 1,s-pyrenediols. When the pyrene adsorbed on garden soil was stirred in the dark for 240 hours at 32\", the yield of 1,l'-bipyrene was lowered (from 4 to 6 %) to 0.3 %, and only traces of the two diones were formed; on treatment in the dark at 110\" for only 8 hours, dione yields were increased to 2.5 %. When other particulates (silica gel, alumina, Florisil, etc.) were used instead of garden soil, 1,l '-bipyrene was not formed. Experiments in which radical-capture agents were incorporated showed lower yields of 1,l '-bipyrene, indicating that the reaction with ultraviolet irradiation involves a free-radical mechanism. The yield of the diones was unchanged with these agents present, suggesting that they are formed by attack of adsorbed oxygen on photo-excited pyrene molecules. Irradiation of pyrene in the crystalline form without soil did not produce 1,l '-bipyrene. No attempt was made to follow quantitatively the input of energy during the irradiation of pyrene on soil (a heterogeneous reaction) ; from the practical standpoint, however, the main objective of this study was to trace the fate of pyrene on soil, as a representative reaction of a series of polycyclic, aromatic hydrocarbons (carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic).
TL;DR: This paper presents results from work performed at the Dauidson College, Davidson, N .
Abstract: Burnet, F. M., Stanley, W. M., eds, “The Viruses,” Vol. Received for review October 14, 1966. Accepted December 1 , Lammers, W. T., Limnol. Oceanogr., in press (1966a). 1966. Division of Water, Air, and Waste Chemistry, l52nd Lammers, W. T., Verhandl. Intern. Verein. Limnol. 15, 1021 Meeting. ACS, New York, N . Y., September 1966. Work performed at the Dauidson College, Davidson, N . C., and the Lammers, W. T., Verhandl. Intern. Verein. Limnol. 16, in press Oak Ridge Gaseous Digusion Plant, operated by Union Car(1966b). bide Corp. for the United States Atomic Energy Cornniission. Research,” Vol. 9, Academic Press, New York, 1962.
TL;DR: The amounts of talc found in atmospheric dusts appear to reflect a local introduction rather than a generalized global fallout.
Abstract: The mineral talc has been observed in dusts recovered directly from the atmosphere and in the solid mineral phases of rain and snow. The talc, where detected, attains levels of the order of a per cent by weight in the solid phases. This talc probably arises from agricultural activity where the mineral is used as a carrier and diluent for pesticides. The amounts of talc found in atmospheric dusts appear to reflect a local introduction rather than a generalized global fallout.
TL;DR: The photooxidation of part-per-million concentrations of propylene in the presence of similar concentrations of nitric oxide has been investigated and the mechanism of the reactions involved is considered, including, stoichiometry and the role of free radical intermediates.
Abstract: The photooxidation of part-per-million concentrations of propylene in the presence of similar concentrations of nitric oxide has been investigated. The product yields were measured over a wide range of reactant concentrations and reactant ratios. Series of experiments were carried out with varying light intensities, with both static and dynamic flow conditions. The products measured by colorimetric, gas chromatographic, and various monitoring instruments included nitrogen dioxide, oxidant (ozone and other oxidizing agents), formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide, peroxyacetyl nitrate, and methyl nitrate. The mechanism of the reactions involved is considered, including, stoichiometry and the role of free radical intermediates. Carbon and nitrogen balances are computed, and difficulties in obtaining balances are considered. 29 references, 13 figures, 5 tables.
TL;DR: Preliminary analyses of the atmospheric Se and S suggest that if locally Se has a longer residence time than S, caused, for example, by peculiarities of pollution sources, then Se/S could exceed the average value found in this work.
Abstract: The Se/S ratio of various geochemical materials is summarized in Table I1 (Rankama and Sahama, 1950). In most cases the ratio Se/S 1 X 10-4 is typical, but in sea water S is 1000 times greater relative to Se (Schutz and Turekian, 1965). If most of the atmospheric Se and S originated from terrestrial sources, including fuels and ores used in industry, a ratio of Se/S 1 X is expected, but if sea water is the source, a much lower relative abundance of Se is expected unless the sea-air transfer mechanism strongly enriches Se in the atmosphere. A question these preliminary analyses cannot answer is the relative atmospheric residence time of Se and S. If Se stays in the atmosphere for days or less, the average value of Se/S should decrease with increasing distance from the metropolitan area. On the other hand, if locally Se has a longer residence time than S, caused, for example, by peculiarities of pollution sources, then Se/S could exceed the average value found in this work. Since Se is a toxic element as well as a useful indicator of the atmospheric chemistry of S, further investigation of Se in the atmosphere would be of value.
TL;DR: On the basis of the data, up to 10% of ammonia in the atmosphere can be accounted for by ammonia discharged from motor vehicles.
Abstract: Ammonia in the exhaust from a laboratory V-8 engine was measured to see if the amount was sufficient to account for ambient levels. Exhaust samples were cold-trapped from an engine operated at both steady-state conditions and over the California State Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board traffic cycle. The concentration in the condensate ranged from 1 p.p.m. at idle to 6 p.p.m. at 50 m.p.h. road load and averaged 2.2 p.p.m. over the entire traffic cycle. The presence of nitrogen-containing detergent additives or lead antiknock compound in the fuel did not affect the amount of exhaust ammonia. On the basis of the data, up to 10% of ammonia in the atmosphere can be accounted for by ammonia discharged from motor vehicles.
TL;DR: The beryllium content of fish samples showed that the gut of fishes had significantly higher levels than the flesh, and the levels were somewhat related to feeding habits.
Abstract: Trace levels of beryllium were determined in a variety of environmental materials. Values for foodstuffs generally were low and were on the order of 0.01 to 0.10 p.p.m. Oyster flesh and mushrooms had the highest values. The highest values for human organs were found for lung. There was little evidence for any beryllium concentration mechanism in plants. Values generally were lower for soils than those previously reported. Water from the Indian Ocean showed the lowest value for sea waters. Rain water and river water contents were comparable. The beryllium content of fish samples showed that the gut of fishes had significantly higher levels than the flesh, and the levels were somewhat related to feeding habits.