Showing papers in "Environmental Technology in 1980"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a standardization with respect to grain size effects, commonly achieved by analyzing the sieve fraction <63μm, which is used to pin point major sources of metal pollution and to estimate the toxicity potential of dredged materials.
Abstract: Sediment analyses are used to pin‐point major sources of metal pollution and to estimate the toxicity potential of dredged materials on agricultural land. For source assessments (Part I of the present review) standardization is needed with respect to grain size effects, commonly achieved by analyzing the sieve fraction <63μm. Further aspects include sampling methods, evaluation of background data and extent of anthropogenic metal enrichment.
530 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of potential reference elements (Cs, Eu, Fe, Rb, Sc, Sm and Th) were studied by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in sediment samples from the Ems Estuary in order to find a trace element that would be particularly wellsuited for employment in the Relative Atomic Variation (RAV)1 method for correcting grain size effects.
Abstract: Summary A series of potential reference elements (Cs, Eu, Fe, Rb, Sc, Sm and Th) was studied by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in sediment samples from the Ems Estuary in order to find a trace element that would be particularly well‐suited for employment in the Relative Atomic Variation (RAV)1 method for correcting grain size effects. It is shown that the correction procedure using the element cesium provides the most reliable results.
280 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, experiments on the behavior of cadmium and zinc under artificial estuarine conditions show that the processes in the region of 0-5% chlorinity are most important.
Abstract: In estuaries the decrease in adsorption of dissolved metals to suspended particulate matter is counteracted by more or less simultaneous increases in turbidity, pH and by the formation of new particulate matter. Experiments on the behaviour of cadmium and zinc under artificial estuarine conditions show that the processes in the region of 0–5% chlorinity are most important.
97 citations
TL;DR: The occurrence of dissolved iron in rivers and estuaries is reviewed with emphasis upon colloidal and macromolecular forms and the regulatory processes governing the geochemical fate of these species as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The occurrence of dissolved iron in rivers and estuaries is reviewed with emphasis upon colloidal and macromolecular forms and the regulatory processes governing the geochemical fate of these species.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the application of flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry to the determination of heavy metals in waste water samples has been reviewed, with particular emphasis placed on the sample pretreatment methods used.
Abstract: The application of flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry to the determination of heavy metals in waste water samples has been reviewed, with particular emphasis placed on the sample pretreatment methods used. The relative suitabilities of acid digestion and dry ashing pretreatments have been presented and the feasibility of direct injection of waste water samples after a rapid pretreatment has been discussed.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of the sorption of cadmium on iron oxyhydroxide, as a function of pH and ionic strength, was examined in the presence of Cd2+ and CdCl4 2− ions.
Abstract: Chemical models have been used to examine the effect of the sorption of cadmium on iron oxyhydroxide, as a function of pH and ionic strength. In freshwater where Cd2+ was the major species the adsorption was not related to the onset of hydrolysis in the bulk solution. Experiments at 5‰, 10‰ and 15‰ s, where CdCl4 2− was probably the major species, showed the onset of adsorption shifted to higher pH with increasing salinity.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical and experimental approach to evaluate nitrification inhibition (types and degrees) by some substances to be found in coke plant discharges is described, based on a theoretical approach.
Abstract: This paper describes a theoretical and experimental approach to evaluating nitrification inhibition (types and degrees) by some substances to be found in coke plant discharges.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess if such a process could occur for organic or inorganic tin compounds, many of which are heavily used commercial products which become dissipated in the environment through use.
Abstract: The environmental methylation of inorganic mercury to methyl mercury is well known. This review attempts to assess if such a process could occur for organic or inorganic tin compounds, many of which are heavily used commercial products which become dissipated in the environment through use. The process of biological or environmental methylation is of importance because of the much greater toxicity of methyl compared to inorganic metal derivatives.
21 citations
TL;DR: A method for the determination of reactive and total mercury in sea water by atomic fluorescence spectroscopy with a Hg•radiofrequency electrodeless discharge lamp to measure Hg levels below 0.05 ng is described in this paper.
Abstract: A method for the determination of “reactive” and “total” mercury in sea water by Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy with a Hg‐radiofrequency electrodeless discharge lamp to measure Hg levels below 0.05 ng is described. UV photo‐oxidation to degrade organic mercury compounds is used. Concentrations of reactive and total mercury respectively in the range of 0.4–9 and 1–30 ng [ are measured.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the methylation of trimethyl lead acetate in a lake sediment has been studied and the results in this case can be explained in entirety by disproportionation processes.
Abstract: The methylation of trimethyl lead acetate in a lake sediment has been studied In this environment (Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA) it appears unnecessary to invoke a biological route to methylation The results in this case can be explained in entirety by disproportionation processes
19 citations
TL;DR: Bromide levels in source and potable waters in the London area are reported in this paper, where changes during water treatment are examined and subsequent trihalomethane formation, on chlorination of those waters, evaluated.
Abstract: Bromide levels in source and potable waters in the London area are reported. Analyses utilizing the ASTM and an electrode procedure are compared. Changes during water treatment are examined and subsequent trihalomethane formation, on chlorination of those waters, evaluated. For bromide levels in lowland waters of up to 120 μg 1‐1 , brominated trihalomethanes are shown to account for up to 54% of the total trihalo‐methane formed on treatment.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that unionized volatile acids rather than the total volatile acid concentration are the main factors in the inhibition process of anaerobic digestion, and that modelling has proved to be useful in predicting digester performance at high concentration of volatile acids.
Abstract: The recent interest shown in anaerobic digestion has indicated the need to improve the design and operation of such reactors resulting in wider practical applications. Research carried out using laboratory and pilot scale digesters has shown the potential of the process for treating high strength wastes. Data collected from field digesters confirm the applicability of the process. Preliminary results confirm the theory that un‐ionized volatile acids rather than the total volatile acid concentration are the main factors in the inhibition process. Modelling has proved to be useful in predicting digester performance at high concentration of volatile acids.
TL;DR: The mean lead content of the dentine of deciduous teeth of 289 school children in Christchurch, N.Z., was found to be 5.7 μg g−1, and the difference in the means relates to greater environmental lead in the latter area from paint and industry.
Abstract: The mean lead content of the dentine of deciduous teeth of 289 school children in Christchurch, N.Z., was found to be 5.7 μg g−1 The sample divides into 2 groups: children living in post‐1940 housing and non‐industrial areas (mean 4.8 μg g−1), and children in pre‐1940 housing and industrial areas (mean 6.7 μg g−1). The difference in the means relates to greater environmental lead in the latter area from paint and industry. High lead levels were found in 2% of the sample. Automotive lead contributes to elevated background levels in the teeth.
TL;DR: In this article, a method has been developed for the analysis of polychlorinated bi-phenyls and organochlorine insecticides in sewage sludges, and individual steps in the analytical procedure have been evaluated and statistically analyzed results are presented for the influence of solids concentrations upon extraction efficiency.
Abstract: A method has been developed for the analysis of polychlorinated bi‐phenyls and organochlorine insecticides in sewage sludges. Individual steps in the analytical procedure have been evaluated and statistically analysed results are presented for the influence of solids concentrations upon extraction efficiency. The use of spiking as a method for the determination of extraction efficiency has been investigated and proven to be valid.
TL;DR: In this paper, a rapid method for the determination of mercury in sediments, suspended solids and soils is described, where many of the complications of existing cold vapour AAS analysis have been eliminated while retaining acceptable accuracy, precision and detection limit.
Abstract: A rapid method for the determination of mercury in sediments, suspended solids and soils is described. Many of the complications of existing cold vapour AAS analysis have been eliminated while retaining acceptable accuracy, precision and detection limit. The productivity is greater than 100 samples per day.
IRSA1
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of pH and ionic strength on heavy metal precipitation were investigated for both copper and mercury, and two system mechanisms were proposed: metal + polycation + xanthate and metal + Xanthate + polycation.
Abstract: Starch xanthate and polycations in heavy metal precipitation is studied to reduce the high doses of the expensive polycation required. Hypotheses on the two system mechanisms: i.e. metal + polycation + xanthate, and metal + xanthate + polycation, and the influences of pH and ionic strength are discussed in detail for copper and mercury.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of cadmium (10, 50 and 100 μg−1−1) on enclosed columns of lake water was studied and the most important effects were: the decrease of phytoplankton and Zooplanks biomass, the variation in ZoopLankton population dynamics, the decrease in oxygen concentration and a decrease in ammonia.
Abstract: The influence of cadmium (10, 50 and 100 μg‐1‐1) on enclosed columns of lake water was studied. The most important effects were: the decrease of phytoplankton and Zooplankton biomass, the variation in Zooplankton population dynamics, the decrease in oxygen concentration andjncrease in ammonia.
TL;DR: Growth characteristics of Cd‐sensitive and Cd-resistant strains are compared in cultures contaminated by cadmium, and cadMium accumulations are noted also in both bacteria.
Abstract: Growth characteristics of Cd‐sensitive and Cd‐resistant strains are compared in cultures contaminated by cadmium Besides, cadmium accumulations are noted also in both bacteria The environmental implications of these results are discussed
TL;DR: In this article, the basic theory of anaerobic digestion and a summary of the process variables which effect the performance of biological sludge digestion are presented. But the main focus is on the digestion of the biological sludges.
Abstract: This paper reviews the basic theory of anaerobic digestion and presents a summary of the process variables which effect anaerobic digestion. The normal ranges of the process variables are presented. This paper concentrates on the digestion of biological sludges and provides a summary of the factors which differentiate the digestion of biological sludges from conventional anaerobic digestion. New technologies in anaerobic sludge digestion are reviewed.
TL;DR: In this paper, a fractionation procedure of fulvic acids extracted from two Italian composts was reported, where the acid eluted fraction contained all heavy metals present in fulvic acid, while the dark brown coloured fraction contained practically no heavy metal.
Abstract: A fractionation procedure of fulvic acids extracted from two Italian composts is reported. Fulvic acidswere divided in to two fraction on a polyamide column. The first fraction, acid eluted, contained all heavy metals present in fulvic acids, while the second one, dark brown coloured, contained practically no heavy metal. These fractions could be regarded as a starting point for more detailed studies about interactions heavy metals‐compost‐soil.
TL;DR: Mossbauer measurements of fulvic acid peat extracts and a molecular weight fraction of iron, recovered from moorland drainage, demonstrate that a wide range of molecular environments are occupied by an iron nucleus in these macromolecules.
Abstract: Results of a preliminary study of filterable size fractions of iron, in four rivers in the South West of England, indicate that a significant proportion (6 to 53% w/w) of sub‐micron material may be recovered in a non‐dialyzable, macromolecular form (>10,000 molecular weight) using ultrafiltration. Mossbauer measurements of fulvic acid peat extracts and a molecular weight fraction ( 500 molecular weight) of iron, recovered from moorland drainage, demonstrate that a wide range of molecular environments are occupied by an iron nucleus in these macromolecules.
TL;DR: In this article, a new NTE-Propylester in Trinkwasser wurde eine neue, einfache und empfindliche Nachweismethode fur NTE in trink • and flusswasser entwickelt: die Wasserprobe wird bis zur Trockne eingedampft and with einer Mischung aus n •Propanol/Acetylchlorid (10/1) behandelt.
Abstract: Zusammenfassung Unter Auswertung der in der Literatur beschiebenen Nachweismethoden fur Nitrilotriessigsaure (NTE) in Trinkwasser wurde eine neue, einfache und empfindliche Nachweismethode fur NTE in Trink‐ und Flusswasser entwickelt: Die Wasserprobe wird bis zur Trockne eingedampft und mit einer Mischung aus n‐Propanol/Acetylchlorid (10/1) behandelt. Der erhaltene NTE‐Propylester wird mithilfe eines Gaschromatographen mit stickstoffsensitivem Detektor (TSD) analysiert. In Trinkwasser kann bis zu 1 μg/1 NTE nachgewiesen werden.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of NaCl, the main component of road deicer salt, on amylase, cellulase and urease activity and synthesis in diverse river sediments was determined.
Abstract: The effect of NaCl, the main component of road de‐icer salt, on amylase, cellulase and urease activity and synthesis in diverse river sediments was determined. Only urease activity was significantly reduced by concentrations of up to 500 μg g−1 Cl− ions. The results suggest that amylase and cellulose breakdown in river sediments is unlikely to be impaired by NaCl, while urea hydrolysis appears more sensitive to Cl concentrations likely to occur in river sediments polluted with de‐icer salt.
TL;DR: In this paper, a sediment core from a high Arctic lake (Access Lake, Ellesmere Island, N.W.T., Canada) revealed a heavy metal distribution pattern which is similar to those found in sediment profiles in more polluted areas.
Abstract: Geochemical investigations of a sediment core from a high Arctic lake (Access Lake, Ellesmere Island, N.W.T., Canada) revealed a heavy metal distribution pattern which is similar to those found in sediment profiles in more polluted areas. A long‐range transport of anthropogenic heavy metals via atmospheric dust—as already reported from snow and ice in polar regions — is assumed to be the source of the heavy metal accumulation in Access Lake.
TL;DR: In this article, a gute Korrelatiori zwischen verfugbarer Oberflache und der gemessenen Anreicherung is analyzed, wie die Anreiche' rungsfaktoren fur Blei sich unterscheiden.
Abstract: Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe zweier unterschiedlich groser Stamme der kugelig gebauten, einzelligen Grunalge Eremosphaera viridis konnte gepruft werden, welche Bedeutung die Grose der Zelloberfla‐che fur die Bio‐Sorption von Blei aus wassrigen Medien hat: Es ergab sich eine gute Korrelatiori zwischen verfugbarer Oberflache und der gemessenen Anreicherung. Mit den gleichen Versuchsobjekten haben wir auch ermittelt, wie die Anreiche‐’ rungsfaktoren fur Blei sich unterscheiden, wenn man sie ent‐weder auf das Algentrockengewicht oder das Volumen einer Zelle bezieht (s. Tab. I).
TL;DR: The use of mercuric chloride and formaldehyde as preservatives at normal pH and pH 10 in filtered and unfiltered samples has been examined in this paper, without adjustment of the pH was found to be the most satisfactory treatment.
Abstract: The factors influencing the hydrolysis of condensed phosphates to ortho‐phosphates in waste waters are considered. If accurate estimations of the relative concentrations of orthophosphate and condensed phosphates are required the samples must be analysed immediately, unless they can be stored without further hydrolysis. The use of mercuric chloride and formaldehyde as preservatives at normal pH and pH 10 in filtered and unfiltered samples has been examined. Mercuric chloride, in filtered samples, without adjustment of the pH was found to be the most satisfactory treatment.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was found during the filtration of aqueous solutions containing metallic cations that a large part of these cations could be retained by fritted glass serving as a support for the filter.
Abstract: Summary It was found during the filtration of aqueous solutions containing metallic cations that a large part of these cations could be retained by fritted glass serving as a support for the filter. Additional tests have made it possible to determine the factors responsible for this retention. A method is given for avoiding this loss and, for the case where this procedure is not applicable, an indication is given of the filtration conditions allowing this loss to be minimized.
TL;DR: In this paper, the concentration of C2 -C4 hydrocarbons in air within a region polluted by the operations of petroleum refining and utilisation is reported, and the measurements are discussed in terms of the local sources and the possible consequences of these pollutants.
Abstract: Concentrations of C2 ‐ C4 hydrocarbons in air within a region polluted by the operations of petroleum refining and utilisation are reported. The measurements are discussed in terms of the local sources and the possible consequences of these pollutants.
TL;DR: In this paper, a fast and cheap method of determining 241Am in sediments by Nal(Tl) gamma spectroscopy is described, which has comparable precision and accuracy with the alpha counting approach.
Abstract: As an alternative to radiochemical separations and alpha spectroscopy, a rapid and cheap method of determining 241Am in sediments by Nal(Tl) gamma spectroscopy is described. The 0.06 Mev photopeak is used with a special correction for the iodine KX‐ray escape in a Nal(Tl) detector after the elimination of the interfering 0.026 Mev photopeak with a SiO2 absorber. The technique has comparable precision and accuracy with the alpha counting approach.