ALBERT

Beschreibung: Purpose   The aim of this study is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the relative environmental performance of the treatment using Trametes versicolor with a common method such as activated carbon adsorption. This comparison will evaluate potential environmental impacts of the two processes. This work compiles life cycle inventory data for a biological process that may be useful for other emergent biotechnological processes in water and waste management. LCA was performed to evaluate the use of a new technology for the removal of a model metal-complex dye, Grey Lanaset G, from textile wastewater by means of the fungus T. versicolor . This biological treatment was compared with a conventional coal-based activated carbon adsorption treatment to determine which alternative is preferable from an environmental point of view. Materials and methods   The study is based on experimental research that has tested the novel process at the pilot scale. The analysis of the biological system ranges from the production of the electricity and ingredients required for the growth of the fungus and ends with the composting of the residual biomass from the process. The analysis of the activated carbon system includes the production of the adsorbent material and the electricity needed for the treatment and regeneration of the spent activated carbon. Seven indicators that measure the environmental performance of these technologies are included in the LCA. The indicators used are climate change, ozone depletion, human toxicity, photochemical oxidant formation, terrestial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, terrestrial ecotoxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine ecotoxicity, metal depletion and fossil depletion. Results   The results show that the energy use throughout the biological process, mainly for sterilisation and aeration, accounts for the major environmental impacts with the inoculum sterilisation being the most critical determinant. Nevertheless, the biological treatment has lower impacts than the physicochemical system in six of these indicators when steam is generated directly on site. A low-grade carbon source as an alternative to glucose might contribute to reduce the eutrophication impact of this process. Conclusions   The LCA shows that the biological treatment process using the fungus T. versicolor to remove Grey Lanaset G offers important environmental advantages in comparison with the traditional activated carbon adsorption method. This study also provides environmental data and an indication of the potential impacts of characteristic processes that may be of interest for other applications in the field of biological waste treatment and wastewater treatment involving white-rot fungi. Content Type Journal Article Category LIFE CYCLE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (LCIA) Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11367-012-0385-z Authors Xavier Gabarrell, Sostenipra, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Chemical Engineering Deparment, Xarxa de Referència en Biotecnologia (XRB) de Catalunya, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Escola d’enginyeria. Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalunya, Spain Mercè Font, Sostenipra, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Chemical Engineering Deparment, Xarxa de Referència en Biotecnologia (XRB) de Catalunya, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Escola d’enginyeria. Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalunya, Spain Teresa Vicent, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambiental, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Gloria Caminal, Unitat de Biocatàlisis Aplicada asociada al IQAC (CSIC-UAB), Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Montserrat Sarrà, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambiental, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Paqui Blánquez, Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambiental, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Beschreibung:    In order to better understand the spatiotemporal variations and interrelationships of greenhouse gases (GHG), monthly surface fluxes and profile concentrations of GHG (CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 ) in karst areas in the Guizhou Province, southwest China, were measured from June 2006 to May 2007. GHG fluxes showed high variability, with a range of 460.9–1,281.2 mg m −2  h −1 for CO 2 , −25.4 to 81.5 μg m −2  h −1 for N 2 O and −28.7 to −274.9 μg m −2  h −1 for CH 4 , but no obvious seasonal change trends of the fluxes existed. Profile concentrations of CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 varied between 0.5 and 31.5 mL L −1 , 0.273 and 0.734, and 0.1 and 3.5 μL L −1 , respectively. In general, concentrations of CO 2 and N 2 O increased with depth, while CH 4 had an inverse trend. However, in October, November and January, the reversal of depth patterns of GHG concentrations took place below 15 cm, close to the soil–rock interface. The spatiotemporal distribution of CO 2 in soil profile was significantly positively correlated with that of N 2 O ( p  〈 0.05–0.01) and negatively correlated with that of CH 4 ( p  〈 0.01). The correlation analysis showed that soil temperature and moisture may be responsible for GHG dynamics in the soils, rather than the exchange of GHG between land and atmosphere. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1588-0 Authors Liu Fang, State Key Laboratory of the Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Liu Cong-Qiang, State Key Laboratory of the Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Wang Shi-lu, State Key Laboratory of the Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002 China Zhu Zheng-jie, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing, 400042 China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    On the basis of the data of glacier mass balance during 1946–2005 over Svalbard, Northern Scandinavia, and Southern Norway, the characteristics of glacier mass-balance are analyzed, and its sensitivity to climate change is calculated using a simple degree-day model. The mass balance of glaciers in these three regions reached maximum or comparatively high values in the late 1980s or the early 1990s. After that there was an accelerating negative tendency. A glacier with more positive mass balance has a higher sensitivity to equilibrium-line altitude (or climate) change and vice versa. On average, the mass loss during the entire period in these three regions was equivalent to the result of an air temperature rise of 0.32°C relative to zero net balance state. The highest temperature increase is found in Svalbard, and is 0.55°C; however, a rise of only 0.12°C is found in Southern Norway. The net balance sensitivity to a hypothetical air temperature increase of +1°C ranges from −0.31 to −1.03 m w.e. a −1 , and the net balance sensitivity to an assumed increase in snow precipitation of +10% varies from +0.05 to +0.37 m w.e. a −1 ; thus, a 31% increase in snow precipitation is needed to compensate for the net mass loss induced by an air temperature increase of +1°C. The summer balance sensitivity to a hypothetical air temperature increase of +1°C varies from −0.39 to −0.95 m w.e. a −1 , and the winter balance sensitivity to an assumed increase in snow precipitation of +10% ranges from +0.02 to +0.38 m w.e. a −1 . This study confirms early findings that maritime glaciers have comparatively higher mass balance sensitivity than continental glaciers. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1585-3 Authors Mingxing Xu, SOA Key Laboratory for Polar Science, Polar Research Institute of China, Jinqiao Road 451, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200136 China Ming Yan, SOA Key Laboratory for Polar Science, Polar Research Institute of China, Jinqiao Road 451, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200136 China Jiancheng Kang, Research Center of Urban-Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Normal University, Guilin Road 100, Shanghai, 200234 China Jiawen Ren, State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donggangxi Road 324, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu, China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    Worldwide concern for continuing loss of montane forest cover in the tropics usually focuses on adverse ecological consequences. Less recognized, but equally important to inhabitants of these affected regions, is an increasing susceptibility to rainfall-induced debris flows and their associated impacts. The same high rainfall rates that sustain tropical forest cover can often serve as the triggering mechanism for debris flows. The natural rate of debris flow occurrence on steep slopes subject to episodic, intense rainfall is dependent on the stabilizing effect of tropical forests. Either loss or significant reduction in forest cover can weaken this natural defense. Information from postdisaster observations and research on the November 1988 storm event in southern Thailand provides a case study illustrating the potential impacts of increased debris flow susceptibility resulting from conversion of forest cover to rubber tree crops. Development resulting in the loss of tropical forest cover may be accompanied by local increase in population, property development, and infrastructure. Consequently, the potentially disastrous consequences of increased debris flow occurrence are amplified by the greater vulnerability of local populations. Preserving the tropical forest cover is an obvious and often difficult means of retaining this natural protection. Effective policy should capitalize on the values of tropical forests as part of the strategy for retaining adequate forest cover. Policy should also seek to avoid creating pressures that foster forest removal or their conversion to other types of land cover in steep terrain. Areas where tropical forests were converted to other cover types can be restored to secondary forests to avoid a permanent state of increased debris flow susceptibility. Restoration of secondary tropical forests can successfully re-establish the forest characteristics that limit debris flow occurrence. Experience in Central America and the Caribbean demonstrates that successful restoration is possible but requires a significant commitment of both time and resources. In addition to the cost and technical difficulties involved, the increased susceptibility to debris flow occurrence persists through many years until successful restoration is achieved. Both retention of existing tropical forests and restoration of forest cover where loss has occurred are often justified by the reduced risk of debris flow impacts to vulnerable populations and infrastructure. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-1580-8 Authors Jerome V. De Graff, USDA Forest Service, 1600 Tollhouse Road, Clovis, CA 93611, USA Roy C. Sidle, Ecosystems Research Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, USEPA, 960 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605-2700, USA Rafi Ahmad, Mona Geoinformatics Institute, Unit for Disaster Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, 7 Jamaica Fred N. Scatena, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Hayden Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    To determine radioactivity and trace metal levels, surface sediments were collected from two important areas (İzmir Bay and Didim) in the Aegean Sea region of Turkey, and were analyzed for concentrations of 210 Po, 210 Pb and trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The average 210 Po and 210 Pb massic activities in sediments varied in the range of 24 ± 5 to 126 ± 6 Bq kg −1 dry wt. and 18 ± 3 to 59 ± 4 Bq kg −1 dry wt., respectively. Izmir Bay exhibited the highest polonium activities in sediments, likely due to specific sedimentation processes and other sediment characteristics. The trace metal results showed that the Izmir Bay is facing trace metal pollution. The metal concentrations in sediment samples are low compared to those from the other neighboring marine environments. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2064-6 Authors S. Aközcan, Department of Physics, Campus of Kavakli, Kirklareli University, Kavakli, Kirklareli, Turkey A. Uğur Görgün, Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, 35100 Turkey Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    A worldwide data set of 1,085 samples containing organic matter of the type II/III kerogen from Carboniferous to Cenozoic was used to analyse the evolution of the hydrogen index (HI), quality index (QI), and bitumen index (BI) with increasing thermal maturity. The HI max , QI max and BI max lines were defined, based on statistical analysis and cross-plots of HI, QI and BI versus the vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) and T max (°C). The constructed HI, QI and BI bands were broad at low maturities and gradually narrowed with increasing thermal maturity. The petroleum generation potential is completely exhausted at a vitrinite reflectance of 2.0–2.2 % and T max of 510–520 °C. An increase in HI and QI suggests extra petroleum potential related to changes in the structure of the organic material. A decline in BI signifies the start of the oil window and occurs within the vitrinite reflectance range 0.75–1.05 % and T max of 440–455 °C. Furthermore, petroleum potential can be divided into four different parts based on the cross-plot of HI versus %Ro. The area with the highest petroleum potential is located in “Samples and methods” with %Ro = 0.6–1.0 %, and HI 〉 100. Oil generation potential is rapidly exhausted at “Results and discussion” with %Ro 〉 1.0 %. This result is in accordance with the regression curve of HI and QI with %Ro based on 80 samples with %Ro = 1.02–3.43 %. The exponential equation of regression can thus be achieved: HI = 994.81e −1.69Ro and QI = 1,646.2e −2.003Ro ( R 2  = 0.72). The worldwide organic material data set defines two range of oil window represented by the upper and lower limits of the BI band: %Ro 0.75–1.95 %, T max 440–525 °C, and %Ro 1.05–1.25 %, T max 455–465 °C, respectively. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2055-7 Authors Hsien-Tsung Lee, Department of Electrical and Information Technology, Nan Kai University of Technology, Nan Tou County, Taiwan Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    The Kaluganga River Estuary is one of the main sources of construction sand in Sri Lanka. Salt water intrusion along this estuary due to extensive sand mining has increased over the years. Thus, the focus of the current research is to understand the relationship between river sand mining, salt water intrusion, and the resultant effects on construction sand. Two surveys were conducted along the Kaluganga Estuary along an 11 km stretch from the river mouth at predetermined intervals to measure depth water quality profiles, and to collect sediment samples. These surveys were carried out during maximum spring tide; first in a dry period and then in a wet period, to understand hydrographic effects on the quality of river sands. Sand samples were analysed for absolute chloride content and grain size distribution. Results showed significant salt water intrusion during the dry period, averaging 2,307 μS cm −1 in surface waters throughout the surveyed 11 km stretch along with 3,818 μS cm −1 (average) in bottom waters up to 5.6 km upstream from the river mouth causing above normal chloride content in the bottom sandy sediments. The high chloride content in bottom sands was recorded up to 5.5 km from the river mouth making them unsuitable for construction purposes. However, during wet period, salt water intrusion levels in the bottom waters were insignificant (average 61 μS cm −1 ) and the chloride content in bottom sediments was very low. This study highlighted the requirement for regulations on river estuary sandmining for construction purposes. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2077-1 Authors N. P. Ratnayake, Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka K. B. A. Silva, Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd., John Rodrigo Mawatha, Katubedda, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka I. G. I. K. Kumara, Lanka Hydraulic Institute Ltd., John Rodrigo Mawatha, Katubedda, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    Pyrite is a common and abundant sulfidic mineral subject to oxidation. The weathering characteristics of rock-bearing pyrite sometimes impose serious influences on the surrounding environment as the oxidation of pyrite (FeS 2 ) generates acid drainage that results in the acceleration of rock weathering and the discharge of heavy metals into the environment. Such an accelerated weathering of rocks can reduce its mechanical properties and therefore menace the stability of rock structures, such as excavated slopes and tunnels. The evolution of physical properties of rocks and the chemical composition of drainage were evaluated in this study by a weathering test using a double Soxhlet extractor for 1 month in a laboratory setting. Three groups of biotite gneiss classified according to their pyrite content were used for the Soxhlet extraction experiment (group A with less than 0.1 wt% of pyrite; group B with about 3.3 wt% of disseminated pyrite; group C with about 5.65 wt% of vein type pyrite). The massive groups A and B had limited weathering on the surface; however, group C with the pyrite vein experienced weathering on the surface as well as along the pyrite vein. The weathering type regulated by the occurrence of pyrite apparently controlled the mechanical properties of the rock samples and the chemistry of the drainage. Groups A and B showed no significant quick absorption ratio after the 1-month experiment; however, group C had about 10 % increase in value. The uniaxial compressive strength of the three groups decreased about 20, 10 and 45 % for groups A, B and C, respectively. The mechanical properties of the samples and the chemical compositions of the drainage indicate that the oxidation of pyrite contained in the samples accelerated weathering, resulting in deterioration of mechanical properties of the rocks, and could result in the discharge of heavy metals and acid into the environment with the drainage. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2014-3 Authors Ik Woo, Kunsan National University, Kunsan, Republic of Korea Jae Gon Kim, Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, Daejeon, Republic of Korea Gyoo Ho Lee, Korean Gas Corporation, Seongnam, Republic of Korea Hyuck Jin Park, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Jeong Gi Um, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    A large number of deep cuts are formed during the construction of expressways in mountainous areas. Inadequate interpretation of ground conditions is a major contributing factor to the failure of cut slopes. This study focuses on the Hongyan landslide along the S26 expressway. Due to lack of an adequate pre-construction investigation, a landslide was triggered by small-scale excavation at the toe part of the slope. The potential slip surface was incorrectly located; consequently, two rows of stabilizing piles were not long enough to reach stable rocks. To overcome the mistake, two additional rows of piles were installed. During construction, both slope deformation and the stress of reinforced bars in piles were monitored for safety considerations. A Verhulst model-based failure forecast was also utilized to insure the stability of the slope during remedial works. Reviewing this landslide reveals a number of lessons. First, sufficient geological investigation and careful interpretation of ground conditions are mandatory prior to the design of a cut slope. Second, systematic field monitoring is strongly recommended, especially when the geology of the slope is complex and it is difficult to determine failure patterns. Third, the failure forecast can serve as a supplementary measure to insure the safety of workers and slopes. Last, it always takes some time for stabilizing piles to mobilize. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2046-8 Authors Hong-yue Sun, Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China Yu Zhao, Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China Yue-quan Shang, Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China Jie Zhong, Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, China Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280

Beschreibung:    The use of shallow aquifers for subsurface heat storage in terms of energy management and building climatisation can lead to a temperature rise in the aquifer to 70 °C and above. The influence of temperature changes on individual mineral and sorption equilibria, reaction kinetics and microbial activity is largely known. However, the impact of heating to temperatures as high as 70 °C on the aquifer overall system has not been quantified yet. Temperature-related changes in sediment ion exchange behaviour, dimension and rates of mineral dissolution and precipitation as well as microbially enhanced redox processes were studied in column experiments using aquifer sediment and tap water at 10, 25, 40, and 70 °C. At 70 °C, a change in sediment sorption behaviour for cations and organic acids was postulated based on temporal changes in pH, magnesium, and potassium concentration in the experimental solution. No clear changes of pH, TIC and major cations were found at 10–40 °C. Redox zoning shifted from oxic conditions towards nitrate and iron(III) reducing conditions at 25 and 40 °C and sulphate reducing conditions at 70 °C. This was attributed to (a) a temperature-related increase in microbial reduction activity, and (b) three times higher release of organic carbon from the sediment at 70 °C compared to the lower temperatures. The findings of this study predict that a temperature increase in the subsurface up to 25 °C and above can impair the usability of ground water as drinking and process water, by reducing metal oxides and thus possibly releasing heavy metals from the sediment. Generally, at 70 °C, where clear cation and organic carbon desorption processes were observed and sulphate reducing conditions could be achieved, a site-specific assessment of temperature effects is required, especially for long-term operations of subsurface heat storage facilities. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s12665-012-2037-9 Authors Anna Jesußek, Institute of Geosciences, Applied Geology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany Sibylle Grandel, Department of Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany Andreas Dahmke, Institute of Geosciences, Applied Geology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany Journal Environmental Earth Sciences Online ISSN 1866-6299 Print ISSN 1866-6280