ALBERT

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 169〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Alaina N. Perkins, Salmaan H. Inayat-Hussain, Nicole C. Deziel, Caroline H. Johnson, Stephen S. Ferguson, Rolando Garcia-Milian, David C. Thompson, Vasilis Vasiliou〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Currently, there are 〉11,000 synthetic turf athletic fields in the United States and 〉13,000 in Europe. Concerns have been raised about exposure to carcinogenic chemicals resulting from contact with synthetic turf fields, particularly the infill material (“crumb rubber”), which is commonly fabricated from recycled tires. However, exposure data are scant, and the limited existing exposure studies have focused on a small subset of crumb rubber components. Our objective was to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of a broad range of chemical components of crumb rubber infill using computational toxicology and regulatory agency classifications from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to inform future exposure studies and risk analyses. Through a literature review, we identified 306 chemical constituents of crumb rubber infill from 20 publications. Utilizing ADMET Predictor™, a computational program to predict carcinogenicity and genotoxicity, 197 of the identified 306 chemicals met our 〈em〉a priori〈/em〉 carcinogenicity criteria. Of these, 52 chemicals were also classified as known, presumed or suspected carcinogens by the US EPA and ECHA. Of the remaining 109 chemicals which were not predicted to be carcinogenic by our computational toxicology analysis, only 6 chemicals were classified as presumed or suspected human carcinogens by US EPA or ECHA. Importantly, the majority of crumb rubber constituents were not listed in the US EPA (n = 207) and ECHA (n = 262) databases, likely due to an absence of evaluation or insufficient information for a reliable carcinogenicity classification. By employing a cancer hazard scoring system to the chemicals which were predicted and classified by the computational analysis and government databases, several high priority carcinogens were identified, including benzene, benzidine, benzo(a)pyrene, trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride. Our findings demonstrate that computational toxicology assessment in conjunction with government classifications can be used to prioritize hazardous chemicals for future exposure monitoring studies for users of synthetic turf fields. This approach could be extended to other compounds or toxicity endpoints.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 169〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tsun-Hsuan Chen, Xianglin L. Du, Wenyaw Chan, Kai Zhang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cold weather has been identified as a major cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. Although the effects of cold weather on mortality has been investigated extensively, studies on how cold weather affects hospital admissions are limited particularly in the Southern United States. This study aimed to examine impacts of cold weather on emergency hospital admissions (EHA) in 12 major Texas metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) for the 10-year period, 2004–2013. A two-stage approach was employed to examine the associations between cold weather and EHA. First, the cold effects on each MSA were estimated using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM). Then a random effects meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled effects across all 12 MSAs. Percent increase in risk and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated as with a 1 °C (°C) decrease in temperature below a MSA-specific threshold for cold effects. Age-stratified and cause-specific EHA were modeled separately. The majority of the 12 Texas MSAs were associated with an increased risk in EHA ranging from 0.1% to 3.8% with a 1 ⁰C decrease below cold thresholds. The pooled effect estimate was 1.6% (95% CI: 0.9%, 2.2%) increase in all-cause EHA risk with 1 ⁰C decrease in temperature. Cold wave effects were also observed in most eastern and southern Texas MSAs. Effects of cold on all-cause EHA were highest in the very elderly (2.4%, 95% CI: 1.2%, 3.6%). Pooled estimates for cause-specific EHA association were strongest in pneumonia (3.3%, 95% CI: 2.8%, 3.9%), followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.3%, 95% CI: 2.1%, 4.5%) and respiratory diseases (2.8%, 95% CI: 1.9%, 3.7%). Cold weather generally increases EHA risk significantly in Texas, especially in respiratory diseases, and cold effects estimates increased by elderly population (aged over 75 years). Our findings provide insight into better intervention strategy to reduce adverse health effects of cold weather among targeted vulnerable populations.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ji-Young Son, Jong-Tae Lee, Kevin J. Lane, Michelle L. Bell〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Few studies have examined temperature's effect on adverse birth outcomes and relevant effect modifiers.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objectives〈/h6〉 〈p〉We investigated associations between heat and adverse birth outcomes and how individual and community characteristics affect these associations for Seoul, Korea, 2004–2012.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉We applied logistic regression to estimate associations between heat index during pregnancy, 4 weeks before delivery, and 1 week before delivery and risk of preterm birth and term low birth weight. We investigated effect modification by individual (infant's sex, mother's age, and mother's educational level) and community characteristics (socioeconomic status (SES) and percentage of green areas near residence at the gu level, which is similar to borough in Western countries). We also evaluated associations by combinations of individual- and community-level SES.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉Heat exposure during whole pregnancy was significantly associated with risk of preterm birth. An interquartile (IQR) increase (5.5 °C) in heat index during whole pregnancy was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.033 (95% CI 1.005, 1.061) with NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 adjustment, and 1.028 (95% CI 0.998, 1.059) with PM〈sub〉10〈/sub〉 adjustment, for preterm birth. We also found significant associations with heat exposure during 4 weeks before delivery and 1 week before delivery on preterm birth. We did not observe significant associations with term low birth weight. Higher risk of heat on preterm birth was associated with some individual characteristics such as infants with younger or older mothers and lower community-level SES. For combinations of individual- and community-level SES, the highest and most significant estimated effect was found for infants with low educated mothers living in low SES communities, with suggestions of effects of both individual-and community-level SES.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉Our findings have implications for evaluating impacts of high temperatures on birth outcomes, estimating health impacts of climate change, and identifying which subpopulations and factors are most relevant for disparities in this association.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 169〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Amira M. Aker, Kelly K. Ferguson, Zaira Y. Rosario, Bhramar Mukherjee, Akram N. Alshawabkeh, José F. Cordero, John D. Meeker〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Prenatal exposure to certain xenobiotics has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. We examined the associations of triclocarban, phenols and parabens in a cohort of 922 pregnant women in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats Program (PROTECT). Methods: Urinary triclocarban, phenols and parabens were measured at three time points in pregnancy (visit 1: 16–20 weeks, visit 2: 20–24 weeks, visit 3: 24–28 weeks gestation). Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were conducted to regress gestational age and birthweight z-scores against each woman's log average concentrations of exposure biomarkers. Logistic regression models were conducted to calculate odds of preterm birth, small or large for gestational age (SGA and LGA) in association with each of the exposure biomarkers. An interaction term between the average urinary biomarker concentration and infant sex was included in models to identify effect modification. The results were additionally stratified by study visit to look for windows of vulnerability. Results were transformed into the change in the birth outcome for an inter-quartile-range difference in biomarker concentration (Δ). Results: Average benzophenone-3, methyl- and propyl-paraben concentrations were associated with an increase in gestational age [(Δ 1.90 days; 95% CI: 0.54, 3.26); (Δ 1.63; 95% CI: 0.37, 2.89); (Δ 2.06; 95% CI: 0.63, 3.48), respectively]. Triclocarban was associated with a suggestive 2-day decrease in gestational age (Δ − 1.96; 95% CI: −4.11, 0.19). Bisphenol A measured at visit 1 was associated with a suggestive increase in gestational age (Δ 1.37; 95% CI: −0.05, 2.79). Triclosan was positively associated with gestational age among males, and negatively associated with gestational age among females. Methyl-, butyl- and propyl-paraben were associated with significant 0.50–0.66 decreased odds of SGA. BPS was associated with an increase in the odds of SGA at visit 3, and a suggestive increase in the odds of LGA at visit 1. Conclusion: Benzophenone-3, methyl-paraben and propyl-paraben were associated with an increase in gestational age. Concentrations of triclocarban, which were much higher than reported in other populations, were associated with a suggestive decrease in gestational age. The direction of the association between triclosan and gestational age differed by infant sex. Parabens were associated with a decrease in SGA, and BPS was associated with both SGA and LGA depending on the study visit. Further studies are required to substantiate these findings.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sebastian Iwaszenko, Natalia Howaniec, Adam Smoliński〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Gasification technologies represent the most viable options of thermochemical processing of solid fuels. They are also characterized by lower emissions and higher efficiency when compared to conventional combustion systems. Particular attention has been paid to underground coal gasification offering the possibility of utilization for energy purposes coal resources otherwise inaccessible for economic or safety reasons. The disadvantage of this process is, however, the difficult control both in terms of technological and environmental aspects. The underground coal gasification process requires investigation of numerous heterogeneous reactions and transport processes, influenced by various process parameters, such as the temperature, type and flow rate of a gasification agent and geological conditions of the georeactor. In the paper a new, alternative way of the determination of kinetics of coal gasification by the Random Pore Model application is proposed. The procedure for determination of model parameters is presented. The structural parameter was estimated on the basis of measurements of char porous structure parameters. The reactivity measurements made for selected Polish coals were applied in determination of kinetic constants. The results of gasification process simulations for determined parameters and Random Pore Model are also given.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Joel Krupa, Rahmatallah Poudineh, L.D. Danny Harvey〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Although renewables in the resource-rich countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are inconsequential contributors to regional total primary energy supply, recent project developments and overt support from a range of influential regional actors suggest a general trend towards a more environmentally sustainable electricity supply. This trend is driven just as much by economics as other factors, as rapidly falling renewable energy capital costs are complementing favourable policy environments, technical suitability, and concerns around the impacts of anthropogenic climate change and local pollution. Finance is an especially important consideration in this transition, yet it receives insufficient coverage. This paper seeks to remedy this deficiency of academic inquiry by highlighting the case of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to draw out broader implications for the region. We outline the factors that affect the financeability of projects, review the latest developments in renewable energy finance in the region, and present policy recommendations going forward.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0360544218320966-egi10GRBN8M09N.jpg" width="289" alt="Image" title="Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Economics, Volume 156〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zia Wadud, Phani Kumar Chintakayala〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Personal carbon trading is a downstream version of the cap and trade approaches to mitigating carbon emissions from individual energy use. Although there are studies that investigate the theoretical and implementation issues, there is little evidence over the potential ways people could reduce their emissions when subject to a PCT policy. Especially little is understood about how people make tradeoff between or complement reducing emissions from transport and in-home energy use. This paper addresses this gap by reporting the findings of a questionnaire survey of stated intentions under the policy. Results show that, more people (53.6%) preferred to reduce their emissions from both transport and in-home energy use compared to from only one of these. This shows the flexibility offered by a cap including transport and in-home energy use is more efficient compared to a PCT covering either of these separately. Nearly three-fourths (76.2%) opted to reduce their emissions following a PCT policy. However, among those with above-budget initial emissions, a large share (79.6%) still could not reduce their emissions to below the budget and opted to purchase at least some permits to cover their emissions, indicating the difficulty in reducing emissions at the personal and household level.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 169〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M. Van Ginneken, R. Blust, L. Bervoets〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chemical and natural factors have been demonstrated to interact and potentially change the toxicity of the individual stressors. Yet, while there exists a multitude of papers studying the temperature-dependent toxicity of single chemicals, little research exists on the impact of temperature on chemical mixtures. This paper investigates the effect of temperature on environmentally-relevant mixtures of Cd, Cu and Pb. We linked the effects on respiration, growth, feeding rate and activity of 〈em〉Asellus aquaticus〈/em〉 to the free ion activities, as a measure for the bioavailability of the metals, and the body concentrations. We observed interactions of temperature and metal body concentrations on all sublethal endpoints, except activity. Mixture effects on accumulation and feeding rate were observed as well and even an interaction between metal body burden, mixture and temperature treatment was revealed for the feeding rate of Pb exposed isopods. This research adds to a growing body of evidence that the current chemical-based monitoring is insufficient to estimate chemical toxicity in aquatic ecosystems and must, therefore, be complemented with effect-based tools.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Janneke G.F. Hogervorst, Narjes Madhloum, Nelly D. Saenen, Bram G. Janssen, Joris Penders, Charlotte Vanpoucke, Immaculata De Vivo, Karen Vrijens, Tim S. Nawrot〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Introduction〈/h6〉 〈p〉Particulate air pollution is probably causally related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Plasma homocysteine is an established cardiovascular disease risk factor. Recent studies show that exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with plasma homocysteine levels in adults but no studies on the association between prenatal air pollution and neonatal homocysteine levels exist.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉In 609 newborns of the ENVIR〈em〉ON〈/em〉AGE (ENVIRonmental influence 〈em〉ON〈/em〉 early AGEing) birth cohort, we investigated the association between prenatal particulate matter exposure with a diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉) and cord plasma homocysteine levels, and in a subset (n = 490) we studied the interaction with 11 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in oxidative stress-related genes (〈em〉CAT, COMT, GSTP1, SOD2, NQO1〈/em〉 and 〈em〉HFE〈/em〉), through multiple linear regression. PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 levels were obtained using a high resolution spatial temporal interpolation method. Homocysteine levels were measured by the homocysteine enzymatic assay on a Roche/Hitachi cobas c system. SNPs were assessed on the Biotrove OpenArray SNP genotyping platform.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉In multivariable-adjusted models, cord plasma homocysteine levels were 8.1% higher (95% CI: 1.9 to 14.3%; p = 0.01) for each 5 µg/m³ increment in average PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 exposure during the entire pregnancy. With regard to pregnancy trimesters, there was only an association in the 2〈sup〉nd〈/sup〉 trimester: 3.6% (95% CI: 0.9% to 6.4%; p = 0.01). The positive association between PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉 in and homocysteine was (borderline) statistically significantly modified by genetic variants in 〈em〉MnSOD〈/em〉 (p interaction = 0.02), 〈em〉GSTP1〈/em〉 (p interaction = 0.07) and the sum score of the 3 studied SNPs in the 〈em〉CAT〈/em〉 gene (p interaction=0.09), suggesting oxidative stress as an underlying mechanism of action.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉Exposure to particulate air pollution 〈em〉in utero〈/em〉 is associated with higher cord blood homocysteine levels, possibly through generating oxidative stress. Increased air pollution-induced homocysteine levels in early life might predispose for cardiovascular and other diseases later in life.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 169〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yu Zang, Brecht Devleesschauwer, P. Michael Bolger, Emily Goodman, Herman J. Gibb〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Chronic exposures to cadmium (Cd) are associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In support of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s initiative to estimate the global burden of foodborne diseases, a risk assessment was performed to estimate the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to late-stage CKD associated with dietary exposures to cadmium. Using the distribution of population GFRs, the prevalence of CKD was calculated as the proportion of humans whose GFR fall in the ranges corresponding to Stage 4 or Stage 5 CKD. The increase in the CKD prevalence due to cadmium exposure was simulated based on a previously reported pharmacokinetic model describing the relationship between dietary cadmium intake and urinary cadmium (UCd), as well as a previously published dose-response relationship between UCd and GFR. Cadmium-related incidence rate, calculated as the change in the prevalence during a one-year period, were used to compute the mortality and DALY in all WHO regions. It is estimated that dietary cadmium would result in a median of 12,224 stage 4 and stage 5 new CKD cases per year worldwide, resulting in 2064 global deaths and 70,513 DALYs. These data translate into a median global burden of 1.0 DALY per 100,000 population, which account for 0.2% of the global DALYs of CKD. While these results suggest that the overall impact of dietary cadmium exposure on global CKD is low, they do indicate that reasonable efforts to reduce dietary exposure will result a positive public health impact. This would be particularly the case in areas with elevated levels of dietary cadmium.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 365〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Per Morten Hansen, André Vagner Gaathaug, Dag Bjerketvedt, Knut Vaagsaether〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study discusses the rapid expansion and phase transition of liquefied carbon dioxide (CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) in vertical ducts. Results from small-scale experiments in three test setups (A, B, and C) were compared with a Rankine-Hugoniot model that treats the phase transition as an adiabatic evaporation wave of constant thickness. The model calculates the fluid properties behind the evaporation wave. The motivation was to identify hazards and quantify the energy-release in tank explosions such as a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion. The experimental results corresponded with a Chapman Jouguet (CJ) solution. The contributions include a mapping of CJ solutions calculated from a range of pre-rupture conditions. The puncture of a diaphragm (setup A, and B), or complete test section rupture (setup C) initiated the tests. The three test setups provided a range of pressures for the model. Evaporation waves were observed, propagating with velocities of 35–42 ms〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (setup A, and B), and ∼ 10 ms〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 (setup C) into the superheated liquid. The calculated vapor mass fraction behind of the evaporation wave was in the range 0.21-0.23. The study presents a strategy, which incorporates the calculated vapor mass fraction, to predict the energy released in a tank explosion.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 365〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Esther Gomez-Herrero, Montserrat Tobajas, Alicia Polo, Juan J. Rodriguez, Angel F. Mohedano〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this work, we assessed the potential of combining Fenton´s reagent and biological oxidation for removing the imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EmimCl). Fenton-like oxidation was conducted at variable H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 doses from 20 to 100% the stoichiometric value as calculated from the theoretical chemical oxygen demand (COD). The stoichiometric H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 dose afforded Total Organic Carbon (TOC) conversion and COD removal of 50 and 62%, respectively. Identifying the reaction by-products formed at low hydrogen peroxide doses allowed a plausible pathway for EmimCl oxidation to be proposed. The effluents from Fenton-like oxidation at substoichiometric H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 doses were less ecotoxic and more biodegradable than was the parent ionic liquid. The effluent from Fenton-like oxidation with the 60% H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 dose (TOC conversion ≅ 41%, COD removal ≅ 31%) was subsequently subjected to an effective biological treatment that allowed complete removal of the starting compound, increased its ecotoxicity to a low–moderate level and rendered it acceptably biodegradable. Biological oxidation was performed in 8-h and 12-h cycles in a sequencing batch reactor. Combining Fenton and biological oxidation of EmimCl afforded TOC conversion and COD removal of around 90%.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S030438941831015X-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 364〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhiyong Liu, Shu Zhang, Dan Hu, Yunsheng Zhang, Henglin Lv, Cheng Liu, Yidong Chen, Juan Sun〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composites were fabricated at 4 mix proportions with paraffin to red mud ratios of 0.4:0.6, 0.45:0.55, 0.5:0.5, and 0.55:0.45 by a mixed mill-heating method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) results reveal that paraffin flows well into red mud pores and has good compatibility. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results reveal that the melting temperatures of the paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composite vary from 75℃ to 85℃, and the latent heat value is approximately 25–40J/g. High thermal stability is observed by the thermogravimetric analysis (TG) method. The Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) isotherms, laser particle sizer, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and laser Raman spectrograph (LRS) show that the phase change energy storage composite does not produce a new material from the raw materials and that the material has a stable performance. Furthermore, the paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composite was incorporated into the cement-based and gypsum-based materials at 10%, 20%, and 30% weight. The heat storage performance can be improved remarkably with an increase in the addition of phase change energy storage composite replacement. The compressive strength change is minimal with the addition of 10% and 20%, and the compressive strength decreases by nearly 40% with the addition of 30%. The paraffin/red mud phase change energy storage composite has a large influence on the flexural strength.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 364〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Muhammad Humayun, Zhewen Hu, Abbas Khan, Wei Cheng, Yang Yuan, Zhiping Zheng, Qiuyun Fu, Wei Luo〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Herein, we report for the first time the highly efficient degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) over CeO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 composites (xCeO/CN) prepared via wet-chemical solution method. It is shown that the resultant nanocomposites with a proper mass ratio percentage (15%) of CeO coupled exhibit greatly enhanced visible-light activity for 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) degradation compared to the bare g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉. From photoluminescence (PL) and Fluorescence (FL) results, it is suggested that enhanced photo-degradation is attributed to the significantly improved charge separation and transfer as a result of the proper band alignments between g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and CeO components. Further, from radical trapping experiments, it is confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉OH) are the predominant oxidants involved in the degradation of 2,4-DCP over CeO/CN composites. Furthermore, a possible reaction pathway and detailed photocatalytic mechanism for 2,4-DCP degradation is proposed mainly based on the detected liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS) intermediate products, that readily transform into CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O. This work would help researchers to deeply understand the reaction mechanism of 2,4-DCP and would provide feasible routes to fabricate g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉-based highly efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304389418310069-ga1.jpg" width="264" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 5 March 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 365〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lei Yang, Lu Xu, Xue Bai, Pengkang Jin〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In this study, a novel TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO-PS-Vis process was developed, which utilizes the TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO (Ti〈sup〉3+〈/sup〉 and oxygen vacancies self-doped TiO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 coupled with reduced graphene oxide) nanocomposite as a promising and efficient activator of persulfate (PS) for the enhanced oxidation of micropollutants under visible -light irradiation. TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO exhibited a significantly high activity for PS activation to produce more sulfate radicals (SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉) and hydroxyl radicals (〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉OH). Therefore, almost 100% BPA (10 mg/L) and 80% TOC can be removed just within 12 min with 1.0 g/L TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO and 2 mM PS under visible light. Moreover, it was found that many other typical micropollutants, such as phenol, acetaminophen and sulfamethoxazole can also be effectively degraded by this process. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical quenching experiments indicated that both SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 and 〈sup〉〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/rad"〉〈/sup〉OH contribute to the degradation of organics, and the radical process was the main degradation pathway. In addition, the effects of PS concentration, catalyst dosage, initial solution pH and inorganic anions were investigated systematically. Experiments carried out in the real background of water matrix with low-concentration of BPA indicated that the proposed TiO〈sub〉2-x〈/sub〉/rGO-PS-Vis process has strong non-selective photo-oxidative ability for the removal of micropollutants in water.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304389418310082-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sarah M. Elliott, William T. Route, Laura A. DeCicco, David D. VanderMeulen, Steven R. Corsi, Brett R. Blackwell〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Several organic contaminants (OCs) have been detected in bald eagle (〈em〉Haliaeetus leucocephalus)〈/em〉 nestling (eaglet) plasma in the upper Midwestern United States. Despite frequent and relatively high concentrations of OCs in eaglets, little is understood about potential biological effects associated with exposure. We screened an existing database of OC concentrations in eaglet plasma collected from the Midwestern United States against bioactivity information from the ToxCast database. ToxCast bioactivity information consists of concentrations expected to elicit responses across a range of biological space (e.g. cellular, developmental, etc.) obtained from a series of high throughput assays. We calculated exposure—activity ratios (EAR) by calculating the ratio of plasma concentrations to concentrations available in ToxCast. Bioactivity data were not available for all detected OCs. Therefore, our analysis provides estimates of potential bioactivity for 19 of the detected OCs in eaglet plasma. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) EAR values were consistently the highest among all study areas. Maximum EAR values were ≥1 for PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid, and bisphenol A in 99.7, 0.53 and 0.26% of samples, indicating that some plasma concentrations were greater than what may be expected to elicit biological responses. About 125 gene targets, indicative of specific biological pathways, were identified as potentially being affected. Inhibition of several CYP genes, involved in xenobiotic metabolism, were most consistently identified. Other identified biological responses have potential implications for motor coordination, cardiac functions, behavior, and blood circulation. However, it is unclear what these results mean for bald eagles, given that ToxCast data are generated using mammalian-based endpoints. Despite uncertainties and limitations, this method of screening environmental data can be useful for informing future monitoring or research focused on understanding the occurrence and effects of OCs in bald eagles and other similarly-positioned trophic species.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0269749118329166-fx1.jpg" width="246" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jessica Purswani, Isabel M. Guisado, Julio Coello-Cabezas, Jesús González-López, Clementina Pozo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Methyl 〈em〉tert〈/em〉-butyl ether (MTBE) degradation technologies based on two-phase partitioning systems such as extractive membrane biofilm reactors (EMBFR) permit separation of biological and contaminant compartments, thus allowing optimization of the biological section. In this study, we set-up an EMBFR with three MTBE-degrading and cooperating strains (termed social biofilm: 〈em〉Agrobacterium〈/em〉 sp. MS2, 〈em〉Paenibacillus etheri〈/em〉 SH7〈sup〉T〈/sup〉 and 〈em〉Rhodococcus ruber〈/em〉 EE6). The removal efficiency of the social-biofilm EMBFR was 80%, and functional stability was observed in the reactor, i.e. more efficient than previous studies (single-strain inoculated EMBFR, 〈50% removal efficiency and unstable function). Metabolite 〈em〉tert〈/em〉-butyl alcohol was not observed, and the EC〈sub〉50〈/sub〉 values were higher than those observed in single-strain EMBFRs. Comparative analysis of the MTBE enzymatic pathway and the social-biofilm was performed, where the mechanism of cooperation observed within the social-biofilm is likely due to enzymatic redundancy. Functional outcomes were equal to previous batch tests, hence 100% scalability was obtained. Overall, higher functional and stability outcomes are obtained with the use of the social-biofilm in an MTBE-EMBFR.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0269749118334353-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongxia Zhao, Tianpeng Yuan, Jia Gao, Xinli Wang, Jia Yan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Both conventional and advanced exergy analysis methods were adopted to compare parallel and series compression-ejection hybrid refrigeration system for a two-temperature R290 refrigerator. The calculation was performed through Matlab and CoolProp. The results over typical design conditions showed that the exergy efficiency of the series system is 5.17% higher than the parallel system, and the exergy destructions of the compressor (30.59% for parallel and 31.22% for series) and the ejector (19.36% for parallel and 22.65% for series) are the biggest of the total system. Results from advanced exergy analysis showed that the compressor possesses highest improvement priority as its avoidable exergy destruction rate is the biggest, 42.76% of the total for parallel system and 41.28% for series system. The endogenous avoidable exergy destruction rates of the compressor and the ejector are larger than their exogenous parts in both systems, indicating it is most important to improve their own efficiency. However, the condenser’s endogenous avoidable exergy destruction rates are smaller than their exogenous part, so it is more effective by improving other system components rather than itself. The influence of the interactions among the components on the system performance was also evaluated based on their mexogenous exergy destruction.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yikai Jia, Sha Yin, Binghe Liu, Hui Zhao, Huili Yu, Jie Li, Jun Xu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Dynamic mechanical loading, e.g. impact, is one of the major catastrophic factors that trigger short-circuit, thermal runaway, or even fire/explosion consequences of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, the mechanical integrity and electrical coupling behaviors of lithium-ion pouch cells under dynamical loading were investigated. Two types of experiments, namely compression and drop-weight tests, are designed and conducted. The state-of-charge (SOC) and loading rate dependencies of batteries, as well as their coupling effect, are examined. Furthermore, the interaction between force response and electrical behavior of battery is investigated through real-time monitoring of voltage change during loading. Experiments on LiCoO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 lithium-ion pouch cells show that the higher SOC and loading rates increases battery structure stiffness. In addition, loading rate intensifies battery structure stiffening with the SOC effect. Results indicate that the deformation and material failure of battery component together determine the electrical behavior of battery. Higher loading rate leads to faster voltage drop and more severe internal short-circuit. This short-circuit discharging process in turn affects the force response in dynamic loading. Results may provide useful insights into the fundamental understanding of electrical and mechanical coupled integrity of LIBs and lay a solid basis for their crash safety design.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tao Yu, Guoqing Guan, Abuliti Abudula, Akihiro Yoshida, Dayong Wang, Yongchen Song〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The 2013/2017 Nankai Trough (Japan) and 2017 Shenhu Area (China) offshore methane hydrate production tests showed the world the possibility and feasibility of the oceanic methane hydrate production by depressurization. However, the relatively low gas production rate still remained as one of the critical bottlenecks for the economical utilization. This study chose the Nankai Trough as a target area, and aimed at the gas recovery enhancement from the methane hydrate reservoir using vertical wells. A traditional single-vertical-well system and a new dual-vertical-well system were proposed, and special production strategies of the aggressive depressurization and permeability improvement were applied to these two systems for the effectiveness verification. Based on the 15-year simulation results, it was found that the middle low-permeability silt-dominated layers in the reservoir held the key to the gas recovery enhancement, and for the single-vertical-well system, the permeability improvement in this sublayer seemed more reliable and feasible than the aggressive depressurization. On the other hand, the dual-vertical-well system significantly exceeded the single-vertical-well system due to the synergistic effect of the two wellbores, and could raise the average gas production rate (9.5 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉/day) by one order of magnitude (to 7.9 × 10〈sup〉4〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉/day). Moreover, if this new system was combined with the aggressive depressurization, the average gas production rate could be further raised by one order of magnitude (to 3.4 × 10〈sup〉5〈/sup〉 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉/day).〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Energy, Volumes 233–234〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zia Wadud, Sarah Royston, Jan Selby〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Among the various sustainability goals of higher education institutions (HEIs), reducing energy use and carbon emissions are particularly important. However, not much is known about energy demand from the higher education sector – especially since there is a lack of robust models of energy demand in this sector. This paper, the first to utilize a panel dataset and advanced panel econometric techniques in order to model energy use in higher education, investigates variations in energy use between HEIs (cross-sectional analysis), and also changes in energy use over time (temporal analysis), using the UK as a case study. We argue that panel dataset and methods are more useful for understanding growth (and reduction) in energy use within the HE sector than the methods used within previous cross-sectional studies. Results show that, over time and also across the sector, energy consumption in the HEIs increases with increases in income and floor space, but at a slower rate. As HEIs grow overall (in terms of income, floor space, student and staff number) over time, they become more 'energy efficient' (using less energy per unit of area, population or income), indicating economies of scale in the temporal dimension. Results also show that after controlling for income and size, research intensive HEIs consume more energy. We also find a small but statistically significant effect of energy prices on energy consumption, as might be expected. Simulation using the model parameters for an example scenario suggests that energy consumption will continue to increase unless there is a significant change in the policies driving income growth and spatial expansion in the HE sector in the UK.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Pablo Quero García, Javier García Sanabria, Juan Adolfo Chica Ruiz〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In recent years the European Union has firmly committed itself to energy from oceans as a means of decarbonising the European energy system. Despite a favourable political landscape, the development of offshore renewables still faces economic and technological barriers, which are coupled with the inherent difficulties of an increasingly industrialised marine environment, such as complex evolving regulation, lack of knowledge regarding the possible environmental impact of such an activity, as well as spatial conflicts with other traditional and emerging uses. Most of the coastal Member States have adopted Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as a fundamental tool for integrated and sustainable management of human activities in the marine environment. MSP is capable of definitively driving the use of offshore renewable facilities. Its proper application supports decision making, simplifies and accelerates the process of obtaining permits, improves compatibility of uses, integrates stakeholders in planning, prevents environmental deterioration of sensitive areas, enhances the availability of information and promotes cross-border co-operation. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of maritime spatial planning processes on the advance of blue energy within the framework of the European Union. The results show positive relationships between MSP and the development of offshore renewable energy in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0308597X1830304X-fx1.jpg" width="477" alt="fx1" title="fx1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 167〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Uxío Labarta, M〈sup〉a〈/sup〉 José Fernández-Reiriz〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The mussels industry with a production that accounts for more than twenty five percent of the fresh product landings from the sea, and the full-time employment of more than 8000 people, is by far the largest productive activity of the Galician sea.〈/p〉 〈p〉In the 1980s was noticed an increase in productivity related to processes of innovation in the industry of mussel. Together with it, the first organizational forms of the Galician-based production sector was constituted, with a spatial and administrative reordering for mussel rafts and crops. A new reality of the sector was maintained in both the marketing guidelines and the fact of initiating a vertical integration between the mussel industry and the commercialization. Everything was accompanied by changes in markets and strong tensions: derived from red tides that limit the operating cycle and even its profitability and also from the conflicts between the producing and transforming organizations, added to the competition in the markets of other countries, mainly Chile.〈/p〉 〈p〉The reality of mussel culture and markets leads to a reformulation in the industry, with strategies for territorial diversification of suppliers, new technological improvements in production and even organizational, economic, and bioecological innovations.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Energy, Volumes 233–234〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rong Gu, Jing Ding, Yarong Wang, Qinquan Yuan, Weilong Wang, Jianfeng Lu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Steam methane reforming is suitable for thermochemical energy storage because of its large reaction enthalpy and high hydrogen content in reaction products. In this paper, heat transfer and storage performance of steam methane reforming in a tubular reactor heated by focused solar simulator is experimental demonstrated and numerically analyzed. According to experimental results, methane conversion remarkably decreases with inlet flow rate rising, while thermochemical energy storage efficiency first increases for more reactants and then decreases with methane conversion dropping. As incident energy flux rises, methane conversion increases with bed temperature rising, and the thermochemical energy storage efficiency reaches its maximum of 11.3% with central heat flux of 285.6 kW/m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉. Three-dimensional transport and volumetric reaction model with concentrated energy flux boundary condition is established and validated, and local and integral energy transport and storage performance are further analyzed. Along flow direction, the maximum reaction rate appears before the focal point with maximum energy flux. The tendencies of methane conversion and thermochemical energy storage efficiency are very similar under different inlet conditions, and higher inlet temperature and appropriate steam to methane ratio benefit thermochemical energy storage. The structures of catalyst bed and reactor are critical important for thermochemical energy storage process. As bed length increases, the methane conversion and thermochemical energy storage efficiency first increase with the increase of positive reaction and then decrease with the increase of reverse reaction, and the optimal length is a little larger than focal spot diameter. When bed porosity is increased, the methane conversion and thermochemical energy storage efficiency first increases with the flow resistance decreasing and then decreases with catalyst amount decreasing, and optimal porosity is 0.45. Heat loss in heating side of bed region play major role in heat storage, and the thermochemical energy storage efficiency can be improved to 34.8% by using insulation and coating.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Policy, Volume 99〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Bong-Tae Kim, Christopher L. Brown, Do-Hoon Kim〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We assess the vulnerability to climate change of Korean aquaculture based on predicted changes in seawater temperature and salinity in adjacent sea areas of the Korean Peninsula according to representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios. Unlike previous studies that have been conducted mostly on a national scale, we classify 14 farming species in major production regions of the Republic of Korea, and assess their vulnerability for each region, using the indicator-based method and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's definition of vulnerability in order to overcome limitations in developing specific adaptation strategies within a country. First, for each exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, specific and proper indicators are selected. Subsequently, these indicators are estimated and weighted to analyze vulnerability to climate change. The results show that the absolute level of vulnerability is high in a long-term period of RCP8.5 in which exposure becomes severe, whereas the relative vulnerability is similar among farming species and regions. Specifically, vulnerability is at the highest level in seaweed, such as laver and sea mustard, while fish, shrimp, and abalone are relatively less vulnerable to climate change.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mohammed Kharbach, Tarik Chfadi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉This paper investigates the impact of oil prices on a single public utility's electricity production by using a cointegration approach. We estimate the elasticity of the electricity produced, by different fuel sources (coal, oil, and water) in the Moroccan power system, to oil prices.〈/p〉 〈p〉We find that, in the long run, the elasticities of the electricity produced by coal and oil to oil prices are similar. On the contrary, significant differences exist in the short-term elasticity of the electricity produced by coal and oil to oil prices. We also find that hydropower could substitute the electricity produced by coal in the short run but not in the long run.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Strategy Reviews, Volume 22〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Mehmet Melikoglu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Coal is the primary energy source for electricity generation around the globe and it is projected that this dominance will continue for at least a few more decades. However, coal combustion for power generation generates significant greenhouse gas emissions as well as NO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉/SO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉 and particulates emissions. Therefore, future consumption of coal for electricity generation must be cleaner and efficient. This can be achieved by utilizing different processes and technologies also known as clean coal technologies. In this study, global development in clean coal technologies is scrutinized and an up to date review about the subject is prepared. In addition, potential utilization of clean coal technologies in Turkey is assessed based on the government's recent energy policy decision of increasing lignite based installed capacity from nearly 10,000 MW to 30,000 MW. As a result, an up to date review about the past, present and future of clean coal technologies in Turkey is prepared. Detailed analysis showed that research & development studies on clean coal technologies are at early stages in Turkey. This means that there won't be enough time to locally develop clean coal technologies while fulfilling the Vision 2023 lignite based installed capacity target in the next 5–6 years. As a result, it is suggested that Turkey should first purchase clean coal technologies from developed countries with know-how and technology transfer clauses in order to increase lignite-fired coal power plant capacity without skyrocketing Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions. In the meantime, local research & development studies must be fostered in order to develop indigenous clean coal technologies. Finally, it is believed that the discussion in this study could help the researchers around the globe broaden their knowledge about clean coal technologies and help the authorities in Turkey to design the country's coal based energy future in a more sustainable manner.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Water Research, Volume 149〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M. Aybar, P. Perez-Calleja, M. Li, J.P. Pavissich, R. Nerenberg〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is a novel wastewater treatment technology based on oxygen-supplying membranes. The counter diffusion of oxygen and electron donors in MABRs leads to unique behavior, and we hypothesized it also could impact predation. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT), microsensor analyses, and mathematical modeling to investigate predation in membrane-aerated biofilms (MABs). When protozoa were excluded from the inoculum, the MAB's OCT-observable void fraction was around 5%. When protozoa were included, the void fraction grew to nearly 50%, with large, continuous voids at the base of the biofilm. Real-time OCT imaging showed highly motile protozoa in the voids. MABs with protozoa and a high bulk COD (270 mg/L) only had 4% void fraction. DNA sequencing revealed a high relative abundance of amoeba in both high and low-COD MABs. Flagellates were only abundant in the low-COD MAB. Modeling also suggested a relationship between substrate concentrations, diffusion mode (co- or counter-diffusion), and biofilm void fraction. Results suggest that amoeba proliferate in the biofilm interior, especially in the aerobic zones. Voids form once COD limitation at the base of MABs allows predation rates to exceed microbial growth rates. Once formed, the voids provide a niche for motile protozoa, which expand the voids into a large, continuous gap. This increases the potential for biofilm sloughing, and may have detrimental effects on slow-growing, aerobic microorganisms such as nitrifying bacteria.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0043135418309011-fx1.jpg" width="453" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Water Research, Volume 149〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): C. Caicedo, K.-H. Rosenwinkel, M. Exner, W. Verstraete, R. Suchenwirth, P. Hartemann, R. Nogueira〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as confirmed but until today underestimated sources of 〈em〉Legionella,〈/em〉 playing an important role in local and community cases and outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. In general, aerobic biological systems provide an optimum environment for the growth of 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 due to high organic nitrogen and oxygen concentrations, ideal temperatures and the presence of protozoa. However, few studies have investigated the occurrence of 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 in WWTPs, and many questions in regards to the interacting factors that promote the proliferation and persistence of 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 in these treatment systems are still unanswered. This critical review summarizes the current knowledge about 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 in municipal and industrial WWTPs, the conditions that might support their growth, as well as control strategies that have been applied. Furthermore, an overview of current quantification methods, guidelines and health risks associated with 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 in reclaimed wastewater is also discussed in depth. A better understanding of the conditions promoting the occurrence of 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 in WWTPs will contribute to the development of improved wastewater treatment technologies and/or innovative mitigation approaches to minimize future 〈em〉Legionella〈/em〉 outbreaks.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0043135418308972-fx1.jpg" width="284" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Nuclear Materials, Volume 513〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Matic Pečovnik, Sabina Markelj, Anže Založnik, Thomas Schwarz-Selinger〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The influence of grain size on deuterium transport and retention in tungsten was studied. For this purpose an experiment was carried out on three polycrystalline tungsten samples with different grain sizes and a single crystal sample with surface orientation 〈100〉. In order to increase deuterium retention and hence the sensitivity for detection, samples were first damaged by high energy W ions. After damaging, the samples were exposed to a flux of deuterium atoms at 600 K for 70 h. During the exposure the depth profile of the retained deuterium was measured by Nuclear Reaction Analysis using a 〈sup〉3〈/sup〉He ion beam. After the exposure the samples were also analysed by Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy. A clear difference in the time dependence of deuterium uptake was noticed between different samples. The experimental results were modeled using a rate-equation model. The influence of different grain size was modeled by changing the effective height of the potential barrier for deuterium atoms to enter into the bulk. We managed to successfully describe the transport of deuterium into the bulk of tungsten by reducing the potential barrier for samples with smaller grain sizes while the barrier for the sample with larger grain size was close to the value for the damaged single crystal sample.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0022311518307256-fx1.jpg" width="256" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Nuclear Materials, Volume 513〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): P.A. Burr, E. Kardoulaki, R. Holmes, S.C. Middleburgh〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The stability, diffusivity and clustering behaviour of defects in uranium diboride (UB〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) was investigated in light of the potential application as a burnable absorber in nuclear fuel. UB〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 was found to accommodate limited deviations from stoichiometry, which should be a consideration when manufacturing and operating the material. Self-diffusivity of both U and B was found to be sluggish (10〈sup〉−14〈/sup〉 cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/s for B and 10〈sup〉−19〈/sup〉 cm〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/s for U at 2000K) and highly anisotropic, with migration along the basal planes being orders of magnitude faster than 〈em〉c〈/em〉-axis migration. The anisotropy of defect migration (both interstitials and vacancies) is predicted to hinder recombination of defects produced by collision cascades, thus limiting the radiation tolerance of the material. Boron and uranium vacancies exhibit a drive to cluster. Boron vacancies in particular, which are mobile on basal planes, are predicted to cluster into strongly bound di-vacancy, which in turn are less mobile. These are then predicted to grow into larger two-dimensional vacancy clusters on the B plane, leading to anisotropic swelling. We provide an analytical expression to predict the stability of these clusters based on purely geometrical considerations. Finally, the accommodation of Li, He and Xe onto vacancy clusters was considered. Li appears to stabilise the structure upon U depletion, while the retention of He and Xe appears to rise with increasing B depletion, through the formation of vacancy clusters.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Procedia, Volume 151〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Muhammad Sheikh, Sheikh Rehman, Mustafa Elkady〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Lithium-ion batteries are considered efficient energy source for current electric vehicles (EVs) due to better power and energy densities; however, safety of these batteries is vital when it comes to large scale deployment. Short circuit of batteries is one of the concern as it can spread quickly within battery module or pack if not controlled at cell level. In this paper single lithium-ion battery cell is investigated where two mechanical abuse conditions, compression and bending are used to investigate short circuit and propagation of failures due to short circuit. Quasi-static loading approach is used for mechanical abuse conditions. Numerical simulation tool LS-DYNA is used to model battery cell where each layer thickness is considered 0.3mm and concentric layered formation is used for this purpose. Separator failures are analysed using simulation models, where at maximum displacement separator temperature increases significantly and drop in force is observed, another significant finding from separator layer analysis is the high-temperature locations. In the case of three-point bend test which has immediate short circuit response and circular punch test where a slow build-up of short circuit is evident from experiment, separator failure occurs well in advance for short circuit.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Procedia, Volume 151〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Abid Soomro, Mustafa E. Amiryar, Keith R. Pullen, Daniel Nankoo〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉For stable operation of the electrical grid, it is vital to maintain a balance between demand and supply of electrical power. Imbalance at any instant between consumption and generation causes voltage and frequency instability. Intermittent generation (wind and solar) in power systems is more likely to cause such imbalances hence the existence of frequency and voltage variations. To address stability issues due to integration of intermittent renewable sources into the grid, a storage device is required which can quickly respond to the power fluctuations. A Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) has the capability to respond within a sub-second timescale and is able to address the problems caused by power variations. The performance of FESS is highly dependent on the type of motor/generator (MG) set which is the key component generating or absorbing power from grid. The three main types of electrical machines used in FESS applications are synchronous machine (SM), induction machine (IM) and the switched reluctance machine (SRM). SRM is less commonly used due to high current ripples and complex torque control [1]. SM is used for high speed applications due to its high efficiency and IM is used for high power applications due to its rough construction. This research focuses on the comparison of synchronous and induction machines used in flywheel energy storage systems for microgrid applications [2]. The operation and controlling schemes of each electrical machine has been described as used in the analysis made in the MATLAB/Simulink environment.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Procedia, Volume 151〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Luke Price〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉It has been shown from the late 70s onwards that photo-catalytic CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 reduction can be achieved using complex catalysts. Theoretically reduction can occur at different potentials yielding various organic molecules. Using these catalysts allows the reaction to go 〈em〉via〈/em〉 a multiple proton/electron route. Successful upscale of a working system would mean a route to usable chemicals along with a reduction in atmospheric CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 levels. The downside to the complexes used is their rather low efficiencies. More control over the catalysis is desired, along with easier ways to remove the catalysts from the end product. Attachment onto surfaces would achieve this through more control over catalytic orientation allowing the tailoring of properties through surface modifications. Semiconducting surfaces are of great importance in this area as the attachment of a complex catalyst onto the surface not only gives the possibility of altering catalyst efficiency but can also be used as a conduction band bridge between photosensitizing molecule and attached catalyst as a result of different energy states.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Procedia, Volume 151〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Daniel R. Wright, Nuria Garcia-Araez, John R. Owen〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised the energy storage market; applications for batteries are rapidly expanding with demands for high performance batteries required in many technological fields. In applications such as portable devices or electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries have currently no contender in terms of energy density or durability. However, the restricted temperature range of -25 °C to 60 °C is a problem for a number of applications that require high energy rechargeable batteries that operate at a high temperature (〉100 °C). This review discusses the work that has been done on the side of electrodes and electrolytes for use in high temperature Li-ion batteries.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Procedia, Volume 151〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): James K.W. Moore, Denis Cumming, Solomon Brown〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The United Kingdom has a target of reducing fossil fuel emissions to 80% of 1990s emissions levels by 2050 and the National Grid is highly likely to see a vast portion of displaced currently fossil fuelled heating provision. There is therefore a significant need for research into alternatives to grid re-enforcement and additional power stations. Thermal energy storage systems present one such alternative via the decoupling of energy production and consumption in both industrial and domestic heating demand. Reversible phase change in materials such as paraffin waxes, inorganic salts and metal alloys represent such a technology. For these, the ability to empirically assess a given phase change is invaluable for determining materials of interest, system characteristics and optimisation of systems design in addition to quantitatively validate any given numerical system models.〈/p〉 〈p〉In this work the development and evolution of the solid to liquid phase transition in two organic phase change materials: beeswax and paraffin wax is investigated. These are characterised via visible and thermal photography of an ongoing melt/solidification in a 5cm dimensioned cube constructed of several differing wall materials. Isothermal heat is supplied via the bottom surface by a laboratory hot plate.〈/p〉 〈p〉During the melting and re-solidification process, the thermal conduction through non-infra-red transparent wall materials has been unable to indicate the solid-liquid interface or melt/solidification times. Direct infra-red transmission through the infra-red transparent materials and visible light analysis through the transparent walls has been able to provide a solid-liquid interface track and melting time to completion but is unable to confer any useful information during the solidification process due to premature solidification on the wall exposed to imaging.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 6 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 49〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ho Seong Lee, Hyun Mi Lee, Jun-Young Park, Hyung-Tae Lim〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This study investigated the effect of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S concentration (5, 10 and 50 ppm) on the degradation and performance of Ni-YSZ anode supported solid oxide fuel cells. When supplied with hydrogen fuel containing H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S, the cell voltage dropped rapidly, and with increasing H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S concentration, voltage drop % increased (due to higher sulfur coverage on the Ni surface) and saturated more rapidly. A high concentration (50 ppm) of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S led to an additional, slow rate voltage loss. In all cases, cell performance did not completely recover even after being supplied with H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S-free hydrogen fuel, because of the incomplete desorption of sulfur from the Ni surface. After the performance tests, nickel sulfides were detected on the Ni surface by Raman spectra, which were produced by the reaction of the remaining adsorbed sulfur with Ni during the cooling process. This indicates that the formation of nickel sulfides was not responsible for the secondary voltage drop. SEM/EDS analyses combined with FIB revealed that the reason for the additional 2〈sup〉nd〈/sup〉 drop was Ni oxidation; at a high sulfur coverage ratio (50 ppm), the outer layer of the Ni particle was oxidized by oxygen ions transported from the electrolyte. This indicates that H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S concentration as well as current density is a critical factor for Ni oxidation, and gives rise to the second voltage drop (irreversible cell degradation). The present work showed that the degradation behavior and phenomenon can differ significantly depending on the concentration of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S, i.e., permanent changes may or may not occur on the anode (such as Ni oxidation) depending upon H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉S concentration.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 6 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 49〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Tami Astie Ulhiza, Noor Illi Mohamad Puad, Azlin Suhaida Azmi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Sago wastewater (SWW) causes pollution to the environment due to its high organic content. Annually, about 2.5 million tons of SWW is produced in Malaysia. In this study, the potential of SWW as a substrate for biohydrogen production by 〈em〉Enterobacter aerogenes (E. aerogenes)〈/em〉 was evaluated. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to find the optimum conditions. From preliminary optimization, it was found that the most significant factors were yeast extract, temperature, and inoculum size. According to Face Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD), the maximum hydrogen concentration and yield were 630.67 μmol/L and 7.42 mmol H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉/mol glucose, respectively, which is obtained from the sample supplemented with 4.8 g/L yeast extract concentration, 5% inoculum, and incubated at the temperature of 31 °C. Cumulative hydrogen production curve fitted by the modified Gompertz equation suggested that 〈em〉H〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉max〈/em〉〈/sub〉, 〈em〉R〈/em〉〈sub〉〈em〉max〈/em〉〈/sub〉, and 〈em〉λ〈/em〉 from this study were 15.10 mL, 2.18 mL/h, and 9.84 h, respectively.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Engineering, Volume 125〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cristina Lazcano, Cameron Robinson, Golnoush Hassanpour, Maria Strack〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Northern peatlands store approximately one third of the global soil carbon (C) stocks. Peat extraction for horticulture changes C fluxes turning these soils from sinks into large sources of C emitted to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases. Restoring hydrological conditions may not be enough for returning the C sink function of these ecosystems and a recovery of the original Sphagnum-dominated vegetation cover could be necessary. Here we tested the effects of the moss layer-transfer technique (MLTT) on the CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and CH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 fluxes three years after restoration of a minerotrophic cutover peatland in Quebec, Canada. Gas emissions were compared to nearby undisturbed plots, and plots with restored hydrology but without vegetation transfer. The main drivers for the observed emissions were inferred from the relationships with relevant environmental variables (vegetation cover, water table depth and temperature). Restoration of the extracted minerotrophic fen through the MLTT produced significant changes in the exchange of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, bringing these fluxes closer to undisturbed plots than plots with restored hydrology only, which remained C sources throughout the study. Methane emissions were generally low across all the restored plots and far from natural levels, with only a slight increase at the MLTT restored plots observed during the third year. Even though the MLTT failed to recover the original bryophyte-dominated vegetation, the observed changes in the emissions of CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and CH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 at the restored plots were strongly associated with changes in vegetation cover (i.e. increase in vascular plants), supporting the use of this restoration technique to recover the C sink function of harvested minerotrophic peatlands.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Cheng-Yang Hu, Yuan Fang, Feng-Li Li, Bao Dong, Xiao-Guo Hua, Wen Jiang, Heng Zhang, Yong Lyu, Xiu-Jun Zhang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Air pollution has been evaluated as a possible risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), but, the present results are inconsistent and have not been combined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and PD, given the nature of disease etiology. A total of 10 studies were identified by searching Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed before October 2017. We found a significantly increased risk of PD with 10 parts per billion (ppb) increase in nitrogen oxides (NO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉) exposure (relative risk (RR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.09). The pooled RR for the association between carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, 1 parts per million (ppm) increment, and the risk of PD was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.48). The pooled RRs for the association between nitrogen dioxide (NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) and ozone (O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) exposure per 1 ppb increment, and the risk of PD were 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.03) and 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.02), respectively. There was a significant heterogeneity in the meta-analysis for fine particulate matter (PM〈sub〉2.5〈/sub〉), NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, sulfur dioxide (SO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉), and CO. We concluded that NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, NO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉, CO and O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 exposure were associated with an increased risk of PD, although there is high risk of bias. The dose-response effects evaluated by high-quality studies are needed. Researches should be expanded to low- and/or middle- income countries where indoor and outdoor air pollution are high.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Capsule〈/h6〉 〈p〉Long-term exposure to ambient NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉, NO〈sub〉x〈/sub〉, CO and O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 can increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Chemosphere, Volume 216〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xinjiang Hu, Weixuan Wang, Guangyu Xie, Hui Wang, Xiaofei Tan, Qi Jin, Daixi Zhou, Yunlin Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A novel ternary composite of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉)/graphene oxide (GO) sheets/BiFeO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 (CNGB) with highly enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity toward Cr(VI) photoreduction is prepared and characterized. The characterization and photocatalysis experiments corroborate its reasonable band gap, efficient charge separation and transfer, widened visible-light adsorption, easy solid-liquid separation, good stability and superior catalytic activity of CNGB. Three CNGB samples with different ratios of g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 and BiFeO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 (CNGB-1, -2, -3 with 2:4, 3:3, and 4:2, respectively), though possessing different adsorption ability, eventually remove all Cr(VI) ions via photocatalysis within 90 min. The catalytic efficiency of the composite is the highest at pH 2; increases in pH decrease the catalytic ability. The inorganic anions such as SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, Cl〈sup〉−〈/sup〉, and NO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 only slightly affects the photocatalytic process. The matching of the band structure between BiFeO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 and g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 generates efficient photogenerated electron migration from the conduction band of g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 to that of BiFeO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉, which is also facilitated by the electron bridging and collecting effects of GO, and holes transfer from the valence band of BiFeO〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 to that of g-C〈sub〉3〈/sub〉N〈sub〉4〈/sub〉, yielding the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and the subsequent enhancement of photocatalytic activity. The research provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the development of photocatalytic technologies for effective application in wastewater treatment and Cr-contaminated water restoration.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Chemosphere, Volume 216〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): F. Faghihzadeh, N.M. Anaya, H. Hadjeres, T.B. Boving, V. Oyanedel-Craver〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉This study present assessed the effect of UV pulsed light (PL) on microbial and organic pollutants using two spiral lamps were used, i.e., PL1 and PL2 lamps, with wavelength cut-offs of 190 and 240 nm, respectively. Overall, our study demonstrated that pulsed UV light impacts several microbial biomolecules and degrades polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aqueous solution. In microbial inactivation by PL2, temporary changes of bacterial cellular components, specifically proteins, were observed, but the compositional changes of bacteria that were exposed to PL1 were permanent due to ozonolysis. PL1 irradiation caused greater deactivation of the bacteria than PL2 irradiation due to the generation of ozone. The higher efficacy of PL1 in terms of membrane disruption, reduction of respiration rate, and reduction of growth rate was due to the production of ozone during the irradiation period. The bacteria that were irradiated with both PL lamps regrew due to photoreactivation, such as an enzymatic DNA-repair mechanism.〈/p〉 〈p〉The PAH degradation kinetics indicate that higher molecular weights degraded faster than those with lower molecular weights. For both lamps, the degradation of naphthalene and fluorene was first order, whereas second order for pyrene and anthracene. Any effect of ozonolysis on the PAH degradation rates was not apparent, which indicated that photolysis was the primary degradation pathway. PAH solutions treated with both pulsed UV lamps did not result in a toxicity effect on the bacteria.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Economics, Volume 78〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Xiwen Bai, Jasmine Siu Lee Lam〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) trade shows an increasing trend but is under-researched. This paper focuses on the LPG market and aims to model the dependence dynamics among LPG freight rates, crude oil price and propane location arbitrage. Conditional copula-GARCH model is applied to estimate dependencies. Different types of copulas with both time-invariant and time-varying dependence structures are fitted and their suitability has been compared. The findings suggest that firstly, Baltic LPG (BLPG) freight rate and the arbitrage between propane Far East and Middle East prices have conditional time-varying dependence and the dependence is higher in market downturns. Furthermore, BLPG and the arbitrage between Far East and US propane prices, have symmetric dependence and such a relationship has strengthened since 2013. Secondly, Middle East propane price is found to have the strongest correlation with crude oil prices compared to Far East and US propane prices, indicating higher sensitivity to crude oil price changes. Last but not least, the relationship between crude oil and BLPG is relatively weak and mostly positive.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Economics, Volume 78〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Gernot Müller, Armin Seibert〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We develop a Bayesian estimation procedure for the electricity spot price model in Benth et al. (2014). This model incorporates a trend and seasonality component, a stable CARMA process for the price spikes, and an additional Lévy process for mid-range price level changes. Our MCMC algorithm has two advantages over the existing stepwise estimation procedure presented in Benth et al. (2014): First, since our algorithm produces samples from the full posterior distribution over all parameters, we can estimate the parameters much more accurately, which is shown in simulation studies. Second, we can provide accuracy measures as credibility intervals in addition to the point estimates. The approach is quite general, so that it can be adapted also to other similar pricing models. For illustration, we analyse spot and future prices from the EEX using the new Bayesian method and provide estimates for the risk premium together with credibility regions.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 20 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 652〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Weiwei Lv, Wenzong Zhou, Shibo Lu, Weiwei Huang, Quan Yuan, Minglu Tian, Weiguang Lv, Defu He〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Microplastics are emerging contaminants of increasing concern. Despite the occurrence of microplastics in farmland soils, the knowledge on microplastics in rice-fish co-culture ecosystems is limited. In this study, we investigated the distribution of microplastics in three rice-fish culture stations in Shanghai. During non-rice and rice-planting periods, microplastics in water, soils and aquatic animals (eel, loach and crayfish) were systematically assayed using methods of NaCl density extraction, H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 digestion and micro-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that average microplastic abundances were 0.4 ± 0.1 items L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, 10.3 ± 2.2 items kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, 1.7 ± 0.5 items individual〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 in water, soils and aquatic animal samples, respectively. We found an increasing trend in microplastic abundances in water, soil and animal samples from non-rice period to rice-planting period. Almost all of microplastics were found in digestive tracts of animals. Major microplastics were small (〈1 mm) polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, with color of white and translucent. Size, shape, color and polymer type distributions of microplastics were similarly found in environmental and animal samples. Moreover, microplastic abundances in aquatic animals correlated to abundance in farmland soils. This study, for the first time, reveals the occurrence and characteristics of microplastic pollution in rice-fish culture ecosystem which suggests the potential ecological risks of microplastics in the agroecosystem.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969718342177-ga1.jpg" width="334" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 20 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 652〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Betty Chaumet, Soizic Morin, Océane Hourtané, Joan Artigas, Brigitte Delest, Mélissa Eon, Nicolas Mazzella〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Biofilms are considered as good bioindicators of contamination by means of their capacity to react quickly to xenobiotics exposure, and their pivotal role in sustaining the aquatic trophic web. The exchanges of dissolved substances between water column and biofilm can be modulated by flow velocity. This study deals with toxicokinetic (transfer mechanisms) and toxicodynamic (effects) modelling of pesticides under two contrasted flow conditions.〈/p〉 〈p〉Diuron was used to run a 2-h kinetic study on mature biofilms in river channels. Two flow conditions were considered (⋘1 cm·s〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉: lentic environments such as ponds, 2 cm·s〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉: lotic environments such as watercourses). Three concentrations were tested in order to estimate contamination levels in biofilms: 0, 5 (environmentally relevant concentration) and 50 (to determine the concentration effect) μg·L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. The effect of the above-mentioned factors was also assessed on biofilms photosynthesis inhibition. For successive sampling times between 0 and 2 h, the raw biofilms and EPS tightly bound to cells plus microorganisms (T-EPS-M), were physically separated and analysed for diuron accumulation and structural and functional microbial descriptors.〈/p〉 〈p〉Diuron amounts accumulated in biofilm increased with increasing diuron exposure. Biofilms accumulated higher amounts of diuron at the lower flow velocity compared to high flow for raw biofilms, while accumulation in the T-EPS-M fraction was similar between flow conditions. Consequently, both flow velocity and diuron exposure had an influence on diuron bioaccumulation and distribution. Photosynthesis inhibition over time was directly linked to the exposure concentration of diuron recorded in the T-EPS-M fraction.〈/p〉 〈p〉These results suggest that flow causes a loss of organic matter in biofilms, decreasing the total accumulation of diuron, especially within diffusible EPS. As pesticide distribution in biofilm is a major factor in the onset of toxicity, the novel fractioning method presented here will improve further toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic studies dealing with biofilms exposed to organic toxicants.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969718341615-ga1.jpg" width="301" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Water Research, Volume 149〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sanghun Park, Taewoo Nam, Jeongyeop You, Eun-Sik Kim, Ilhwan Choi, Jongkwan Park, Kyung Hwa Cho〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Isolating dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a preliminary step that improves the accuracy of its characterization. In this study, DOM in brackish water was clearly separated and evaluated by multiple characterization analyses. The sample was divided into three fractions by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (preparative HPLC) according to molecular size. The homogeneity of each fraction was estimated by analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (FEEM). Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of each fraction. Py-GC/MS revealed that Fraction 1 consisted of evenly distributed organic matter in order polysaccharides, proteins, polyhydroxy aromatics, lignins, and lipids. However, Fraction 2 was primarily composed of dominant lipids and low portion of proteins, and Fraction 3 was composed predominantly of lignins and lipids. The LC-OCD results showed that Fractions 1 and 2 had similar organic carbon (OC) compositions: a humic substance (ca. 37%), building blocks (ca. 10%), and neutrals (ca. 37%), whereas Fraction 3 contained a high proportion of neutrals (62%). In the fouling experiments, the distinct DOM characteristics in each fraction resulted in different declining flux behaviors, ranked as: Fraction 2 〉 Fraction 1 〉 Fraction 3.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0043135418308960-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Water Research, Volume 148〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rui Luo, Miaoqing Li, Chaohai Wang, Ming Zhang, Muhammad Abdul Nasir Khan, Xiuyun Sun, Jinyou Shen, Weiqing Han, Lianjun Wang, Jiansheng Li〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The degradation of organic contaminants under high salinity condition is still a challenge for environmental remediation due to the inhibiting effect resulted from the side reactions between radicals and anions. Here, we demonstrate the non-radical oxidation process via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by metal-free carbon catalyst for efficiently decomposing bisphenol A (BPA) in saline water. The nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon (NGC700) exhibits excellent catalytic activity for depredating BPA at acid and neutral pH. Based on the scavenger experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses, the mechanism of catalytic oxidation was elucidated as the non-radical pathway, and singlet oxygen was identified as the primary reactive species. Experiments on the influence of anions (5–500 mM) further show that the inhibiting effect was overcame due to the non-radical process. Interestingly, Cl〈sup〉−〈/sup〉 markedly facilitated the catalytic performance by generating HOCl in the catalytic process. The results highlight leveraging the non-radical pathway dominated by singlet oxygen to conquer the inhibitory effect of anions in NGC700/PMS system, which represents a crucial step towards environmental remediation under high salinity condition.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0043135418309047-fx1.jpg" width="385" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, Volume 183〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ning Su, Shitao Peng, Ningning Hong〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Estimating the wind-induced responses is a crucial task in the wind-resistant design for large-span roofs. Due to the complexity of the aerodynamic and structural dynamic properties, the background and resonant effects on large-span roof structures are difficult to be estimated and understood by civil engineers. This paper defines the basic response as the quasi-static response subjected to completely coherence wind load. On this basis, conceptual analyses on the background and resonant effects are carried out. Through 18336 samples of wind tunnel data on typical flat, cantilevered, cylindrical, spherical, and saddle large-span roofs, 23940 cases of parametric wind-induced response analyses are conducted. The parametric analysis results turned out to be supportive and complementary to the conceptual analysis results. Finally, the principles and empirical formula of the background and resonant factors are summarized, which leads to better understanding of the wind-induced effects on large-span roof structures for engineers. The approach can also be used for quick estimating the equivalent static wind loads in engineering practices, especially in the preliminary design stages.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Chemosphere, Volume 216〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yaquan Liu, Xinyue Pang, Jiarui Song, Xinhe Liu, Juanjuan Song, Yongna Yuan, Chunyan Zhao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) is widely used in industry as an alternative to the decabromodiphenyl ether (BDEs). The large-scale use of DBDPE could lead to rapid growth of the human accumulation level of DBDPE. However, the biophysics of accumulation of DBDPE in cell membranes, as one of determinants of DBDPE metabolism is not clear. In the present study, detailed observations of cell lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels measurements proved that the DBDPE exposure to cell could result in significant cell membrane damage by concentration-dependent manners. The fluorescence anisotropy analysis supported the evidence that high concentration DBDPE bound decreased membrane fluidity significantly. Besides it, a detailed molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was approached to investigate the effects of DBDPE on the DPPC (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine) phospholipid bilayer, which was constructed as the model of cell membrane. The molecular dynamic simulation revealed that DBDPE molecules can easily enter the membrane from the aqueous phase. Under the concentration of a threshold, the DBDPE molecules tended to aggregate inside the DPPC bilayer and caused pore formation. The bound of high concentration of DBDPE could result in significant variations in DPPC bilayer with a less dense, more disorder and rougher layer. The knowledge about DBDPEs interactions with lipid membranes is fundamentally essential to understand the in vivo process of DBDPE and the physical basis for the toxicity of DBDPE in cell membranes.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0045653518320010-fx1.jpg" width="457" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Chemosphere, Volume 216〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yangke Long, Sifan Bu, Yixuan Huang, Yueqi Shao, Ling Xiao, Xiaowen Shi〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Metal-free carbo-catalyst has recently emerged as a promising candidate as a substituent for tradition-metal based heterogeneous catalyst for catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). However, most reported carbo-catalysts suffer from low catalytic efficiency and poor stability, thus a high-performance catalyst is urgently desired. In this study, a novel carbo-catalyst (NHPC-800), prepared by using tannic acid and dicyandiamide as renewable carbon/nitrogen feedstocks via a simple pyrolysis route, is reported as an activator of PMS with highly efficient catalytic ability and stability. The as-prepared NHPC-800 possesses as high as 22.4 atom% of nitrogen dopants and a hierarchically porous structure with abundant meso/macropores, accompanied by the abundant edges and wrinkles, which supply sufficient exposed catalytically active centers and fast electrons/mass transportations. Using rhodamine B as a model pollutant, the NHPC-800 shows a highly efficient catalytic ability which is superior to most reported carbo-catalysts and even some state-of-the-art metal catalysts. Based on competitive quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results, a non-radical pathway involving the generation of 〈sup〉1〈/sup〉O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 is responsible for the degradation of pollutants. Given that the NHPC-800 shows good recycling performance and strong resistance to adventitious interference such as anions and natural organic matters, we believe NHPC-800 can be a promising candidate for practical applications, and this study can provide inspirations for the further development of highly efficient carbo-catalysts.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0045653518320460-fx1.jpg" width="343" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Marcelo C. Andrade, Kirk O. Winemiller, Priscilla S. Barbosa, Alessia Fortunati, David Chelazzi, Alessandra Cincinelli, Tommaso Giarrizzo〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Reported here is the first evidence of plastic ingestion by freshwater fishes in the Amazon. Plastic bags, bottles, fishing gear, and other products are entering Amazonian water bodies and degrade into meso- and micro-plastic particles that may be ingested, either directly or indirectly via food chains, by fishes. Examination of stomach contents from 172 specimens of 16 serrasalmid species from lower Xingu River Basin revealed consumption of plastic particles by fishes in each of three trophic guilds (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores). Overall, about one quarter of specimens and 80% of species analyzed had ingested plastic particles ranging from 1 to 15 mm in length. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated 12 polymer types, including 27% identified as polyethylene, 13% polyvinyl chloride, 13% polyamide, 13% polypropylene, 7% poly(methyl methacrylate), 7% rayon, 7% polyethylene terephtalate, and 13% a blend of polyamide and polyethylene terephtalate. Dimensions of ingested plastic particles varied among trophic guilds, even though the frequency and mass of ingested particles were not significantly different among fishes with different feeding habits.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Lihu Liu, Qichuan Peng, Guohong Qiu, Jun Zhu, Wenfeng Tan, Chengshuai Liu, Lirong Zheng, Zhi Dang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The heavy metal ion adsorption performance of birnessite (a layer-structured manganese oxide) can be enhanced by decreasing the Mn average oxidation state (Mn AOS) and dissolution−recrystallization during electrochemical redox reactions. However, the electrochemical adsorption processes of heavy metal ions by tunnel-structured manganese oxides are still enigmatic. Here, tunnel-structured manganese oxides including pyrolusite (2.3 Å × 2.3 Å tunnel), cryptomelane (4.6 Å × 4.6 Å tunnel) and todorokite (6.9 Å × 6.9 Å tunnel) were synthesized, and their electrochemical adsorptions for Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 were performed through galvanostatic charge−discharge. The influence of both supporting ion species in the tunnel and tunnel size on the electrochemical adsorption performance was also studied. The adsorption capacity of tunnel-structured manganese oxides for Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 was remarkably enhanced by electrochemical redox reactions. Relative to K〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 in the tunnel of cryptomelane, the supporting ion H〈sup〉+〈/sup〉 was more favorable to the electrochemical adsorption of Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉. With increasing initial pH and specific surface area, the electrochemical adsorption capacity of cryptomelane increased. The cryptomelane electrode could be regenerated by galvanostatic charge−discharge in Na〈sub〉2〈/sub〉SO〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 solution. Due to the differences in their tunnel size and supporting ion species, the tunnel-structured manganese oxides follow the order of cryptomelane (192.0 mg g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) 〉 todorokite (44.8 mg g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) 〉 pyrolusite (13.5 mg g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) in their electrochemical adsorption capacities for Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cd〈sup〉2+〈/sup〉 adsorption capacities of tunnel-structured manganese oxides are remarkably improved by electrochemically controlled redox reactions.〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0269749118335310-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Pollution, Volume 244〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Minling Gao, Yu Liu, Youming Dong, Zhengguo Song〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-〈em〉n〈/em〉-butyl phthalate (DBP) are important pollutants that contaminate agricultural soils. We determined the effects of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-〈em〉n〈/em〉-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the production of reactive oxygen species, photosynthesis, and activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat planted in fluvo-aquic soils. DBP- and DEHP-induced oxidative stress decreased the values of the photosynthetic/fluorescence parameters (except for intercellular carbon dioxide concentration) and chlorophyll content at the seedling, jointing, and booting stages. Moreover, the non-stomatal factor responsible for the net decrease in photosynthetic efficiency was identified as the decrease in fluorescence resulting from the decreased amount of chlorophyll 〈em〉a〈/em〉 returning from the excited to the ground energy state. The content of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide in wheat leaves and roots increased with increasing DBP and DEHP supplementation, compared to the control. Antioxidant enzyme activities in the leaves and roots at the seedling stage increased at DBP and DEHP levels of 10 and 20 mg kg〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, respectively, and the enzyme activities at the jointing and booting stages increased with increasing concentrations of the chemicals, compared to the control. These results demonstrated that increased levels of antioxidant enzymes play a significant role in protecting plant growth under DBP and DEHP stress.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0269749118315926-fx1.jpg" width="500" alt="Image 1" title="Image 1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ishwar Chandra Yadav, Ningombam Linthoingambi Devi, Vipin Kumar Singh, Jun Li, Gan Zhang〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Under the Stockholm Convention, signatory countries are obliged to direct source inventories, find current sources, and provide ecological monitoring evidence to guarantee that the encompassing levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are declining. However, such monitoring of different types of POPs are to a great degree constrained in most developing countries including Nepal and are primarily confined to suspected source area/ densely populated regions. In this study, 9 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 2 dechlorane plus (DPs), 6 novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and 8 organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) were investigated in indoor dust from a rural area (Kopawa) in Nepal in order to evaluate their occurrence/level, profile, spatial distribution and their sources. Additionally, health risk exposure was estimated to anticipate the possible health risk to the local population. The results showed that OPFRs was the most abundant FR measured in the dust. The concentration of ∑〈sub〉8〈/sub〉OPFRs was about 2, 3 and 4 orders of magnitude higher than the ∑〈sub〉6〈/sub〉NBFRs, ∑〈sub〉9〈/sub〉PBDEs, and ∑〈sub〉2〈/sub〉DPs, respectively. Tris (methylphenyl) phosphate (TMPP) and Tris (2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) were the most abundant OPFRs analyzed in the dust; while decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) exceeded among NBFRs. Likewise, 2,2′,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′,6,6′-decabromodiphenylether (BDE-209) was the most identified chemical among PBDEs. The total organic carbon (TOC) content in dust was significantly and positively connected with octa-BDEs (〈em〉Rho〈/em〉 = 0.615, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.01), BTBPE (〈em〉Rho〈/em〉 = 0.733, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.01), TPHP (〈em〉Rho〈/em〉 = 0.621, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.01), TEHP (〈em〉Rho〈/em〉 = 0.560, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.01) and TMPPs (〈em〉Rho〈/em〉 = 0.550, 〈em〉p〈/em〉 〈 0.01), while black carbon (BC) was either weakly related or not related, suggesting little or no impact of BC in the distribution of FRs. Principal component analysis indicated the contribution from commercial penta-, octa- and deca-BDEs formulation, the adhesive substance, food packaging and paints, and degradation of BDE-209 as the essential sources of FRs. Health risk exposure estimates showed that dermal absorption via dust as the primary route of FRs intake. The estimated daily exposure of PBDEs, NBFRs and OPFRs were 2–10 orders of magnitude lower than their corresponding reference dose (RfD), suggesting insignificant risk. However, other routes such as inhalation and dietary intake might still be significant in the case of Kopawa which should be tested in future.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0147651318311011-fx1.jpg" width="249" alt="fx1" title="fx1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rahul Datta, Amandeep Kaur, Isha Saraf, Inder Pal Singh, Sanehdeep Kaur〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Secondary plant metabolites play an important role in providing protection to plants against herbivore insect pests. Keeping in view the increasing importance of biopesticides, the crude extracts from different plants are being investigated for insecticidal activities. 〈em〉Alpinia galanga〈/em〉, a medicinal plant belonging to family 〈em〉Zingiberaceae〈/em〉 exhibits a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, crude extracts of 〈em〉A. galanga〈/em〉 and its purified compounds i.e. 1′-acetoxychavicol acetate and galangin were evaluated for their effect on various nutritional parameters of 〈em〉Spodoptera litura〈/em〉 (Fab.). All the extracts exhibited a significant influence on relative growth and consumption rates as well as efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food. Ethyl acetate extract was found to be the most effective causing significant reduction in values of RGR, RCR, ECI and ECD of 〈em〉S. litura〈/em〉 larvae in comparison to control larvae. The highest concentration of the ethyl acetate extract (2500 ppm) resulted in 44.95%, 10.99%, 38.08% and 37.04% decrease respectively in RGR, RCR, ECI and ECD in comparison to control. The purified compounds also showed inhibitory effects on various nutritional parameters. 1′-Acetoxychavicol acetate was found to be more effective in comparison to galangin.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 30 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Kabiruddin Khan, Emilio Benfenati, Kunal Roy〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In the present work, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models have been developed for ecotoxicity of pharmaceuticals on four different aquatic species namely 〈em〉Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata〈/em〉, 〈em〉Daphnia magna〈/em〉, 〈em〉Oncorhynchus mykiss〈/em〉 and 〈em〉Pimephales promelas〈/em〉 using genetic algorithm (GA) for feature selection followed by Partial Least Squares regression technique according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Double cross-validation methodology was employed for selecting suitable models. Only 2D descriptors were used for capturing chemical information and model building, whereas validation of the models was performed by considering various stringent internal and external validation metrics. Interestingly, models could be developed even without using any LogP terms in contrary to the usual dependence of toxicity on lipophilicity. However, the current manuscript proposes highly robust and more predictive models employing computed logP descriptors. The applicability domain study was performed in order to set a predefined chemical zone of applicability for the obtained QSAR models, and the test compounds falling outside the domain were not taken for further analysis while making a prioritized list. An additional comparison was made with ECOSAR, an online expert system for toxicity prediction of organic pollutants, in order to prove predictability of the obtained models. The obtained robust consensus models were utilized to predict the toxicity of a large dataset of approximately 9300 drug-like molecules in order to prioritize the existing drug-like substances in accordance to their acute predicted aquatic toxicities following a scaling technique. Finally, prioritized lists of 500 most toxic chemicals obtained by respective consensus models and those predicted from ECOSAR tool have been reported.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 364〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shanshan Sun, Haizhen Wang, Yuanzhi Chen, Jun Lou, Laosheng Wu, Jianming Xu〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈em〉Mycobacterium〈/em〉 sp. WY10 was a highly effective PAHs-degrading bacterium that can degrade phenanthrene (PHE, 100 mg L〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉) completely within 60 h and 83% of pyrene (PYR, 50 mg L〈sup〉-1〈/sup〉) in 72 h. In this study, ten and eleven metabolites, respectively, were identified in PHE and PYR degradation cultures, and a detailed PHE and PYR metabolism maps were constructed based on the metabolic results. The strain WY10 degraded PHE and PYR with initial dioxygenation mainly on 3,4- and 4,5-carbon positions, respectively. Thereafter, PYR degradation entered the PHE degradation pathway via the 〈em〉ortho〈/em〉-cleavage. It was observed that the “lower pathway” of PHE and PYR degradations were different. Based on the kinetics of residual metabolites, PHE was degraded in a dominant phthalate pathway and a minor salicylate pathway. However, both phthalate and salicylate pathways played important roles on PYR degradation. The WY10 genome revealed there were fifty-three genes related to PAHs degradations, including a complete gene set for PHE and PYR degradation via the phthalate pathway. The candidate gene/ORF, BOH72_19755, encoding salicylate synthase might contribute in the salicylate pathway.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0304389418309737-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Global Ecology and Conservation, Volume 16〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Clare E. Aslan, Christina T. Liang, Aaron B. Shiels, William Haines〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉If an organism becomes rare enough that it no longer participates in certain interspecific interactions, it can be said to have become 〈em〉ecologically extinct〈/em〉, even though it is still present. This form of extinction is much less recognized than global extinctions, although it may have ramifications for ecological community function. Here, we describe a case of possible or pending ecological extinction of an endemic Hawaiian plant. We performed over 120 h of systematic flower visitation observations of the endangered Hawaiian mint, 〈em〉Stenogyne angustifolia〈/em〉, in its wild habitat. The robust size and open shape of 〈em〉S. angustifolia〈/em〉 flowers, along with their high accessibility, visibility, and nectar content, suggest that they are adapted to animal-mediated pollination. However, only one flower visitor was observed at our focal high-elevation study site: an individual of the non-native bee species 〈em〉Lasioglossum impavidum.〈/em〉 Experimental pollination treatments indicate that 〈em〉S. angustifolia〈/em〉 is self-compatible and demonstrates some autogamy, setting fruit and seed in the absence of pollinators. However, experimental additions of pollen increased fruit production, indicating that plants are pollen-limited and that lack of pollinators carries a reproductive cost for this species. Ecological communities throughout Hawaii are highly modified, and the distribution and diversity of the native pollinator community that occurred with 〈em〉S. angustifolia〈/em〉 prior to these changes are wholly unknown. Nevertheless, the lack of visitation by native pollinators and extremely rare visitation by non-native pollinators suggest that this plant is today contributing little to pollination networks in its high-elevation habitat.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy Reports, Volume 4〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yassine Charabi, Talal Al-Awadhi, B.S. Choudri〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The sultanate of Oman is a high-income country with economy dominated by hydrocarbon production accounting for 47.2% of GDP in 2014. Of the total, crude oil production contributed 43.8% to GDP while natural gas output accounted for contributed 3.4% of economic output. The sustained economic growth, urban sprawl and industrialization have maintained a continuous rising in energy demand. The consumption of oil and natural gas has doubled and tripled respectively, over the last decade. The diversification of the economy faces concerns about future energy security as conventional fossil fuel resources dwindle and its young population continues to grow rapidly. Oman faces the challenge of harmonizing its aspirations for rapid economic growth with a pressing need to address low-carbon, climate-resilient development. Internationally, Oman has voluntarily agreed to reduce GHG emissions 2% by 2030. The diversifications of the economy away from hydrocarbons requires an ambitious plan to diversify Oman’s energy mix while driving economic growth and technological innovation. Specifically, this paper focuses on providing an objective strategic pathways and regulatory choices that can serve as a starting point for policy makers when discussing how best to achieve GHG emission reductions in Oman. This study intentionally focus on the energy sector, the sector responsible for the largest share of GHG emissions in Oman.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Renewable Energy Focus, Volume 27〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Katharina Langer, Ben Wooliscroft〈/p〉 〈div〉〈p〉Germany and New Zealand are two countries with different focuses on the renewable energy section. Germany focuses on the development of wind energy, while New Zealand’s wind energy share is still low. An analysis of this different development with respect to wind energy sheds light for further political development. This paper focuses on differences and similarities between the two countries in the context of the acceptance of wind energy. We found through the use of a Multinomial Logistic regression analysis that New Zealanders report better acceptance than the German sample. The results show the perception of low frequency waves and noise, as well as knowledge, environmental attitude and experience with wind energy influence the acceptance of wind energy.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: April 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Renewable Energy, Volume 133〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yuchen Tang, John W.M. Cheng, Qinwei Duan, Cheuk Wing Lee, Jin Zhong〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The power output of solar photovoltaics (PV) may have sharp fluctuations and its impact has to be carefully evaluated before integrating significant PV facilities into the power grid. Variability of solar resources is best measured by ground-based measurements. However, distributed ground-measured solar data is not available everywhere, and it would take considerable cost and time to obtain such data. Therefore, it is important and beneficial to model and estimate the variability of distributed PV generation even with insufficient solar data at each location. This study proposes a new methodology to generate spatially-distributed synthetic PV data based on detailed ground measurements collected at a few sites. The synthetic PV data is examined with specific criteria and the feasibility for simulating spatially-distributed PV generation is verified. A case study for Hong Kong is conducted using both the real and synthetic solar data. It is demonstrated that individual PV facilities can have significant fluctuations on a minute-by-minute basis, but the fluctuations can be significantly reduced if PV facilities are more spatially-distributed. The improvement to the estimation of solar variability with the proposed method is illustrated and the significance of its applications is discussed.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 100〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Andrea Antenucci, Giovanni Sansavini〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The recycling of carbon dioxide (〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si0009.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉CO〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉) into synthetic fuels via Power-to-Gas (PtG) could represent an important instrument for achieving the complete decarbonization of the energy sector. To address such issue, this paper calculates the investments in PtG units, grid reinforcements and renewable installations that allow the almost complete recycling of the 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si0010.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉CO〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 emissions of a countrywide electric power system. Furthermore, this work evaluates the feasibility of gas and electric operations in the new system configuration. The analysis is enabled by coupled gas and electric network modelling. The necessary PtG station installations and overhead line reinforcements are identified via scenario-based cost optimization. Hourly operations of electric power plants are scheduled as a sequence of day-head security-constrained unit commitment problems. A transient gas flow model assesses the capability of the gas network to act as short- and long-term storage of synthetic gas. The developed framework is applied to the electric and gas transmission networks of Great Britain, whose investments and operations are investigated for increasing renewable capacity levels based on the 2030 Gone Green case. Results show that almost complete 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si0011.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉CO〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 recycling is achieved if the installed renewable capacity is approximately three times as large as the 2030 Gone Green estimates. The investments comprise 114 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si0012.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈mi mathvariant="italic"〉GW〈/mi〉〈/math〉 of PtG capacity and the construction of 23 electric parallel lines. Remarkably, gas network operations do not represent a limit to the storage of large amount of synthetic methane. Moreover, PtG stations are preferentially installed at locations with large RES capacity and foster large renewable penetration; only small curtailments occur even for large renewable capacity levels. These results support decision makers by quantifying the techno-economic implications of the presented extensive 〈math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si0013.gif" overflow="scroll"〉〈msub〉〈mrow〉〈mi〉CO〈/mi〉〈/mrow〉〈mrow〉〈mn〉2〈/mn〉〈/mrow〉〈/msub〉〈/math〉 recycling strategy.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 137〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): M. Aguilera, M. Medina-Suárez, J. Pinós, A. Liria-Loza, L. Benejam〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Marine debris is dispersed worldwide and has a considerable impact on biodiversity. In this study, the effect of marine debris on the time needed for hatchling loggerheads to reach the ocean once they have emerged from the nest was investigated. After a preliminary census of marine debris on different beaches of Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, a field test was carried out with four different scenarios: low density marine debris, medium density marine debris, high density marine debris, and a control scenario. The time that hatchlings required to cross the different scenarios was recorded (〈em〉n〈/em〉 = 232). The results showed that crawl times were affected by the different marine debris scenarios, with the “high density” scenario specifically showing a significant difference from the control, low density and medium density scenarios. This study provides information on the risks of marine debris for hatchling sea turtles and provides conservation recommendations to reduce this potential risk.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhiwei Xu, Gerard FitzGerald, Yuming Guo, Bin Jalaludin, Shilu Tong〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Heatwave impact on morbidity of people in rural areas has rarely been assessed in prior studies, and recently published literature has documented heatwave impact on a wide spectrum of diseases, for example, ear and eye diseases.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objectives〈/h6〉 〈p〉To examine the associations between heatwaves and cause-specific emergency department visits (EDVs) across eight communities in both urban and rural regions throughout Queensland, Australia.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Daily data on EDVs, air pollution and climatic conditions during the 1st January 2013 to the 31st December 2015 were obtained from relevant government agencies. Heatwave was defined as ≥ 95th percentile of the mean temperature for three or more consecutive days in each community. A quasi-Poisson generalized additive model with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to assess the heatwave impacts on EDVs. Random effect meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effects of heatwaves on cause-specific EDVs across the urban and rural regions as well as the whole Queensland. The causes of EDVs investigated in this study were infectious and parasitic diseases (ICD code: A00–B99), endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00–E90), mental and behavioural disorders (F00–F99), diseases of the nervous system (G00–G99), diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60–H95), diseases of the circulatory system (I00–I99), diseases of the respiratory system (J00–J99), diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00–L99), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00–M99), diseases of the genitourinary system (N00–N99), and injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00–T98).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉The meta-analysis results showed that there were significant effects of heatwaves on total EDVs and a wide-spectrum of cause-specific EDVs. For example, EDVs for endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.34), diseases of the nervous system (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17), and diseases of the genitourinary system (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00–1.09) increased substantially during heatwave days. The effect of heatwaves on total EDVs was similar for rural (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07) and urban regions (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.07).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉A wide range of diseases were sensitive to heatwave impacts. Residents in urban and rural areas were all vulnerable to heatwave impacts, calling for heat adaptation measures to be undertaken in Queensland, Australia.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 196〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Igor Shuryak〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Ionizing radiation (IR) produces multiple types of damage to nucleic acids, proteins and other crucial cellular components. Nevertheless, various microorganisms from phylogenetically distant taxa (bacteria, archaea, fungi) can resist IR levels many orders of magnitude above natural background. This intriguing phenomenon of radioresistance probably arose independently many times throughout evolution as a byproduct of selective pressures from other stresses (e.g. desiccation, UV radiation, chemical oxidants). Most of the literature on microbial radioresistance is based on acute γ-irradiation experiments performed in the laboratory, typically involving pure cultures grown under near-optimal conditions. There is much less information about the upper limits of radioresistance in the field, such as in radioactively-contaminated areas, where several radiation types (e.g. α and β, as well as γ) and other stressors (e.g. non-optimal temperature and nutrient levels, toxic chemicals, interspecific competition) act over multiple generations. Here we discuss several examples of radioresistant microbes isolated from extremely radioactive locations (e.g. Chernobyl and Mayak nuclear plant sites) and estimate the radiation dose rates they were able to tolerate. Some of these organisms (e.g. the fungus 〈em〉Cladosporium cladosporioides〈/em〉, the cyanobacterium 〈em〉Geitlerinema amphibium〈/em〉) are widely-distributed and colonize a variety of habitats. These examples suggest that resistance to chronic IR and chemical contamination is not limited to rare specialized strains from extreme environments, but can occur among common microbial taxa, perhaps due to overlap between mechanisms of resistance to IR and other stressors.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Marios Stylianou, Maria K. Björnsdotter, Per-Erik Olsson, Ingrid Ericson Jogsten, Jana Jass〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Although people are exposed daily to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), the biological consequences are poorly explored. The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are currently based on chemical analysis with a weak correlation to potential harmful effects in man and animals. In this study, we show that perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), often the most enriched PFAS in the environment, can be transferred via bacteria to higher organisms such as 〈em〉Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans〈/em〉 nematodes were exposed to PFOS directly in buffer or by feeding on bacteria pretreated with PFOS, and this led to distinct gene expression profiles. Specifically, heavy metal and heat shock associated genes were significantly, although inversely, expressed following the different PFOS exposures. The innate immunity receptor for microbial pathogens, 〈em〉clec-60〈/em〉, was shown for the first time to be down-regulated by PFOS. This is in line with a previous study indicating that PFOS is associated with children's susceptibility to certain infectious diseases. Furthermore, 〈em〉bar-1〈/em〉, a gene associated with various cancers was highly up-regulated only when 〈em〉C. elegans〈/em〉 were exposed to PFOS pretreated live bacteria. Furthermore, dead bacterial biomass had higher binding capacity for linear and isomeric PFOS than live bacteria, which correlated to the higher levels of PFOS detected in 〈em〉C. elegans〈/em〉 when fed the treated 〈em〉E. coli〈/em〉, respectively. These results reveal new aspects concerning trophic chain transport of PFOS.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S001393511830553X-fx1.jpg" width="343" alt="fx1" title="fx1"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Environmental Research, Volume 168〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Catherine M. Bulka, Victoria W. Persky, Martha L. Daviglus, Ramon A. Durazo-Arvizu, Maria Argos〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Background〈/h6〉 〈p〉Epidemiologic studies suggest toxic metals are linked with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while experimental studies indicate nutritionally essential metals are involved in the metabolism of macronutrients and defense against oxidative stress.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Objectives〈/h6〉 〈p〉We sought to evaluate how essential and toxic metals are cross-sectionally related to metabolic syndrome, a clustering of cardiometabolic conditions.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Methods〈/h6〉 〈p〉Using data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 1088), we characterized metal concentrations as measured in spot urine (arsenic, cadmium, and inorganic/elemental mercury), whole blood (manganese, lead, methylmercury, and selenium), and serum (copper and zinc) samples. Principal component analysis was performed to derive patterns of exposures. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 2009 Joint Scientific Statement as the presence of ≥ 3 of the following conditions: high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high fasting glucose, and abdominal obesity.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Results〈/h6〉 〈p〉After adjustment for potential confounders, prevalence ratios for metabolic syndrome comparing the highest to the lowest quartiles were 1.41 (95% CI: 1.18–1.67) for the arsenic-inorganic/elemental mercury pattern, 0.95 (0.78–1.16) for the methylmercury-manganese pattern, 0.73 (0.57–0.94) for the cadmium-lead pattern, 0.91 (0.76–1.10) for the copper pattern, and 1.36 (1.13–1.63) for the selenium-zinc pattern. The positive associations observed for the arsenic-inorganic/elemental mercury pattern were due to an elevated prevalence of high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides among those with greater exposures. Associations for the selenium-zinc pattern were driven by a positive relationship with high triglycerides. Greater lead-cadmium co-exposures were related to a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈div〉 〈h6〉Conclusions〈/h6〉 〈p〉These cross-sectional findings suggest both toxic and essential metal exposures may contribute to cardiometabolic health, but need to be confirmed with prospective data.〈/p〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Volume 65〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Michel André, Anaïs Pasquier, Marion Carteret〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Low emission zones are frequently envisaged as a means of decreasing air pollution in city centres. In the present study, we used video monitoring to characterize the in-use local vehicle fleet at several points in the Île-de-France region (which includes the city of Paris), enabling accurate description of the type of engine and vehicle age and emission standard, which together determine their pollutant emission levels. Local vehicle fleets differed from French national estimates, as further confirmed by a Regional Mobility Survey. Both approaches (video monitoring and mobility survey) demonstrated geographical differences in the proportions of diesel and of recent vehicles. Economically advantaged areas, with lower rates of polluting and diesel-fuelled vehicles, are thus further advantaged as regards air quality and less affected by driving restrictions. Simulation of pollutant emissions demonstrated the sensitivity of the estimates to local fleet composition. They also raised the important contributions of traffic outside the city centre, of heavy vehicles and cold starts. Knowledge of the local vehicle fleet is thus important for designing low emission zones that will be effective in terms of air pollution and equitable in terms of geographical areas.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Meenu Hans, Sachin Kumar〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Hydrogen (H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) and methane (CH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉) are the potential alternative energy carriers with autonomous extensive and viable importance. These fuels could complement the advantages, and discard the disadvantages of each other, if produced simultaneously. Considering their complementary properties, co-production of a mixture of H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and CH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 in the form of biohythane in two-stage anaerobic digestion (AD) process is gaining more interest than their individual production. Biohythane is a better transportation fuel than compressed natural gas (CNG) in terms of high range of flammability, reduced ignition temperature as well as time, without nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions, improved engine performance without specific modification, etc. Other than production of biohythane, performing two-stage AD is advantageous over one-stage AD due to short HRT, high energy recovery, high COD removal, higher H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and CH〈sub〉4〈/sub〉 yields, and reduced carbon dioxide (CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉) in biogas. For improved biohythane production, various aspects of two-stage AD need to be emphasized. Keeping the facts in mind, the process of two-stage AD along with microbial diversity in comparison to one-stage AD has been discussed in the previous sections of this review. For large scale commercial production, and utilization of biohythane in automobile sector, its execution needs evaluation of process parameters, and problems associated with two-stage AD. Hence, the later part of this review describes the production process of biohythane, concerned microbial diversity, operational process parameters, major challenges and their solutions, applications, and economic evaluation for enhanced production of biohythane.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: April 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Renewable Energy, Volume 133〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Wenguang Ding, Li He, Dinka Zewudie, Huilin Zhang, Tanjia Binte Zafar, Xinde Liu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉As interdisciplinary research, this Gender and Energy study innovatively revealed the crucial role of Tibetan women in using, saving and developing energy. We chose a typical Tibetan area named Gannan Prefecture in northwestern China, we chose three total grassland counties in Gannan; all three communities still have a nomadic lifestyle and do not have sufficient energy. After we concluded the close relationship between gender and energy in this area, we compared our research area with other Tibetan area those are located in Sichuan, Qinghai and Tibet. This comparison helped to figure out the relationship between Tibetan women and energy in China. The results showed a significant increase of total household energy consumption and the energy efficiency and the decrease of the disease rate because of using renewable energy and clean devices. It also improved women's empowerment in household energy management and promoted cultural change. However, a Tibetan woman's daily working time increased by 1 h from 15 h/day to 16 h/day. The reasons behind gender inequity include Religion influence, Social change and Industrial structure. This paper conclude the changes and attempts to analyze the internal factors, and tries to bring about some policy advice to benefit the Tibetan women.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 100〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ahmad Fudholi, Muhammad Zohri, Nurul Shahirah Binti Rukman, Nurul Syakirah Nazri, Muslizainun Mustapha, Chan Hoy Yen, Masita Mohammad, Kamaruzzaman Sopian〈/p〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper presents a review of the exergy and sustainability index of solar thermal systems. The review includes exergy analyses of solar collectors, solar drying systems and photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems. Solar collectors, the most essential components of solar thermal systems, receive solar energy and convert it into thermal energy. The PVT collector is a popular means of harvesting solar energy. A PVT collector can generate electrical and thermal energies simultaneously. Experimental and theoretical approaches for a PVT air collector with a ∇-corrugated absorber are investigated in this study. A steady-state energy analysis of the PVT air collector is performed to predict photovoltaic (PV) and air outlet temperatures. Experimental results are in close agreement with the results of the theoretical study. The percentage errors of PV and air outlet temperatures between experimental and theoretical values are 5.49% and 3.75%, respectively. The PVT exergy efficiency of the PVT air collector with a ∇-corrugated absorber is 13.36% and 12.89% for the theoretical and experimental study, respectively. Furthermore, a sustainability index is proposed. The sustainability index of the PVT air collector is 1.168 and 1.148 for the theoretical and experimental study, respectively.〈/p〉〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 6 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 49〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Minako Hosono, Kouji Sakaki, Yumiko Nakamura, Shuichi Ino〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper presents a flexible and compact rescue jack system that uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy as its pressure source. The jack system comprises a container for the hydrogen-absorbing alloy and an end effector thin enough to be applied within a 2 mm-thick gap, made of a fiber-reinforced rubber bag. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy (LaNi〈sub〉4.45〈/sub〉Co〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Mn〈sub〉0.05〈/sub〉), whose plateau pressure was set to near atmospheric pressure at 25 °C, released hydrogen gas when heated to 50 °C. Experiments showed the system could lift 100 kg at moderate speed when the alloy container was placed in hot water (50 °C). Moreover, the jack system could maintain a 50 mm lift of 100 kg for nearly 12 h—performance comparable with that of an air jack. This clearly indicates the fiber-reinforced rubber bag is a suitable end effector of the actuator. The proposed jack system has good potential for prompt rescue activities conducted by non-professional operatives.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Engineering, Volume 126〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Ashkan Talebi, Scott Bagg, Brent E. Sleep, Denis M. O'Carroll〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In recent decades, urbanization has led to more frequent flood events in urban areas. Several studies have shown the promise of green roof technology for storm water reduction. However, limited studies have assessed water retention performance of green roofs in a range of climates. To investigate the retention performance of a green roof in various Canadian climates, several cities across the country (Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Toronto, London, and Halifax) were selected. The water balance equation along with evapotranspiration (ET) models were employed to simulate runoff produced by green roofs in these six Canadian cities for two different vegetation types. A seven year simulation period was selected running from 2000 to 2006, with modeling conducted for eight months of the year using hourly time steps. The results showed that the performance of a green roof in runoff reduction depends on location, varying from 17% to 50% for low water use plants. The best performance in storm water reduction was predicted to occur in Regina and Calgary, while the poorest performance was predicted for Halifax and Vancouver. However, the average annual water retention (mm) was the highest in Toronto and London and the lowest in Vancouver, with Calgary, Regina and Halifax showing intermediate performance. Sensitivity analyses were performed for substrate depth, porosity, and wilting point to determine the importance of each for green roof performance for the different cities. The results revealed that the vegetation type had a greater impact on the water retention performance of green roofs than increases in substrate storage capacity associated with different substrate depth, porosity and wilting point over the range assumed in this study.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 15 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Ecological Engineering, Volume 125〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shixiong Cao, Zhongqi Yu, Junze Zhang, Fei Feng, Duanyang Xu, Xingmin Mu〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Environmental protection can maintain ecosystem health, improve the provision of ecosystem services, and increase human welfare. However, traditional calculations of the value of ecosystem services (VES) exclude their cost, thereby undermining plans to achieve a combination of environmental protection with sustainable socioeconomic development. To understand the difference between VES and the net value after accounting for costs (NES), we evaluated the evolution of the main ecosystem services in China. When costs are accounted for (i.e., when they are subtracted from VES), NES averaged 10.0 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 RMB·ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉·yr〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 for China as a whole (35.1% of VES), with values of 39.0 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉, −0.7 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉, 27.7 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉, and 13.0 × 10〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 RMB·ha〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉·yr〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 for wetland, grassland, farmland, and forest ecosystems, respectively. These values represent decreases of 36.4, 114.9, 52.7, and 70.6% from the corresponding VES values. To achieve sustainable development and ecological restoration, China’s government must base decisions on NES, not VES, to ensure that they account for the associated costs. Applying the present results in China and elsewhere in the world should increase the net benefits of ecological restoration while still permitting socioeconomic development.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0925857418303999-ga1.jpg" width="282" alt="Graphical abstract for this article" title=""〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 25 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 147〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jan Seiler, Franz Lanzerath, Christoph Jansen, André Bardow〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Efficient evaporation of water at low temperatures is challenging due to its low saturation pressure. As a consequence, the preferred evaporation by nucleate boiling can only be achieved at the cost of high superheats. However, low superheats can still lead to efficient evaporation by thin-film evaporation. In this work, we experimentally characterize the heat transfer for thin-film evaporation on coated copper tubes, which use capillary action to create a thin film on their surface. The overall heat transfer through the tubes is determined at all filling levels for evaporator inlet temperatures of 10, 15 and 20 °C with varied driving force. Our experiments reveal that poor coatings suffer from dry-out at high driving forces whereas tubes with good coatings remain fully wetted even at high driving force. Furthermore, we show the impact of surface properties on thin-film evaporation: high porosity, surface extension and roughness promote the creation of a thin film on the tube. Thereby, the heat transfer 〈em〉UA〈/em〉-value is increased up to a factor of 10.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 8 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 45〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Rafael Ortiz Cebolla, Eveline Weidner, William Buttner, Christian Bonato, Kevin Hartmann, Kara Schmidt〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Certification of hydrogen sensors to meet standards often prescribes using large-volume test chambers [1,2]. However, feedback from stakeholders such as sensor manufacturers and end-users indicates that chamber test methods are often viewed as too slow and expensive for routine assessment. Flow-through test methods are potentially an efficient and cost-effective alternative for sensor performance assessment. A large number of sensors can be simultaneously tested, in series or in parallel, with an appropriate flow-through test fixture. The recent development of sensors with response times of less than 1s mandates improvements in equipment and methodology to properly capture the performance of this new generation of fast sensors; flow methods are a viable approach for accurate response and recovery time determinations, but there are potential drawbacks. According to ISO 26142 [1], flow-through test methods may not properly simulate ambient applications. In chamber test methods, gas transport to the sensor is dominated by diffusion which is viewed by some users as mimicking deployment in rooms and other confined spaces. Conversely, in flow-through methods, forced flow transports the gas to the sensing element. The advective flow dynamics may induce changes in the sensor behaviour relative to the quasi-quiescent condition that may prevail in chamber test methods. The aim of the current activity in the JRC and NREL sensor laboratories [3,4] is to develop a validated flow-through apparatus and methods for hydrogen sensor performance testing. In addition to minimizing the impact on sensor behaviour induced by differences in flow dynamics, challenges associated with flow-through methods include the ability to control environmental parameters (humidity, pressure and temperature) during the test and changes in the test gas composition induced by chemical reactions with upstream sensors. Guidelines on flow-through test apparatus design and protocols for the evaluation of hydrogen sensor performance have been developed. Various commercial sensor platforms (e.g., thermal conductivity, catalytic and metal semiconductor) were used to demonstrate the advantages and issues with the flow-through methodology.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 8 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 45〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhangjun Wang, Chao Jin, Jing Sui, Cong Li, Ruizhi Yang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Perovskite oxide has attracted wild attentions as a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst family for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Here, phosphorus-doped SrCo〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Mo〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 perovskites has been prepared and evaluated as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst. X–ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that P-doping benefits the formation of more stable tetragonal phase, and the generation of more surface adsorbed oxygen species. Compared with SrCo〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Mo〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 perovskites without doping, rotating disk electrode measurements indicates that P-doped SrCo〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉Mo〈sub〉0.5〈/sub〉O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 exhibits a positively shifted half-wave potentional of 50 mV for ORR, and a reduced OER overpotential (∼58 mV) at 10 mA cm〈sup〉−2〈/sup〉 in 0.1 M KOH solution. The enhanced catalytic activities and stabilities contribute to optimized surface characteristic and stable phase structure. The work not only provides a new strategy to develop efficient bifunctional oxygen catalysts, but also enriches knowledge of perovskite oxides.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 8 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 45〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Shengchao Rui, Jin Guo, Gang Li, Changjian Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉A series of experiments are conducted to investigate the effect of vent burst pressure on stoichiometric hydrogen–air premixed flame propagation and pressure history in a 1 m〈sup〉3〈/sup〉 rectangular vessel in this paper. Pressure buildup and flame evolution are recorded using piezoelectric pressure transducers and a high-speed camera, respectively. The results show typical pressure peaks of three different mechanisms for all vent burst pressures in the experiments. The first pressure peak, generated by the rupture of the vent cover, increases with the vent failure pressure, with the subsequent outflow inertia of combustion products giving rise to a negative pressure. The second pressure peak results from the constant bulk motion of the flame bubble (the Helmholtz oscillation), and the third is produced by the interaction between the combustion waves and the acoustic waves. The time interval between the first pressure peak and the second pressure transient remained nearly constant. The Helmholtz oscillation always appears as the vent ruptures and its magnitude increases with the vent burst pressure. Furthermore, the lower the vent failure pressure, the longer the Helmholtz oscillation is sustained. The peak of the acoustically enhanced pressure always occurs within several milliseconds of the flame front touching the vessel. From a theoretical perspective, Rasbash's equation models the relationship between the maximum reduced explosion overpressure and the vent burst pressure precisely. Also, it is observed that the maximum lengths of the external flames were found to be nearly identical in all tests, but the average propagation rate of the flame front increases with the vent burst pressure. It is interesting that a phenomenon of intense oscillation of internal flame bubble was observed with the increase of vent burst pressure.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 8 November 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 45〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sheng Zhu, Pengcheng Li, Guitai Wu, Zhenyu Li, Pei Wu, Yongming Hu, Haoshuang Gu, Wanping Chen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Two kinds of Pt〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composite nanoceramics have been prepared using SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 nanoparticles and SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 agglomerate powder separately. One is of a relatively uniform and porous microstructure with a specific surface area of 8.1 m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/g, and the other is of a rather non-uniform microstructure with large SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 agglomerates and crack-like pores and a specific surface area of 6.4 m〈sup〉2〈/sup〉/g. While the samples of uniform microstructure typically show a sensitivity of 150 to 1% H〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 – 20% O〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 – N〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 in air of 50% relative humidity (RH) at room temperature, those of non-uniform microstructure surprisingly show much higher sensitivities of 850 and 450 in air of 50% and 70% RH, respectively, to the same concentration of hydrogen. The influence of humidity on the samples has been further studied and a much higher humidity tolerance has been revealed for those samples of non-uniform microstructure. All these results demonstrate a clear and unexpected advantage of a non-uniform microstructure over a uniform one in humidity tolerance for room-temperature hydrogen-sensitive Pt〈img src="https://sdfestaticassets-eu-west-1.sciencedirectassets.com/shared-assets/16/entities/sbnd"〉SnO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 composite nanoceramics.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Dustin McLarty, Nadia Panossian, Faryar Jabbari, Alberto Traverso〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Economic dispatch for micro-grids and district energy systems presents a highly constrained non-linear, mixed-integer optimization problem that scales exponentially with the number of systems. Energy storage technologies compound the mixed-integer or unit-commitment problem by necessitating simultaneous optimization over the applicable time horizon of the energy storage. The dispatch problem must be solved repeatedly and reliably to effectively minimize costs in real-world operation. This paper outlines a method that greatly reduces, and under some conditions eliminates, the mixed-integer aspect of the problem using complementary convex quadratic optimizations. The generalized method applies to grid-connected or islanded district energy systems comprised of any variety of electric or combined heat and power generators, electric chillers, heaters, and all varieties of energy storage systems. It incorporates constraints for generator operating bounds, ramping limitations, and energy storage inefficiencies. An open-source platform, EAGERS, implements and investigates this optimization method. Results demonstrate a 〉99% reduction in computational effort when comparing the newly minted optimization strategy against a benchmark commercial mixed-integer solver applied to the same combined cooling, heating, and power problem.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): F. Giacalone, C. Olkis, G. Santori, A. Cipollina, S. Brandani, G. Micale〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Closed-loop Reverse Electrodialysis is a novel technology to directly convert low-grade heat into electricity. It consists of a reverse electrodialysis (RED) unit where electricity is produced exploiting the salinity gradient between two salt-water solutions, coupled with a regeneration unit where waste-heat is used to treat the solutions exiting from the RED unit and restore their initial composition. One of the most important advantages of closed-loop systems compared to the open systems is the possibility to select ad-hoc salt solutions to achieve high efficiencies. Therefore, the properties of the salt solutions are essential to assess the performance of the energy generation and solution regeneration processes. The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of thermodynamic properties of non-conventional salt solutions (i.e. other than NaCl-aqueous solutions) and their influence on the operation of the closed-loop RED. New data for caesium and potassium acetate salts, i.e. osmotic and activity coefficients in aqueous solutions, at temperature between 20 and 90 °C are reported as a function of molality. The data are correlated using Pitzer's model, which is then used to assess the theoretical performance of the whole closed-loop RED system considering both single and multi-stage regeneration units. Results indicate that KAc, CsAc and LiCl are the most promising salts among those screened.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Giacomo Butera, Søren Højgaard Jensen, Lasse Røngaard Clausen〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉The ongoing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions entails increased use of intermittent renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar. This raises the need for cost-effective and efficient electricity storage. In particular seasonal variations in supply and demand will require tremendous storage capacity. In this paper we present a truly large-scale electricity storage system which uses pressurized reversible solid oxide cells combined with catalytic reactors to store electricity as synthetic natural gas. By storing the produced gas in existing natural gas grids the system can create a strong and efficient link between the electricity and gas markets. In addition, the system is able to operate reversibly using gas from the grid to satisfy the electric power demand.〈/p〉 〈p〉The system performance is analyzed with a component-based thermodynamic modeling tool which shows that electricity can be stored as synthetic natural gas with an energy efficiency of 89%. The gas to electricity efficiency is equally high, resulting in a round-trip storage efficiency of 80% (DC-to-DC).〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yi Liang, Dongxiao Niu, Wei-Chiang Hong〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Along with the deregulation of electric power market as well as aggregation of renewable resources, short term load forecasting (STLF) has become more and more momentous. However, it is a hard task due to various influential factors that leads to volatility and instability of the series. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid model which combines empirical mode decomposition (EMD), minimal redundancy maximal relevance (mRMR), general regression neural network (GRNN) with fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA), namely EMD-mRMR-FOA-GRNN. The original load series is firstly decomposed into a quantity of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residue with different frequency so as to weaken the volatility of the series influenced by complicated factors. Then, mRMR is employed to obtain the best feature set through the correlation analysis between each IMF and the features including day types, temperature, meteorology conditions and so on. Finally, FOA is utilized to optimize the smoothing factor in GRNN. The ultimate forecasted load can be derived from the summation of the predicted results for all IMFs. To validate the proposed technique, load data in Langfang, China are provided. The results demonstrate that EMD-mRMR-FOA-GRNN is a promising approach in terms of STLF.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 6 December 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 43, Issue 49〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Zhaomin Wang, Lu Yu, Limin Chang, Limin Wang, Yong Cheng〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Owing to its high capacity of 994 mAh g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉, low cost, and environmental friendliness, tin (Sn) is considered as an advanced anode material for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, a facile strategy to fabricate core-shell structured Sn@NC composites with one-step and large-scale production is introduced in a liquid-phase reaction under room temperature. When used as anode materials for LIBs, the optimal Sn@NC composite delivers a high reversible discharge capacity of 761.2 and 476 mAh g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 at a current density of 200 and 1000 mA g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 after 200 cycles, respectively. A high capacity of 328.3 mAh g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉 can also be obtained even at a current density of 2000 mA g〈sup〉−1〈/sup〉. The excellent cycling stability and rate performance of the composite can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the nanometer size of Sn powder and porous structure of the carbon shell, both of which can effectively reduce the absolute volume change of electrode during the repeated charge-discharge cycles, and thus lead to excellent electrochemical performances at both rate capability and cycling life.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: Available online 30 October 2018〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 International Journal of Hydrogen Energy〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Fawzi A.M. Elhamshri, Muhammet Kayfeci〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Heat transfer in metal hydride bed significantly affects the performance of metal hydride reactors (MHRs). Enhancing heat transfer within the reaction bed improves the hydriding rate. This study presents performance analysis in terms of storage capacity and time of three different cylindrical MHR configurations using storage media LaNi〈sub〉5〈/sub〉: a) reactor cooled with natural convection, b) reactor with a heat pipe on the central axis, c) reactor with finned heat pipe. This study shows the impact of using heat pipes and fins for enhancing heat transfer in MHRs at varying hydrogen supply pressures (2–15 bar). At any absorption temperature, hydrogen absorption rate and hydrogen storage capacity increase with the supply pressure. Results show that using a heat pipe improves hydrogen absorption rate. It was found that finned heat pipe has a significant effect on the hydrogen charge time, which reduced by approximately 75% at 10 bar hydrogen supply pressure.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 20 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 652〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hung Vuong Pham, Silvia Torresan, Andrea Critto, Antonio Marcomini〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉Freshwater ecosystem services are negatively affected by factors such as climate change (e.g. changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea level rise) and human interventions (e.g. agriculture practices, impoundment of dams, and land use/land cover change). Moreover, the potential synergic impacts of these factors on ecosystems are unevenly distributed, depending on geographical, climatic and socio-economic conditions. The paper aims to review the complex effects of climatic and non-climatic drivers on the supply and demand of freshwater ecosystem services. Based on the literature, we proposed a conceptual framework and a set of indicators for assessing the above-mentioned impacts due to global change, i.e. climate change and human activities. Then, we checked their applicability to the provisioning services of two well-known case studies, namely the Po River basin (Italy) and the Red River basin (Vietnam).〈/p〉 〈p〉To define the framework and the indicators, we selected the most relevant papers and reports; identified the major drivers and the most relevant services; and finally summarized the fundamental effects of these drivers on those services. We concluded that the proposed framework was applicable to the analyzed case studies, but it was not straightforward to consider all the indicators since ecosystem services were not explicitly considered as key assessment endpoints in these areas. Additionally, the supply of ecosystem services was found to draw much more attention than their demand. Finally, we highlighted the importance of defining a common and consistent terminology and classification of drivers, services, and effects to reduce mismatches among ecosystem services when conducting a risk assessment.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969718341998-ga1.jpg" width="500" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 20 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 652〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jizhi Wang, Yuanqin Yang, Yangmei Zhang, Tao Niu, Xiaofei Jiang, Yaqiang Wang, Huizheng Che〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Ozone (O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉) pollution in the troposphere, especially at the surface layer, has become a focus of attention in recent years. High O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentration events tend to occur frequently in north China, Yangtze, the Pearl River Delta, and the Sichuan Basin, among others. Studies on the meteorological contribution to O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 in the troposphere have become a new direction for the scientific community. This research intends to explore how meteorological conditions contribute to O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 pollution in all seasons on the basis of further studies of the PLAM index. Our findings are as follows. (1) In pollution-sensitive areas, following a height uplift in the pollution mixing layer (H_PML), NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 concentration decreases initially, followed by an explosive increase (EI) in O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentration after sunrise. (2) This process varies significantly by season and area. (3) According to an analysis of the meteorological conditions causing rises in O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentration within a few hours after sunrise, the initial decrease–subsequent increase in NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 versus O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentration satisfies the law of exponent power rule, according to which seasonal and regional differences in coastal and inland areas depend on coefficients 〈em〉α〈/em〉 and 〈em〉β〈/em〉. The explosive increase in O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentration, decrease in NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 concentration, and characteristics of their diurnal cycles are also discussed. (4) Under the meteorological condition of static stability, below the static and stable cover, the H_PML of the polluted mixed layer consistently indicates the reciprocating cycle of day uplift and night pressure. The effect of air pump suction on the pollutant is an important mechanism of large-scale pollution in the study area under the condition of static and stable cover. (5) The influencing mechanism of meteorological conditions in the diurnal H_PML cycle aids in improving the understanding of O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉 concentration increases in the troposphere.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S004896971834124X-ga1.jpg" width="275" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 25 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 653〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Liwei Sun, Linqi Gu, Hana Tan, Pan Liu, Gan Gao, Li Tian, Hui Chen, Tao Lu, Haifeng Qian, Zhengwei Fu, Xiangliang Pan〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉The ability to restore tissue function and morphology after injury is a key advantage of many fish for a greater chance of survival. The tissue regeneration process is regulated by multiple pathways, and it can therefore be hypothesized that environmental contaminants targeting components of these signaling pathways, may disrupt the fish's capability to repair or regenerate. This could lead to higher mortality and eventually even to a decline in populations. In this study, the effects of 17α‑ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen, were assessed on the regenerative capacity of larval zebrafish. Zebrafish aged 2 hour post fertilization (hpf) were exposed to 1, 10, or 100 ng/L EE2, and the caudal fins were amputated at 72 hpf. It was found that EE2 exposure significantly inhibited fin regeneration and changed locomotor behavior. The transcription levels for most of the genes involved in the signaling networks regulating the fin regeneration, such as 〈em〉axin2〈/em〉, 〈em〉fgfr1〈/em〉, 〈em〉bmp2b〈/em〉 and 〈em〉igf2b〈/em〉, were down-regulated in the amputated fish in response to EE2 exposure, which was in contrast to their increased patterns in the vehicle-exposed control fish. Additionally, the mRNA levels of several immune-related genes, such as 〈em〉il〈/em〉-〈em〉1β〈/em〉, 〈em〉il〈/em〉-〈em〉6〈/em〉, 〈em〉il〈/em〉-〈em〉10〈/em〉 and 〈em〉nf〈/em〉-〈em〉κb2〈/em〉, were significantly decreased after EE2 exposure, accompanied by a lower density of neutrophils migrated into the wound site. In conclusion, the present study indicated for the first time that estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDCs) could inhibit the regenerative capacity of zebrafish, and this effect was speculated to be mediated through the alteration in regeneration-related signaling pathways and immune competence. This work expands our knowledge of the potential effects of EEDCs on injured aquatic organisms, and highlights the ecotoxicological significance of relationships between regenerative process and endocrine system. This study also implies the potential application of fin regeneration assay for assessing immunotoxicity in ecotoxicological risk assessment.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969718341718-ga1.jpg" width="259" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 20 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 652〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Alessio Cislaghi, Gian Battista Bischetti〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉 〈p〉In mountainous-forested landscape, quantifying the materials produced at hillslope scale that effectively reach the channel network with a given probability is currently challenging, due to the uncertainties in modelling the frequency-magnitude distribution of failures and in determining the sediment connectivity between unstable areas and channel network.〈/p〉 〈p〉The purpose of this study is to develop a modular approach to assess the sediment source areas and the probability of mobilization from hillslope, and to estimate the probability of sediment input to the streams proposing a new connectivity index.〈/p〉 〈p〉The first goal was faced adopting a 3D probabilistic slope stability method that includes the spatially distributed characteristics of forest coverage. The second aim was tackled by comparing sediment travel distance and the minimum-topographic distance to reach the nearest stream. A simple deposition model was applied to estimate the percentage of the sediment entering into the stream network.〈/p〉 〈p〉The methodology was tested on three headwater catchments in northern Italian Alps. The outputs were landslide susceptibility maps, which showed robust performances when compared to the available landslide inventories (AUC 〉 0.726), and maps of the probability that sediment reaches the channel network. In this way, it was possible to identify which areas are the most susceptible to landsliding, how many sediment materials can be mobilised with a given probability, and which is the degree of sediment connectivity with the channel system. Results obtained for the tested catchments, compared with data available from the literature, showed that the proposed methodology is of general validity, especially for those territories characterized by rainfall-triggered landslides and forest coverage.〈/p〉 〈p〉This study, then, provides a robust framework to improve debris-flow risk management and to implement watershed management strategies, such as planning forestry operations or positioning retention structures addressed to increase slope stability and to reduce sediment delivery.〈/p〉 〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969718342153-ga1.jpg" width="271" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 20 February 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Science of The Total Environment, Volume 652〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Maryam Dastoorpoor, Zohreh Sekhavatpour, Kambiz Masoumi, Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Hamidreza Aghababaeian, Narges Khanjani, Bayram Hashemzadeh, Mostafa Vahedian〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between air pollution and cardiovascular hospital admissions in Ahwaz, Iran. Daily information about cardiovascular hospital admissions (based on the ICD-10) and data on air pollutants during 2008–2018 were inquired. A quasi-Poisson regression combined with linear distributed lag models; adjusted for trend, seasonality, temperature, relative humidity, weekdays and holidays was used to assess the relation between hospital admission for cardiovascular diseases and the average daily air pollution. The results of this study showed a significant increase in cardiovascular hospital admissions in the total population and women's population in relation to O〈sub〉3〈/sub〉. There was a significant increase in hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in the whole population as well as gender and age groups associated with NO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 and NO. A significant increase was found in hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in relation to CO in the 65–74-year-old population. Finally, the results of this study showed that there was a significant increase in hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease associated with SO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉. The main results of the present study confirm the deleterious short term impact of air pollution on cardiovascular morbidity in Ahvaz city. This evidence empasizes the need to implement policies for reducing air pollution.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Graphical abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉〈figure〉〈img src="https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0048969718341810-ga1.jpg" width="301" alt="Unlabelled Image" title="Unlabelled Image"〉〈/figure〉〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 25 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 147〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Jianxin Xu, Qingtai Xiao, Zhihan Lv, Junwei Huang, Ruoxiu Xiao, Jianxin Pan, Hua Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉We propose a new method to measure uniformity of gas-liquid mixing in a direct-contact heat exchanger by moment balance and image analysis. A mapping technique is developed to project the pixels distribution from binary image to 3D domain. We present a rigorous theoretical base of the applied method based on moments and equilibrium theory. An inclination angle with direction is derived to characterize the imbalanced structure caused by heterogeneity of mass distribution, which is used to quantify the global uniformity of spatial distribution of mixtures in any irregular area. A characteristic curve obtained by local inclination angles can be used to test the homogeneous, heterogeneous and pseudo-homogeneous mixtures, leading to a useful parameter to quantify the mixing effects. The uniformity obtained by similar patterns are compared with existing methods. The experimental results show a good fitting curve between mixing effects and heat transfer performance. This test could also be applied for studying a variety of multiphase mixing problems in which assessment of uniformity is required.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Yalian Yang, Huanxin Pei, Xiaosong Hu, Yonggang Liu, Cong Hou, Dongpu Cao〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Fuel economy of hybrid vehicles is affected by their powertrain configurations, powertrain parameters, and energy management strategies. It is most beneficial to optimizing all the three factors simultaneously. However, when the design search space is large, an exhaustive, optimal control strategy, such as dynamic programming (DP), is too computationally expensive. Hence, a faster optimization method with higher computational efficiency and acceptable accuracy is required. Based on the DP approach, an approximate optimization method, called rapid dynamic programming (Rapid-DP), is developed and discussed in this paper. This method effectively reduces the decision-making time (the time can be reduced by a factor of 700, compared to the DP approach) for optimal control. The optimization processes and results are described and then compared with the original DP and PEARS + methods under two different driving cycles: FTP72 and HWFET. In conjunction with particle swarm optimization (PSO), the rapid-DP is leveraged, for the first time, to optimize key powertrain parameters for power split hybrid electric vehicles. Based on two power-split hybrids: Toyota Prius and Prius++, the joint optimization approach is exploited to examine vehicular fuel savings attributed to synergistic parameters optimization and operating-mode increase. The multi-mode configuration with optimal component parameters is demonstrated to be most fuel-efficient, with 6.56% and 3.15% fuel reductions under FTP72 and HWFET cycles, respectively, with respect to the original Prius 2010.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Julian David Hunt, Edward Byers, Antonio Santos Sánchez〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉In tropical climates, the energy consumed by ventilation and air conditioning can exceed 50% of the total consumption of a building. Demand for cooling is rising steadily, driven mainly by growing incomes in developing economies, and is expected to also increase with climate change. Tropical, coastal areas with narrow continental shelves are good sites for the implementation of Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC), a renewable and low CO〈sub〉2〈/sub〉 emission cooling process. This paper presents the existing SWAC projects around the world and gives details on the technology. Data on ocean temperature profiles, ocean bathymetry and world surface temperature are processed with the intent of estimating the world potential of SWAC. The results present the required distance from coast to reach seawater with a temperature of 5 °C or less. This is combined with the potential demand for air conditioning, taking into account surface air temperature and a set SWAC design for cooling from 30 to 20 °C. The pipeline length, seawater depth and capacity factor are then used to estimate the costs of SWAC projects around the world. It is concluded that the locations with the highest potential for SWAC are intertropical islands and some continental locations.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Sreten Davidov, Miloš Pantoš〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉This paper presents a significantly improved optimization model for the planning of the charging infrastructure for electric-drive vehicles, where the optimization objective function is the minimization of overall (installation, maintenance, operation) placement costs of charging stations with regards to a charging technology. The constraints involve the electric power system reliability check, ensuring charging reliability and the required quality of service of the charging infrastructure. In ensuring the charging reliability, at least one candidate location must be selected within the driving range of electric vehicles and suitable charging technologies placed to accommodate the disposable charging times of electric vehicle users for the requested quality of service. The proposed optimization model presents an upgrade of an existing optimization formulation since it includes a power system reliability check based on a DC power flow model. To show the general applicability and significance of the model, a test 10 × 10 grid road network and a standard six-bus test power system are considered. Numeric results illustrate the optimal charging stations placement layout and overall costs placement for different driving ranges and the required quality of service level by including a power system reliability check, to serve both the charging infrastructure investors and electric power system operators.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Hongbin Ren, Yuzhuang Zhao, Sizhong Chen, Taipeng Wang〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉the power delivery performance of series and parallel strings connected battery modules or packs is restricted by the worst cells in the string. Each cell has a slightly different capacity and terminal voltage due to manufacturing tolerances and operating conditions. The cell strings tend to loss balance during charging and discharging process. The motivation of this paper is to develop a battery management system (BMS) to monitor and control the temperature, state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) et al. and to increase the efficiency of rechargeable batteries. An active energy balancing system for Lithium-ion battery pack is designed based on the online SOC and SOH estimation. The remainder capacity of the battery is estimated by measuring the terminal voltage for each cell, and the balance system will be triggered when the difference between the SOC of one cell and the average SOC is more or less than a predefined threshold in order to minimize the output voltage ripple. The simulation results indicate that the designed BMS can precisely synchronize the SOC while minimizing the output voltage ripple.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉

Description: 〈p〉Publication date: 1 January 2019〈/p〉 〈p〉〈b〉Source:〈/b〉 Energy, Volume 166〈/p〉 〈p〉Author(s): Oliver Ruhnau, Sergej Bannik, Sydney Otten, Aaron Praktiknjo, Martin Robinius〈/p〉 〈div xml:lang="en"〉 〈h5〉Abstract〈/h5〉 〈div〉〈p〉Energy scenarios provide guidance to energy policy, not least by presenting decarbonisation pathways for climate change mitigation. We review such scenarios for the example of Germany 2050, with a focus on the decarbonisation of heat generation and road transport. In this context, we characterize the role of renewable electricity and contrast two rivalling narratives: direct and indirect electrification. On the one hand, electricity directly provides heat and transport, using electric heat pumps, electric heaters, and battery electric vehicles. On the other hand, electricity, heat, and transport are indirectly linked, using gas heat pumps, gas heaters, fuel cell electric vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles, in combination with power-to-gas and power-to-liquid processes. To reach climate policy targets, our findings imply that energy stakeholders must (1) plan for the significant additional demand for renewable electricity for heat and road transport, (2) pave the way for system-friendly direct heat electrification, (3) be aware of technological uncertainties in the transport sector, (4) clarify the vision for decarbonisation, particularly for road transport, and (5) use holistic and more comparable scenario frameworks.〈/p〉〈/div〉 〈/div〉