Mossbauer spectroscopy of iron in the Luna 20 regolith

Results of the Mossbauer effect measurements on Fe-57 in the average sample of the Luna 20 regolith, and their comparison with similar measurements of the Luna 16 samples are presented. Room temperature measurements of the nonmagnetic as well as magnetic components of the spectra were performed. By careful least-squares analysis, six quadrupole doublets in the inner parts of spectra were resolved. According to their splittings, they were interpreted as four types of iron in silicates (olivine, two inequivalent pyroxene sites, and a glassy fraction) and two types of nonmagnetic iron-titanium oxides (ilmenite and a spinel). Velocity-window measurements, were used to determine the average nickel content of (2.01 plus or minus 0.84) wt. %. These results are discussed in terms of distribution of iron among different phases. In comparison with the Luna 16 sample, the Luna 20 sample contains more olivine and less ilmenite as well as metal with a slightly higher nickel content

Związki organiczne pochodzenia naturalnego w osadach z oczyszczalni ścieków

Organic compounds of natural origin were analyzed in three types of sludge produced by waste water treatment plant – limed sludge with 12 % of CaO, limed sludge with 6% of CaO and sludge without processing. Analysis was performed by pyrolytic gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (Py-GC/MS). The main component pf natural origin in waste-water treatment sludge were determined. They comprise compounds form the following groups: fatty acids and their methylesters, steroids, substances derived from polysaccharides, substances derived from lignin, compounds with nitrogen (both heterocyclic and aliphatic), substances with so called non-specific origin (toluene, styrene, acetic acid, methylphenols and phenols). Interpretation was attempted for identification of organic compounds sources as well as determination of humification and mineralization degree. The ratio benzene/toluene was used as the criterion for humification in waste-water treatment sludge. Benzene is derived from degradation of condensed aromatic structure, toluene is derived from both condensed aromatic structures and pseudostable organic matter. The ratio furfural/pyrolle was used of expression of mineralization degree of organic matter. Furfural is a product of labile organic matter (saccharides) while pyrolle originates from stable organic matter (humified components containing nitrogen). Compared with non-limed sludges, limed sludges have higher rate of decomposition of organic matter as well as subsequent mineralization. Limed sludges accumulate more compounds derived from lignine which is caused by more intensive decomposition of polysaccharides. From the point of view of utilization in agriculture, limed sludge is the most suitable sludge produced by waste-water treatment.Przeanalizowano związki organiczne pochodzenia naturalnego w trzech typach osadów wytwarzanych przez oczyszczalnie ścieków - szlam wapnowany zawierający 12% CaO, szlam wapnowany z 6% CaO i osady nieprzetworzone. Analizę przeprowadzono za pomocą pirolitycznej chromatografii gazowej ze spektrometrią masową (Py-GC / MS). Określono główne składniki pochodzenia naturalnego w osadach z oczyszczalni ścieków. Stanowią one związki z następujących grup: kwasy tłuszczowe oraz ich estry metylowe, steroidy, substancje pochodzących z polisacharydów, substancje pochodzące z ligniny, związki z azotem (zarówno heterocyklicze i alifatyczne), substancje o tzw. niespecyficznym pochodzeniu (toluen, styren, kwas octowy, metylofenole i fenole). Przedstawiono próbę identyfikacji źródeł związków organicznych, a także określenia stopnia humifikacji i mineralizacji. Stosunek benzenu do toluenu stosuje się w osadach z oczyszczalni ścieków jako kryterium humifikacji. Benzen jest pochodną z degradacji skondensowanej struktury aromatycznej, toluen pochodzi zarówno ze skondensowanych struktur aromatycznych jak i z pseudostabilnej materii organicznej. Stosunek furfural/pyrol użyto w celu ekspresji stopnia mineralizacji materii organicznej. Furfural jest produktem nietrwałej substancji organicznej (sacharydy), a pyrol pochodzi ze stabilnej materii organicznej (nawilżonych składników zawierających azot). W porównaniu z niewapnowanymi osadami, osady wapnowane mają wyższy wskaźnik rozkładu materii organicznej, jak i późniejszej mineralizacji. Wapnowane osady gromadzą więcej związków pochodzących z ligniny co jest spowodowane bardziej intensywnym rozkładem polisacharydów. Z punktu widzenia wykorzystania w rolnictwie, szlam wapnowany jest najbardziej odpowiednim osadem wytwarzanym przez oczyszczalnie ścieków

Geochemistry of trace elements in fly ashes from lignite fired power stations

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest omówienie zachowania się pierwiastków śladowych w popiele lotnym otrzymanym z ośmiu elektrowni, które wykorzystują węgiel brunatny i stosują kotły tego samego typu. Zachowanie się pierwiastków śladowych w popiele lotnym zostało określone metodą spektroskopii fluorescencji rentgenowskiej. Przeprowadzono dwie analizy w każdym roku, a średnia tych dwóch wartości została wykorzystana do oszacowania zmian zawartości pierwiastków śladowych w popiele lotnym w czasie. Wartości współczynnika korelacji obliczono w odniesieniu do średnich dla poszczególnych elektrowni.The aim of this article is to discuss the behaviour of trace elements in fly ashes obtained from eight power plants which utilize lignite in boilers of the same type. Behaviour of trace elements in fly ashes was studied by means of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Two analyses were performed per year, and median of these two values was used for evaluation of changes in the time series of trace element concentrations in fly ashes. The values of correlation coefficient were calculated from corresponding medians for individual power plants

Water Pollution Abatement Programme, The Czech Repuhlic Project 3.4 Environmental Improvement of Areas Polluted by Metal Ore Mining

The report discusses water pollution from mining in the Zlate Hory area in tbe Czech Republic. The Zlate Hory Mining District is tbe largest mineral deposit of base metals in this country , and tbe results obtained in this study will be of practical value for tbe solution of similar problems in other parts of tbe Czech Republic. The creeks draining the mining areas (Castle Creek and Golden Creek) are both polluted with heavy meta1s. In Castle creek the concentration is 8000 µg/l zinc and 7oo µg/l copper. Most of the water from polluted areas draining to Golden Creek is treated by liming and sedimentation. The concentration in this creek is still 700 µg/l zinc and 20 µg/l copper downstream the town of Zlate Hory. There is little fish and on1y some pollution-resistant organisms present in this part of the Golden Creek. The report is based both on co-operate field work between NIVA and The Mining University, and on the results from the monitoring programme of Povodi Odry.The results from the work from different institutions are in good accordance. It is recommended that possible pollution sources in the town of Zlate Hory and in other parts of tbe area are given more attention

Geochemiczny popiół ze spalania traw energetycznych

The ash obtained by combustion of energy grasses (five cultivars, three hybrids and clover-grass mixture) was studied by mineralogical and geochemical methods. X-ray diffraction was used for mineralogical phase analysis, electron microprobe for analysis of chemical composition of ash particles. Ash melting temperatures were determined and discussed in relationship to phosphorus concentrations.Popiół uzyskany ze spalania traw energetycznych (pięciu odmian, trzech mieszańców i mieszaniny trawy i koniczyny) badano metodami mineralogicznymi i geochemicznymi. Metodą dyfrakcji rentgenowskiej fazy mineralogicznej, do analizy składu chemicznego cząstek popiołu wykorzystano mikrosondę elektronową. Określono temperaturę topnienia popiołu i wykazano jej zależność od zawartości fosforu

Project 3.2. Model reclamation of a stream in the protected area Poodri. Project report for phase I and programme of work for phase II

A model stream in the Poodri area was selected on the basis of information on Poodri and its tributaries, including NIVA excursions to the protected area accompanied by Czech researchers. A proposal was prepared for reclamation of the model stream Bilovka, and a physical/chemical and biological monitoring programme was planned for the reclamation period.The Norwegian Ministry of Environment (MD

Microwave-enhanced synthesis of biodegradable multifunctional chitosan hydrogels for wastewater treatment

Chitosan, a derivative of chitin, is a biodegradable polymer known of its favorable properties, applicable in medicine and industry. Commonly obtained chitosan hydrogels are of various swelling capacity, and may bind only anions losing their susceptibility to biodegradation. Hydrogels are mostly obtained using toxic crosslinkers, which pollute environment due to waste generation during their synthesis. In the present article a novel, waste-free method for obtaining chitosan hydrogels under microwave irradiation, is described. Their chemical and morphological structure, swelling properties, sorption capability of a model dye and cadmium ions are described, and kinetic studies, were carried out. Biodegradability of the obtained hydrogels was investigated with the Sturm Test method. As a result, multifunctional chitosan hydrogels with both negative and positive surface charges and increased ability of anions and cations binding, were obtained. Materials were fully biodegradable, capable to absorb high amounts of water, as well as to remove various water contaminants

Water pollution abatement programme. The Czech Republic. Project 4.2. Assessing critical loads of acidity to surface waters in The Czech Republic. Critical loads of acidity to surface waters, Northern Moravia and Silesia, the Czech republic

Critical loads of acidity to surface waters and exceedance of critical load were estimated for Northern Moravia and Silesia in The Czech Republic. High critical loads were calculated for the examined region. Critical loads for soils are lower than those of surface waters in parts of the examined region. No area of examined region showed exceedance of critical load of surface waters. The studies will continue in Northern Bohemia in 199

A comprehensive assessment of potential hazard caused by organic compounds in biochar for agricultural use

Great attention has been paid to using biochar as soil conditioner and bio-accumulator. Nevertheless, biochar application in agriculture might cause a potential hazard to ecosystems, considering that toxic organic pollutants present in biochar may enter the environment. European Biochar Certificate (EBC) set certain criteria for biochar production. Achieving the EBC established values of the molar ratio of H/Corg 0.1, inhibition of Sinapis alba <30% was observed with OC/EC < 0.02. To achieve Sinapis alba inhibition <20%, these parameters should be met: volatile matter (VM) <30%; concentration of OC < 4%; aromaticity ratio AL/AR < 0.35

Environmental risks related to organic compounds from the combustion of paper briquettes in domestic boilers

Environmental risks connected with the combustion of paper/cardboard briquettes are still not sufficiently known. This paper aims to bring attention to the risks related to the utilisation of paper briquettes in local boilers and to characterise these risks by means of the identification of organic compounds in deposits from exhaust flues. The identification of the chemical compounds was performed by pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Paper/cardboard briquettes contain 119 compounds of biogenic origin derived from major biomass components and 53 additives. Additives are used both for improving the properties of paper and in printing inks. By burning the paper briquettes, the same 53 compounds from the additive group were caught in the deposits from the flue gas pathway, occurring in the range of 1–10% of the concentration of individual compounds (additives) contained in the input fuel. Compounds that are very stable during the combustion process have an enrichment factor (EF) > 30, which corresponded to approximately 3% of the additive capture in deposits. The highest values were found for plasticisers (phthalates). Many of the primary organic compounds contained in the input raw material do not decompose during combustion and can have adverse effects on human health