Optimization of facade design based on the impact of interior obstructions to daylighting

Overcrowding in the perimeter zone is an inevitable issue in residential rooms with limited space. Obstructions, such as furniture and household items, may block the existing windows, and therefore affect interior daylight conditions. A facade design approach is needed that simultaneously takes into account daylighting and the volume of usable space for obstructions in the perimeter zone of such rooms. This study simulates daylight distributions in a typical small residential room with obstructions in front of windows. The simulation consists of two parts. First, the effects on horizontal illuminances caused by different positions and shapes of obstructions are examined under an overcast sky. Second, the maximum usable space volumes for obstructions of 51 optimized facade configurations are calculated in terms of four window-to-wall ratios (WWRs). The results of this study show that optimizing the forms of facade design can increase the usable interior space volume and meet the daylighting requirements of Chinese standards for small residential rooms. Additionally, by using the optimized facade forms, a facade with a WWR value of 50% provides the maximum usable space for obstructions. Based on the above results, this paper presents two matrices that can help architects in selecting the appropriate fenestration methods and confirming the size of usable space and allocation for residents

Environmental change in Jiaozhou Bay recorded by nutrient components in sediments

Inorganic or bulk organic chemical indicators, including organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, organic nitrogen (ON), fixed ammonium (N-fix), exchangeable ammonium, exchangeable nitrate, organic phosphorus (OP), inorganic phosphorus (IP), and biogenic silica (BSi), were examined in a 3-m core collected in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB) to decipher how the environment has changed during the preceding two centuries of increasing anthropogenic influence in this region. Concentrations of BSi, OC, and OP reveal overall increases to ca.30 cm (similar to 1984), then decreased toward the surface, probably reflecting a decrease in the productivity of overlying waters since 1984. Aquaculture might play an important role in the decrease of nutrient elements in the upper layers recorded in sediments. The decreased molar BSi/OC ratios upcore may be due to a change in dominance from large- to small-sized diatoms, as shown in other research. However, the shift may also be related to changes from heavily-silicified to lightly-silicified diatoms or to non-siliceous forms such as dinoflagellates. ON concentrations increased towards the surface sediment, which is most likely consistent with the increase in fertilizer application and wastewater discharge. Concentrations of IP, total P. and Nfix all decreased conspicuously upcore at 41 cm depth (similar to 1977), and were largely consistent with the decrease in rainfall and freshwater discharge to JZB. Our data suggest that the environment has significantly changed since the 1980s. Anthropogenic activities in the watersheds may exert a substantial influence on carbon cycling processes in estuaries and potentially the coastal ocean. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Exploration of optimal disinfection model based on groundwater risk assessment in disinfection process

Under the influence of different types of disinfectants and disinfection environments, the removal level of pathogens and the formation potential of disinfection by-products (DBPs) will have a dual impact on the groundwater environment. The key points for sustainable groundwater safety management are how to balance the positive and negative relationship and formulate a scientific disinfection model in combination with risk assessment. In this study, the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and peracetic acid (PAA) concentrations on pathogenic E. coli and DBPs were investigated using static-batch and dynamic-column experiments, as well as the optimal disinfection model for groundwater risk assessment was explored using quantitative microbial risk assessment and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) models. Compared to static disinfection, deposition and adsorption were the dominant factors causing E. coli migration at lower NaClO levels of 0–0.25 mg/L under dynamic state, while disinfection was its migration factor at higher NaClO levels of 0.5–6.5 mg/L. In contrast, E. coli removed by PAA was the result of the combined action of deposition, adsorption, and disinfection. The disinfection effects of NaClO and PAA on E. coli differed under dynamic and static conditions. At the same NaClO level, the health risk associated with E. coli in groundwater was higher, whereas, under the same PAA conditions, the health risk was lower. Under dynamic conditions, the optimal disinfectant dosage required for NaClO and PAA to reach the same acceptable risk level was 2 and 0.85 times (irrigation) or 0.92 times (drinking) of static disinfection, respectively. The results may help prevent the misuse of disinfectants and provide theoretical support for managing twin health risks posed by pathogens and DBPs in water treatment