Different Concentrations Of Sulfate Research Articles

The role of sulfate in the hydrothermal replacement of aragonite single crystals by calcite

Aragonite (CaCO3) is a stable calcium carbonate phase under high pressure conditions. However, its formation in (sub)surface environments, where calcite is the stable polymorph, is widespread. Regardless of its origin, aragonite is expected to undergo transformation into calcite under moderate pressures and temperatures. However, this transformation does not always take place, which results in the presence of abundant aragonitic relics in the geological record. Traditionally, this preservation has been explained by the presence of chemical inhibitors that prevent the conversion of aragonite to calcite. While it is widely accepted that magnesium (Mg) plays a key role in the polymorphic selection of CaCO3, the influence of other ions has also been suggested. This work evaluates the effect that different concentrations of sulfate (SO42−) in the fluid has on the progress of the aragonite-to-calcite transformation at 220 °C. Our results show that, upon reaction with deionized water or sulfate-poor solutions ([SO42−]aq < 0.1 mM), aragonite single crystals are extensively replaced by calcite aggregates (crystal size > 15 µm) through an interface coupled dissolution-precipitation reaction. The replacement starts at the aragonite crystal surfaces and advances inwards thanks to the development of an extensive network of fractures. Contrarily, when the solution bears higher concentrations of sulfate ([SO42−]aq > 0.1 mM), only a thin layer of smaller crystals of calcite (< 10 µm) form on the aragonite substrates, without any further transformation taking place. We interpret that these smaller crystals exert too little crystallization pressure and fail to promote the development of a network of fractures. In the absence of this network, the aragonite-calcite transformation cannot take place. The transformation does not occur neither when the experiments are conducted with deionized water and fragments of gypsum or anhydrite together with the aragonite grains. The results of this study shed light on the influence of dissolved sulfate in the kinetics of the fluid-driven transformation of aragonite into calcite. These results are useful to understand the preservation of aragonite in a variety of current geological settings and provide valuable insights for better understanding the diagenesis of sedimentary carbonates.

Sulfate diffusion in coal pillar: experimental data and prediction model

The stability of coal pillar dams is crucial for the long-term service of underground reservoirs storing water or heat. Chemical damage of coal dams induced by ions-attacking in coal is one of the main reasons for the premature failure of coal dams. However, the diffusion process of harmful ions in coal is far from clear, limiting the reliability and durability of coal dam designs. This paper investigates sulfate diffusion in coal pillar through experimental and analytical methods. Coal specimens are prepared and exposed to sulfate solutions with different concentrations. The sulfate concentrations at different locations and time are measured. Based on experimental data and Fick’s law, the time-dependent surface concentration of sulfate and diffusion coefficient are determined and formulated. Further, an analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar is developed by considering dual time-dependent characteristics and Laplace transformations. Through comparisons with experimental data, the accuracy of the analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion is verified. Further, sulfate diffusions in coal dams for different concentrations of sulfate in mine water are investigated. It has been found that the sulfate concentration of exposure surface and diffusion coefficient in coal are both time-dependent and increase with time. Conventional Fick’s law is not able to predict the sulfate diffusion in coal pillar due to the dual time-dependent characteristics. The sulfate attacking makes the coal dam a typical heterogeneous gradient structure. For sulfate concentrations 0.01–0.20 mol/L in mine water, it takes almost 1.5 and 4 years for sulfate ions to diffuse 9.46 and 18.92 m, respectively. The experimental data and developed model provide a practical method for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar, which helps the service life design of coal dams.

Effect of simulated different concentrations of sulfate on early properties of mineral admixture-cement-liquid accelerator system

The effects of simulated groundwater with different concentrations of sodium sulfate (0 g/L, 5 g/L, 15 g/L, and 25 g/L) as mixed water on the early performance of alkali-free accelerator-cement-mineral admixture system were investigated. The results show that sulfate groundwater promotes the setting time and strength of the alkali-free accelerator-cement-mineral admixture system. Combined with isothermal calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, the hydration process and hydration products of sulfate-containing groundwater were analyzed. In addition, the hydration degree of each hydration stage was calculated by hydration heat curve, and the hydration mechanism of different concentrations of sulfur-containing groundwater on cement pastes mixed with AS (alkali-free accelerator) was proposed by microscopic analysis.

Effects of exogenous sulfate on the chromium(VI) metabolism of chromium(VI)-resistant engineered strains

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of exogenous sulfate on the efficiency of chromium(VI) metabolism of three chromium(VI)-resistant Escherichia coli strains (eChrA / eChrB / eChrAB) by adding chromium(VI)-resistance genes chrA and/or chrB, for better understanding and further application of these Cr(VI)-resistant strains in environmental and industrial chromium removal. MethodsBased on three engineered Cr(VI)-resistant strains exposed to different concentrations of sulfate: i) Evaluation of Cr(VI) metabolism characteristics, including the growth rate, the Cr(VI) tolerance, the removal, absorption and efflux capacity of Cr(VI); ii) Detection the expressions of Cr(VI) resistance-related genes (chrA and chrB), and sulfate channel protein-related genes (sbp, cysA, cysU and cysW genes) by RT-qPCR. ResultsExogenous sulfate enhanced the Cr(VI) tolerance and the removal rate of these three engineered Cr(VI)-resistant strains, and promoted their growth rate under Cr(VI) stress, while suppressed their absorption and efflux capacity. Under a certain sulfate concentration, the Cr(VI) tolerance, removal ability and efflux capacity of these three strains were ranked as follow: eChrAB > eChrA > eChrB, while ranked as eChrB > eChrA > eChrAB for the Cr(VI) absorption rate, respectively. Opposite to the Cr(VI) treatment, exogenous sulfate suppressed the transcription levels of the Cr(VI) resistance-related genes (chrA and chrB) with gradually increased concentrations, and reduced those of sulfate channel protein related genes (sbp,cysA, cysU and cysW) under the medium and high concentrations. ConclusionSulfate can enhance the Cr(VI) tolerance and growth of Cr(VI)-resistant strains, via inhibiting the Cr(VI) absorption and efflux in a concentration-dependent manner. The underlying mode of action might be the competition of transport channels between sulfate and Cr(VI), and the suppression of sulfate channel protein related genes expressions by exogenous sulfate. Our results demonstrated an appropriate supplication of exogenous sulfate could contribute to the Cr(VI) pollution management by genes chrA/chrB related Cr(VI)-resistant strains. Additionally, the engineered E. coli strain eChrAB showed more potential for the actual Cr(VI) pollution application than strain eChrA and eChrB.

Impact of partially submersed iron scraps in simultaneously sulfate and nitrate removal using sulfate-reducing bacteria

In this study, partially submerged iron scraps were allowed to react to the contaminants at the headspace air and liquid interface for pollutants removal in the serum bottle reactors. The experiments were conducted using Box–Behnken design of Response Surface Methodology in anaerobic batch reactors (120 ml) at different concentrations of sulfate (0.5, 1.75, 3 g/L), nitrate (0.25, 0.375, 0.5 g/L) and iron scraps (0, 0.125, 0.250 g/50 ml). The sulfate reducer enriched mixed culture was used for simultaneous removal of SO42− and NO3−. The highest sulfate removal of 49.37 % was achieved at 0 g/50 ml ISs, 3 g/L SO4−2, and 0.375 g/L NO3−. Even at a higher concentration of both SO42− (3 g/L) and NO3−(0.5 g/L), a significant SO42− removal of 44.65% was achieved at an iron concentration of 125mg/50ml accompanied with NO3− conversion. Both the lower and higher concentrations of iron scraps were showing effective interaction at higher SO42− and NO3− levels. The results of the confirmatory experiments with iron scraps of 0.039 g/50 ml with the desirability of 0.92 showed a maximum SO42− removal of 50.62 % with complete conversion of nitrate.

The Effect of Sulfate Attack on Physical Properties of Concrete

The effects of different concentrations of sulfate for erosion age on compressive strength, flexural strength, weight analysis, density loss and visual appearances for concrete specimens of different grades were investigated. Experimental studies were carried out on different grades of concrete (M-25, M-30 and M-35). Concrete specimens were immersed in different concentration of sulfate solution i.e. 4.0pH, 5.0pH and 6.0pH. Reduction in compressive strength loss was noticed when the grade of concrete is increased from M-25 to M35. The results of weight analysis and density analysis also confirm the compressive strength loss and flexural strength. Discoloration of concrete was noticed on the concrete blocks when left immersed in sulfate solution at 4.0pH, 5.0pH and 6.0pH for 75days and 90days. It appeared like flakes of concrete and resembled like mold growth.

Determining the Endpoint of Sediment Titrations by Smartphones

In this research work, we have used the image processing technique for determining the end of sodiumsulphate with standard barium chloride in precipitation titration. The white precipitate of barium sulphateproduced by the reaction of barium chloride and sodium sulphate was dispersed in deionized water bymagnetic stirrer and its images were taken by mobile phone camera. The resulting pictures were analyzed byPhotoshop Software which shows that the intensity of magenta colour has maximum sensitivity by changingthe mass of barium sulphate. Therefore; magenta colour was selected as the optimum colour. Also, to depictthe calibration curve of sulphate anion, different concentrations of sulphate were prepared in bufferedsolutions and by addition of barium chloride to them, the intensity of magenta colour was calculated. Theresults show that the calibration curve was linear in the range of 5-75 mg.L-1 of sulpahte with a correlationcoefficient of 0.973. Finally, by titration of different real samples such as Tap, river and mineral waterscontaining sulphate anion with standard barium chloride, the variation of magenta colour was recorded andthe concentration of sulpahte anion was determined.

Durability of a new type of cement-based composite grouting material under effects of chemical corrosion

Corrosion resistance and durability are important performance features for grouting materials in underground engineering. The grouts based on ordinary Portland cement are difficult to solve water inrush disasters. To solve these problems, a new type of sulphoaluminate-cement-based Composite Grouting Material (CGM) has been developed. In this research, the chemical corrosion mechanism was analyzed, and the durability and anti-corrosion performance of CGM were studied under different concentrations of sulfate and chloride ions, steel slag contents and water/CGM (W/CGM) ratios. The flexural strength, compressive strength and corrosion resistance coefficient of CGM were measured in dependence of the days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out to determine the anti-corrosion characteristic of CGM. The results showed that the corrosion resistance coefficients of CGM are generally larger than 1.0 under different sulfate and chloride ion concentrations. Steel slag prevents sulfate ions from penetrating the hardened stone body, and the anticorrosion performance of CGM was relatively low at high W/CGM ratios.

Why does sulfate inhibit selenate reduction: Molybdenum deprivation from Mo-dependent selenate reductase

Selenium pollution has become an increasingly serious global concern. Methane-fed selenate reduction has proven to be of great interest for the bioremediation of selenate-contaminated waters even with the coexistence of nitrate and dissolved oxygen. However, it is unclear if the common concurrent sulfate anion affects selenate removal. To address this question, we first introduced selenate (SeO42-) as the sole influent electron acceptor in a CH4-fed membrane biofilm reactor (CH4-MBfR); then we added different concentrations of sulfate (SO42-). The initial selenate removal efficiency (∼90%) was decreased by 50% in the presence of 15.6 μM of sulfate and completely inhibited after loading with 171.9 μM of sulfate. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the selenate-reducing bacteria decreased after the addition of sulfate. Metagenomic sequencing showed that the abundance of genes encoding molybdenum (Mo)-dependent selenate reductase reduced by >50% when exposed to high concentrations of sulfate. Furthermore, the decrease in the total genes encoding all Mo-oxidoreductases was much greater than that of the genes encoding molybdate transporters, suggesting that the inhibition of selenate reduction by sulfate was most likely via the direct competition with molybdate for the transport system, leading to a lack of available Mo for Mo-dependent selenate reductases and thus reducing their activities. This result was confirmed by a batch test wherein the supplementation of molybdate mitigated the sulfate effect. Overall, this study shed light on the underlying mechanism of sulfate inhibition on selenate reduction and laid the foundation for applying the technology to practical wastewaters.

Assessment of Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Oocystis minuta for removal of sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate in wastewater

Application of wastewater for algal biomass production can not only lead to production of thousands of tons of biomass for subsequent biofuel production, but also can provide for significant removal of contaminants in wastewater. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the growth, contaminant removal, and biochemical component (lipid, carbohydrate, and protein) accumulation potential of Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Oocystis minuta cells in wastewater supplemented with different concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate. The results show maximum biomass productivity of 33, 19, and 98 mg dw/L/d for C. vulgaris, S. obliquus, and O. minuta, respectively. Phosphate removal (more than 90%) was highest in the culture with O. minuta; about 93% nitrate was removed by C. vulgaris, and the highest sulfate removal of 36% was observed in the culture with S. obliquus. The biochemical composition of the microalgae cells is in the ranges of 22–65% carbohydrate, 19–38% protein, and 8–17% lipid. This indicates that carbohydrate and protein are preferentially accumulated as compared to lipids under the growth conditions investigated for each of the microalgae strains.

Experimental Study on the Durability of Fly Ash-Based Filling Paste in Environments with Different Concentrations of Sulfates

In order to study the effects of different concentrations of sulfate on the strength of fly ash-based coal mine filling paste, using variable control, mechanical analysis, and other means, the changes in the uniaxial compressive strengths of filling paste blocks soaked in different concentrations of sodium sulfate solution for different durations are studied, and their stress-strain curves are discussed. The hydrated products of each block are analyzed at different stages by XRD, and the results indicate that different concentrations of sodium sulfate solution have different effects on the strength of the filling paste after soaking for different durations. A sodium sulfate solution with a concentration of 5% had an activator effect on the fly ash-based filling paste and enhanced the strength of the filling paste. A sodium sulfate solution with a concentration of 10% and 15% increased the early strength of the paste test block faster, but after 60 d, the strength decreased. The stress-strain curves for these blocks show that the elastic moduli of the filling paste test blocks change irregularly, and it was found that with the increase in soaking time, the blocks soaked in the 10% and 15% sodium sulfate solutions developed fissures in the later stage that adversely affected the strength of the filling paste. The XRD results show that the filling paste test block hydration products are hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H) based and that ettringite (AFt), beneficial to strength of the filling paste in proper quantities, appeared in the main product of the filling paste test blocks that were soaked in the sodium sulfate solution. With the increase in the concentration of the sodium sulfate solution, the AFt is generated in larger quantities, and gypsum crystals begin to appear, which is not conducive to the filling paste block strength.

Coexistence and competition of sulfate-reducing and methanogenic populations in an anaerobic hexadecane-degrading culture

BackgroundOver three-fifths of the world’s known crude oil cannot be recovered using state-of-the-art techniques, but microbial conversion of petroleum hydrocarbons trapped in oil reservoirs to methane is one promising path to increase the recovery of fossil fuels. The process requires cooperation between syntrophic bacteria and methanogenic archaea, which can be affected by sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRPs). However, the effects of sulfate on hydrocarbon degradation and methane production remain elusive, and the microbial communities involved are not well understood.ResultsIn this study, a methanogenic hexadecane-degrading enrichment culture was treated with six different concentrations of sulfate ranging from 0.5 to 25 mM. Methane production and maximum specific methane production rate gradually decreased to 44 and 56% with sulfate concentrations up to 25 mM, respectively. There was a significant positive linear correlation between the sulfate reduction/methane production ratio and initial sulfate concentration, which remained constant during the methane production phase. The apparent methanogenesis fractionation factor (αapp) gradually increased during the methane production phase in each treatment, the αapp for the treatments with lower sulfate (0.5–4 mM) eventually plateaued at ~1.047, but that for the treatment with 10–25 mM sulfate only reached ~1.029. The relative abundance levels of Smithella and Methanoculleus increased almost in parallel with the increasing sulfate concentrations. Furthermore, the predominant sulfate reducer communities shifted from Desulfobacteraceae in the low-sulfate cultures to Desulfomonile in the high-sulfate cultures.ConclusionThe distribution of hexadecane carbon between methane-producing and sulfate-reducing populations is dependent on the initial sulfate added, and not affected during the methane production period. There was a relative increase in hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis activity over time for all sulfate treatments, whereas the total activity was inhibited by sulfate addition. Both Smithella and Methanoculleus, the key alkane degraders and methane producers, can adapt to sulfate stress. Specifically, different SRP populations were stimulated at various sulfate concentrations. These results could help to evaluate interactions between sulfate-reducing and methanogenic populations during anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation in oil reservoirs.

Effects of Sulfate Reduction on Trichloroethene Dechlorination by Dehalococcoides-Containing Microbial Communities.

In order to elucidate interactions between sulfate reduction and dechlorination, we systematically evaluated the effects of different concentrations of sulfate and sulfide on reductive dechlorination by isolates, constructed consortia, and enrichments containing Dehalococcoides sp. Sulfate (up to 5 mM) did not inhibit the growth or metabolism of pure cultures of the dechlorinator Dehalococcoides mccartyi 195, the sulfate reducer Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, or the syntroph Syntrophomonas wolfei In contrast, sulfide at 5 mM exhibited inhibitory effects on growth of the sulfate reducer and the syntroph, as well as on both dechlorination and growth rates of D. mccartyi Transcriptomic analysis of D. mccartyi 195 revealed that genes encoding ATP synthase, biosynthesis, and Hym hydrogenase were downregulated during sulfide inhibition, whereas genes encoding metal-containing enzymes involved in energy metabolism were upregulated even though the activity of those enzymes (hydrogenases) was inhibited. When the electron acceptor (trichloroethene) was limiting and an electron donor (lactate) was provided in excess to cocultures and enrichments, high sulfate concentrations (5 mM) inhibited reductive dechlorination due to the toxicity of generated sulfide. The initial cell ratio of sulfate reducers to D. mccartyi (1:3, 1:1, or 3:1) did not affect the dechlorination performance in the presence of sulfate (2 and 5 mM). In contrast, under electron donor limitation, dechlorination was not affected by sulfate amendments due to low sulfide production, demonstrating that D. mccartyi can function effectively in anaerobic microbial communities containing moderate sulfate concentrations (5 mM), likely due to its ability to outcompete other hydrogen-consuming bacteria and archaea.IMPORTANCE Sulfate is common in subsurface environments and has been reported as a cocontaminant with chlorinated solvents at various concentrations. Inconsistent results for the effects of sulfate inhibition on the performance of dechlorination enrichment cultures have been reported in the literature. These inconsistent findings make it difficult to understand potential mechanisms of sulfate inhibition and complicate the interpretation of bioremediation field data. In order to elucidate interactions between sulfate reduction and reductive dechlorination, this study systematically evaluated the effects of different concentrations of sulfate and sulfide on reductive dechlorination by isolates, constructed consortia, and enrichments containing Dehalococcoides sp. This study provides a more fundamental understanding of the competition mechanisms between reductive dechlorination by Dehalococcoides mccartyi and sulfate reduction during the bioremediation process. It also provides insights on the significance of sulfate concentrations on reductive dechlorination under electron donor/acceptor-limiting conditions during in situ bioremediation applications. For example, at a trichloroethene-contaminated site with a high sulfate concentration, proper slow-releasing electron donors can be selected to generate an electron donor-limiting environment that favors reductive dechlorination and minimizes the sulfide inhibition effect.

Influence of sulphate on the composition and antibacterial and antiviral properties of the exopolysaccharide from Porphyridium cruentum

AimsThe influence of two culture media and three different concentrations of sulphate in the medium on the growth of two strains of Porphyridium cruentum and on the production, composition and viscoelastic characteristics, and antimicrobial properties of the sulphated exopolysaccharide (EPS) were studied. Main methodsA Bohlin C50 rheometer was used to evaluate the viscosity and elasticity of the EPS solutions. HSV virus, types 1 and 2, Vaccinia virus and Vesicular stomatitis virus were used along with two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis) and one Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, for testing the antimicrobial activity of EPS. Key-findingsThe growth of microalgae was higher in NTIP medium and the production of EPS was enhanced by sulphate 21mM. The protein content of the EPS was enhanced by the addition of sulphate 52mM and 104mM; this concentration also induced an increase in sulphate content of the EPS. However, neither the contents of EPS in carbohydrates and uronic acids were affected by the culture medium supplementation in sulphate. In general, the EPS from the Spanish strain presented a higher antiviral activity than the EPS from the Israeli strain. All EPS extracts revealed a strong activity against V. stomatitis virus, higher than the activity of all chemical compounds tested. The EPS from the Israeli strain also presented antibacterial activity against S. enteritidis. SignificanceEnrichment of the culture medium with sulphate improved protein and sulphate content of EPS. EPS extracts presented a relevant activity against V. stomatitis virus and S. enteritidis bacterium.

Expression of the six chromate ion transporter homologues of Burkholderia xenovorans LB400

The chromate ion transporter (CHR) superfamily comprises transporters that confer chromate resistance by extruding toxic chromate ions from cytoplasm. Burkholderia xenovorans strain LB400 has been reported to encode six CHR homologues in its multireplicon genome. We found that strain LB400 displays chromate-inducible resistance to chromate. Susceptibility tests of Escherichia coli strains transformed with cloned B. xenovorans chr genes indicated that the six genes confer chromate resistance, although under different growth conditions, and suggested that expression of chr genes is regulated by sulfate. Expression of chr genes was measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) from total RNA of B. xenovorans LB400 grown under different concentrations of sulfate and exposed or not to chromate. The chr homologues displayed distinct expression levels, but showed no significant differences in transcription under the various sulfate concentrations tested, indicating that sulfate does not regulate chr gene expression in B. xenovorans. The chrA2 gene, encoded in the megaplasmid, was the only chr gene whose expression was induced by chromate and it was shown to constitute the chromate-responsive chrBACF operon. These data suggest that this determinant is mainly responsible for the B. xenovorans LB400 chromate resistance phenotype.

A biotic Fe0–H2O system for nitrobenzene removal from groundwater

Batch experiment was conducted to evaluate the capability of a biotic Fe0–H2O for nitrobenzene (NB) removal from groundwater. In this study, iron dosage was 0.25gL−1 throughout the whole experiment and the Fe0–H2O system was amended with 180mgL−1 VSS of mixed culture. The biotic system was tested at low concentrations (50mgL−1 as COD) of organic substrates (e.g., ethanol, glucose and sodium acetate) and different concentrations of sulfate, nitrate and dissolved oxygen. The bio-iron system exhibited higher NB removal rate and more AN production. The increasing order of efficiency of tested substrates was: glucose>sodium acetate>ethanol. A complicated enhancement from oxygen was obtained, with 100% of NB removal rate and without any AN accumulation in the solution amended by dissolved oxygen. Sulfate and nitrate functioned as inhibitors since they competed with NB for electron donors (H2), and nitrate showed more significant suppression on NB removal as compared to sulfate. AN elimination occurred during both sulfate-reducing and nitrate-reducing processes and microorganisms got extra reduction capacity from the degradation of AN to reduce nitrate and sulfate, causing the mineralization of NB under anaerobic or anoxic conditions. It suggested that the bio-iron treatment could function as a simplified process for the remediation of groundwater contaminated by combined NB and sulfate, nitrate.

Influence of seawater composition on SCC behavior of anodized 1050 Al‐alloy

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of anodized 1050 Al‐alloy in marine environments at different concentrations of sulphate ions.Design/methodology/approachThe SCC experiments were performed by measuring the time to failure in 3.5% NaCl solution, or in the presence of three different concentrations of sulphate ions under conditions of applied anodic current. For the interpretation of the results, changes in potential during SCC tests and optical microscope micrographs of stress corrosion tested specimens at various periods of time, were obtained.FindingsThe influence of seawater composition on the SCC behaviour of the anodized 1050 Al‐alloy depends on the concentration of sulphate ions, the oxide thickness and the stress level. At the higher stress levels and low concentrations of sulphate ions, increased times to failure were observed. These results were attributed to the inhibitory action of sulphate ions. At a low stress level and higher concentration of sulphate ions, the increased times of exposure and the more intensive corrosive environment led to partial destruction of the anodic coatings and a decrease in the time to failure. Better protective properties were observed at an oxide thickness of 10 μm. The thicker oxides did not protect so well because they were more brittle, cracking under strain and allowing corrosive species to reach the metal surface.Research limitations/implicationsThe hypothesised mechanism of the effect of seawater composition on the SCC behaviour of anodized Al‐alloys depended on the concentration of sulphate ions and the stress level remains yet to be confirmed.Practical implicationsThe selection of suitable anodic coatings for the protection of aluminium alloys against stress corrosion cracking depends on the composition of the marine environment.Originality/valueThe paper provides information regarding the influence of sulphate ions on the anticorrosive properties of electrolytically prepared anodic coatings on aluminium alloys.

Application of coconut coir pith for the removal of sulfate and other anions from water

Activated carbon was developed from coconut coir pith using ZnCl 2 and investigated to assess the possible use of this adsorbent for the removal of sulfate from water. The influence of various parameters such as agitation time, sulfate concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and temperature has been studied. Equilibrium adsorption data followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Langmuir adsorption capacity (Q o) was found to be 4.9 mg/g. Adsorption followed second-order rate kinetics. The per cent adsorption was maximum in the pH range 3.0–9.0 (90–54%) and desorption was higher at pH 2.0 (58–74%) and pH 11.0 (83–97%) for different concentrations of sulfate used in this study. pH effect and desorption studies showed that ion exchange and chemisorption mechanisms were involved in the adsorption process. ΔG 0 was found to be –25.8, –26.2, –27.5 and –28.8 kJ/mol at 35, 40, 50 and 60EC, respectively. ΔS 0 and ΔH 0 of adsorption were found to be 132.7 J/K/mol and 15.4 kJ/mol, respectively. Effects of foreign ions on the adsorption of sulfate have been investigated. Removal of sulfate from synthetic ground water was tested. The Langmuir adsorption capacity of other anions such as nitrate, phosphate, vanadate, molybdate, thiocyanate and chromate was also investigated. Results showed that ZnCl 2 activated coir pith carbon was effective for the removal of sulfate and other anions from water.

Growth habit and transparency of sulphate doped KDP crystal

KDP crystals were grown from the aqueous solution with different concentrations of sulphate by both the traditional temperature-lowering method and the rapid growth method. Sulphate showed a great effect on the growth and the properties of KDP crystals. With the rise of the dopant concentration, many defects occur such as mother liquid inclusions, parasite crystals and cracks. When the dopant concentration of sulphate reaches a certain value, the ultraviolet transmittance of crystals decreases a lot compared with crystals at low dopant concentration.

The influences on leachate from landfill of incineration residuals by acid precipitation

Incineration of municipal solid wastes (MSW) is the main method of waste management in Taiwan. Although the incineration of MSW processes the solid wastes at 850–950 °C and destroys most of the organics, the content of incineration ashes is still a problem for landfill. Moreover, acid precipitation is much worse than before in Taiwan, especially in the northern areas. For instance, the occurrence probabilities of acid precipitation measured from 1991 to 1998 in Taipei increase from 73% to 85%. Therefore, it is more important to get a series of data that will help explore the influence of acid precipitation during disposal on characterization of pollutants than to analyze the ash properties after the incinerators have been constructed and regularly used. In this investigation, the disposal site of incineration ashes is simulated in laboratory by test columns. An irrigation experiment is taken to simulate the acid precipitation at room temperature. In order to explore the exact influence on leachate quality of the main chemical composition of acid precipitation, columns are migrated with different concentrations of sulfate in acid precipitation. This investigation showed that the sulfate concentration of acid precipitation has an increasing effect on the accumulative release of heavy metals, such as Zn, Pb and Cu, from leachate. The sulfate concentration of acid precipitation, however, will not influence the trend of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5) and total organic carbon (TOC) in the leachate release.