Related Environmental Pollution Research Articles

Biodegradation of oily waste sludge using vermiremediation and composting process bioaugmentated with isolated hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria: Performance and ecotoxicity assessment

Degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) contents of oily waste sludge (OWS) is necessary in order to prevent the related environmental pollution. The present study aimed to investigate the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) from OWS using bioaugmentated composting (BC) with hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortium (HDBC) as pre-treatment followed by vermicomposting (VC) by Eisenia fetida. After isolating two indigenous bacterial strains from OWS, the ability of their consortium in degradation of crude oil was tested in Bushnell-Haas medium (BHM). Then, biodegradation of OWS was measured in the VC alone, BC alone, simultaneous BC and VC (BCVC), and BC followed by VC (BCFVC) containing high levels (30 g/kg) of TPHs. Toxicity tests including the mortality of mature earthworms and the numbers of juveniles were conducted at the TPHs of 0–40 g/kg. The obtained results indicated that the HDBC removed 18–64 % of TPHs of crude oil (1–5 %) in BHM after 7 days of incubation. After a period of 12 weeks, the removal rates of TPHs in the VC, BC, BCVC, and BCFVC experiments were 23.7, 79.5, 85.2, and 91.8 %, respectively, verifying the efficacy of simultaneous application of HDBC and worms in bioremediation of OWS. The TPHs contents of OWS exhibited toxic effects on E. fetida at some concentrations and the median lethal concentration (LC50) of TPHs was computed to be 14.5 g/kg after 28 days. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of composting bioaugmentated with HDBC as a pre-treatment step followed by vermicomposting in bioremediation of OWS.

Battery Technologies in Electric Vehicles: Improvements in Electric Battery Packs

Restrictions on fossil fuels and related environmental pollution issues motivate many organizations and countries to set their focus on electric vehicles (EVs) rather than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles [1], [2]. EVs require an energy storage system to store converted electric power in another form of energy and then reconvert the stored energy to electric power whenever it is required. The energy stored can be converted to electric energy for various uses, such as movement, lighting, and heating (although accessories are supplied by a 12-V auxiliary battery; the auxiliary battery is supplied by the main battery pack or by recuperative energy). Fortunately, many electrical energy storage technologies are available, with some offered commercially while others are in the research and development stage [3], [4]. Electrochemical energy storage systems use various technologies [5], [6]. Energy storage systems, the heart of EVs, are composed of battery cells, battery modules, and a battery pack. Researchers work on various sections of battery packs to improve their performance [7]. These sections are illustrated in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, some EV battery technology developers are studying chemical materials to increase the capacity, power, energy density, safety, and cell voltage. In the past century, the most common batteries for EV applications were Pb–acid and Ni-based batteries [8]. In current use, Li-ion-based batteries are at the top.

Mechanical and durability performance of concrete with recycled tire steel fibers

The increasing waste tire disposal and the related environmental pollution have led to the further exploration of utilizing recycled-tire steel fiber (RTSF) to replace industrial steel fiber (ISF) for better cost-effective concrete production. This study compares the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of RTSF-reinforced concrete (RSC) to those of commercial ISF-reinforced concrete (ISC). Plain concrete samples, ISC samples named IS05 and IS05R (with 0.5% of ISF by volume), and RSC samples named RS05, RS10, and RS15 with three-volume percentages of RTSF (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) were prepared accordingly. The results show that RSC has better flowability than ISC when adding the same volume percentage of fibers. In terms of mechanical properties, the addition of RTSF slightly increases the 28-day compressive strength. The splitting tensile strength is also increased by up to 15.4% with the added RTSF, which is very close to the ISF (16.9%). Regarding flexural performance, RS15 samples show a very close enhancing effect to IS05 samples with enlarged residual strength and fracture energy. The ultrasonic pulse velocity test results also indicate that both RTSF and ISF slightly increase the concrete modulus. In terms of durability, RS10 samples reduce drying shrinkage by up to 9.2%, which is better than IS05 samples (6.3%). RTSF also improves the freeze–thaw resistance by reducing the change percentage of relative dynamic modulus and increasing the durability factor by up to 4.6%. Overall, the RTSFs in concrete have a slightly lower mechanical reinforcement and better workability by comparing with one type of thin ISFs. These findings can facilitate the usage of RTSF in concrete mixes as mechanical reinforcements and provide another market for waste tire fiber recycling.

Review on Applications of Ionic Liquids (ILs) for Bitumen Recovery: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Perspectives

Water- and solvent-based ex situ extraction processes have been employed to extract bitumen from mineable oil sands. On the other hand, bitumen is recovered in situ from deeper deposits most efficiently by injecting steam to reduce viscosity and increasing production flow to the surface. However, the water-based process with or without solvent (including steam injection) is not sustainable due to various challenges including water requirement and treatment, high energy consumption, and related environmental pollution problems emanating from high volatility of solvents. Ionic liquids (ILs) have become desirable in several industrial applications due to many unique properties including low volatility compared with traditional organic solvents. The potential for application of ILs for bitumen extraction is reviewed in this work, with a focus on the mechanistic aspect. Depending on the properties and/or functionality, the ILs can be used in bitumen extraction (with or without organic solvents) with minimal clay fines contamination and lower water and energy requirements. In the solvent-assisted IL recovery system, the IL–clay interaction is responsible for reducing the adhesive force between bitumen and the sand, which subsequently facilitates separation. Conversely, considering the types of ILs explored in the absence of solvent, the IL–bitumen interaction plays an additional role. Hitherto, applications of ILs in bitumen recovery are at a very preliminary stage. Apart from understanding the mechanisms, the major impediment lies in the high cost and environmental impact due to toxicity. Therefore, to make ILs more attractive for bitumen recovery, concerted efforts should be intensified to reduce the cost of producing ILs, ameliorate environmental impacts, and facilitate field scale applications through technoeconomic analysis of the process.

Prospects of nanosorption and photocatalysis in remediation of oil spills

Nanoremediation approaches have been applied to remove oil from surface and ground water as oil spills have been found to have long-term negative consequences for the ecosystem. Nanoremediation via the nanosorption mechanism of different environmental matrices in the world at large is at its formative stages despite the alarming and extensive prevalence of petroleum related environmental pollution. Over 9 million barrels of oil have been leaked in the last five decades, making that ecosystem one of the most deteriorated by oil exploration and extraction activities. The goal of this research is to assess the current status, trends, and future prospects of the nanosorption of surface and ground water in oil spill regions. High surface area of nanomaterials, wide spectrum of treatable contaminants, non-generation of intermediate or secondary products, as well as speed and extent of contaminant destruction give nanoremediation a superior comparative edge over other treatment technologies. Notably, the remediation efficiency of a cleanup is highly dependent on the type of material and treatment routes employed. It is imperative to employ a concerted and practical approach to the development of nanotechnology to combat the bedeviling oil pollution challenges faced in oil producing counties.

Preparation Methods and Functional Characteristics of Regenerated Keratin-Based Biofilms.

The recycling, development, and application of keratin-containing waste (e.g., hair, wool, feather, and so on) provide an important means to address related environmental pollution and energy shortage issues. The extraction of keratin and the development of keratin-based functional materials are key to solving keratin-containing waste pollution. Keratin-based biofilms are gaining substantial interest due to their excellent characteristics, such as good biocompatibility, high biodegradability, appropriate adsorption, and rich renewable sources, among others. At present, keratin-based biofilms are a good option for various applications, and the development of keratin-based biofilms from keratin-containing waste is considered crucial for sustainable development. In this paper, in order to achieve clean production while maintaining the functional characteristics of natural keratin as much as possible, four important keratin extraction methods-thermal hydrolysis, ultrasonic technology, eco-friendly solvent system, and microbial decomposition-are described, and the characteristics of these four extraction methods are analysed. Next, methods for the preparation of keratin-based biofilms are introduced, including solvent casting, electrospinning, template self-assembly, freeze-drying, and soft lithography methods. Then, the functional properties and application prospects of keratin-based biofilms are discussed. Finally, future research directions related to keratin-based biofilms are proposed. Overall, it can be concluded that the high-value conversion of keratin-containing waste into regenerated keratin-based biofilms has great importance for sustainable development and is highly suggested due to their great potential for use in biomedical materials, optoelectronic devices, and metal ion detection applications. It is hoped that this paper can provide some basic information for the development and application of keratin-based biofilms.

The direct Z-scheme g-C6N6/WTe2 van der Waals heterojunction as photocatalyst over water splitting in the visible light: Designing strategy from first principles

Using two-dimensional (2D) materials as photocatalysts for water splitting is considered an effective technique to solve the related environmental pollution and the energy issues. Herein, based on first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated the structural, optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties of the novel g-C6N6/WTe2 heterojunction. The results demonstrate that the heterojunction is a direct Z-scheme photocatalytic system and the band edge straddles the redox potential for water splitting. Interestingly, the heterojunction exhibits excellent sunlight capturing capacity in the visible-light range, which could generate sufficiently photoelectrons and holes for water splitting. Furthermore, in the acidic environment, the processes of OER and HER can spontaneously and simultaneously proceed on the surface of the heterojunction without any additional potential. At the same time, the remarkable solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency is 57.59 % for the heterojunction. We believe that this theoretical investigation not only paves the way for the design of future Z-scheme systems in water splitting but also provides new insights to modify the photocatalytic properties of 2D materials.

Tetracycline adsorption trajectories on aged polystyrene in a simulated aquatic environment: A mechanistic investigation

Microplastics (MPs) have attracted widespread attention as an organic class of pollutants as well as pollutant carriers in recipient aquatic ecosystems. In this study, tetracycline (TC) adsorption by polystyrene (PS), with multiple aging-based temporal changes in the adsorption mechanism, was observed. The results revealed that the pseudo-second-order model accurately predicted the TC adsorption kinetics for different types of PS. In addition, the isothermal adsorption processes fit the Freundlich model; however, their interactions were drastically weakened at lower temperatures or increasing salinities. Corresponding to the electrostatic interactions, adsorption TC was largely pH-dependent, with the maximum adsorbed TC content on the PS surface at a pH of 5 in an aqueous environment. More importantly, mechanistic studies have revealed that, compared to virgin PS, TC complexes with aged PS are principally controlled by hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, followed by π–π, polar-polar, and van der Waals interactions. These findings will aid in understanding the insights of TC and aged PS interactions and the underlying interactive molecular forces, which will be advantageous for comprehending the real case scenario of inter-pollutant interactions and related environmental pollution.

Potential effects of green brand legitimacy and the biospheric value of eco-friendly behavior on online food delivery: a mediation approach

PurposeThis study aims to apply legitimacy theory and self-identity theory to the online food delivery (OFD) app service and then to investigate the impact of green brand legitimacy and biospheric value orientation perceived by customers on eco-friendly behavior.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on the mediating role of trust in green brands and its perceived benefits (including psychological and environmental benefits). This study involved an online survey of 445 customers who had experienced using OFD services in the past six months.FindingsThe platform's green brand legitimacy and consumer perceived biospheric value orientation positively impact trust in green brands. Trust in green products and services significantly affects customers' perceived benefits and has a positive impact on eco-friendly service using behavior. Mediating effect analysis indicated that brand legitimacy and biospheric value have a positive indirect influence on the psychological benefits of supporting green activities and utilitarian environmental benefits.Research limitations/implicationsThe convenience sampling method is used, and its purely quantitative nature may limit the generalization of the research results.Practical implicationsThe OFD platform should encourage online catering retailers to use more eco-friendly packages for packaging food and minimize the provision of disposable tableware. The platform manager can provide consumers with knowledge and information on lowering related environmental pollution sources when ordering food.Originality/valueThis study innovatively introduces brand legitimacy into the green consumption literature. This is an essential expansion of the content of brand legitimacy and a supplement for the research field of eco-friendly behavior.

The Aspects of Sustainable Development in Mineral Resources Management

Mineral resources provide a high standard of living for modern societies: satisfying electricity demand as well as demand for construction materials and they sustain the basis for industry and technological development. Now, modern societies are facing the challenge ofreversing the trend of the depletion of non-renewable mineral resources and sustainable development is intended to ensure the survivalof human civilization in the face of dwindling non-renewable raw materials (especially energy resources) and also increasing anthropopression and related environmental pollution. The amount of non-renewable mineral resources of the Earth's crust is limited. Underspecific conditions there is a possibility of their regeneration however over a period of several if not more than a dozen generations. Thearticle raises questions how societies can prevent mineral resources crises in future and whether this task is feasible.The article identifies the main aspects of the sustainable development in mining sector in Poland as well as environmental challengesrelated to the new CSR mechanism which are: the creation and implementation of sustainable and responsible business model whichthanks to reformed financial and economic system, will make creating a better future easier, more natural and more cost-effective.The crucial aspects of sustainable development as economic and social conditions, environmental challenges, safety of agglomerationlocated in the area of exploitation of resources or in its neighborhood were also presented in the article. The author highlighted thelegal conditions for the management of deposits and extracted mineral resources as well as work safety and research and developmentactivities in the sector.

Recovery and characterization of useful benzene derivatives from spent engine oil through solvent extraction

Engine oils are contaminated with hazardous species resulted from the oxidative degradation, which cause serious environmental issues. In this study, the extraction of useful hydrocarbons (HCs) from used engine oil through solvent extraction followed by separation in a column via adsorption is reported. n-Hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate, and their mixture (ethyl acetate/n-hexane) were used as solvent for extraction over powdered silica packed column, and the extracted samples were analyzed through thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopic techniques. Useful HCs like 1-fluoro heptane, n-hexane, methyl cyclopentane, toluene, p-xylene, o-xylene, toluene, benzaldehyde, 2,3-dimethyl pentane, and benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid were identified and subsequently distilled with respective percent recovery of 91, 71, 46, 45, 18, 08, 07, 06, 04 and 02%. The reported HC derivatives were obtained by interacting the sample oil with non-polar solvents (n-hexane and toluene) and slightly polar solvent (10% ethyl acetate/n-hexane mixture) in column which extracted the compounds having similar chemical nature in an appreciable amount via Londer dispersion forces and dipole-dipole interactions. The findings of this study concluded that the extraction of valuable benzene derivatives through highly cost-effective solvent extraction strategy is a promising alternative to the conventional burning and reclamation of spent engine oil. Witnessing the high efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the current process, it could be extended to the extraction of other useful compounds from used oils and concomitantly alleviating the related environmental pollution on larger scale.

Assessment of Radiation Levels and Geochemical Factors in Iraqi Soil

Radiation exposure related human hazards and environmental pollution caused by the natural and manmade radioactive materials needs inhibition. An accurate evaluation of the radiation levels and geochemical factors of soil play a vital role. In this perception, γ-ray spectroscopy with NaI (Tl) luminescence detector was used to assess the natural radioactivity level and associated radiological risk due to contaminated surface soil (33 samples) collected from the Waist province of Iraq. Compared to the stipulated global average, about 64% and 15% of the samples showed higher radioactivity concentration of 226Ra and 40K, respectively, whereas for 232Th it was lower. Furthermore, the statistical guides of the geo-accumulation and contamination factors were used to calculate the pollution levels in the soil samples. The geochemical factors for some polluting heavy metals (Ge, Se, Ag, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ce, Hf, W, Hg, Ti, and Bi) in the samples revealed wide variation. The contamination factor and I-Geo-accumulation catalogues of the samples exhibited the pollution level fluctuations from very high (Hg of 1.88 ppm) to very low (W of 1.33 ppm, U of 1.87 ppm, Sn of 3.8 ppm, Sb of 2.99 ppm, Ti of 0.66 ppm and Ag of 1.92 ppm, Bi of 1 ppm) to moderate Se of 0.53 ppm, Hf of 1.81 ppm and I of 3.19 ppm). It was asserted that the observed intense adsorption of some specific metals on the surface soils was due to the natural sources in the clays and heavy minerals originated from the carbonates. Such heavy elements could move into the minerals structure of the surface soils from the anthropogenic urban wastes, agricultural and industrial activities.

Application of THz-TDS Technology in on-line detection of vacuum degree of arc extinguishing chamber

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is a non-destructive detection technology for carrying information inside a sample through a wide-band terahertz pulse carrying medium information. This paper briefly describes the imaging principle, characteristics, development and application direction of THz-TDS technology. The theoretical basis of THz-TDS technology applied in vacuum degree on-line monitoring is analyzed and verified by experiments. The experimental results show that with the change of vacuum degree, the signal amplitude attenuation and time delay of THz spectrum will change regularly. It shows that the spectrum and absorption spectrum obtained by THz-TDS imaging technology can sensitively distinguish the change of pressure in vacuum environment, that is, the change of vacuum degree. At the same time, the related air environmental pollution information also has strong absorption characteristics in the terahertz band, which makes the use of terahertz spectroscopy technology to detect pollutants in the atmosphere have a good development prospect.

Heavy metal- and organic-matter pollution due to self-heating coal-waste dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (Poland)

This study provides potential insight between self-heating coal-waste dumps and related environmental pollution in southern Poland. Samples collected from dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin were used to quantify released contents of organic- and inorganic pollutants, i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Hg, As). Elevated Hg concentrations (~100–1078 mg/kg) and Pb (~600–2000 mg/kg) attest to the evaporation of these metals from deeper parts of the dumps. The acidic pH levels (3.0–4.5) may help to mobilize these elements. Pearson’s correlation coefficients for samples analyzed by AAS and ICP-MS indicate a similar origin for Cd, Zn, and As. Mostly 2- and 3-ring PAHs, especially anthracene in burnt soil, dominate in the samples. Chlorinated PAHs, thiophenol, pyridines, quinolines (and derivatives) in thermally-altered samples, and waste containing pyrolytic bitumen indicate coking conditions. The high levels of Hg, Pb, and Cd, and chlorinated PAHs and nitrogen heterocycles formed or enriched during self-heating in these dumps should be deemed a significant environmental hazard. Calculating the lifetime cancer risks due to PAHs and heavy metals accumulations in the dumps are substantial, and access to these dumps should be prohibited.

Correlations between vapor-phase Na/K/As adsorption capacities of kaolinite and temperature-dependent derivation of its Al-containing groups

Kaolinite is a commonly used additive, which has been proven to be capable of in-furnace capturing the vapor-phase Na, K, and As, so as to alleviate the fouling and slagging on the heat-exchange surface, the poisoning of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, and to reduce related environmental pollution. Considering that temperature-dependent derivation of kaolinites significantly influence the collaborative removal of these vapors, the present study quantified the Na/K/As adsorption capacity of kaolinites using a self-designed device over a wide temperature range to explore the temperature window for high adsorption efficiency. By analyzing Al-coordination of kaolinites before and after adsorption, fixation pathway of Na/K/As vapor was revealed. Effect analysis of single adsorbed atom combined with adsorption energy calculation based on density functional theory (DFT) was performed to demonstrate the difference of adsorption sites for Na/K/As vapors. The results showed that kaolinites had high Na/K/As adsorption capacity at 1073 K–1173 K, 723 K–1273 K, and 1173 K, respectively. When the temperature was between 723 K and 1173 K, the primary hexa-coordinated [VI]Al of kaolinites transformed into penta-coordinated [V]Al/tetra-coordinated [IV]Al. The newly formed [IV]Al atoms bonded with Na/K/As atoms. Specifically, both of center sites and bridge sites of [IV]Al-O rings can offer position for the fixation of Na and K atoms, and Na atoms were prone to be fixed at the former sites, while K atoms were easy to locate at the latter. In contrast, almost only the center sites of [IV]Al-O rings contributed to As adsorption. Thus, with the segmented injection of kaolinites at different temperature within 723 K–1273 K, development of two kinds of modified kaolinites with more center sites or bridge sites of [IV]Al–O rings were recommended to avoid competitive adsorption and realize collaborative removal of Na/K/As vapors.

Exploring geochemical assessment and spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils of Southern KP, Pakistan: employing multivariate analysis

ABSTRACT Soil pollution with heavy metals is continuously expanding with the rapid development of industrialisation and agriculture. The current study was aimed to determine the skewed nature and spatial distribution of soil heavy metals pollution in southern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. Fifty four soil samples were collected from the selected sites in southern districts and analysed for various soil physico-chemical and elemental concentrations. Various metals content, i.e. (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr) was determined after acid digested through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results of the metals content in soil samples showed maximum values Pb (46.38), Cd(6.74), Ni(45.58), Cr(58.08) mg/kg, bluk density 1.46 g/cm3 and lowest pH value 6.53 for Lakki cement factory (LCF) site. Other parameters like soil electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, percent porosity and soil urease activity also indicated higher values, i.e. 504 µs/cm, 250 mg/lit, 66% and 440.50 respectively. Positive Pearson correlation was found between metals concentration and soil physico-chemical properties except percent porosity and bulk density exhibited negative correlation. The multivariate statistical analysis of the data formed principal component that accounted for a total variance of 71.1%, on the basis of which metal contamination is traced to both geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Spatial distribution of the metals concentration showed higher concentration of Cd, Cr, Ni in Lakki cement factory (LCF) soil except Pb content that was observed maximum in Indus highway Karak (IHK) soil samples. Geoamccumulation index (Igeo) of the samples sites showed moderate contamination for studied metals with some uncontaminated sites showing a value of Igeo> 0. The study concludes a baseline data for metals concentration in the area, which can be used as a beacon for various strategic plannings regarding soil resource management in order to address the metals related health issues and environmental pollution.

Oxalic acid modified copper tailings as an efficient adsorbent with super high capacities for the removal of Pb2+

Comprehensive utilization of tailings is not only conducive to ensuring the sustainable use of resources but also can reduce the related environmental pollution. In the present work, a new utilization way of copper tailings was proposed and a novel composite (OMT-6) was prepared by modification of tailings with oxalic acid. The composite had super high Pb2+ adsorption capacity with the maximal Pb2+ removal capacity of 862.07 mg/g. Its Pb2+ removal behaviours followed pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir model, suggesting that Pb2+ removal depended on monolayer adsorption. The surface of OMT-6 was rough and a lot of nanospheres were loaded on its surface. The composite had mesoporous structure and a larger specific surface area compared with tailings, the above characteristics of which facilitated Pb2+ removal. The major crystal structures of OMT-6 were transformed to CaC2O4•H2O and FeC2O4•2H2O after oxalic acid modification and Pb2+ could be removed by the ions exchange between Ca2+, Fe2+ and Pb2+. Pb2+ removal mechanisms of OMT-6 involved ion exchange, surface complexation and electrostatic attraction interaction, among which ion exchange played a key role. These results indicated that the prepared OMT-6 composite from copper tailings was an ideal material for Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution.

Slow-Release Urea Prills Developed Using Organic and Inorganic Blends in Fluidized Bed Coater and Their Effect on Spinach Productivity

The application of urea-based fertilizers in developing countries has gained significant momentum over time. urea usage is to meet demand and supply gap of food resources as world population is increasing at a fast pace. urea contains largest content of nitrogen (46%) among all the solid nitrogenous fertilizers. However, main drawback of urea is its higher dissolution rate. After soil application, most of urea nitrogen is lost through a leaching, runoff, nitrification-denitrification and ammonia volatilization. To tackle urea related environmental pollution, development of slow-release urea fertilizer is a need of the hour and this would also increase product use efficiency in terms of crop productivity and its N uptake. We studied the usage of polymeric materials in combination with inorganic substances like sulfur and plaster of Paris as effective and biodegradable coating substances for urea prills. For coating on urea prills, fluidized bed coater was used whereas paraffin wax and molasses were used as binding agents. The urea was coated with four different formulations, i.e., C-1: PVA 5% + plaster of Paris 10% + sulfur 5% + paraffin wax 2%, C-2: PVA 5% + starch 10% + sulfur 5% + paraffin wax 2%, C-3: gelatin 5% + plaster of Paris 10% + sulfur 5% + paraffin wax 2% and C-4: PVA 5% + starch 10% + sulfur 5% + paraffin wax 2.5% + molasses 2.5%. Each formulation along with uncoated urea prills (C-0) were evaluated for characterization and N release kinetics. All the formulations along with uncoated urea were applied to spinach crop in pot experiment. A control (No N: untreated) was also kept. Spinach biomass yield and N uptake were determined. The formulation C-1 yielded highest urea-N release efficiency and spinach N uptake of6.87% and 1.93 g N/pot, respectively. Themodified Schwarz and Sinclair formula gave the excellent representation of release of nutrient-N from coated urea prills. It is concluded that coating urea prills with organic and inorganic blends is better option to slow down N release kinetics and improve spinach productivity. Therefore, by using coated fertilizers, farmers can improve agro-environmental value of urea, worldwide.

POLLUTION ASSESSMENT AND SOURCE APPROXIMATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE FARMLAND SOIL NEAR THE TRAFFICWAY

The traffic related environmental pollution problems have attracted a lot of attention. In this study, contents of eight trace elements along with Fe and Mn in the farmland soil near a trafficway of Suzhou, Anhui province, China have been measured for the pollution assessment and source identification (along with quantification). The results show that iron is the most abundant element, followed by manganese, zinc, chromium, nickel, copper, lead, arsenic, cobalt and cadmium. They have coefficients of variation range between 0.028 and 0.281, indicating that some of them might have multi-sources. The pollution indexes (including single pollution, geo-accumulation and the Nemerow composite indexes) indicate that the soil samples are slightly polluted. Multivariate statistical analyses (including correlation, cluster and factor analyses) have identified three sources (geogenic, traffic and agriculture related) responsible for the elemental concentrations in the soils. Moreover, the EPA Unmix model have calculated their mean contributions to be 33.4%, 33.2% and 33.3%, respectively.

Archetype of Alleys in the Cities - A Retrospective Approach

Alleys are very important elements in the city. Their role is not only architectural, but also cultural and social. When we design characteristic points on a city map, they are very often significant spaces in the wider area, as well as a place that is generally known, recognizable and allowing to determine a location or a reference point. According to the contemporary urban definitions, the alleys are walking, cycling or driving routes. The alley also includes the waterway route, planted on both sides with trees or shrubs with a specific composition that is keeping the rhythm of planting and landscaping connections. In the article, the author included historical and cultural changes that take place in contemporary times. The alleys create permanent - stable forms in the landscape. On the other hand, due to the excessive car traffic and related environmental pollution, the alleys lose their recreational significance. The role of the alleys in the city is changing. Usually, it was a system which was always associated with fashion and prestige. The author in conclusion showed that the main values of the alleys should be cultivated; nowadays, their most important feature from the archetypical point of view should be the recreation and economic opportunities. The article shows that today’s alleys should have less transport importance. This is because the car traffic is no longer synonymous with the progress of civilization and technical achievements.