Sulfur Air Research Articles

Differences in leaf gas exchange strategies explain Quercus rubra and Liriodendron tulipifera intrinsic water use efficiency responses to air pollution and climate change.

Trees continuously regulate leaf physiology to acquire CO2 while simultaneously avoiding excessive water loss. The balance between these two processes, or water use efficiency (WUE), is fundamentally important to understanding changes in carbon uptake and transpiration from the leaf to the globe under environmental change. While increasing atmospheric CO2 (iCO2 ) is known to increase tree intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), less clear are the additional impacts of climate and acidic air pollution and how they vary by tree species. Here, we couple annually resolved long-term records of tree-ring carbon isotope signatures with leaf physiological measurements of Quercus rubra (Quru) and Liriodendron tulipifera (Litu) at four study locations spanning nearly 100 km in the eastern United States to reconstruct historical iWUE, net photosynthesis (Anet ), and stomatal conductance to water (gs ) since 1940. We first show 16%-25% increases in tree iWUE since the mid-20th century, primarily driven by iCO2 , but also document the individual and interactive effects of nitrogen (NOx ) and sulfur (SO2 ) air pollution overwhelming climate. We find evidence for Quru leaf gas exchange being less tightly regulated than Litu through an analysis of isotope-derived leaf internal CO2 (Ci ), particularly in wetter, recent years. Modeled estimates of seasonally integrated Anet and gs revealed a 43%-50% stimulation of Anet was responsible for increasing iWUE in both tree species throughout 79%-86% of the chronologies with reductions in gs attributable to the remaining 14%-21%, building upon a growing body of literature documenting stimulated Anet overwhelming reductions in gs as a primary mechanism of increasing iWUE of trees. Finally, our results underscore the importance of considering air pollution, which remains a major environmental issue in many areas of the world, alongside climate in the interpretation of leaf physiology derived from tree rings.

Современное состояние проблемы прогнозирования самовозгорания и взрывчатости сульфидных руд и вмещающих пород на глубине более 1500 м.

The mining factors of ore fire hazard during mining of the lower horizons of the Oktyabrskiy and Talnakhskiy northern deposits are considered. It is noted that the probability of self-heating of sulfide ores and the sulfide dust’s tendency to spontaneous combustion and explosiveness in certain sections of rich sulfide copper-nickel ores are quite high. The oxidation of sulfide ores occurs continuously due to the absorption of oxygen from the mine atmosphere and is accompanied by the release of heat. The oxidation can be accompanied by intense heating of the ore in mining conditions, with the accumulation of large volumes of broken rock mass for a long time in treatment and preparation workings and with free access of air to the bulk of the ore mass. The processes of ore and rock oxidation are especially intense when their moisture content is 1–4%. When the ore is heated above 35 °C, sulfurous gas (SO2) may be released. The main signs of the above-mentioned oxidative processes’ development and signs of the initial phase of a possible underground endogenous fire are indicated along with a constant increase in the temperature of the air coming from the bottom of the face. It is noted that in case of detecting at least one of the signs of a possible underground endogenous fire’s initial phase, urgent measures are taken to improve the ventilation of this working face, to ensure maximum intensity of shipped ore from the fresh stream and the content of sulfurous gas and hydrogen sulfide and mine air temperature are determined every 4 hours. If after two days on the outgoing stream there is no decrease in the content of sulfur dioxide and air temperature, then it should be considered that an endogenous fire has occurred. Measures for the prevention, localization and elimination of foci of spontaneous combustion are given. As an additional safety measure, it is recommended to moisten the dust, since sulfide dust becomes non-explosive at a moisture content of 9–9,5%, and at a humidity of 10% the dust does not transmit an explosive impulse.

Marine environmental emission reduction policy in the liner shipping the economic impact from trade lane perspective

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the economic impact of the IMO Sulfur air pollution marine emissions reduction policy on carriers, as well as on socio-economic factors in the field of international liner shipping. Air pollution regulations, have the potential to shift freight away from its original port destination. This policy, which is implemented in an unequal manner (selective, global cap 0.5% out ECA and 0.1 in ECA), will create anew market failure from an economic and environmental perspective (‘pollution leakage’). This study will evaluate the economic impact by developing a Trade Lane (TL) Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA) Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) framework, based on the carrier problem, choosing an appropriate compliance action from aselection of alternatives, differentiated by compliance techniques. Results indicate that the scrubber is the most mature technological solution today, nevertheless, the expected impact on slot costs cannot be overlooked (compare to fuel switch alternative). Results indicate that a hypothetical alternative with a global sulfur content of 0.1% in a200 NM shore area and HFO uses in high seas were found to be more economic and less destructive to the maritime industry and less harmful to society in terms of health and potential pollution.

Observations of volatile organic and sulfur compounds in ambient air and health risk assessment near a paper mill in rural Idaho, U. S. A.

The Lewis-Clark Valley is a rural area that includes the cities of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington and the surrounding areas. The largest industry in the Lewis-Clark Valley is a pulp paper mill located in Lewiston which emits particulate matter and odorous sulfur air pollutants. This study analyzed the Lewis-Clark Valley air composition and seasonal, temporal and spatial variations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 2017 to 2018 to determine potential health risks of the paper mill emissions to the surrounding community. Both active and passive air sampling via sorbent tubes were analyzed by thermal desorption - gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Fifty VOCs including benzene, toluene, chloroform, dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide were measured in the ambient air of the Lewis-Clark Valley at ten different sites, totaling over 800 samples. In addition, passive sorbent tubes were deployed in 2018 to obtain monthly averages in Lewis-Clark Valley and three urban locations in Idaho and Washington for comparison. United States Environmental Protection Agency (2001) methodology was used to assess cancer risks in the community based on the upper confidence levels of five carcinogens and nine air toxics. The Lewis-Clark Valley had similar levels of benzene to urban areas but had a strong signature of chloroform and sulfides from the paper mill. The cumulative cancer risk was 2 x 10−6 - 11 × 10−6, mainly due to the compounds chloroform, benzene and carbon tetrachloride. The hazard index of other air toxics was less than one. Overall, these air pollutants were considered low risk to the local population.

Nationwide levels and distribution of endosulfan in air, soil, water, and sediment in South Korea

We investigated the levels and distribution patterns of α- and β-endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate in air, soil, water, and sediment samples collected from the South Korean persistent organic pollutants (POPs) monitoring networks. In the air samples, the highest concentrations of the total (Σ3) endosulfan (50.3–611 pg/m3, mean: 274 pg/m3) were observed during summer. Spearman analysis revealed a good correlation between agricultural land area and atmospheric concentrations of Σ3 endosulfan except during winter. Regardless of the season, the ratio of the two isomers (α/β) was 3.6–4.9 in the air samples, higher than that observed in technical mixtures (2.0–2.3), possibly due to the higher volatility of α-endosulfan, compared to β-endosulfan. Concentrations of Σ3 endosulfan in the soil samples (n.d.−13.4 ng/g, mean: 0.8 ng/g) were not significantly different except at some stations adjacent to large areas of farmland. The average levels of Σ3 endosulfan in the water and sediment samples were 2.1 ng/L and 0.1 ng/g dw, respectively. In analyzing the four largest rivers, it was observed that a few water stations during spring and fall and sediment stations in fall had high concentrations of the two isomers and endosulfan sulfate, particularly around the Yeoungsan and Nakdong Rivers near large areas of agricultural land. Endosulfan sulfate was dominant at most water and sediment sampling stations. This study demonstrates that the endosulfan found in most environmental compartments most probably derives from agricultural areas despite its ban as a pesticide. On the other hand, given that it was also detected in industrial and urban areas, in which pesticide application does not occur, it can be conjectured that endosulfan is aerially transported at higher temperatures and continuously circulates within the environment.

Luminescence of aromatic hydrocarbon molecules in the sonication of terbium sulfate suspensions

The sonication of terbium sulfate suspensions in benzene, toluene, and p-xylene induces intense UV luminescence (260–320 nm). The luminescence bands coincide with the fluorescence spectra of these aromatic hydrocarbons, but it is not observed in their sonoluminescence spectra. Furthermore, the spectra of ultrasound-initiated luminescence of the suspensions defined as sonotriboluminescence, which is 103 times more intense than the sonoluminescence of hydrocarbons, exhibit also emission from the ∗Tb3+ ion. The luminescence of ∗N2, which is observed during traditional triboluminescence of terbium sulfate in air, is hardly detectable in the case of sonolysis of terbium sulfate suspensions in aromatic hydrocarbons, but can be observed on decreasing the temperature of the suspensions, which decreases the saturated vapor pressure of the liquids. A possible mechanism of excitation of aromatic hydrocarbon molecules during sonotriboluminescence is discussed.

Synthesis of Ce2O2S and Gd2(1-y)Ce2yO2S Nanoparticles and Reactivity from in Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Lanthanide oxysulfide nanoparticles have recently attracted interest in view of their potential applications, such as lighting devices and MRI contrast agents, which requires a good stability in air and a controlled surface. In order to address these issues, in this work, air-sensitive Ce2O2S nanoparticles of hexagonal shape were successfully prepared and characterized under inert conditions. Bimetallic Gd2(1-y)Ce2yO2S nanoparticles of similar shape and size were also synthesized for the whole composition range (y from 0 to 1). X-ray diffraction structural data are found to follow Vegard's law up to y = 0.4, which is attributed to the loss of stability in air of Ce-rich nanocrystals beyond this threshold. This picture is supported by X-ray absorption spectra taken at the S K-edge and Ce L3-edge that show the partial oxidation of sulfide species and of CeIII to CeIV in the presence of air or water. A complementary near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study shows that at least two types of oxidized sulfur species form on the nanoparticle surface. Even in Gd2O2S nanoparticles that are generally considered to be air-stable, we found that sulfide ions are partially oxidized to sulfate in air. These results unveil the physicochemical mechanisms responsible for the surface reactivity of lanthanide oxysulfides nanoparticles in air.

Thermal decomposition of europium sulfates Eu2(SO4)3·8H2O and EuSO4

Reactions of europium sulfates Eu2(SO4)3·8H2O and EuSO4 complete decomposition were studied by Simultaneous Thermal Analysis. It was revealed that one-step dehydratation of Eu2(SO4)3·8H2O crystallohydrate is accompanied by the formation of amorphous anhydrous europium sulfate Eu2(SO4)3. Crystallization of amorphous europium (III) sulfate occurs at 381.1°С (in argon) and 391.3°C (in air). The average enthalpy values for dehydratation reaction of Eu2(SO4)3·8H2O (ΔH° = 141.1kJ/mol), decomposition reactions of Eu2(SO4)3 (ΔH = 463.1kJ/mol), Eu2O2SO4 (ΔH = 378.4kJ/mol) and EuSO4 (ΔH = 124.1kJ/mol) were determined. The step process mechanisms of thermal decomposition of europium (III) sulfate in air and europium (II) sulfate in inert atmosphere were established and justified. The kinetic parameters of complete thermal decomposition of europium (III) sulfate octahydrate were calculated by Kissinger model. The standard enthalpies of compound formation were calculated using thermal effects and formation enthalpy data for binary compounds.

Comparison of sulfur fumigation processing and direct hot air heating technology on puerarin contents and efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix

In order to compare the effect of sulfur fumigation processing and direct hot air heating technology on puerarin contents and efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the fresh roots of Pueraria thomsonii were cut into small pieces and prepared into direct sunshine drying samples, direct hot air drying samples, and sulfur fumigation-hot air drying samples. Moisture contents of the samples were then determined. The puerarin contents of different samples were compared by HPLC method. Moreover, the models of drunkenness mice were established, and then with superoxide dismutase (SOD) content as the index, aqueous decoction extracts of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix samples with sulfur fumigation processing and non-sulfur fumigation processing methods were administrated by ig; the effects of sulfur fumigation on contents of SOD in mice liver and serum were determined, and the sulfur fumigation samples and non-sulfur fumigation samples were investigated for moth and mildew under different packaging and storage conditions. Results showed that the sulfur fumigation samples significantly changed the puerarin content from Puerariae Thomsonii Radix. The content of puerarin was decreased gradually when increasing the times of sulfur fumigation and amount of sulfur. SOD content in drunken mice liver and serum was significantly decreased when increasing the times of sulfur fumigation, showing significant difference with both direct sunshine drying group and direct hot air drying group. Moth and mildew were not found in the sulfur fumigation samples and direct hot air drying samples whose moisture contents were lower than the limit in Pharmacopoeia. Research showed that sulfur fumigation can significantly reduce the content of main active ingredients and reduce the efficacy of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, indicating that the quality of Puerariae Thomsonii Radix was significantly decreased after sulfur fumigation. However, the contents of the main active ingredients, efficacy and storage results of the direct hot air drying samples were similar to those in direct sunshine drying samples, so the hot air drying process was a nice drying technology which could be promoted for use.

Electrical breakdown of transformer oil with sulfur hexafluoride and air bubbles

The influence of gas bubbles on the breakdown voltage of transformer oil is experimentally studied. The influence of the oil flow on the electrical characteristics of breakdown is analyzed. It is shown that sulfur hexafluoride and air bubbles decrease the breakdown voltage.

Deposition von Luftschadstoffen in der Schweiz: Entwicklung, aktueller Stand und Bewertung

Deposition of air pollutants in Switzerland: development, current situation and assessment In total, the emissions of nitrogen, sulfur and other anthropogenic air pollutants in Switzerland were reduced in the last decades. This is the result of effective measures of the air pollution abatement policies. Sulfur input in forests today is nearly negligible due to a reduction of emissions by more than 90 percent. Regarding nitrogen emissions the picture is less consistent: they are reduced in consequence of the abatement of nitrogen oxides emissions from combustion processes, but ammonia emissions from agriculture show a considerably less pronounced reduction, and since the year 2000 they remain on a high level. In 2007 the average inputs in forests amounted to 24 kg nitrogen per ha and 4.8 kg sulfur per ha. Natural nitrogen input is 1 to 3 kg per ha and year. On nearly all forest sites (>95%) the critical loads for nitrogen were exceeded. Nitrogen input consists of roughly two thirds of reduced ammonia nitrogen from agricultural activities and one third of oxidized nitrogen from combustion processes (traffic, households, industries, commerce). In 2007 the acidification potential of nitrogen and sulfur input in forests on many sites was considerably higher than the amount of available neutralizing cations (Ca, Mg, K) from the weathering of minerals and their input with dust. Further efforts are necessary to reduce the nitrogen load in forests to a tolerable amount.

Ecological effects of nitrogen and sulfur air pollution in the US: what do we know?

Four decades after the passage of the US Clean Air Act, air‐quality standards are set to protect ecosystems from damage caused by gas‐phase nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) compounds, but not from the deposition of these air pollutants to land and water. Here, we synthesize recent scientific literature on the ecological effects of N and S air pollution in the US. Deposition of N and S is the main driver of ecosystem acidification and contributes to nutrient enrichment in many natural systems. Although surface‐water acidification has decreased in the US since 1990, it remains a problem in many regions. Perturbations to ecosystems caused by the nutrient effects of N deposition continue to emerge, although gas‐phase concentrations are generally not high enough to cause phytotoxicity. In all, there is overwhelming evidence of a broad range of damaging effects to ecosystems in the US under current air‐quality conditions.

Assessment of the environmental persistence and long-range transport of endosulfan

Concentrations of the insecticide endosulfan (α- and β-isomer) and its degradation product endosulfan sulfate in air, seawater and soil are calculated with the global environmental fate model CliMoChem. As model input, physicochemical properties of all three compounds were assembled and a latitudinally and temporally resolved emission inventory was generated. For concentrations in air, model and measurements are in good agreement; a bimodal seasonality with two peaks in spring and fall as it is observed in Arctic air is reproduced by the model. For seawater, the agreement of model and measurements depends on the values of the hydrolysis activation energy of endosulfan used in the model; with relatively high values around 100 kJ/mol, model results match field data well. The results of this assessment of the levels, persistence, and global distribution of endosulfan are also relevant for the evaluation of endosulfan as a Persistent Organic Pollutant under the Stockholm Convention.

Acute Health Effects Associated with Exposure to Volcanic Air Pollution (vog) from Increased Activity at Kilauea Volcano in 2008

In 2008, the Kilauea Volcano on the island of Hawai'i increased eruption activity and emissions of sulfurous volcanic air pollution called vog. The purpose of this study was to promptly assess for a relative increase in cases of medically diagnosed acute illnesses in an exposed Hawaiian community. Using a within-clinic retrospective cohort design, comparisons were made for visits of acute illnesses during the 14 wk prior to the increased volcanic emissions (low exposure) to 14 wk of high vog exposure when ambient sulfur dioxide was threefold higher and averaged 75 parts per billion volume per day. Logistic regression analysis estimated effect measures between the low- and high-exposure cohorts for age, gender, race, and smoking status. There were statistically significant positive associations between high vog exposure and visits for medically diagnosed cough, headache, acute pharyngitis, and acute airway problems. More than a sixfold increase in odds was estimated for visits with acute airway problems, primarily experienced by young Pacific Islanders. These findings suggest that the elevated volcanic emissions in 2008 were associated with increased morbidity of acute illnesses in age and racial subgroups of the general Hawaiian population. Continued investigation is crucial to fully assess the health impact of this natural source of sulfurous air pollution. Culturally appropriate primary- and secondary-level health prevention initiatives are recommended for populations in Hawai'i and volcanically active areas worldwide.

High-temperature hot corrosion behavior of gadolinium zirconate by vanadium pentoxide and sodium sulfate in air

Gadolinium zirconate (Gd 2Zr 2O 7) prepared by solid state reaction exhibited a defect fluorite-type structure. Reactions between Gd 2Zr 2O 7 ceramic and vanadium pentoxide (V 2O 5), sodium sulfate (Na 2SO 4), and V 2O 5 + Na 2SO 4 mixture were investigated from 700 to 1000 °C in air using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). V 2O 5 reacts with Gd 2Zr 2O 7 to form gadolinium vanadate (GdVO 4) and monoclinic zirconia ( m-ZrO 2) at 900 and 1000 °C in air. However, no chemical reaction product between Na 2SO 4 and Gd 2Zr 2O 7 is found at 900 and 1000 °C in air. V 2O 5 reacts with equal molar Na 2SO 4 to form sodium vanadate (NaVO 3) at 610 °C. In the temperature range of 700–1000 °C, Na 2SO 4 + V 2O 5 mixture reacts with Gd 2Zr 2O 7 in air to form the final reaction products of GdVO 4 and m-ZrO 2.

Tests of determination methods for ammonium sulfate in air of work places

目的 建立工作场所空气中氨基磺酸铵的检测方法 .方法 样品用混合纤维滤膜采集,用水洗脱,离子色谱检测磺酸根离子.通过测试方法 的线性范围、检出限、精密度、准确度、洗脱效率和样品稳定性来评价该方法 的可行性.结果该方法 的线性范围0.01～0.2 mg/ml,相关系数r=0.9998;检出限2.25μg/ml,最低检出浓度为0.75 mg/m~3;平均相对标准偏差3.95%,平均回收率99.1%.洗脱效率98.2%.结论 该标准方法 操作简便,精密度、回收率、洗脱效率及样品稳定性能够满足工作场所空气中有毒物质检测方法 的研制规范要求,能准确测定工作场所空气中氨基磺酸铵的含量。

An Indoor Air Quality Assessment for Vulnerable Populations Exposed to Volcanic Vog From Kilauea Volcano

The Ka'u District of Hawaii is exposed to sulfurous air pollution called vog from the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano. Increased volcanic activity in 2008 prompted an indoor air quality assessment of the district's hospital and schools. All indoor sulfur dioxide concentrations were above the World Health Organization's average 24-hour recommendation. Indoor penetration ratios were up to 94% of ambient levels and dependent upon building construction or the use of air-conditioning. Health-promotion efforts for vulnerable populations at the hospital and schools are under way to improve indoor air quality and respond to those affected by vog exposure.

Spectroscopic study of calcium sulfite thermolysis

The thermal conversion of calcium sulfite into calcium sulfate in air was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and ESR and IR spectroscopy. The water of crystallization of CaSO3 · 0.5H2O was found to be involved in the formation of the heat-generated radical ion SO2−. A thermolysis mechanism is suggested.

Photochemical growth of cadmium-rich CdS nanotubes at the air–water interface and their use in photocatalysis

Cadmium-rich CdS nanotubes were directly obtained at the air–water interface by a new photochemical route. Under ultraviolet light irradiation, branch-like lamellas were first formed on the surface of the precursor solution, and then they bent into nanotubes because of the composition difference between the two sides of lamellas during photochemical reactions and sulfur–air reactions. A typical nanotube has one spherical seal and one open end. Most of the cadmium was contained in the tubes and a little was doped in the tube-walls during their formation. Such nanotubes showed higher photocatalytic activity than the corresponding pure CdS nanotubes in the photodegradation of methylene blue because of the existence metal cadmium. This route is green, template/surfactant-free, reproducible and can be extended to prepare other binary compound semiconductor nanostructures containing elements that can react either with air or another gas.

Acute Bronchitis and Volcanic Air Pollution: A Community-Based Cohort Study at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i, USA

Eruption at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai`i, has continued since 1983, emitting sulfurous air pollution into nearby communities. The purpose of this cohort study was to estimate the relative risk (RR) of acute bronchitis over a period from January 2004 to December 2006 in communities exposed to the volcanic air pollution. A community-based case review was conducted using medical records from clinics and emergency rooms in exposed and unexposed study areas. Initial visits by local residents for diagnosed acute bronchitis were clinically reviewed. The cumulative incidence rate for the 3-yr period was 117.74 per 1000 in unexposed communities and 184.63 per 1000 in exposed communities. RR estimates were standardized for age and gender, revealing an elevated cumulative incidence ratio (CIR) of 1.57 (95% CI = 1.36–1.81) for acute bronchitis in the exposed communities. Highest risk [CIR: 6.56 (95% CI = 3.16–13.6)] was observed in children aged 0–14 yr who resided in the exposed communities. Exposed middle-aged females aged 45–64 yr had double the risk for acute bronchitis than their unexposed counterparts. These findings suggest that communities continuously exposed to sulfurous volcanic air pollution may have a higher risk of acute bronchitis across the life span.