bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local structures and electronic band states of α−Fe2O3 polycrystalline particles in the glazes of the HIZEN celadons produced in the Edo period of Japan, by means of X-ray absorption spectra (II)
Authors: Hidaka M. , Ohashi K. , Wijesundera R. P. , Kumara L. S. R. , Sugihara S. , Momoshima N. , Kubuki S. , Sung N. E.
Published: July 2011

HIZEN celadon glazes produced in 1630's to 1790's (Edo period, Japan) have been investigated by means of X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) near a Fe-K edge by using synchrotron radiation and a Mössbauer spectrum. The XAS suggest that the local structure around Fe2O3 fine powders is slightly different between the Izumiyama ceramics of mainly the Quartz-SiO2 and Ohkawachi ceramics of mainly the feldspar of (K,Na)Si3O8 (Sanidine), and that the glazes of the HIZEN celadons include the Fe2O3 fine powders in the glassy state, though the X-ray diffraction patterns of the glassy celadon glazes do not show any peaks of the Fe2O3 structure. The Mössbauer spectrum suggests that the celadon glaze of Seiji (m) includes only Fe3+ ions, but not Fe2+ ions. This indicates the existence of Fe2O3 in the celadon glaze. It is interpreted that the colored brightness of the HIZEN celadons is induced by the structural properties of the used raw celadon ceramics and the other transition-metal ions of Cr, Cu, Zn in the celadon glazes, but not by the chemical reaction from Fe2O3 to FeO under the deoxidizing thermal treatment at higher temperature in a kiln.
Low temperature synthesis of bioactive materials
Authors: Bandeira L. C. , Calefi P. S. , Ciuffi K. J. , Nassar E. J. , Salvado I. M. M. , Fernandes M. H. F. V.
Published: July 2011

Bioactive materials possess properties that allow them to interact with natural tissues to induce reactions that favor the development and regeneration of those tissues. In this study, silica was prepared by the sol-gel method, using tetraethylorthosilicate as the precursor. The calcium and phosphor sources used here were calcium ethoxy and phosphoric acid, respectively, in ethanol solvent. The solid obtained was dried at 50 ºC. In vitro bioactivity assays were performed by soaking the materials in simulated body fluid (SBF). The samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal analysis and photoluminescence. TEM images of the samples before contact with SBF revealed amorphous aggregates and after 12 days in SBF showed two phases, one amorphous with large quantities of Si and O, and the other a crystalline phase whose composition contained Ca and P. The electron diffraction pattern showed a planar distance of 2.86 Å, corresponding to 2θ = 32.2º. This was ascribed to hydroxyapatite. The Eu III was used as structural probe. The relative band intensity correspondent the transition 5D0 → 7F2 / 5D0 → 7F1 showed a high symmetry surrounding the Eu III ion. These materials, produced by the sol-gel route, open up new possibilities for obtaining bioactive biomaterials for medical applications.
Estudo da intercalação de compostos orgânicos em caulins na forma ácida
Authors: Fernandes M. V. da S. , Silva L. R. D. da
Published: July 2011

A viabilidade da utilização de importantes argilas tais como os caulins em processos de adsorção, pode ocorrer mediante a modificação química através de intercalação em suas estruturas filitosas. Amostras de caulin da região do nordeste do Brasil, um branco e outro cinza de uma porção da região borborema-seridó no estado da Paraíba foram intercalados com dimetilsulfóxido, ácido oxálico e ácido cítrico. Na caracterização das amostras naturais e modificadas foram utilizadas técnicas de difração de raios X, análise térmica e espectrometria de absorção na região do infravermelho.
Resistência à erosão de concretos refratários de alta alumina nanoligados
Authors: Santos V. A. A. dos , Prestes E. , Medeiros J. , Veiga J. L. B. , Pandolfelli V. C.
Published: July 2011

A avaliação do emprego de concretos refratários nanoligados em aplicações onde ocorre desgaste por erosão é de importante interesse devido aos estudos recentes que indicam esta rota como uma alternativa à substituição do cimento de aluminato de cálcio. Neste trabalho, os resultados de resistência à erosão a frio de formulações de concretos refratários de alta alumina ligados por sílica coloidal e a combinação deste aditivo com alumina hidratável, foram comparadas a um concreto refratário aluminoso de uso comercial, ligado por cimento de aluminato de cálcio, especificado pelo fabricante para uso em aplicações de desgaste por erosão. Os resultados mostraram um desempenho superior dos concretos nanoligados, indicando que a utilização deste agente ligante é muito promissora no desenvolvimento de produtos onde se requer alta resistência ao desgaste por erosão. A razão entre o valor do módulo de ruptura a quente e o volume erodido também se mostrou relevante como técnica de seleção de refratários para tais aplicações.
De revista institucional a periódico científico: considerações para uma história de Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão
Authors: Guedes Maria do Carmo
Published: July 2011

Análise inicial da revista Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão permite dividi-la em dois períodos bem distintos: antes e depois de assumir-se como periódico científico. Essa decisão, tomada no momento certo, trouxe o periódico para o grupo dos mais importantes da área, conforme atestado pela avaliação Capes. Parece, entretanto, que seu pertencimento a uma categoria profissional o torna, ainda assim, um periódico diferente do usual: além de artigos científicos, seu projeto editorial inclui a publicação de relatos de experiência profissional. Para entender o que isso pode estar sinalizando, analisa-se a passagem de revista institucional a periódico científico no contexto da editoração científica brasileira.
Considerações sobre a avaliação Psicológica no Brasil
Authors: Noronha Ana Paula Porto , Reppold Caroline Tozzi
Published: July 2011

O presente artigo foi elaborado em virtude da comemoração dos 30 anos da revista Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão, já que no primeiro número, havia um trabalho sobre avaliação psicológica, a mesma temática aqui trabalhada. O objetivo a que se propôs foi resgatar o desenvolvimento da área de avaliação psicológica no Brasil bem como refletir sobre seu momento atual e sobre as necessidades futuras para o aprimoramento das práticas avaliativas, da formação dos psicólogos e da área de conhecimento. A título de finalização, as autoras fazem menção aos preceitos de que progresso científico-tecnológico está relacionado ao desenvolvimento do País, de modo que países mais desenvolvidos tendem a ter melhores condições de avaliação. Especialmente no que respeita a avaliação, espera-se que, em um futuro próximo, os psicólogos a realizem com mais propriedade, que os instrumentos psicológicos tenham as qualidades psicométricas necessárias e que a sociedade a reconheça como uma prática científica.
Educação para a sustentabilidade nos cursos de Administração: reflexão sobre paradigmas e práticas
Authors: Jacobi Pedro Roberto , Raufflet Emmanuel , Arruda Michelle Padovese de
Published: July 2011

Na última década, multiplicaram-se os módulos, cursos e programas relacionados à sustentabilidade no ensino superior em geral, assim como mais especificamente no ensino da Administração. O propósito deste artigo é apresentar uma reflexão e uma avaliação de tais esforços e mapear caminhos para a construção de módulos, cursos e programas por meio de uma reflexão sobre paradigmas da educação e suas práticas. O objetivo é contribuir no debate sobre o papel da educação superior e notadamente dos cursos de Administração e Gestão, na medida em que se observa um significativo aumento do número de instituições de ensino superior que apresentam efetiva motivação para formar estudantes com conhecimento e habilidades necessários para colocar a sustentabilidade no centro de suas futuras atividades de gestão. Apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre as principais vertentes de pensamento e os debates atuais, identificam-se as ambiguidades e contradições, e se apresentam as possibilidades de integração do tema da sustentabilidade nos cursos de Administração. Os autores trazem à tona a temática da sustentabilidade nas empresas e seu diálogo com a academia, bem como as implicações da emergência da sociedade de risco para a educação superior e as escolas de Administração. Também se abordam as correntes de pensamento da economia e ecologia propostas para a educação, dentro de paradigmas que tratem da complexidade e inserção da sustentabilidade na educação superior e nas escolas de Administração. O artigo está estruturado em quatro seções: a primeira mapeia a sociedade de risco e o pensamento econômico recente, e esboça os fundamentos/premissas da sociedade, bem como os paradigmas da educação; a segunda apresenta um levantamento sobre promoção/difusão da sustentabilidade na educação superior, destacando contexto, resultados e desafios; a terceira foca a sustentabilidade no ensino da Administração e seus principais desafios; e a última seção propõe três caminhos para integrar o tema da sustentabilidade no ensino da Administração, com as competências para o desenvolvimento sustentável, e, finalmente, as implicações, os obstáculos e as possibilidades de integrar a sustentabilidade no ensino da Administração. O artigo dialoga com a literatura internacional mais recente e busca interessar os leitores sobre os principais desafios conceituais para educar indivíduos responsáveis e comprometidos com a sustentabilidade.
Desenvolvimento sustentável e educação ambiental: uma trajetória comum com muitos desafios
Authors: Barbieri José Carlos , Silva Dirceu da
Published: July 2011

O objetivo geral deste artigo é a apresentação do surgimento de uma concepção de educação ambiental (EA) associada ao movimento do desenvolvimento sustentável e uma proposta de educação para o desenvolvimento sustentável (EDS), tendo em vista sua aplicação em cursos de Administração de Empresas, pois, como será mostrado, na concepção dessa EA, deu-se especial atenção aos profissionais cujas atividades e decisões geram repercussões significativas sobre o meio ambiente, como administradores, economistas, engenheiros, arquitetos, desenvolvedores de produtos, formuladores de políticas públicas, entre outros. Serão apresentados os principais eventos intergovernamentais que deram surgimento a essa concepção de EA, as principais diretrizes e recomendações aplicadas a esses profissionais e uma proposta de EDS e sua relação com a EA. Depois, será apresentado um debate sobre a EA e a EDS, pois há entendimentos diametralmente opostos sobre essas duas concepções de educação. Serão apresentados diferentes entendimentos do conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável e as questões polêmicas que geram dúvidas e objeções sobre ele, na perspectiva de dirimir mitos e concepções ingênuas. Também serão abordadas as questões relativas ao crescimento econômico e sua relação com o desenvolvimento, uma das principais questões polêmicas em torno do conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável. O artigo discute conceitos e recomendações constantes nos documentos intergovernamentais, sobretudo os produzidos pelas agências da ONU, que criaram marcos para o debate e introduziram elementos para que se desencadeassem ações mundiais de EA. Por fim, apresentam-se algumas das principais iniciativas voluntárias para a inserção das instituições de ensino superior no movimento do desenvolvimento sustentável, tal como a Declaração de Talloires, para implantar a EA e a EDS.
Uma compreensão da sustentabilidade por meio dos níveis de complexidade das decisões organizacionais
Authors: Maia Andrei Giovani , Pires Paulo dos Santos
Published: July 2011

Em uma sociedade capitalista, as decisões organizacionais, geralmente voltadas à dimensão econômica, desencadearam ou agravaram os problemas socioambientais em muitos países. Na busca por soluções de tais problemas, surge, na década de 1980, o conceito de desenvolvimento sustentável, propondo o atendimento das necessidades das gerações atuais sem comprometer o atendimento das necessidades das futuras gerações (COMISSÃO MUNDIAL SOBRE MEIO AMBIENTE E DESENVOLVIMENTO, 1988). Considerado um conceito subjetivo e passível de interpretação, o desenvolvimento sustentável propõe o atendimento de três dimensões essenciais: econômica, social e ambiental. Assim, sob a ótica organizacional, tomar decisões que contribuam para a sustentabilidade tornou-se, no mínimo, um grande desafio, pois, além da dimensão econômica, os decisores deverão lidar simultaneamente com as dimensões sociais e ambientais. Isso mostra a existência de níveis de decisões definidos como simples, medianos e complexos, os quais tendem a comprometer ou influenciar de forma distinta o alcance da sustentabilidade, conforme o atendimento satisfatório ou não das dimensões. Diante desse desafio, como ensaio teórico-metodológico, este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma compreensão da sustentabilidade por meio dos níveis de complexidade das decisões organizacionais. Para alcançar esse objetivo, propõem-se critérios relevantes que compõem cada uma das dimensões da sustentabilidade, identificando as relações (sistêmicas) que podem ocorrer entre os critérios durante a tomada de decisões organizacionais. Como resultado do cruzamento entre níveis de complexidade de decisões e as dimensões da sustentabilidade, obteve-se a estrutura de uma matriz de complexidade das decisões direcionadas à sustentabilidade. De caráter qualitativo, a matriz visa mostrar como o decisor ou pesquisador pode classificar as decisões consideradas relevantes e como poderá tomar decisões complexas que integrem satisfatoriamente as três dimensões da sustentabilidade.
On the name of the lepidophagous characid fish Roeboexodon guyanensis (Puyo) (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Moreira Cristiano R. , Lima Flávio C. T.
Published: July 2011

The arguments for the usage of the names Gnathoplax, Roeboexodon, R. geryi, and R. guyanensis are revised. Based on the literature and museum specimens, we recommend that the neotype of Exodon guyanensis should be considered valid; that the genus Gnathoplax should be considered an objective junior synonym of Roeboexodon; and that Roeboexodon geryi should be considered an objective junior synonym of Exodonguyanensis.
Structure and integrity of fish assemblages in streams associated to conservation units in Central Brazil
Authors: Couto Thiago Belisário d'Araújo , Aquino Pedro De Podestà Uchôa de
Published: July 2011

This study aims to characterize the spatial and seasonal distribution of the fish assemblage and evaluate the integrity of streams in a sustainable use area that includes integral protection conservation units in Distrito Federal, Central Brazil (Cerrado biome). For the study, 12 stretches of 8 streams were sampled in 2008 (dry season) and 2009 (wet season). For that evaluation was estimated the Physical Habitat Index (PHI), vegetation cover (VC), pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and conductivity. We recorded 22 species, about eight undescribed species, by a total of 2,327 individuals. The most representative families in number of species were Characidae (31.8%), Loricariidae (31.8%), and Crenuchidae (13.6%). Knodus moenkhausii was the most abundant species with 1,476 individuals, added to Astyanax sp., Phalloceros harpagos, and Hasemania sp. they represent over 95% of the total abundance. The species Astyanax sp. (occurring in 79.2% of the stretches) and K. moenkhausii (50.0%) were considered constant in both seasons. The longitudinal gradient (River Continuum) exerts a strong influence on the studied assemblage. According to CCA, the variables that structure the fish assemblage are based on aspects related to water volume and habitat complexity. No seasonal variation in richness, diversity, abundance, and mass were detected. A cluster analysis suggests a separation of species composition between the stretches of higher and lower orders, which was not observed for seasonality. The streams were considered well preserved (mean PHI 82.9±7.5%), but in some stretches were observed anthropogenic influence, detected in the water quality and, mainly, on the riparian vegetation integrity. The exotic species Poecilia reticulata was sampled in the two stretches considered most affected by anthropogenic activities by PHI, conductivity, and VC.
Evidence of the color pattern variation in populations of Gymnotus pantanal (Gymnotiformes) from three streams in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil
Authors: Frana Vitor André , Graça Weferson Júnio da , Gubiani Éder André , Konerat Jocicléia Thums , Margarido Vladimir Pavan
Published: July 2011

Color pattern is an important character in the systematics and alpha-taxonomy of electric fishes of the genus Gymnotus. This paper presents evidence of color variation in populations of G. pantanal found in the streams Jacutinga and Pinheirinho, in the upper Paraná River basin, southern Brazil. Color variations were corroborated for morphological and cytogenetic data. Our results show the importance of integrating morphologic and cytogenetic data in the taxonomy of the Gymnotus species.
Spermatic characteristics and sperm evolution on the subfamily Stevardiinae (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Baicere-Silva Clarianna Martins , Ferreira Katiane M. , Malabarba Luiz R. , Benine Ricardo C. , Quagio-Grassiotto Irani
Published: July 2011

The monophyly and phylogenetic relationships among the members of Clade A characids (sensu Malabarba & Weitzman), later redefined and named as the Stevardiinae (sensu Mirande), have been primarily supported by traditional morphological and molecular data. Herein were examined, described and compared spermiogenesis and sperm ultrastructure of 12 species of the genera Boehlkea, Bryconacidnus, Bryconamericus, Creagrutus, Cyanocharax, Hemibrycon, Knodus, Odontostoechus, Piabina, and Rhinobrycon in order to evaluate possible phylogenetic signals and their potential use in recovering relationships of the Stevardiinae. All examined species demonstrated a nuclear rotation equal or less than 95º resulting in a lateral position of the double nuclear fossa and flagellum. In all species, sperm nuclei are slightly elongate toward the flagellum, the proximal centriole is partially inside the nuclear fossa and lies anterior and oblique to the distal centriole, and the midpiece is short and strongly asymmetric. All species analyzed herein and other species previously examined for these systems in the Stevardiinae share homologous sperm characteristics as evidenced by spermiogenesis, further supporting the monophyly of this clade. Spermatozoa of the Stevardiinae further show three morphotypes (M1, M2, M3) of arrangement of centrioles, flagellum, nucleus and midpiece, hypothesized as successively derived in a series of transformation from the most basal morphotype (M1).
Juveniles of the piscivorous dourado Salminus brasiliensis mimic the piraputanga Brycon hilarii as an alternative predation tactic
Authors: Bessa Eduardo , Carvalho Lucélia Nobre , Sabino José , Tomazzelli Paola
Published: July 2011

In the district of Bom Jardim, in Nobres, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, there are clear water streams originating on karstic terrain. The dourado, Salminus brasiliensis, is an apex stalking predator in these streams. In clear waters, where visually oriented prey may perceive predator in advance, surprise is needed for successful attacks. These streams are cohabited by other Characiformes, like the frugivorous piraputanga Brycon hilarii, which lives in schools and exhibits body colour and shape similar to the dourados. Here we describe an alternative predatory tactic for juvenile dourado occurring in headwater streams of the Paraguay River basin, in which they act as an aggressive mimic of the piraputanga. Based on 43 h of observations in Bom Jardim, and on additional 11 h in the Bodoquena Plateau Rivers of Mato Grosso do Sul State, we quantified the number of rushes by dourados when they were among piraputangas or foraging alone, and observed the proportion of piraputangas per dourado in multispecific schools. Dourados of up to 30 cm total length (TL) stayed among the piraputangas of similar size hiding within the school and going to the periphery of the school before rushing against prey. The dourados exhibited colours similar to the piraputangas. They not only stayed longer among piraputangas (78% of the observation time), but also rushed against prey more often than when foraging alone (53 rushes/h against 14 rushes/h, respectively).
Numerical simulation of pushover tests on a model jack-up platform on clay
Authors: VLAHOS G. , CASSIDY M.J. , MARTIN C.M.
Published: July 2011

This paper assesses a method for predicting the ultimate capacity and failure mode of a model jack-up platform subjected to monotonic pushover tests on soft clay. Separate structural and geotechnical analyses are incapable of making such predictions, so in this work integrated structural/geotechnical simulations are evaluated against detailed experimental pushover data. The commercial finite-element program Abaqus is used, with standard beam elements representing the jack-up structure and a user-defined element describing the behaviour of each spudcan footing by means of a force-resultant plasticity model. This model takes a macro-element approach by expressing the foundation behaviour purely in terms of the loads on the spudcan and the corresponding displacements. Although the model has proven ability to simulate the single-footing experiments from which it was derived, the load paths experienced by the spudcans of a three-legged jack-up are significantly different. To investigate this, numerical simulations of three experimental pushover tests on a 1:250 scale model jack-up have been performed. The tests represent jack-ups with different leg lengths and load orientations. The integrated numerical modelling approach successfully predicts three different failure modes, although the predictions of ultimate pushover capacity are consistently conservative. Because previously published parameters were used for the foundation model, these predictions demonstrate the versatility of the spudcan model in the context of a multi-footing structure, and confirm the effectiveness of the integrated analysis technique.
Influence of grading on the mechanical behaviour of Stava tailings
Authors: CARRERA A. , COOP M. , LANCELLOTTA R.
Published: July 2011

Tailings dams can be fragile structures and too often they are subject to liquefaction. The material they are composed of is rather peculiar, having a man-made origin, and their behaviour is still not very well understood. The soil from the Stava tailings dams, structures that were subject to liquefaction in 1985 causing extensive destruction, was investigated in this study as an example of tailings. Two main aspects of their behaviour have been examined: the influence of the percentage of silt and sand that compose the soil on its mechanical behaviour, and the susceptibility to liquefaction, analysing the behaviour within a critical state framework. In this paper it is shown that, as the quantity of silt increases, the slope and intercept of the normal compression line and critical state line at higher pressures decrease until an inversion of behaviour is observed, while at lower stress levels the critical state line changes its position but not its slope. This means that the effect of adding silt on the critical state line location at low stresses is disconnected from that at high stresses. The analysis of liquefaction within a critical state framework was found to provide a simple explanation for the patterns of behaviour that are typical of static liquefaction. Three classes of behaviour related to the current void ratio and stress state of the soil were identified.
Cross-anisotropic elastic parameters of two natural stiff clays
Authors: YIMSIRI S. , SOGA K.
Published: July 2011

An experimental study of the cross-anisotropic elastic parameters was performed on two heavily overconsolidated clays: London Clay and Gault Clay. The study utilised a special triaxial testing apparatus that incorporates local strain measuring system and elastic wave velocity measurement system. Isotropically consolidated drained compression tests and shear wave velocity measurements were undertaken on both vertically and horizontally cut specimens. The experiments were performed under in situ isotropic stresses to study the inherent anisotropic characteristics of the clays in terms of the elastic stiffness. The deformation characteristics during triaxial compression were carefully investigated to obtain various elastic moduli and Poisson ratios.
Cd, Cu and Zn mobility in contaminated sediments from an infiltration basin colonized by wild plants: The case of Phalaris arundinacea and Typha latifolia
Authors: Saulais M. , Bedell J. P. , Delolme C.
Published: July 2011

Infiltration basins are shallow reservoirs in which stormwater is temporarily collected in order to reduce water volume in downstream networks. The settling of stormwater particles leads to a contaminated sediment layer. Wild plants can colonize these basins and can also play a role on the fate of heavy metals either directly by their uptake or indirectly by modification of physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment and therefore by modification of the mobility of heavy metals. The aim of this study, carried out in a vegetated infiltration basin, is to assess Cd, Cu and Zn mobility in two zones colonized by different species, Phalaris arundinacea and Typha latifolia. The study was carried out using three single chemical extractions: CaCl2 for the exchangeable phase, acetate buffer for the acido-soluble fraction and diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) for the fraction associated to the organic matter. Zn and Cd are mainly associated to carbonated and organic matter phases of the sediment. Moreover, acetate buffer-extractable Zn contents are strongly correlated to carbonates content in the sediment. DTPA-extractable Cu contents are strongly correlated with organic carbon sediment contents. We have also noted that extractable contents were significantly different between both zones whatever the metal.
Measurement of flow velocity profiles in tank structures using the prototype device OCM Pro LR
Authors: Klepiszewski K. , Teufel M. , Seiffert S. , Henry E.
Published: July 2011

Generally, studies investigating the treatment efficiency of tank structures for storm water or waste water treatment observe pollutant flows in connection with conditions of hydraulic loading. Further investigations evaluate internal processes in tank structures using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling or lab scale tests. As flow paths inside of tank structures have a considerable influence on the treatment efficiency, flow velocity profile (FVP) measurements can provide a possibility to calibrate CFD models and contribute to a better understanding of pollutant transport processes in these structures. This study focuses on tests carried out with the prototype FVP measurement device OCM Pro LR by NIVUS in a sedimentation tank with combined sewer overflow (CSO) situated in Petange, Luxembourg. The OCM Pro LR measurement system analyses the echo of ultrasonic signals of different flow depths to get a detailed FVP. A comparison of flow velocity measured by OCM Pro LR with a vane measurement showed good conformity. The FVPs measured by OCM Pro LR point out shortcut flows within the tank structure during CSO events, which could cause a reduction of the cleaning efficiency of the structure. The results prove the applicability of FVP measurements in large-scale structures.
Characterization of dissolved organic matter from Australian and Chinese source waters by combined fractionation techniques
Authors: Wei Qunshan , Fabris Rolando , Chow Christopher W. K. , Yan Changzhou , Wang Dongsheng , Drikas Mary
Published: July 2011

The character of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in source waters from two countries (Australia and China) was investigated using an extended fractionation technique by combining resin adsorption, ultrafiltration and high performance size exclusion chromatography. There are distinctive chemical characteristics associated with DOM origins. Australian sourced DOM had higher hydrophobic acid (HoA) content and exhibited a more pronounced humic character, indicating a higher influence from allochthonous organics (decayed plant bodies from vegetated catchments). The higher content of hydrophobic base and neutral components found in Chinese DOM, may be attributed to the effects of increasing pollution caused by the rapid urbanization in China. The molecular weights (MWs) of aquatic HoA are predominantly in the moderate (e.g. 1–10 kDa) or small (e.g. <1 kDa) ranges. This suggests that aquatic HoA should not be assumed as high MW organics without experimental validation. It is also found that some of the low MW compounds in our samples were hydrophobic, which could explain the observation of low MW organic compounds being able to be removed by conventional treatment processes.
Understanding urban residential end uses of water
Authors: Gato-Trinidad Shirley , Jayasuriya Niranjali , Roberts Peter
Published: July 2011

The ‘end use’ of water is a breakdown of the total household water usage such as water used for toilets, showers, washing machines, taps, lawn watering, etc. Understanding end uses of water will enable water planners, water authorities and household owners determine where water is used/wasted, how much and how often. This paper describes the end uses of water from a number of single-family homes in Greater Melbourne, Australia. The study involves the analysis of water consumption data recorded at 5-s intervals from logged households collected by Yarra Valley Water in Melbourne in 2004. The study determines how much water is used for outdoor and indoor purposes in a single-family home in Melbourne and compares the water usage during winter and summer. Hourly patterns of major end uses of water are also developed. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of the end uses of water and to assist where to focus water conservation efforts that would be most effective financially and environmentally, and be acceptable to everyone.
An assessment of the checkpoint bioassay concept for full scale wastewater UV reactor validation
Authors: Maka P. P. , Lawryshyn Y. A.
Published: July 2011

In an effort to help policy makers and manufacturers understand the impact of parameter uncertainties on UV reactor performance, a numerical bioassay model was developed by integrating a UV reactor model based on computational fluid dynamics with a Monte Carlo model developed to account for parameter uncertainty. For the model implemented, it was determined that reactor performance uncertainty was less than 6%. The integrated model was used to evaluate several checkpoint bioassay criteria including one currently used by the California Department of Public Health. The model showed that these criteria failed to take into account the fact that in an ideal case, a full scale reactor will pass a single checkpoint test 50% of the time. In reality, differences in equipment measurement errors between the system validation and checkpoint bioassay, and limitations of the power law form of the dose monitoring equation in accurately representing system validation data will result in poorer than expected performance. It was suggested that such checkpoint criteria be modified by crediting the inherent over-sizing of full scale reactors.
Effect of bacterial growth stage on resistance to chlorine disinfection
Authors: Cherchi C. , Gu A. Z.
Published: July 2011

The mechanisms and factors that affect microbial resistance to chlorine disinfection have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the impact of the cell growth stage on chlorine disinfection efficiency. Specifically, we evaluated the impact of the growth stage on chlorination resistance by comparing the inactivation efficiencies of two indicator bacterial strains (Escherichia coli K12 and Escherichia coli 0157:H7) obtained from various growth phases, using Chick-Watson kinetic parameters. For both E. coli strains (K12 and 0157:H7), the inactivation rate constants are the lowest at stationary phase (0.19 and 0.32) compared to those at initial lag (0.54 and 0.76) and exponential growth phase (0.63 and 0.69), respectively. These results suggested that the abundance of resistant subpopulations increases at stressed stationary conditions and E. coli cells obtained from the stationary growth phase exhibited more resistance and lower inactivation efficiency compared to those from the lag and exponential phases. This implies that microbes in wastewater treatment process with varying solids retention times (SRTs, which indicate growth rates) may show different extents of chlorine resistance. Comparison of the coefficient of dilution (n) values in both E. coli strains for the various growth phases suggest that cells seem to be more sensitive to disinfectant concentration at the stationary-lag phase than that at the exponential stage. Comparing the two E. coli strains, higher inactivation rates were observed for the pathogenic O157:H7 than for K12 at different stages of growth. The strain-to-strain variability in survivability to chlorine exposure has to be considered when selecting indicator microorganisms for water quality monitoring.
Towards a complete recycling of phosphorus in wastewater treatment – options in Germany
Authors: Petzet S. , Cornel P.
Published: July 2011

Global reserves of mineral phosphorus are finite and the recycling of phosphorus from wastewater, a significant sink for phosphorus, can contribute to a more sustainable use. In Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, an increasing percentage of municipal sewage sludge is incinerated and the contained phosphorus is lost. This paper reviews current technologies and shows that a complete phosphorus recovery from wastewater is technically feasible. Depending on the composition of the sewage sludge ash (SSA), there are various options for phosphorus recovery that are presented. Iron-poor SSAs can be used directly as substitute for phosphate rock in the electrothermal phosphorus process. SSAs with low heavy metal contents can be used as fertilizer without prior metal elimination. Ashes not suitable for direct recycling can be processed by thermal processes. Operators of wastewater treatment plants can additionally influence the ash composition via the selection of precipitants and the control of (indirect) dischargers. This way, they can choose the most suitable phosphorus recovery option. For sewage sludge that is co-incinerated in power plants, municipal waste incinerators or cement kilns phosphorus recovery is not possible. The phosphorus is lost forever.
The Cauvery river basin in Southern India: major challenges and possible solutions in the 21st century
Authors: Vanham D. , Weingartner R. , Rauch W.
Published: July 2011

India is facing major challenges in its water resources management (WRM) sector. Water shortages are attributed to issues such as an explosion in population, rapid urbanization and industrialization, environmental degradation and inefficient water use, all aggravated by changing climate and its impacts on demand, supply and water quality. This paper focuses on the contemporary and future situation in the Cauvery river basin in Southern India, shared by different states, predominantly Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As water issues largely fall under the authority of the states, inter-state water disputes have a long tradition in the Cauvery river basin. Future changes in precipitation during the two monsoon seasons will only increase these tensions. Both states depend on the arrival of these monsoon rains to water their crops and to replenish the groundwater. The paper identifies the major challenges and general possible solutions for sustainable WRM within the river basin. It synthesises the relevant literature, describes practices that should be addressed in the scope of integrated WRM – including water availability increase and demand management – and stresses the need for further quantitative analyses.
Anaerobic biodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in expanded granular sludge bed and fluidized bed biofilm reactors bioaugmented with Desulfitobacterium spp.
Authors: Puyol D. , Rajhi H. , Mohedano A. F. , Rodríguez J. J. , Sanz J. L.
Published: July 2011

The biodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (246TCP) was studied using expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors and a fluidized bed biofilm reactor (FBBR) filled with activated carbon. One of the EGSB reactor and the FBBR were bioaugmented with Desulfitobacterium strains. 246TCP loading rate was gradually incremented from 10 to 250 mg L−1 day−1. The main pathway of dechlorination was in ortho-position, generating 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol. The maintenance of both COD degradation efficiency (higher than 80%) and methanogenic efficiency (between 0.3 and 0.6 g CH4–COD g−1 COD consumed) in EGSB reactor implies a great stability of the process. Through isotherm studies in FBBR, it could be deduced that around 52% of 246TCP was completely dechlorinated, whereas the adsorption involved around 16%. By means of FISH studies it was proved that the methanogenic Archaea community was maintained in the bioaugmented EGSB reactor, whereas in the FBBR this community was gradually developed until reaching stability. Desulfitobacterium community was also maintained in the reactors, although D. chlororespirans proportion rise in the FBBR at the higher 246TCP loading rates, implying that this species can withstand the 246TCP toxicity better than D. hafniense.
Recent operational experiences of FILMTEC™ NF270 membrane in Europe
Authors: Majamaa Katariina , Warczok Justyna , Lehtinen Martti
Published: July 2011

Nanofiltration (NF) is an attractive technology for potable and industrial water treatment because NF operates between ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. NF is designed to remove a high percentage of organic contaminants (humic acids, pesticides, color bodies) while passing a medium to high percentage of salt. Compared to UF membranes, the NF product water quality is significantly better; compared to comparable RO treatment systems NF systems require lower operating pressures. Due to these features, NF is increasingly used in a broad range of water treatment applications. The general applications include softening, as well as color, organics and micro-organism removal. DOW FILMTEC™ NF270-400 is one the most frequently used elements in water treatment and this paper presents examples of three recent NF270-400 installations in Europe. The first two plants, Eupen and Stembert, are located in Belgium and produce potable water from surface water. The third one is a Scandinavian plant which purifies groundwater for a brewery and soft drink production. The presented operation results prove NF to be a highly competitive technique for low cost water treatment.
Performance of a constructed wetland for treating farm-yard dirty water
Authors: Forbes E. G. A. , Foy R. H. , Mulholland M. V. , Brettell J. L.
Published: July 2011

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been used to treat agricultural effluents with varying success especially with respect to their operational efficiency in winter and ability to retain phosphorus. Dirty water (DW) from dairy farms is a mixture of manure contaminated runoff and milk parlour washings with a highly polluting biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) ≤3,000 mg/L. The initial performance a CW of a 1.2 ha horizontal flow CW consisting of five ponds in series designed to treat DW from a dairy unit was assessed over four years. Ponds were earth-lined and shallow (0.3 m) with a water residence time of 100 days and planted with five species of emergent macrophytes. In comparison to CW inflow, annual reductions were as follows: BOD 99%, P 95% and N 92.8%. Coliforms were reduced by a 10−5 factor to natural levels. From May to October there was little CW discharge due to evaporative losses. Final effluent quality was poorest in February but remained within a regulatory effluent standard for BOD of 40 mg/L. If the CW had only four ponds (25% less surface area) effluent would have failed the BOD standard in three years.
A study on ruthenium-based catalysts for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment
Authors: Lei Y. J. , Wang X. B. , Song C. , Li F. H. , Wang X. R.
Published: July 2011

Ruthenium-based catalysts were prepared by a saturation-dip method. Their catalytic activity was evaluated by a catalytic wet oxidation (CWO) process. The ruthenium-based catalysts were used to purify organic pharmaceutical wastewater with high concentration pyridine and pyridine derivatives that have high chemical oxygen demand (COD). In the CWO process, organic pharmaceutical wastewater was continuously pumped into fixed-bed reactors filled with Ru-based catalysts, while the organic components in wastewater were catalytically degraded by oxygen at high temperatures and pressures (temperature, 170–300 °C; pressure, 1.0–10 MPa). The experimental results showed that the prepared catalysts could effectively purify pharmaceutical wastewater with high concentration organic components, which are difficult to degrade biochemically, and that the removal rates of both COD and total nitrogen were over 99%.
Research of the performance of pulse electrohydrodynamics in blockage removal
Authors: Jevtić Milenko , Milojković Ivan , Stojnić Nedeljko
Published: July 2011

In line with contemporary trends and seeking to develop new methods and technologies, a new, original technology was explored and designed based on a non-conventional process of electrical pulse discharge in a water chamber, referred to as ‘Pulse Electrohydrodynamic Technology’ (PELHYDT). The application of the PELHYDT in sewer blockage removal is presented in this paper. Existing machinery can remove two blockages of gully pot connections per hour. Three blockages of pipe conduits are generally removed during an 8-h working day. Applying PELHYDT technology, which allows for high rates of removal of mechanical obstructions, it is possible to achieve operating fluid pressures in the order of 103–104 bars, a velocity of 100 m/s, a deformation acceleration of the model material structure of 106–107 m/s2, and high-frequency hydraulic shock waves with a frequency of 103–104 Hz. The applicability of this efficient technology in sewer blockage removal was proven under laboratory conditions at operating fluid pressures from 50 to 160 bars, which are standard for sewer maintenance. Water velocities generally achieved in sewers using existing flushing technologies range between 1 and 3 m/s and usually do not exceed 9 m/s. PELHYDT creates waves whose velocity is at least 100 m/s, and is therefore about ten times more efficient than existing technologies. PELHYDT generates an electrohydrodynamic wave very quickly, virtually in the form of an explosion. It was proven under laboratory conditions that the application of this technology for blockage removal in practice will not result in any sewer damage.
RO brine treatment and recovery by biological activated carbon and capacitive deionization process
Authors: Tao Guihe , Viswanath Bala , Kekre Kiran , Lee Lai Yoke , Ng How Yong , Ong Say Leong , Seah Harry
Published: July 2011

The generation of brine solutions from dense membrane (reverse osmosis, RO or nanofiltration, NF) water reclamation systems has been increasing worldwide, and the lack of cost effective disposal options is becoming a critical water resources management issue. In Singapore, NEWater is the product of a multiple barrier water reclamation process from secondary treated domestic effluent using MF/UF-RO and UV technologies. The RO brine (concentrates) accounts for more than 20% of the total flow treated. To increase the water recovery and treat the RO brine, a CDI based process with BAC as pretreatment was tested. The results show that ion concentrations in CDI product were low except SiO2 when compared with RO feed water. CDI product was passed through a RO and the RO permeate was of better quality including low SiO2 as compared to NEWater quality. It could be beneficial to use a dedicated RO operated at optimum conditions with better performance to recover the water. BAC was able to achieve 15–27% TOC removal of RO brine. CDI had been tested at a water recovery ranging from 71.6 to 92.3%. CDI based RO brine treatment could improve overall water recovery of NEWater production over 90%. It was found that calcium phosphate scaling and organic fouling was the major cause of CDI pressure increase. Ozone disinfection and sodium bisulfite dosing were able to reduce CDI fouling rate. For sustainable operation of CDI organic fouling control and effective organic fouling cleaning should be further studied.
Diphasic transfer of oxygen in vertical flow filters: a modelling approach
Authors: Petitjean A. , Wanko A. , Forquet N. , Mosé R. , Lawniczak F. , Sadowski Antoine
Published: July 2011

Oxygen renewal, as a prominent phenomenon for aerobic bacterial activity, deeply impacts vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) treatment efficiency. The authors introduce a multiphase model able to simulate oxygen transfer in VFCWs. It is based on a two-phase flow module, and a transport module. The transport module is able to deal with convection/diffusion phenomena, inter-phase (air–water) mass exchange, and first-order kinetics. The first results displayed for the air phase allow us to draw the following ideas on the design of vertical filters. The ponding phenomenon is more efficient for oxygen renewal than non-ponding batch loading: it provides a higher value, sooner, and deeper in the filter. In non-colonised filters and for standard batch loading, oxygen convection in the air phase is predominant for oxygen renewal. The seepage front limits oxygen renewal through the bottom of the filter and leads to an insufficient oxygen concentration on the lowest part of the filter.
Beneficial effects on water management of simple hydraulic structures in wetland systems: the Vallevecchia case study, Italy
Authors: Carrer G. M. , Bonato M. , Smania D. , Barausse A. , Comis C. , Palmeri L.
Published: July 2011

Conflicting water uses in coastal zones demand integrated approaches to achieve sustainable water resources management, protecting water quality while allowing those human activities which rely upon aquatic ecosystem services to thrive. This case study shows that the creation and simple management of hydraulic structures within constructed wetlands can markedly reduce the non-point pollution from agriculture and, simultaneously, benefit agricultural activities, particularly during hot and dry periods. The Vallevecchia wetland system is based on a reclaimed 900 ha-large drainage basin in Northern Italy, where droughts recently impacted agriculture causing water scarcity and saltwater intrusion. Rainwater and drained water are recirculated inside the system to limit saltwater intrusion, provide irrigation water during dry periods and reduce the agricultural nutrient loads discharged into the bordering, eutrophic Adriatic Sea. Monitoring (2003–2009) of water quality and flows highlights that the construction (ended in 2005) of a gated spillway to control the outflow, and of a 200,000 m3 basin for water storage, dramatically increased the removal of nutrients within the system. Strikingly, this improvement was achieved with a minimal management effort, e.g. each year the storage basin was filled once: a simple management of the hydraulic structures would greatly enhance the system efficiency, and store more water to irrigate and limit saltwater intrusion.