bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platinum Group Metals Patent Analysis and Mapping
Authors: Seymour Richard
Published: October 2008

The patent literature contains a wealth of detailed information about existing and new uses for the platinum group metals (pgms). While excellent searching tools have existed for many years for identifying patents relating to specific topics, it is only relatively recently that it has been feasible to map the complete archive of patent literature to identify important trends relating to potential new applications. This paper summarises the results of such an exercise for the pgms carried out in early 2008 and shows that one such ‘hot spot’ relates to organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Essential role of glucose transporter GLUT3 for post-implantation embryonic development
Authors: Schmidt S , Hommel A , Gawlik V , Augustin R , Junicke N , Florian S , Richter M , Walther D J , Montag D , Joost H-G , Schürmann A
Published: October 2008

Deletion of glucose transporter geneSlc2a3(GLUT3) has previously been reported to result in embryonic lethality. Here, we define the exact time point of growth arrest and subsequent death of the embryo.Slc2a3−/−morulae and blastocysts developed normally, implantedin vivo, and formed egg-cylinder-stage embryos that appeared normal until day 6.0. At day 6.5, apoptosis was detected in the ectodermal cells ofSlc2a3−/−embryos resulting in severe disorganization and growth retardation at day 7.5 and complete loss of embryos at day 12.5. GLUT3 was detected in placental cone, in the visceral ectoderm and in the mesoderm of 7.5-day-old wild-type embryos. Our data indicate that GLUT3 is essential for the development of early post-implanted embryos.
Application of radial basis functions to shape description in a dual‐element off‐axis eyewear display: Field‐of‐view limit
Authors: Cakmakci Ozan , Vo Sophie , Thompson Kevin P. , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: October 2008

Abstract—Previously, it was demonstrated that radial basis functions may be preferred as a free‐form shape descriptor for a single‐mirror magnifier, justified by a performance increase measured by the MTF, when compared to other conventional descriptions such as multivariate polynomials (e.g., Zernike polynomials orx‐ypolynomials). The benefit in performance increase can be used to expand the pupil diameter from 8 to 12 mm given a 20° field of view and a 15‐mm eye clearance or to increase the field of view. The main contribution in this paper is the investigation of the field‐of‐view limit in a dual‐element magnifier where the free‐form mirror is described with radial basis functions. Our main result in this paper is an estimate of the field‐of‐view limit of the dual‐element magnifier to be approximately 25° full‐field diagonal, given the specific geometry described in the paper. The impact of the astigmatic node placement in a rectangular image field on the modulation transfer function is also analyzed for the particular dual‐element magnifier geometry.
Reading experience with curved hand‐held displays
Authors: Häkkinen Jukka , Pölönen Monika , Salmimaa Marja , Hautanen Jukka
Published: October 2008

Abstract— The aim of this study was to measure reading experiences on curved paper‐like displays. The experimental materials were mockups that consisted of printed paper attached to a curved plastic surface. The experiment participants held the mockups in their hands and evaluated the reading experience with them. Twelve font sizes, two curvature magnitudes, and two curvature directions were used in the experiment. The results showed that reading text on a curved surface was easier when the curvature direction is perpendicular to the text direction. It was also found that concave surfaces were regarded as better in cases where the text direction was the same as the curvature direction.
Power‐saving primary design for displays enclosing a target color gamut
Authors: Wen Senfar
Published: October 2008

Abstract— Display primaries are optimized for the trade‐off between the total primary power and color gamut under the requirement that a target color gamut is enclosed by the color gamut of the display. LED displays and HDTV color gamut are taken as examples. Compared to the display using a set of typical commercial RGB LEDs, it was found that a total optical (electrical) power of 23.6% (15.6%) can be saved for the display using optimal RGB LEDs. Although the size of the display color gamut is sacrificed, the color gamut of the display using optimal RGB LEDs still encloses the HDTV color gamut. The combined effect of the LED luminous efficiency and white‐point condition on the determination of the optimal LED wavelengths and bandwidths is also studied.
Compact modeling of amorphous‐silicon thin‐film transistors with BSIM3
Authors: Shringarpure Rahul , Venugopal Sameer , Kaftanoglu Korhan , Clark Lawrence T. , Allee David R. , Bawolek Edward
Published: October 2008

Abstract—A novel approach of modeling a‐Si:H TFTs with the industry‐standard BSIM3 compact model is presented. The described approach defines the a‐Si:H TFT drain current and terminal charges as explicit functions of terminal voltages using a minimum set of BSIM3 parameters. The set of BSIM3 parameters is chosen based on the electrical and physical characteristics of the a‐Si:H TFT and their values extracted from measured data. By using the selected BSIM3 model parameters, the a‐Si:H TFT is simulated inside SPICE to fit the simulatedI‐VandC‐Vcurves with the measured results. Finally, the extracted BSIM3 model is validated by simulating the kickback voltage effect in an AMLCD pixel array.
Single‐cell‐gap transflective liquid‐crystal display using double‐ and single‐mode approaches
Authors: Xu Peizhi , Mak Hin‐yu , Du Tao , Chigrinov Vladimir G. , Kwok Hoi‐sing
Published: October 2008

Abstract— In this paper, many popular methods to study transflective liquid‐crystal‐displays (LCDs) have been discussed, and several new transflective LCD configurations with a single‐cell gap have been proposed. The traditional double‐cell‐gap method gives the best match of the transmittance/reflectance voltage curve (TVC/RVC) and also the widest viewing angle, but also brings the highest fabrication complexity. The single‐cell‐gap transflective LCD is much easier to fabricate and also shows a good match of TVC/RVC. A new methodology has been shown to find optimal configurations for single‐cell‐gap transflective LCDs. New configurations using multimode in a single pixel include twisted nematic (TN) optically compensated bend (OCB), TN electrically controlled birefringence (ECB), and TN low‐twisted nematic (LTN). TN and hybrid‐aligned nematic (HAN) modes have been investigated for single‐mode transflective LCDs. The results exhibit high contrast ratio, a good match of TVC/RVC, as well as wide viewing angle.
New driving scheme for intelligent power‐efficient high‐voltage display drivers
Authors: Monté Ann , Bauwens Pieter , Maeyaert Stefaan , Doutreloigne Jan
Published: October 2008

Abstract— A new bistable‐display driver is presented. The innovation in the developed driver is the addition of a new logical block that calculates the most energy‐efficient driving waveforms. In this paper, the algorithms being applied to the row and column waveforms in order to reduce the power consumption are discussed. Some theoretical as well as experimental results are shown, proving a reduction in the power consumption by about 50%. The proposed algorithms are especially important for battery‐powered applications.
A Simulation Experiment on the Effectiveness of Tree and Pasture Filter Strips to Remove NO3–N in Lateral Soil Water Flow
Authors: Wang L. , Duggin J. A.
Published: October 2008

The impact of vegetative filter strips to reduce the delivery of nonpoint source pollutants from agricultural land to inland water systems is now recognized as an important element in overall agro‐ecosystem management. A glasshouse experiment was undertaken to measure the effectiveness of tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and Casuarina cunninghamiana Mq.) and pasture filter strips to intercept lateral movement of NO3–N in soil water. Tree treatments retained significantly more NO3–N associated with shallow soil water movement (between the A and B soil horizons) than bare ground. Nitrate‐N removal was not significantly different between trees and pasture, and among the tree treatments. However, uptake and accumulation of NO3–N by pastures was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than the trees. The average rates of N accumulation were 0.82 g m−2 and 1.52 g m−2 wk−1 for the tree plots and the pasture plots, respectively. The experiment also showed that the efficiency of NO3–N removal from soil solutions by trees was greater when NO3–N concentrations were relatively higher in the soil (81.4% removal at 20 mg L−1 compared to 68.1% at 10 mg L−1).
Characterizing Scale‐ and Location‐Dependent Correlation of Water Retention Parameters with Soil Physical Properties Using Wavelet Techniques
Authors: Shu Qiaosheng , Liu Zuoxin , Si Bingcheng
Published: October 2008

Understanding the correlation between soil hydraulic parameters and soil physical properties is a prerequisite for the prediction of soil hydraulic properties from soil physical properties. The objective of this study was to examine the scale‐ and location‐dependent correlation between two water retention parameters (α andn) in the van Genuchten (1980) function and soil physical properties (sand content, bulk density [Bd], and organic carbon content) using wavelet techniques. Soil samples were collected from a transect from Fuxin, China. Soil water retention curves were measured, and the van Genuchten parameters were obtained through curve fitting. Wavelet coherency analysis was used to elucidate the location‐ and scale‐dependent relationships between these parameters and soil physical properties. Results showed that the wavelet coherence between α and sand content was significantly different from red noise at small scales (8–20 m) and from a distance of 30 to 470 m. Their wavelet phase spectrum was predominantly out of phase, indicating negative correlation between these two variables. The strong negative correlation between α and Bd existed mainly at medium scales (30–80 m). However, parameternhad a strong positive correlation only with Bd at scales between 20 and 80 m. Neither of the two retention parameters had significant wavelet coherency with organic carbon content. These results suggested that location‐dependent scale analyses are necessary to improve the performance for soil water retention characteristic predictions.
Effect of Cattle Slurry Separation on Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions during Storage
Authors: Fangueiro David , Coutinho Joao , Chadwick David , Moreira Nuno , Trindade Henrique
Published: October 2008

Storage of cattle slurry leads to emissions of methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2). On dairy farms, winter is the most critical period in terms of slurry storage due to cattle housing and slurry field application prohibition. Slurry treatment by separation results in reduced slurry dry matter content and has considerable potential to reduce gaseous emissions. Therefore, the efficiency of slurry separation in reducing gaseous emissions during winter storage was investigated in a laboratory study. Four slurry fractions were obtained: a solid and a liquid fraction by screw press separation (SPS) and a supernatant and a sediment fraction by chemically enhanced settling of the liquid fraction. Untreated slurry and the separated fractions were stored in plastic barrels for 48 d under winter conditions, and gaseous emissions were measured. Screw press separation resulted in an increase of CO2 (650%) and N2O (1240%) emissions due to high releases observed from the solid fraction, but this increase was tempered by using the combined separation process (CSP). The CSP resulted in a reduction of CH4 emissions (≈ 50%), even though high emissions of CH4 (46% of soluble C) were observed from the solid fraction during the first 6 d of storage. Screw press separation increased NH3 emissions by 35%, but this was reduced to 15% using the CSP. During winter storage greenhouse gas emissions from all treatments were mainly in the form of CH4 and were reduced by 30 and 40% using SPS and CSP, respectively.
Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emission from Two Pig Finishing Barns
Authors: Ni Ji‐Qin , Heber Albert J. , Lim Teng Teeh , Tao Pei Chun , Schmidt Amy M.
Published: October 2008

Agricultural activities are an important source of greenhouse gases. However, comprehensive, long‐term, and high‐quality measurement data of these gases are lacking. This article presents a field study of CH4 and CO2 emission from two 1100‐head mechanically ventilated pig (Sus scrofa) finishing barns (B1 and B2) with shallow manure flushing systems and propane space heaters from August 2002 to July 2003 in northern Missouri. Barn 2 was treated with soybean oil sprinkling, misting essential oils, and misting essential oils with water to reduce air pollutant emissions. Only days with CDFB (complete‐data‐full‐barn), defined as >80% of valid data during a day with >80% pigs in the barns, were used. The CH4 average daily mean (ADM) emission rates were 36.2 ± 2.0 g/d AU (ADM ± 95% confidence interval; animal unit = 500 kg live mass) from B1 (CDFB days = 134) and 28.8 ± 1.8 g/d AU from B2 (CDFB days = 131). The CO2 ADM emission rates were 17.5 ± 0.8 kg/d AU from B1 (CDFB days = 146) and 14.2 ± 0.6 kg/d AU from B2 (CDFB days = 137). The treated barn reduced CH4 emission by 20% (P < 0.01) and CO2 emission by 19% (P < 0.01). The CH4 and CO2 released from the flushing lagoon effluent were equivalent to 9.8 and 4.1% of the CDFB CH4 and CO2 emissions, respectively. The emission data were compared with the literature, and the characteristics of CH4 and CO2 concentrations and emissions were discussed.
Decreasing Lead Bioaccessibility in Industrial and Firing Range Soils with Phosphate‐Based Amendments
Authors: Moseley Rebecca A. , Barnett Mark O. , Stewart Melanie A. , Mehlhorn Tonia L. , Jardine Philip M. , Ginder‐Vogel Matthew , Fendorf Scott
Published: October 2008

In–situ stabilization using phosphate (P) amendments, such as P‐based fertilizers and rock, are a potentially cost‐effective and minimally disruptive alternative for stabilizing Pb in soils. We examined the effect of time (0–365 d), in vitro extraction pH (1.5 vs. 2.3), and dosage of three P‐based amendments on the bioaccessibility (as a surrogate for oral bioavailability) of Pb in 10 soils from U.S. Department of Defense facilities. Initial untreated soil bioaccessibility consistently exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency default value of 60% relative bioavailability, with higher bioaccessibility consistently observed at an in vitro extraction pH of 1.5 vs. 2.3. Although P‐based amendments statistically (P < 0.05) reduced bioaccessibility in many instances, with reductions dependent on the amendment and dosage, large amendment dosages (approximately 20–25% by mass to yield 5% P by mass) were required to reduce average bioaccessibility by approximately 25%. For most amendment combinations, reductions continued to occur for periods up to 1 yr, indicating that the observed reductions were not merely experimental artifacts of the in vitro extraction procedure. Although our results indicated that reductions in Pb bioaccessibility with P amendments are technically feasible, relatively large amendment masses were required to achieve relatively modest reductions in bioaccessibility. The cost and potential environmental implications of adding such large amounts of P may limit the practicality of in situ immobilization for some Pb‐contaminated soils, industrial and firing range soils in particular.
Evaluating Slurry Broadcasting and Injection to Ley for Phosphorus Losses and Fecal Microorganisms in Surface Runoff
Authors: Uusi‐Kämppä Jaana , Heinonen‐Tanski Helvi
Published: October 2008

The recent growth in the size of dairy cattle farms and the concentration of farms into smaller areas in Finland may increase local water pollution due to increased manure production and slurry application to grass. Therefore, a field study was conducted to monitor losses of total phosphorus (TP), dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), and fecal microorganisms in surface runoff from a perennial ley. Cattle slurry was added once a year in June 1996–1997 (Study I) and biannually in June and October 1998–2000 (Study II). The slurry was surface broadcast or injected into the clay soil. The field had a slope of 0.9 to 1.7%. Mineral fertilizer was applied on control plots. Biannual slurry broadcasting increased DRP (p < 0.001) and TP losses (p < 0.001) and numbers of fecal microorganisms in surface runoff waters. The highest losses of TP (2.7 kg ha−1 yr−1) and DRP (2.2 kg ha−1 yr−1) and the highest numbers of fecal coliforms (880 colony‐forming units [CFU] per 100 mL) and somatic coliphages (2700 plaque‐forming units [PFU] per 100 mL) were measured after broadcasting slurry to wet soil followed by rainfall in fall 1998. Injection reduced the TP and DRP losses in surface runoff by 79 and 86%, respectively, compared with broadcasting (17 Oct. 1998–27 Oct. 1999). Corresponding numbers for fecal coliforms were 350 CFU (100 mL)−1 and for somatic coliphages were 110 PFU (100 mL)−1 in surface runoff after injection in October 1998. Slurry injection should be favored when spreading slurry amendments to grassland to avoid losses of P and fecal microorganisms in runoff to surface waters.
Modeling the Stream Water Nitrate Dynamics in a 60,000‐km2 European Catchment, the Garonne, Southwest France
Authors: Tisseuil Clément , Wade Andrew J. , Tudesque Loïc , Lek Sovan
Published: October 2008

The spatial and temporal dynamics in the stream water NO3–N concentrations in a major European river‐system, the Garonne (62,700 km2), are described and related to variations in climate, land management, and effluent point‐sources using multivariate statistics. Building on this, the Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) rainfall‐runoff model and the Integrated Catchment Model of Nitrogen (INCA‐N) are applied to simulate the observed flow and N dynamics. This is done to help us to understand which factors and processes control the flow and N dynamics in different climate zones and to assess the relative inputs from diffuse and point sources across the catchment. This is the first application of the linked HBV and INCA‐N models to a major European river system commensurate with the largest basins to be managed under the Water Framework Directive. The simulations suggest that in the lowlands, seasonal patterns in the stream water NO3–N concentrations emerge and are dominated by diffuse agricultural inputs, with an estimated 75% of the river load in the lowlands derived from arable farming. The results confirm earlier European catchment studies. Namely, current semi‐distributed catchment‐scale dynamic models, which integrate variations in land cover, climate, and a simple representation of the terrestrial and in‐stream N cycle, are able to simulate seasonal NO3–N patterns at large spatial (>300 km2) and temporal (≥ monthly) scales using available national datasets.
Dual‐Function Growth Medium and Structural Soil for Use as Porous Pavement
Authors: Sloan John J. , Hegemann Mary Ann , George Steve A.
Published: October 2008

Permeable grass‐covered surfaces can reduce the quantity of storm water runoff and filter out potentially harmful chemicals. The objective of this study was to develop permeable structural soils that sustained healthy turf growth and filtered heavy metals from contaminated pavement runoff. The basic soil medium was a 50:50 mixture (v/v) of expanded shale (ExSh) and quartz sand (QS). The ExSh component consisted of (i) large‐diameter particles (3–6 mm), (ii) small‐diameter particles (1–3 mm), or (iii) a 50:50 mixture (v/v) of the two. The basic blends were mixed with 0, 10, and 20% sphagnum peat moss (v/v) and 0, 10, and 20% natural zeolites (v/v) and placed in 15‐cm‐diameter pots in a greenhouse. Bermudagrass plugs were planted in each pot. The addition of sphagnum peat moss to the basic ExSh/QS blend increased bermudagrass growth and improved plant response to added fertilizer. Zeolites had no significant effect on plant growth in the absence of sphagnum peat moss. Growing mediums that contained 10 to 20% sphagnum peat moss and 10 to 20% zeolites consistently produced more bermudagrass biomass than the unamended ExSh/QS mixture. Changing the ratio of small‐ to large‐diameter ExSh in the basic medium did not affect bermudagrass yield. Very low amounts of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were recovered in leachate after the addition of 10 mg metal per pot, suggesting that most heavy metals (>99%) were retained in the growing mediums. Zeolites reduced the amount of Cd and Pb in leachate water, but not Cu or Zn.
Relationship between Metal Speciation in Soil Solution and Metal Adsorption at the Root Surface of Ryegrass
Authors: Kalis Erwin J. J. , Temminghoff Erwin J. M. , Town Raewyn M. , Unsworth Emily R. , van Riemsdijk Willem H.
Published: October 2008

The total metal content of the soil or total metal concentration in the soil solution is not always a good indicator for metal availability to plants. Therefore, several speciation techniques have been developed that measure a defined fraction of the total metal concentration in the soil solution. In this study the Donnan Membrane Technique (DMT) was used to measure free metal ion concentrations in CaCl2 extractions (to mimic the soil solution, and to work under standardized conditions) of 10 different soils, whereas diffusive gradients in thin‐films (DGT) and scanning chronopotentiometry (SCP) were used to measure the sum of free and labile metal concentrations in the CaCl2 extracts. The DGT device was also exposed directly to the (wetted) soil (soil‐DGT). The metal concentrations measured with the speciation techniques are related to the metal adsorption at the root surface of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), to be able to subsequently predict metal uptake. In most cases the metal adsorption related pH‐dependently to the metal concentrations measured by DMT, SCP, and DGT in the CaCl2 extract. However, the relationship between metal adsorption at the root surface and the metal concentrations measured by the soil‐DGT was not—or only slightly—pH dependent. The correlations between metal adsorption at the root surface and metal speciation detected by different speciation techniques allow discussion about rate limiting steps in biouptake and the contribution of metal complexes to metal bioavailability.
Characterizing Long‐Term Hydrologic‐Response and Sediment‐Transport for the R‐5 Catchment
Authors: Heppner Christopher S. , Loague Keith
Published: October 2008

Recently there have been several calls to establish long‐term data collection networks to monitor near‐surface hydrologic response and landscape evolution. The focus of this paper is a long‐term dataset from the International Hydrologic Decade (1965–1974). The small upland catchment, known as R‐5, located near Chickasha, Olahoma, has been the subject of considerable attention within the event‐based hydrologic modeling community for more than 30 yr. Here, for the first time, 8 yr of continuous near‐surface hydrologic‐response and sediment‐transport data are analyzed to show trends in the catchment's long‐term behavior. The datasets include precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, soil‐water content, infiltration, water discharge, and sediment discharge. Potential and actual evapotranspiration rates were estimated and used to calculate an average annual water balance for the catchment. Findings include, for example, that rainfall intensity rarely exceeds the threshold for Horton‐type runoff, soil‐water content is both spatially and temporally variable, and the water and sediment discharge rates are positively correlated. The R‐5 data provide a unique opportunity to test (and refine) process‐based models of continuous hydrologic response and sediment transport at the catchment scale for applications in the emerging fields of hydroecology and hydrogeomorphology.
Dynamics of Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition in a Temperate Calcareous Forest Soil
Authors: Morier Isabelle , Guenat Claire , Siegwolf Rolf , Védy Jean‐Claude , Schleppi Patrick
Published: October 2008

In temperate forest ecosystems, soil acts as a major sink for atmospheric N deposition. A 15N labeling experiment in a hardwood forest on calcareous fluvisol was performed to study the processes involved. Low amounts of ammonium (15NH4+) or nitrate (15NO3−) were added to small plots. Soil samples were taken after periods ranging from 1 h to 1 yr. After 1 d, the litter layer retained approximately 28% of the 15NH4+ tracer and 19% of 15NO3− The major fraction of deposited N went through the litter layer to reach the soil within the first hours following the tracer application. During the first day, a decrease in extractable 15N in the soil was observed (15NH4+: 50 to 5%; 15NO3−: 60 to 12%). During the same time, the amount of microbial 15N remained almost constant and the 15N immobilized in the soil (i.e., total 15N recovered in the bulk soil minus extractable 15N minus microbial 15N) also decreased. Such results can therefore be understood as a net loss of 15N from the soil. Such N loss is probably explained by NO3− leaching, which is enhanced by the well‐developed soil structure. We presume that the N immobilization mainly occurs as an incorporation of deposited N into the soil organic matter. One year after the 15N addition, recovery rates were similar and approximately three‐quarters of the deposited N was recovered in the soil. We conclude that the processes relevant for the fate of atmospherically deposited N take place rapidly and that N recycling within the microbes–plants–soil organic matter (SOM) system prevents further losses in the long term.
Modeling Nitrogen and Water Management Effects in a Wheat‐Maize Double‐Cropping System
Authors: Fang Q. , Ma L. , Yu Q. , Malone R. W. , Saseendran S. A. , Ahuja L. R.
Published: October 2008

Excessive N and water use in agriculture causes environmental degradation and can potentially jeopardize the sustainability of the system. A field study was conducted from 2000 to 2002 to study the effects of four N treatments (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha−1 per crop) on a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) double cropping system under 70 ± 15% field capacity in the North China Plain (NCP). The root zone water quality model (RZWQM), with the crop estimation through resource and environment synthesis (CERES) plant growth modules incorporated, was evaluated for its simulation of crop production, soil water, and N leaching in the double cropping system. Soil water content, biomass, and grain yield were better simulated with normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE, RMSE divided by mean observed value) from 0.11 to 0.15 than soil NO3–N and plant N uptake that had NRMSE from 0.19 to 0.43 across these treatments. The long‐term simulation with historical weather data showed that, at 200 kg N ha−1 per crop application rate, auto‐irrigation triggered at 50% of the field capacity and recharged to 60% field capacity in the 0‐ to 50‐cm soil profile were adequate for obtaining acceptable yield levels in this intensified double cropping system. Results also showed potential savings of more than 30% of the current N application rates per crop from 300 to 200 kg N ha−1, which could reduce about 60% of the N leaching without compromising crop yields.
Impact of Using Paper Mill Sludge for Surface‐Mine Reclamation on Runoff Water Quality and Plant Growth
Authors: Shipitalo Martin J. , Bonta James V.
Published: October 2008

Paper mills generate large amounts of solid waste consisting of fibrous cellulose, clay, and lime. Paper mill sludge (PMS) can improve reclamation of surface‐coal mines where low pH and organic‐carbon levels in the spoil cover material can inhibit revegetation. When applied at high rates, however, PMS may adversely impact the quality of surface runoff. Therefore, we applied PMS at 0, 224, and 672 dry Mg ha−1 to 22.1 × 4.6‐m plots at a recently mined site and monitored runoff for a total of 13 mo. The zero‐rate plots served as controls and received standard reclamation consisting of mulching with hay and fertilization at planting. Compared to the control plots, PMS reduced runoff fourfold to sixfold and decreased erosion from 47 Mg ha−1 to <1 Mg ha−1 Most of the reduction occurred in the 2.5 mo before the plots were planted. Flow‐weighted average dissolved oxygen concentrations in runoff from plots at the 224 and 672 Mg ha−1 rates, however, were much lower (≤0.4 vs. 8.2 mg L−1) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was much higher for the 672 Mg ha−1 rate plots than the control plots during the pre‐plant period (7229 vs. 880 mg L−1). There were few noteworthy differences in water quality among treatments post‐planting, but plant dry‐matter yields were greater for the PMS plots than for the controls. The 672 Mg ha−1 rate did not increase COD or nutrient loads compared to the 224 Mg ha−1 rate and may have more persistent beneficial effects by increasing soil organic carbon levels and pH to a greater extent.
Long‐term Effect of a Single Application of Organic Refuse on Carbon Sequestration and Soil Physical Properties
Authors: Albaladejo J. , Lopez J. , Boix‐Fayos C. , Barbera G.G. , Martinez‐Mena M.
Published: October 2008

Restoration of degraded lands could be a way to reverse soil degradation and desertification in semiarid areas and mitigate greenhouse gases (GHG). Our objective was to evaluate the long‐term effects of a single addition of organic refuse on soil physical properties and measure its carbon sequestration potential. In 1988, a set of five plots (87 m2 each) was established in an open desert‐like scrubland (2–4% cover) in Murcia, Spain, to which urban solid refuse (USR) was added in a single treatment at different rates. Soil properties were monitored over a 5‐yr period. Sixteen years after the addition, three of the plots were monitored again (P0: control, P1: 13 kg m−2, P2: 26 kg m−2 of USR added) to assess the lasting effect of the organic addition on the soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and on the physical characteristics of the soil. The SOC content was higher in P2 (16.4 g kg−1) and in P1 (11.8 g kg−1) than in P0 (7.9 g kg−1). Likewise, aerial biomass increased from 0.18 kg m−2 in P0 up to 0.27 kg m−2 in P1 and 0.46 kg m−2 in P2. This represents a total C sequestration of 9.5 Mg ha−1 in P2 and 3.4 Mg ha−1 in P1, most of the sequestered C remaining in the recalcitrant soil pool. Additionally, higher saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and available water content values and lower bulk density values were measured in the restored plots. Clearly, a single addition of organic refuse to the degraded soils to increase the potential for C sequestration was effective.
Uptake and Distribution of Iodine in Rice Plants
Authors: Tsukada Hirofumi , Takeda Akira , Tagami Keiko , Uchida Shigeo
Published: October 2008

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants were cultivated in an experimental field and separated at harvest into different components, including polished rice, rice bran, hull, straw, and root. The contents of iodine in these components and the soil were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and radiochemical neutron activation analysis, respectively. Iodine content varied by more than three orders of magnitude among the plant components. Mean concentration of iodine in the entire plants was 20 mg kg−1 dry weight, and the concentration of iodine in the surface soil (0–20 cm depth) was 48 mg kg−1 The highest concentration of iodine (53 mg kg−1 dry weight) was measured in root and the lowest concentration (0.034 mg kg−1 dry weight) in polished rice. While the edible component (polished rice) accounted for 32% of the total dry weight, it contained only 0.055% of iodine found in the entire rice plants. Atmospheric gaseous iodine (5.9 ng m−3) was estimated to contribute <0.2% of the total iodine content in the biomass of rice plants; therefore nearly all of the iodine in the rice plants was a result of the uptake of iodine from the soil. The content of iodine in the aboveground part of rice plants was 16 mg kg−1 dry weight and the percentage of iodine transferred per cropping from the soil into the aboveground biomass corresponded to 0.27% (20 mg m−2) of the upper soil layer content.
Ammonia Emissions from Field‐Simulated Cattle Defecation and Urination
Authors: Mulvaney Michael J. , Cummins Keith A. , Wood C. Wesley , Wood Brenda H. , Tyler Patty J.
Published: October 2008

Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) is a concern because of its environmental impact. The greatest contribution to atmospheric NH3 comes from agricultural sources. This study quantified NH3 volatilization from cattle defecation and urination on pasture under field conditions in Auburn, Alabama. Treatments consisted of beef feces, dairy feces, dairy urine, and a control. The experiment was conducted during four seasons from June 2003 to April 2004. Fresh feces or urine was applied onto grass swards, and NH3 volatilization was measured up to 14 d after application using an inverted chamber method. Dairy urine was the only significant source of NH3 Ammonia nitrogen (N) loss differed among seasons, ranging from 1.8% in winter to 20.9% during the warmer summer months. Cumulative volatilization was best described in this experiment by the equation % NH3–N loss = Nmax (1 − e−ct)i The highest rate of NH3 volatilization generally occurred within 24 h. This study suggests that NH3 volatilization from cattle urine on pasture is significant and varies with season, whereas NH3 volatilization from cattle feces is negligible.
Cell Preparation Methods Influence Escherichia coli D21g Surface Chemistry and Transport in Saturated Sand
Authors: Tazehkand Shiva S. , Torkzaban Saeed , Bradford Scott A. , Walker Sharon L.
Published: October 2008

The effect of cell preparation methods on the surface chemistry and retention of Escherichia coli D21 g was investigated over a range of ionic strength conditions. The cell preparation methods that were considered included filtration and centrifugation (at various speeds and for different durations). For a given ionic strength condition, it was found that cells prepared by filtration were more negatively charged and hydrophobic than cells prepared by centrifugation. Increasing the centrifugation speed (force imposed) or duration produced cells with a higher zeta potential (less negative) and a lower hydrophobicity. Column transport experiments for E. coli D21 g were also conducted with ultra pure quartz sand and the same solution chemistries. The first‐order retention rate coefficient for E. coli D21 g increased with increasing speed and duration of centrifugation, and was lowest in the case of filtered cells. Moreover, the influence of cell preparation method was more pronounced in lower ionic strength solutions.
Quantifying Carbon Dioxide and Methane Emissions and Carbon Dynamics from Flooded Boreal Forest Soil
Authors: Oelbermann Maren , Schiff Sherry L.
Published: October 2008

The boreal forest is subject to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, but the production of greenhouse gases as a result of flooding for hydroelectric power generation has received little attention. It was hypothesized that flooded soil would result in greater CO2 and CH4 emissions and carbon (C) fractionation compared with non‐flooded soil. To evaluate this hypothesis, soil C and nitrogen (N) dynamics, CO2 and CH4 mean production rates, and 13C fractionation in laboratory incubations at 14 and 21°C under non‐flooded and flooded conditions and its effect on labile and recalcitrant C sources were determined. A ferro‐humic Podzol was collected at three different sites at the Experimental Lakes Area, Canada, with a high (19,834 g C m−2), medium (18,066 g C m−2), and low (11,060 g C m−2) soil organic C (SOC) stock. Soil organic C and total N stocks (g m−2) and concentrations (g kg−1) were significantly different (p < 0.05) among soil horizons within each of the three sites. Stable isotope analysis showed a significant enrichment in δ13C and δ15N with depth and an enrichment in δ13C and δ15N with decreasing SOC and N concentration. The mean CO2 and CH4 production rates were greatest in soil horizons with the highest SOC stock and were significantly higher at 21°C and in flooded treatments. The δ13C of the evolved CO2 (δ13C‐CO2) became significantly enriched with time during decomposition, and the greatest degree of fractionation occurred in the organic Litter, Fungal, and Humic forest soil horizons and in soil with a high SOC stock compared with the mineral horizon and soil with a lower SOC stock. The δ13C‐CO2 was significantly depleted in flooded treatments compared with non‐flooded treatments.
Persistence of Culturable Escherichia coli Fecal Contaminants in Dairy Alpine Grassland Soils
Authors: Texier Stéphanie , Prigent‐Combaret Claire , Gourdon Marie Hélène , Poirier Marie Andrée , Faivre Pierre , Dorioz Jean Marcel , Poulenard Jérome , Jocteur‐Monrozier Lucile , Moënne‐Loccoz Yvan , Trevisan Dominique
Published: October 2008

Our knowledge of Escherichia coli (E. coli) ecology in the field is very limited in the case of dairy alpine grassland soils. Here, our objective was to monitor field survival of E. coli in cow pats and underlying soils in four different alpine pasture units, and to determine whether the soil could constitute an environmental reservoir. E. coli was enumerated by MPN using a selective medium. E. coli survived well in cow pats (107 to 108 cells g−1 dry pat), but cow pats disappeared within about 2 mo. In each pasture unit, constant levels of E. coli (103 to 104 cells g−1 dry soil) were recovered from all topsoil (0–5 cm) samples regardless of the sampling date, that is, under the snow cover, immediately after snow melting, or during the pasture season (during and after the decomposition of pats). In deeper soil layers below the root zone (5–25 cm), E. coli persistence varied according to soil type, with higher numbers recovered in poorly‐drained soils (103 to 104 cells g−1 dry soil) than in well‐drained soils (< 102 cells g−1 dry soil). A preliminary analysis of 38 partial uidA sequences of E. coli from pat and soils highlighted a cluster containing sequences only found in this work. Overall, this study raises the possibility that fecal E. coli could have formed a naturalized (sub)population, which is now part of the indigenous soil community of alpine pasture grasslands, the soil thus representing an environmental reservoir of E. coli
Fate of Biosolids Trace Metals in a Dryland Wheat Agroecosystem
Authors: Ippolito J.A. , Barbarick K.A.
Published: October 2008

Biosolids land application for beneficial reuse applies varying amounts of trace metals to soils. Measuring plant‐available or total soil metals is typically performed to ensure environmental protection, but these techniques do not quantify which soil phases play important roles in terms of metal release or attenuation. This study assessed the distribution of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn associated with soluble/exchangeable, specifically adsorbed/carbonate‐bound, amorphous Mn hydroxyoxide‐bound, amorphous Fe hydroxyoxide–bound, organically complexed, and residual inorganic phases. Biosolids were applied every 2 yr from 1982 to 2002 (except in 1998) at rates of 0, 6.7, 13.4, 26.8, and 40.3 dry Mg biosolids ha−1 to 3.6‐ by 17.1‐m plots. In 2003, 0‐ to 20‐cm and 20‐ to 60‐cm soil depths were collected and subjected to 4 mol L−1 HNO3 digestion and sequential extraction. Trace metals were concentrated in the 0‐ to 20‐cm depth, with no significant observable downward movement using 4 mol L−1 HNO3 or sequential extraction. The sequential extraction showed nearly all measurable Cd present in relatively mobile forms and Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn present in more resistant phases. Biosolids application did not affect Cd or Cr fractionation but did increase relatively immobile Cu, Mo, and Zn phases and relatively mobile Cu, Ni, and Pb pools. The mobile phases have not contributed to significant downward metal movement. Long‐term, repeated biosolids applications at rates considered several times greater than agronomic levels should not significantly contribute to downward metal transport and ground water contamination for soils under similar climatic conditions, agronomic practices, and histories.
The MANAGE Database: Nutrient Load and Site Characteristic Updates and Runoff Concentration Data
Authors: Harmel Daren , Qian Song , Reckhow Ken , Casebolt Pamela
Published: October 2008

The “Measured Annual Nutrient loads from AGricultural Environments” (MANAGE) database was developed to be a readily accessible, easily queried database of site characteristic and field‐scale nutrient export data. The original version of MANAGE, which drew heavily from an early 1980s compilation of nutrient export data, created an electronic database with nutrient load data and corresponding site characteristics from 40 studies on agricultural (cultivated and pasture/range) land uses. In the current update, N and P load data from 15 additional studies of agricultural runoff were included along with N and P concentration data for all 55 studies. The database now contains 1677 watershed years of data for various agricultural land uses (703 for pasture/rangeland; 333 for corn; 291 for various crop rotations; 177 for wheat/oats; and 4–33 yr for barley, citrus, vegetables, sorghum, soybeans, cotton, fallow, and peanuts). Across all land uses, annual runoff loads averaged 14.2 kg ha−1 for total N and 2.2 kg ha−1 for total P. On average, these losses represented 10 to 25% of applied fertilizer N and 4 to 9% of applied fertilizer P. Although such statistics produce interesting generalities across a wide range of land use, management, and climatic conditions, regional crop‐specific analyses should be conducted to guide regulatory and programmatic decisions. With this update, MANAGE contains data from a vast majority of published peer‐reviewed N and P export studies on homogeneous agricultural land uses in the USA under natural rainfall‐runoff conditions and thus provides necessary data for modeling and decision‐making related to agricultural runoff. The current version can be downloaded at http://www.ars.usda.gov/spa/manage‐nutrient
Nonpoint Source of Nutrients and Herbicides Associated with Sugarcane Production and Its Impact on Louisiana Coastal Water Quality
Authors: Yu Kewei , DeLaune Ronald D. , Tao Rui , Beine Robert L.
Published: October 2008

A watershed analysis of nonpoint‐source pollution associated with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) production was conducted. Runoff water samples following major rainfall events from two representative sugarcane fields (SC1 and SC2) were collected and analyzed. The impact of runoff on two receiving water bodies, St. James canal (SJC) and Bayou Chevreuil (BC) in a drainage basin (Baratarian Basin), was studied. Results show that runoff flow/rainfall ratios at the SC1 were significantly higher (P < 0.0001, n = 14) than at the SC2, probably mainly due to higher sand content and higher infiltration rate of surface soil at the SC2. In runoff water samples, total suspended solids (TSS) showed a significant correlation with the concentrations of N and P. Sugarcane runoff showed a direct impact on the SJC and BC locations where seasonal variations of pollutant concentrations in the waters followed the patterns of runoff loadings. Swamp forest runoff (SFR) location showed a buffering effect of forested wetlands on water quality with the lowest measured pollutant concentrations. The ratios in total N/total P and in inorganic N/organic N in runoff waters indicated that fertilization in spring greatly contributed to the temporal increase of N loadings, especially in forms of inorganic N. Isotope signature of 15N‐nitrate in the water samples verified that the nitrate was derived from fertilizers and was consumed during transportation. Both N and P concentrations in the receiving water bodies were above the eutrophic level. During the study period, herbicide concentrations in the receiving water bodies rarely exceeded the drinking water standards.
Can Urban Tree Roots Improve Infiltration through Compacted Subsoils for Stormwater Management?
Authors: Bartens Julia , Day Susan D. , Harris J. Roger , Dove Joseph E. , Wynn Theresa M.
Published: October 2008

Global land use patterns and increasing pressures on water resources demand creative urban stormwater management. Strategies encouraging infiltration can enhance groundwater recharge and water quality. Urban subsoils are often relatively impermeable, and the construction of many stormwater detention best management practices (D‐BMPs) exacerbates this condition. Root paths can act as conduits for water, but this function has not been demonstrated for stormwater BMPs where standing water and dense subsoils create a unique environment. We examined whether tree roots can penetrate compacted subsoils and increase infiltration rates in the context of a novel infiltration BMP (I‐BMP). Black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) trees, and an unplanted control, were installed in cylindrical planting sleeves surrounded by clay loam soil at two compaction levels (bulk density = 1.3 or 1.6 g cm−3) in irrigated containers. Roots of both species penetrated the more compacted soil, increasing infiltration rates by an average of 153%. Similarly, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) trees were grown in CUSoil (Amereq Corp., New York) separated from compacted clay loam subsoil (1.6 g cm−3) by a geotextile. A drain hole at mid depth in the CUSoil layer mimicked the overflow drain in a stormwater I‐BMP thus allowing water to pool above the subsoil. Roots penetrated the geotextile and subsoil and increased average infiltration rate 27‐fold compared to unplanted controls. Although high water tables may limit tree rooting depth, some species may be effective tools for increasing water infiltration and enhancing groundwater recharge in this and other I‐BMPs (e.g., raingardens and bioswales).
Pervaporation Reactor for Esterification of Acetic Acid with n-Butanol: Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Wasewar Kailas L. , Patidar Shaymababu , Agarwal Vijay K.
Published: October 2008

Pervaporation has emerged as an energy efficient and highly selective separation process in the last few years for the separation of volatile products and for the dehydration of organic chemicals. The productivity and conversion rate can be significantly increased when reaction is coupled with pervaporation, i.e., pervaporation reactor. Techno-economic studies revealed that pervaporation reactors have good market potential in process industries. An esterification reaction between an alcohol and an acid in the presence of a catalyst is the most common reaction system studied in pervaporation reactor. This is reversible reaction and industrial high conversion can be achieved by adding a large excess of acid. A water selective pervaporation membrane can be used in the esterification reactor; which can shift the equilibrium to the right, thus reducing the excess reactants. In the present paper, modeling and simulation of esterification of acetic acid with n-butanol coupled with pervaporation (pervaporation reactor) were carried out. The model was validated using available experimental data and a good agreement was found. Effects of various parameters, such as process temperature, initial mole ratio of acetic acid over n-butanol, and the ratio of the effective membrane area over the volume of reacting mixture and catalyst content, flux on the esteri?cation reaction in pervaporation reactor were discussed. The following optimum conditions were obtained: temperature = 800C, catalyst concentration = 0.0298 kmol/m3, initial molar reactant ratio (acetic acid/n-butanol) = 1.3, ratio of effective membrane area to the reaction volume = 23 m-1, flux = two times of base value. Presented model can be used for the performance study of pervaporation reactor for various esterification reactions.