Is peracetic acid suitable for the cleaning step of reprocessing flexible endoscopes?

PubMed

Kampf, Günter; Fliss, Patricia M; Martiny, Heike

2014-09-16

The bioburden (blood, protein, pathogens and biofilm) on flexible endoscopes after use is often high and its removal is essential to allow effective disinfection, especially in the case of peracetic acid-based disinfectants, which are easily inactivated by organic material. Cleaning processes using conventional cleaners remove a variable but often sufficient amount of the bioburden. Some formulations based on peracetic acid are recommended by manufacturers for the cleaning step. We performed a systematic literature search and reviewed the available evidence to clarify the suitability of peracetic acid-based formulations for cleaning flexible endoscopes. A total of 243 studies were evaluated. No studies have yet demonstrated that peracetic acid-based cleaners are as effective as conventional cleaners. Some peracetic acid-based formulations have demonstrated some biofilm-cleaning effects and no biofilm-fixation potential, while others have a limited cleaning effect and a clear biofilm-fixation potential. All published data demonstrated a limited blood cleaning effect and a substantial blood and nerve tissue fixation potential of peracetic acid. No evidence-based guidelines on reprocessing flexible endoscopes currently recommend using cleaners containing peracetic acid, but some guidelines clearly recommend not using them because of their fixation potential. Evidence from some outbreaks, especially those involving highly multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, indicated that disinfection using peracetic acid may be insufficient if the preceding cleaning step is not performed adequately. Based on this review we conclude that peracetic acid-based formulations should not be used for cleaning flexible endoscopes.

Is peracetic acid suitable for the cleaning step of reprocessing flexible endoscopes?

PubMed Central

Kampf, Günter; Fliss, Patricia M; Martiny, Heike

2014-01-01

The bioburden (blood, protein, pathogens and biofilm) on flexible endoscopes after use is often high and its removal is essential to allow effective disinfection, especially in the case of peracetic acid-based disinfectants, which are easily inactivated by organic material. Cleaning processes using conventional cleaners remove a variable but often sufficient amount of the bioburden. Some formulations based on peracetic acid are recommended by manufacturers for the cleaning step. We performed a systematic literature search and reviewed the available evidence to clarify the suitability of peracetic acid-based formulations for cleaning flexible endoscopes. A total of 243 studies were evaluated. No studies have yet demonstrated that peracetic acid-based cleaners are as effective as conventional cleaners. Some peracetic acid-based formulations have demonstrated some biofilm-cleaning effects and no biofilm-fixation potential, while others have a limited cleaning effect and a clear biofilm-fixation potential. All published data demonstrated a limited blood cleaning effect and a substantial blood and nerve tissue fixation potential of peracetic acid. No evidence-based guidelines on reprocessing flexible endoscopes currently recommend using cleaners containing peracetic acid, but some guidelines clearly recommend not using them because of their fixation potential. Evidence from some outbreaks, especially those involving highly multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, indicated that disinfection using peracetic acid may be insufficient if the preceding cleaning step is not performed adequately. Based on this review we conclude that peracetic acid-based formulations should not be used for cleaning flexible endoscopes. PMID:25228941

The regulation of sulphurated amino acid junctions: fact or fiction in the field of inflammation?

PubMed

Santangelo, F

2002-01-01

The diet of industrialised countries is usually rich in amino acids, which are in part used as a source of calories. However, metabolic alterations are observed in diseased patients and a preferential retention of Sulphurated Amino Acids (SAA) occurs during the inflammatory response. Moreover, it has been demonstrated in a model of an acute sepsis phase of rats that the metabolism of Cysteine is modified. The liver converts Cysteine at a different ratio of Sulphate to Taurine (Tau) i.e. the sulphate production decreases while the Tau conversion increases. The Glutathione (GSH) concentration is greater in the liver, kidneys and other organs and the Cysteine incorporation into proteins is higher in the spleen, lungs and plasma (Acute Phase Proteins) while the Albumin level decreases. The pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6 and TNF- alpha are the main initiators that alter protein and amino acid metabolism. Another important phenomenon is the impairment of Methionine conversion to Cysteine during stress. For example, premature infants or AIDS patients are capable of synthesizing Cysteine from Methionine at a much lower rate. Thus, the metabolic flow through the trans-sulphuration path may be inadequate to meet the Cysteine demand under critical conditions. In this complex picture, an SAA supply may contribute to an immune system regulation.

A classical reactive potential for molecular clusters of sulphuric acid and water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stinson, Jake L.; Kathmann, Shawn M.; Ford, Ian J.

2015-10-12

We present a two state empirical valence bond (EVB) potential describing interactions between sulphuric acid and water molecules and designed to model proton transfer between them within a classical dynamical framework. The potential has been developed in order to study the properties of molecular clusters of these species, which are thought to be relevant to atmospheric aerosol nucleation. The particle swarm optimisation method has been used to fit the parameters of the EVB model to density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Features of the parametrised model and DFT data are compared and found to be in satisfactory agreement. In particular, itmore » is found that a single sulphuric acid molecule will donate a proton when clustered with four water molecules at 300 K and that this threshold is temperature dependent. SMK was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences; JLS and IJF were supported by the IMPACT scheme at University College London (UCL). We acknowledge the UCL Legion High Performance Computing Facility, and associated support services together with the resources of the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), which is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02- 05CH11231. JLS thanks Dr. Gregory Schenter, Dr. Theo Kurtén and Prof. Hanna Vehkamäki for important guidance and discussions.« less

Tank 12H Acidic Chemical Cleaning Sample Analysis And Material Balance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martino, C. J.; Reboul, S. H.; Wiersma, B. J.

2013-11-08

A process of Bulk Oxalic Acid (BOA) chemical cleaning was performed for Tank 12H during June and July of 2013 to remove all or a portion of the approximately 4400 gallon sludge heel. Three strikes of oxalic acid (nominally 4 wt% or 2 wt%) were used at 55°C and tank volumes of 96- to 140-thousand gallons. This report details the sample analysis of a scrape sample taken prior to BOA cleaning and dip samples taken during BOA cleaning. It also documents a rudimentary material balance for the Tank 12H cleaning results.

Effect of sulphur dioxide on precipitation and on the sulphur content and acidity of soils in Alberta, Canada

Treesearch

M. Nyborg; J. Crepin; D. Hocking; J. Baker

1976-01-01

Rain and snow in Alberta are seldom acid. The S content of snow is so low that the snow pack gives a deposition of less than 1 kg S/ha, even downwind from large SO2 emission sources. Rainfall contributes at the most 4 kg S/ha yearly near SO2 sources, and only about 1 kg S/ha in clean areas. However, rain intercepted by...

Morphology and evolution of sulphuric acid caves in South Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Angeli, Ilenia M.; De Waele, Jo; Galdenzi, Sandro; Madonia, Giuliana; Parise, Mario; Vattano, Marco

2016-04-01

Sulphuric acid speleogenesis (SAS) related to the upwelling of acid water enriched in H2S and CO2 represents an unusual way of cave development. Since meteoric infiltration waters are not necessarily involved in speleogenesis, caves can form without the typical associated karst expressions (i.e. dolines) at the surface. The main mechanism of sulphuric acid dissolution is the oxidation of H2S (Jones et al., 2015) which can be amplified by bacterial mediation (Engel et al., 2004). In these conditions, carbonate dissolution associated with gypsum replacement, is generally believed to be faster than the normal epigenic one (De Waele et al., 2016). In Italy several SAS caves have been identified, but only few systems have been studied in detail: Frasassi and Acquasanta Terme (Marche)(Galdenzi et al., 2010), Monte Cucco (Umbria) (Galdenzi & Menichetti, 1995), and Montecchio (Tuscany) (Piccini et al., 2015). Other preliminary studies have been carried out in Calabria (Galdenzi, 2007) and Sicily (De Waele et al., 2016). Several less studied SAS cave systems located in South Italy, and in particular in Apulia (Santa Cesarea Terme), Sicily (Acqua Fitusa, Acqua Mintina) and Calabria (Mt. Sellaro and Cassano allo Ionio) have been selected in the framework of a PhD thesis on SAS caves and their speleogenesis. Using both limestone tablet weight loss (Galdenzi et al., 2012) and micro erosion meter (MEM) (Furlani et al., 2010) methods the dissolution rate above and under water in the caves will be quantified. Geomorphological observations, landscape analysis using GIS tools, and the analysis of gypsum and other secondary minerals (alunite and jarosite) (stable isotopes and dating) will help to reconstruct the speleogenetic stages of cave formation. Preliminary microbiological analysis will determine the microbial diversity and ecology in the biofilms. References Engel S.A., Stern L.A., Bennett P.C., 2004 - Microbial contributions to cave formation: New insight into sulfuric acid

Suppression of pyritic sulphur during flotation tests using the bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans.

PubMed

Townsley, C C; Atkins, A S; Davis, A J

1987-07-01

Environmental concern about sulphur dioxide emissions has led to the examination of the possibility of removing pyritic sulphur from coal prior to combustion during froth flotation, a routine method for coal cleaning at the pit-head. The bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was effective in leaching 80% and 63% -53 mum pyrite at 2% and 6% pulp density in shake flasks in 240 and 340 h, respectively.The natural floatability of pyrite was significantly reduced in the Hallimond tube following 2.5 min of conditioning in membrane-filtered bacterial liquor prior to flotation. The suppression effect was greatly enhanced in the presence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. A bacterial suspension in pH 2.0 distilled water showed 85% suppression, whereas in spent growth liquor this value was 95%. The optimum bacterial density was 3.25 x 10(10) cells/g pyrite in 230-ml distilled water (2% pulp density) in the Hallimond tube. The degree of suppression by the cells was related to particle size but not to pH or temperature. The sulphur content of a synthetic coal/pyrite mixture was reduced from 10.9 to 2.1% by flotation after bacterial preconditioning. It is postulated that pyrite removal in coals which are cleaned by froth flotation could be significantly reduced using a bacterial preconditioning stage with a short residence time of 2.5 min.

Clean air act and acid precipitation receiving increased attention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, Douglas A.; Lawrence, Gregory B.; Murdoch, Peter S.

In 1990 the U.S. Congress passed Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments, which was intended to reduce the adverse effects of acid deposition by reducing emissions of the acid precursors,sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (Nox). Passage of Title IV was a response to the findings of a decade of research performed in large part through the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP), which concluded that acid deposition posed a current and future threat to vulnerable forest and aquatic ecosystems [NAPAP, 1991].Now,with reauthorization of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments scheduled for 2000, Congress is considering several bills that would further reduce emissions to ensure the restoration of damaged ecosystems. Title IV requires a 10 million ton per year reduction in SO2 emissions below 1980 levels by 2010 and establishes a national cap of 8.95 million tons per year on utility emissions by 2010. Atmospheric sulfur deposition began to decline in the late 1970s as a result of energy conservation and provisions of the Clean Air Act of 1980. Since implementation of Phase I of Title IV in 1995, SO2 emissions have dropped from more than 20 million tons per year in the early 1990s to 18.3 million tons in 1995 [NAPAP, 1998].Consequently, reductions in atmospheric sulfur deposition have accelerated throughout the United States since 1995.

Evaluation Of Sludge Heel Dissolution Efficiency With Oxalic Acid Cleaning At Savannah River Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sudduth, Christie; Vitali, Jason; Keefer, Mark

The chemical cleaning process baseline strategy at the Savannah River Site was revised to improve efficiency during future execution of the process based on lessons learned during previous bulk oxalic acid cleaning activities and to account for operational constraints imposed by safety basis requirements. These improvements were also intended to transcend the difficulties that arise from waste removal in higher rheological yield stress sludge tanks. Tank 12 implemented this improved strategy and the bulk oxalic acid cleaning efforts concluded in July 2013. The Tank 12 radiological removal results were similar to previous bulk oxalic acid cleaning campaigns despite the factmore » that Tank 12 contained higher rheological yield stress sludge that would make removal more difficult than the sludge treated in previous cleaning campaigns. No appreciable oxalate precipitation occurred during the cleaning process in Tank 12 compared to previous campaigns, which aided in the net volume reduction of 75-80%. Overall, the controls established for Tank 12 provide a template for an improved cleaning process.« less

On the reasons for low sulphur utilization in the lithium-sulphur batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolosnitsyn, V. S.; Kuzmina, E. V.; Karaseva, E. V.

2015-01-01

This work is to study the reasons for the relatively low efficiency of sulphur reduction (about 75%) in lithium-sulphur batteries. The two main reasons for that are suggested to be: the relatively low electrochemical activity of low order lithium polysulphides and blocking of the carbon framework of the sulphur electrode by insoluble products of electrochemical reactions - sulphur and lithium sulphide. The electrochemical activity of lithium polysulphides with different composition (Li2Sn, n = 2-6) has been studied in 1 M solutions of CF3SO3Li in sulfolane. It is shown that lithium polysulphides including lithium disulphide are able to electrochemically reduce with efficiency close to 100%. The electrochemical activity of lithium polysulphides decreases with the order. The order of lithium polysulphides affects the value of voltage of discharge plateaus but not the efficiency of sulphur reducing in the lithium polysulphides species. The relatively low efficiency of sulphur reduction in the lithium-sulphur batteries is more likely caused by blocking of carbon particles in the sulphur electrode by insoluble products of electrochemical reactions (sulphur and lithium sulphide). This prevents the electrochemical reduction of low order lithium polysulphides and especially lithium disulphide.

Turning Biodiesel Waste Glycerol into 1,3-Propanediol: Catalytic Performance of Sulphuric acid-Activated Montmorillonite Supported Platinum Catalysts in Glycerol Hydrogenolysis.

PubMed

Samudrala, Shanthi Priya; Kandasamy, Shalini; Bhattacharya, Sankar

2018-05-10

Direct C-O hydrogenolysis of bioglycerine to produce 1,3-propanediol selectively is a vital technology that can expand the scope of biodiesel industry and green chemical production from biomass. Herein we report sulphuric acid-activated montmorillonite clay supported platinum nanoparticles as highly effective solid acid catalysts for the selective production of 1,3-propanediol from glycerol. The catalytic performances of the catalysts were investigated in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol with a fixed bed reactor under ambient pressure. The results were found promising and showed that the activation of montmorillonite by sulphuric acid incorporated Brønsted acidity in the catalyst and significantly improved the selectivity to 1,3-propanediol. The catalytic performance of different platinum loaded catalysts was examined and 2 wt% Pt/S-MMT catalyst presented superior activity among others validating 62% 1,3-propanediol selectivity at 94% glycerol conversion. The catalytic activity of 2Pt/S-MMT was systematically investigated under varying reaction parameters including reaction temperature, hydrogen flow rate, glycerol concentration, weight hourly space velocity, and contact time to derive the optimum conditions for the reaction. The catalyst stability, reusability and structure-activity correlation were also elucidated. The high performance of the catalyst could be ascribed to well disperse Pt nanoparticles immobilized on acid-activated montmorillonite, wider pore-structure and appropriate acid sites of the catalyst.

46 CFR 111.105-31 - Flammable or combustible cargo with a flashpoint below 60 °C (140 °F), carriers of liquid-sulphur...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 60 °C (140 °F), carriers of liquid-sulphur or inorganic acid. 111.105-31 Section 111.105-31... below 60 °C (140 °F), carriers of liquid-sulphur or inorganic acid. (a) Applicability. Each vessel that...) or liquid sulphur cargo, or inorganic acid cargo must meet the requirements of this section, except...

46 CFR 111.105-31 - Flammable or combustible cargo with a flashpoint below 60 °C (140 °F), carriers of liquid-sulphur...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 60 °C (140 °F), carriers of liquid-sulphur or inorganic acid. 111.105-31 Section 111.105-31... below 60 °C (140 °F), carriers of liquid-sulphur or inorganic acid. (a) Applicability. Each vessel that...) or liquid sulphur cargo, or inorganic acid cargo must meet the requirements of this section, except...

Sulphur isotopic ratios in mosses indicating atmospheric sulphur sources in southern Chinese mountainous areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Hua-Yun; Tang, Cong-Guo; Liu, Xue-Yan; Xiao, Hong-Wei; Liu, Cong-Qiang

2008-10-01

Many mountainous regions in South China have been confronted with the consequences of acidic deposition, but studies on atmospheric S sources are still very limited. In this study, isotopic ratios in mosses were used to discriminate atmospheric S sources. A continuous increase in S isotopic ratios was observed from the south to the north in mountainous mosses and in accord with the previously reported changing trends in urban mosses, indicating a contribution of local anthropogenic S from urban cities. Based on comparisons of S isotopic ratios in mountainous mosses with those in nearby urban mosses, we found that mountainous mosses had significantly higher 34S contents than urban mosses, especially in West China, reflecting an introduction of 34S-enriched sulphur. In conjunction with cloud water data in the literature, we concluded that 34S-enriched sulphur in northerly air masses contributed much to atmospheric S in southern Chinese mountainous areas.

Optimization of the 3-Point Bending Failure of Anodized Aluminum Formed in Tartaric/Sulphuric Acid Using Doehlert Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bensalah, W.; Feki, M.; De-Petris Wery, M.; Ayedi, H. F.

2015-02-01

The bending failure of anodized aluminum in tartaric/sulphuric acid bath was modeled using Doehlert design. Bath temperature, anodic current density, sulphuric acid, and tartaric acid concentrations were retained as variables. Thickness measurements and 3-point bending experiments were conducted. The deflection at failure ( D f) and the maximum load ( F m) of each sample were, then, deducted from the corresponding flexural responses. The treatment of experimental results has established mathematical models of second degree reflecting the relation of cause and effect between the factors and the studied properties. The optimum path study of thickness, deflection at failure, and maximum load, showed that the three optima were opposite. Multicriteria optimization using the desirability function was achieved in order to maximize simultaneously the three responses. The optimum conditions were: C tar = 18.2 g L-1, T = 17.3 °C, J = 2.37 A dm-2, C sul = 191 g L-1, while the estimated response values were e = 57.7 µm, D f = 5.6 mm, and F m = 835 N. Using the established models, a mathematical correlation was found between deflection at failure and thickness of the anodic oxide layer. Before bending tests, aluminum oxide layer was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy. After tests, the morphology and the composition of the anodic oxide layer were inspected by SEM, optical microscopy, and glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy.

A further study on the dietary-regulated biosynthesis of high-sulphur wool proteins

PubMed Central

Gillespie, J. M.; Broad, Andrea; Reis, P. J.

1969-01-01

When the diet of sheep is supplemented by the infusion of sulphur-containing amino acids or casein into the abomasum, the newly synthesized wool shows characteristic changes in its amino acid composition, with significant increases in cystine, proline and serine and decreases in aspartic acid and phenylalanine. This modification seems to be due entirely to an alteration in the overall composition of the high-sulphur proteins and to an increase in their proportion in the fibre. These variations are not the result of a change in the composition of individual proteins, but are due to alterations in their relative proportions and to the initiation of the synthesis of `new' proteins, many of which are extremely rich in cystine. It is suggested that the heterogeneity of the high-sulphur proteins may be due, in part, to similar changes in composition caused by natural variations in the nutrition of sheep. ImagesFig. 3.Fig. 4. PMID:5774505

Fluid bed gasification--plasma converter process generating energy from solid waste: experimental assessment of sulphur species.

PubMed

Morrin, Shane; Lettieri, Paola; Chapman, Chris; Taylor, Richard

2014-01-01

Often perceived as a Cinderella material, there is growing appreciation for solid waste as a renewable content thermal process feed. Nonetheless, research on solid waste gasification and sulphur mechanisms in particular is lacking. This paper presents results from two related experiments on a novel two stage gasification process, at demonstration scale, using a sulphur-enriched wood pellet feed. Notable SO2 and relatively low COS levels (before gas cleaning) were interesting features of the trials, and not normally expected under reducing gasification conditions. Analysis suggests that localised oxygen rich regions within the fluid bed played a role in SO2's generation. The response of COS to sulphur in the feed was quite prompt, whereas SO2 was more delayed. It is proposed that the bed material sequestered sulphur from the feed, later aiding SO2 generation. The more reducing gas phase regions above the bed would have facilitated COS--hence its faster response. These results provide a useful insight, with further analysis on a suite of performed experiments underway, along with thermodynamic modelling. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Equilibrium distribution of dissolved sulphur species in water at 25°C and 1 atm total pressure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garrels, R.M.; Naeser, C.R.

1958-01-01

The Eh-pH diagrams for the equilibrium concentrations in aqueous solution at 25°C of native sulphur and all the various sulphur-containing ions and acids from which the ions are produced have been constructed for systems having a total sulphur concentration of 0.1 molar. The composite of these diagrams indicates that elemental sulphur, H2S, HS− HSO4− and SO4 are the species that predominate in the environments that might be found in nature. This indication is in agreement with the composition of all sulphur-containing minerals.

Steam reforming of commercial ultra-low sulphur diesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boon, Jurriaan; van Dijk, Eric; de Munck, Sander; van den Brink, Ruud

Two main routes for small-scale diesel steam reforming exist: low-temperature pre-reforming followed by well-established methane steam reforming on the one hand and direct steam reforming on the other hand. Tests with commercial catalysts and commercially obtained diesel fuels are presented for both processes. The fuels contained up to 6.5 ppmw sulphur and up to 4.5 vol.% of biomass-derived fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). Pre-reforming sulphur-free diesel at around 475 °C has been tested with a commercial nickel catalyst for 118 h without observing catalyst deactivation, at steam-to-carbon ratios as low as 2.6. Direct steam reforming at temperatures up to 800 °C has been tested with a commercial precious metal catalyst for a total of 1190 h with two catalyst batches at steam-to-carbon ratios as low as 2.5. Deactivation was neither observed with lower steam-to-carbon ratios nor for increasing sulphur concentration. The importance of good fuel evaporation and mixing for correct testing of catalysts is illustrated. Diesel containing biodiesel components resulted in poor spray quality, hence poor mixing and evaporation upstream, eventually causing decreasing catalyst performance. The feasibility of direct high temperature steam reforming of commercial low-sulphur diesel has been demonstrated.

Selective environmental stress from sulphur emitted by continental flood basalt eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Anja; Skeffington, Richard; Thordarson, Thorvaldur; Self, Stephen; Forster, Piers; Rap, Alexandru; Ridgwell, Andy; Fowler, David; Wilson, Marjorie; Mann, Graham; Wignall, Paul; Carslaw, Ken

2016-04-01

Several biotic crises during the past 300 million years have been linked to episodes of continental flood basalt volcanism, and in particular to the release of massive quantities of magmatic sulphur gas species. Flood basalt provinces were typically formed by numerous individual eruptions, each lasting years to decades. However, the environmental impact of these eruptions may have been limited by the occurrence of quiescent periods that lasted hundreds to thousands of years. Here we use a global aerosol model to quantify the sulphur-induced environmental effects of individual, decade-long flood basalt eruptions representative of the Columbia River Basalt Group, 16.5-14.5 million years ago, and the Deccan Traps, 65 million years ago. For a decade-long eruption of Deccan scale, we calculate a decadal-mean reduction in global surface temperature of 4.5 K, which would recover within 50 years after an eruption ceased unless climate feedbacks were very different in deep-time climates. Acid mists and fogs could have caused immediate damage to vegetation in some regions, but acid-sensitive land and marine ecosystems were well-buffered against volcanic sulphur deposition effects even during century-long eruptions. We conclude that magmatic sulphur from flood basalt eruptions would have caused a biotic crisis only if eruption frequencies and lava discharge rates had been high and sustained for several centuries at a time.

Selective environmental stress from sulphur emitted by continental flood basalt eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Anja; Skeffington, Richard A.; Thordarson, Thorvaldur; Self, Stephen; Forster, Piers M.; Rap, Alexandru; Ridgwell, Andy; Fowler, David; Wilson, Marjorie; Mann, Graham W.; Wignall, Paul B.; Carslaw, Kenneth S.

2016-01-01

Several biotic crises during the past 300 million years have been linked to episodes of continental flood basalt volcanism, and in particular to the release of massive quantities of magmatic sulphur gas species. Flood basalt provinces were typically formed by numerous individual eruptions, each lasting years to decades. However, the environmental impact of these eruptions may have been limited by the occurrence of quiescent periods that lasted hundreds to thousands of years. Here we use a global aerosol model to quantify the sulphur-induced environmental effects of individual, decade-long flood basalt eruptions representative of the Columbia River Basalt Group, 16.5-14.5 million years ago, and the Deccan Traps, 65 million years ago. For a decade-long eruption of Deccan scale, we calculate a decadal-mean reduction in global surface temperature of 4.5 K, which would recover within 50 years after an eruption ceased unless climate feedbacks were very different in deep-time climates. Acid mists and fogs could have caused immediate damage to vegetation in some regions, but acid-sensitive land and marine ecosystems were well-buffered against volcanic sulphur deposition effects even during century-long eruptions. We conclude that magmatic sulphur from flood basalt eruptions would have caused a biotic crisis only if eruption frequencies and lava discharge rates had been high and sustained for several centuries at a time.

Determination of fusaric acid in maize using molecularly imprinted SPE clean-up

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new liquid chromatography method to detect fusaric acid in maize is reported based on molecularly imprinted polymer solid phase extraction clean-up (MISPE) using mimic-templated molecularly-imprinted polymers. Picolinic acid was used as a toxin analog for imprinting polymers during a thermolytic s...

Microbial carbon metabolism associated with electrogenic sulphur oxidation in coastal sediments.

PubMed

Vasquez-Cardenas, Diana; van de Vossenberg, Jack; Polerecky, Lubos; Malkin, Sairah Y; Schauer, Regina; Hidalgo-Martinez, Silvia; Confurius, Veronique; Middelburg, Jack J; Meysman, Filip J R; Boschker, Henricus T S

2015-09-01

Recently, a novel electrogenic type of sulphur oxidation was documented in marine sediments, whereby filamentous cable bacteria (Desulfobulbaceae) are mediating electron transport over cm-scale distances. These cable bacteria are capable of developing an extensive network within days, implying a highly efficient carbon acquisition strategy. Presently, the carbon metabolism of cable bacteria is unknown, and hence we adopted a multidisciplinary approach to study the carbon substrate utilization of both cable bacteria and associated microbial community in sediment incubations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed rapid downward growth of cable bacteria, concomitant with high rates of electrogenic sulphur oxidation, as quantified by microelectrode profiling. We studied heterotrophy and autotrophy by following (13)C-propionate and -bicarbonate incorporation into bacterial fatty acids. This biomarker analysis showed that propionate uptake was limited to fatty acid signatures typical for the genus Desulfobulbus. The nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis confirmed heterotrophic rather than autotrophic growth of cable bacteria. Still, high bicarbonate uptake was observed in concert with the development of cable bacteria. Clone libraries of 16S complementary DNA showed numerous sequences associated to chemoautotrophic sulphur-oxidizing Epsilon- and Gammaproteobacteria, whereas (13)C-bicarbonate biomarker labelling suggested that these sulphur-oxidizing bacteria were active far below the oxygen penetration. A targeted manipulation experiment demonstrated that chemoautotrophic carbon fixation was tightly linked to the heterotrophic activity of the cable bacteria down to cm depth. Overall, the results suggest that electrogenic sulphur oxidation is performed by a microbial consortium, consisting of chemoorganotrophic cable bacteria and chemolithoautotrophic Epsilon- and Gammaproteobacteria. The metabolic linkage between these two groups is presently unknown and

Sulphur extended asphalt : research report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-05-01

Extensive research has been directed toward the addition of sulphur to asphaltic concrete mixes to function as either a quality aggregate or as an asphalt cement extender. By utilizing a high sulphur/asphalt ratio sulphur extended asphalt mix, it was...

Use of stable sulphur isotopes to monitor directly the behaviour of sulphur in coal during thermal desulphurization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Liu, Chao-Li; Hackley, Keith C.; Coleman, D.D.

1987-01-01

A method has been developed using stable sulphur isotope analyses to monitor the behaviour of sulphur forms in a coal during thermal desulphurization. In this method, the natural stable isotopic composition of the pyritic and organic sulphur in coal is used as a tracer to follow their mobility during the desulphurization process. This tracer method is based on the fact that the isotopic compositions of pyritic and organic sulphur are significantly different in some coals. Isotopic results of pyrolysis experiments at temperatures ranging from 350 to 750 ??C indicate that the sulphur released with the volatiles is predominantly organic sulphur. The pyritic sulphur is evolved in significant quantities only when pyrolysis temperatures exceed 500 ??C. The presence of pyrite seems to have no effect on the amount of organic sulphur evolved during pyrolysis. The chemical and isotopic mass balances achieved from three different samples of the Herrin (No. 6) coal of the Illinois Basin demonstrate that this stable isotope tracer method is quantitative. The main disadvantage of this tracing technique is that not all coals contain isotopically distinct organic and pyritic sulphur. ?? 1987.

Active-passive corrosion of iron-chromium-nickel alloys in hot concentrated sulphuric acid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kish, Joseph R.

1999-11-01

In the manufacture of sulphuric acid more stringent environmental standards and operation economics have forced the industry to improve product utilization, energy efficiency and reliability. A key to improving both the thermal efficiency and reliability is the use and/or development of more corrosion resistance materials including stainless steels, especially in the parts of the plant that handle the condensed acid. Application of more corrosion resistant material requires a better understanding of the corrosion mechanism involved in concentrated H2SO4-H2O (>90 wt.%) solutions. While corrosion kinetics of carbon steel, the traditional material of construction, are relatively well understood, this is much less true in the case of the cyclic active-passive corrosion of stainless steels. Models proposed to explain the cyclic active-passive corrosion involve a periodic formation of either a protective metal sulphate film or an insoluble sulphur layer. To better understand the reactivity and/or passivity of stainless steel in concentrated H2SO4-H2O solutions a study employing immersion and electrochemical techniques, including rotating electrodes, was conducted in order to clarify the following: (1) The state of stainless steel passivity. (2) The conditions in which passivity is stable. (3) The role played by the major alloying elements in establishing and maintaining the passive state. The study involved evaluating the corrosion behaviour of stainless steels S30403 and S43000 along with iron, chromium and nickel in 93.5 wt.% H2SO4 at temperatures between 25--80°C. Major discoveries of the study include: (1) A content of 17--18 wt.% chromium is sufficient to anodically passivate S43000 as the potential is made more noble. Passivity is not stable and requires anodic polarization. (2) Alloyed nickel plays an active role in improving the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. A content of 8 wt.% nickel is sufficient promote a periodic passivation of the base Fe-(17

Sulphur isotope fractionation during the reduction of elemental sulphur and thiosulphate by Dethiosulfovibrio spp.

PubMed

Surkov, Alexander V; Böttcher, Michael E; Kuever, Jan

2012-01-01

Stable sulphur isotope fractionation was investigated during reduction of thiosulphate and elemental sulphur at 28°C by growing batch cultures of the sulphur- and thiosulphate-reducing bacteria Dethiosulfovibrio marinus (type strain DSM 12537) and Dethiosulfovibrio russensis (type strain DSM 12538), using citrate as carbon and energy source. The cell-specific thiosulphate reduction rate in the growth phase was 7.4±3.9 fmol cell(-1) d(-1). The hydrogen sulphide produced was enriched in (32)S by 10.3±1 ‰ compared with total thiosulphate sulphur, close to previous experimental results observed for other sulphate- and non-sulphate-reducing bacteria. Elemental sulphur reduction yields sulphur isotope enrichment factors between-1.3 and-5.2 ‰ for D. russensis and-1.7 and-5.1 ‰ for D. marinus. The smaller fractionation effects are observed in the exponential growth phase (cellular rates between 5 and 70 fmol S° cell(-1) d(-1)) and enhanced discrimination under conditions of citrate depletion and cell lysis (cellular rates between 0.3 and 3 fmol S° cell(-1) d(-1)).

Effect of aliphatic, monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, heterocyclic and sulphur-containing amino acids on Leishmania spp. chemotaxis.

PubMed

Diaz, E; Zacarias, A K; Pérez, S; Vanegas, O; Köhidai, L; Padrón-Nieves, M; Ponte-Sucre, A

2015-11-01

In the sand-fly mid gut, Leishmania promastigotes are exposed to acute changes in nutrients, e.g. amino acids (AAs). These metabolites are the main energy sources for the parasite, crucial for its differentiation and motility. We analysed the migratory behaviour and morphological changes produced by aliphatic, monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, heterocyclic and sulphur-containing AAs in Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis and demonstrated that L-methionine (10-12 m), L-tryptophan (10-11 m), L-glutamine and L-glutamic acid (10-6 m), induced positive chemotactic responses, while L-alanine (10-7 m), L-methionine (10-11 and 10-7 m), L-tryptophan (10-11 m), L-glutamine (10-12 m) and L-glutamic acid (10-9 m) induced negative chemotactic responses. L-proline and L-cysteine did not change the migratory potential of Leishmania. The flagellum length of L. braziliensis, but not of L. amazonensis, decreased when incubated in hyperosmotic conditions. However, chemo-repellent concentrations of L-alanine (Hypo-/hyper-osmotic conditions) and L-glutamic acid (hypo-osmotic conditions) decreased L. braziliensis flagellum length and L-methionine (10-11 m, hypo-/hyper-osmotic conditions) decreased L. amazonensis flagellum length. This chemotactic responsiveness suggests that Leishmania discriminate between slight concentration differences of small and structurally closely related molecules and indicates that besides their metabolic effects, AAs play key roles linked to sensory mechanisms that might determine the parasite's behaviour.

Fluid bed gasification – Plasma converter process generating energy from solid waste: Experimental assessment of sulphur species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morrin, Shane, E-mail: shane.morrin@ucl.ac.uk; Advanced Plasma Power, Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 4DE; Lettieri, Paola, E-mail: p.lettieri@ucl.ac.uk

2014-01-15

Highlights: • We investigate gaseous sulphur species whilst gasifying sulphur-enriched wood pellets. • Experiments performed using a two stage fluid bed gasifier – plasma converter process. • Notable SO{sub 2} and relatively low COS levels were identified. • Oxygen-rich regions of the bed are believed to facilitate SO{sub 2}, with a delayed release. • Gas phase reducing regions above the bed would facilitate more prompt COS generation. - Abstract: Often perceived as a Cinderella material, there is growing appreciation for solid waste as a renewable content thermal process feed. Nonetheless, research on solid waste gasification and sulphur mechanisms in particularmore » is lacking. This paper presents results from two related experiments on a novel two stage gasification process, at demonstration scale, using a sulphur-enriched wood pellet feed. Notable SO{sub 2} and relatively low COS levels (before gas cleaning) were interesting features of the trials, and not normally expected under reducing gasification conditions. Analysis suggests that localised oxygen rich regions within the fluid bed played a role in SO{sub 2}’s generation. The response of COS to sulphur in the feed was quite prompt, whereas SO{sub 2} was more delayed. It is proposed that the bed material sequestered sulphur from the feed, later aiding SO{sub 2} generation. The more reducing gas phase regions above the bed would have facilitated COS – hence its faster response. These results provide a useful insight, with further analysis on a suite of performed experiments underway, along with thermodynamic modelling.« less

The effects of added sulphur amino acids, threonine and an ideal amino acid ratio on nitrogen metabolism in mature, overweight dogs.

PubMed

Bohaty, Robin E; de Godoy, Maria R C; McLeod, Kyle R; Harmon, David L

2012-02-01

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of added essential amino acids in conjunction with a dietary lysine/MJ of 0.72 on nitrogen (N) metabolism in dogs. Treatments were; a control diet, a diet that provided an ideal amino acid profile (IAA), a diet with added total sulphur amino acids (TSAA), and a diet with added TSAA and threonine (TT). Diets were fed to eight overweight, mature, female hounds using a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Food intake was similar across treatments, however, food N intake was higher (p < 0.001) for TSAA than control, IAA or TT. Nitrogen absorbed was higher (p < 0.01) for TSAA than IAA and control. Urea N excretion was greater for control than TT (p < 0.05). Urine N excretion did not differ between diets. There were no differences in digestibility or N retention of diets. There were no differences in protein turnover, synthesis, or degradation. Blood metabolites were within normal ranges and did not differ due to dietary treatment. Based on the measurements made in this study, there is no benefit for added TSAA, TT or additional EAA in diets for mature dogs formulated to provide a 0.72 g lysine/MJ ME ratio.

Sulphur geodynamic cycle

PubMed Central

Kagoshima, Takanori; Sano, Yuji; Takahata, Naoto; Maruoka, Teruyuki; Fischer, Tobias P.; Hattori, Keiko

2015-01-01

Evaluation of volcanic and hydrothermal fluxes to the surface environments is important to elucidate the geochemical cycle of sulphur and the evolution of ocean chemistry. This paper presents S/3He ratios of vesicles in mid-ocean ridge (MOR) basalt glass together with the ratios of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids to calculate the sulphur flux of 100 Gmol/y at MOR. The S/3He ratios of high-temperature volcanic gases show sulphur flux of 720 Gmol/y at arc volcanoes (ARC) with a contribution from the mantle of 2.9%, which is calculated as 21 Gmol/y. The C/S flux ratio of 12 from the mantle at MOR and ARC is comparable to the C/S ratio in the surface inventory, which suggests that these elements in the surface environments originated from the upper mantle. PMID:25660256

Removing sulphur oxides from a fluid stream

DOEpatents

Katz, Torsten; Riemann, Christian; Bartling, Karsten; Rigby, Sean Taylor; Coleman, Luke James Ivor; Lail, Marty Alan

2014-04-08

A process for removing sulphur oxides from a fluid stream, such as flue gas, comprising: providing a non-aqueous absorption liquid containing at least one hydrophobic amine, the liquid being incompletely miscible with water; treating the fluid stream in an absorption zone with the non-aqueous absorption liquid to transfer at least part of the sulphur oxides into the non-aqueous absorption liquid and to form a sulphur oxide-hydrophobic amine-complex; causing the non-aqueous absorption liquid to be in liquid-liquid contact with an aqueous liquid whereby at least part of the sulphur oxide-hydrophobic amine-complex is hydrolyzed to release the hydrophobic amine and sulphurous hydrolysis products, and at least part of the sulphurous hydrolysis products is transferred into the aqueous liquid; separating the aqueous liquid from the non-aqueous absorption liquid. The process mitigates absorbent degradation problems caused by sulphur dioxide and oxygen in flue gas.

Analysis of free and bound chlorophenoxy acids in cereals.

PubMed

Lokke, H

1975-06-01

Extraction of the chlorophenoxy acids 2,4-D and dichlorprop in cereals has been examined by analyzing barley from spraying experiments. A procedure has been set up by combination of acid hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation followed by extraction and clean up on either silica gel or basic aluminum oxide. The final determination is based on reaction with diazomethane and subsequently GLC with ECD. This procedure was compared with two different extraction procedures previously described in the literature. The one comparative procedure uses a mixture of 50% diethyl ether/hexane in presence of sulphuric acid and resulted in residues up to ten times lower than found after the combined acid hydrolysis/enzymatic degradation procedure. In the second comparison a direct extraction was made with a mixture of 65% (v/v) acetonitrile in water. No differences were found between this and the combined acid hydrolysis/enzymatic degradation procedure.

Sulphur and skin: from Satan to Saddam!

PubMed

Leslie, K S; Millington, G W M; Levell, N J

2004-04-01

Since the dawn of time, Beelzebub has been showering fire and brimstone (sulphur) on tortured souls, but the cutaneous effects of this have been poorly described. Sulphur has also been used for centuries as a treatment for many skin conditions, such as fungal infections, scabies, psoriasis, eczema and acne. It has also been used extensively in cosmetic preparations and by cosmetic dermatologists treating conditions such as seborrhoeic eczema. Many natural bathing spas have high levels of sulphur; such balneology has been advocated by medical and cosmetic dermatologists as an effective treatment for cutaneous disorders for more than 500 years. Sulphur was often the active agent in many of the so-called 'patent medicines' that became popular in the mid-nineteenth century. Time has not withered medical practitioners' enthusiasm for sulphur. There are various reports in the medical literature of its current use. However sulphur treatment is not without its risks; a sulphur spring dermatitis has been described from a spa bath in Taiwan. With the satanic threat of bio-terrorism, some dermatologists may be treating the effects of contact with sulphur mustard all too soon.

Responses to betaine and inorganic sulphur of sheep in growth performance and fibre growth.

PubMed

Nezamidoust, M; Alikhani, M; Ghorbani, G R; Edriss, M A

2014-12-01

Sulphur-containing amino acids (SAA) are essential and usually the first limiting amino acids for growth, milk and wool production. The keratin fibre that grows from epidermal tissue is rich in SAA. The rate of fibre growth and its S content are influenced by the availability of SAA. Betaine is a dietary source for a labile methyl group and actively participates in methionine metabolism by donating methyl groups for the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Ruminants are capable of synthesizing SAA from inorganic S sources, and most bacteria in the rumen can use inorganic S to meet their requirements for growth. The objective of this study was to examine whether betaine and an inorganic sulphur supplement could provide methyl groups and sulphur amino acids in a way that growth performance and wool production of ewes and lambs are improved. Treatments performed included betaine supplementation, sulphate supplementation and betaine plus sulphate supplementation with five replications for each treatment. The dry matter intake of the ewes was affected by betaine plus sulphate supplementation (p < 0.05). In the ewes, betaine plus sulphate supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the wool growth rate, wool yield, staple length and wool sulphur concentration, while decreasing wool wax and wool yellowness (p < 0.05). In the lambs, wool growth rate, wool yield, fibre diameter, staple length, staple strength, wool sulphur concentration, wool wax and fibre percentage did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. In the ewes, plasma methionine concentration increased (p < 0.05) with betaine plus sulphate treatment. No corresponding difference (p > 0.05) was observed in plasma methionine concentration in the lambs. It can be concluded that betaine plus sulphate supplementation has the potential to change wool characteristics in the ewes, while these compounds were without any effect on growth and wool production of the lambs. Combining the two supplements was advantageous

Effect of sulphur concentration on bioleaching of heavy metals from contaminated dredged sediments.

PubMed

Fang, D; Zhao, L; Yang, Z Q; Shan, H X; Gao, Y; Yang, Q

2009-11-01

The sulphur-based bioleaching process using sulphur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) has been demonstrated to be a feasible technology for removing heavy metals from contaminated sediments, but the excess sulphur application will lead to the re-acidification of bioleached sediments. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of sulphur concentration on the bioleaching of heavy metals from contaminated sediments, with the ultimate purpose of minimizing the sulphur addition. The results showed that the inoculation of 7% of indigenous SOB, containing 3.6 x 10(8) colony forming units (CFU) mL(-1), and addition of elemental sulphur as a substrate (0.5 to 7.0 g L(-1)) resulted in a sharp decrease in sediment pH from an initial pH 8.0 to pH 1.4-2.4 and an increase in ORP (oxidation-reduction potential) from -10 mV to 500 mV within 10 days of bioleaching. Although the increase in sulphur concentration enhanced the rates of pH reduction and ORP elevation, the bioleaching process with the addition of 3.0 g L(-1) of sulphur was already sufficient to reach conditions of acidity (pH < 2.0) and ORP (500 mV) necessary for a satisfactory removal of metals, and, at day 10, 71.8% of Cu, 58.2% of Zn, and 25.3% of Cr were removed from the sediments. During the bioleaching process, Zn removal increased with a reduction in pH, whereas the removal of Cu and Cr increased not only with a reduction in pH but also with an increase in ORP. Results of sequential selective extraction indicated that the final levels of metal removals were dependent on their speciation distribution in the original sediments, and after bioleaching those unremoved metals in the bioleached sediments mainly existed in the residual fraction.

Review of the origin of sulphur in DN-1 discharge and its implication for future development, Dauin prospect, central Philippines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bayrante, L.F.; Hermoso, D.Z.; Candelaria, M.R.

1997-12-31

Well DN-1, the first exploratory well of the Dauin geothermal prospect discharged in 1983 substantial quantities of sulphur with a near-neutral pH fluid (pH 6.4 to 7.2) containing maximum chloride levels of 3,300 mg/kg, SO{sub 4} of 300 mg/kg; and high CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}S relative to the production wells in Palinpinon Field to the north. The chemistry of DN-1 discharge-fluid and the origin of sulphur have been the cause of apprehension for any future development due to concerns on the presence of a possible acid resource southeast of Cuernos de Negros. A reinterpretation of the previous and newmore » surface data was undertaken in 1992 and 1996, including the origin of sulphur, to evaluate the potential of Dauin for development. The results indicate that the sulphur in DN-1 is formed from partial oxidation of hydrogen sulphide derived from the neutralised-acid fluids formed by sulphur hydrolysis at shallow levels but distant from DN-1. The study argues for the presence of near neutral exploitable resource in the prospect area.« less

Methionine catabolism and production of volatile sulphur compounds by OEnococcus oeni.

PubMed

Pripis-Nicolau, L; de Revel, G; Bertrand, A; Lonvaud-Funel, A

2004-01-01

During malolactic fermentation (MLF), the secondary metabolisms of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to the organoleptic modification of wine. To understand the contribution of MLF, we evaluated the capacity of various wine LAB to metabolize methionine. Using gas chromatography (GC) coupled either with mass spectrometry (MS) or a flame photometry detector in sulphur mode (FPD), we studied this metabolism in laboratory media and wine. In laboratory media, several LAB isolated from wine were able to metabolize methionine. They formed methanethiol, dimethyl disulphide, 3-(methylsulphanyl)propan-1-ol and 3-(methylsulphanyl)propionic acid. These are known to have powerful characteristic odours and play a role in the aromatic complexity of wine. In various red wines, after MLF only the 3-(methylsulphanyl)propionic acid concentration increased significantly, as verified with several commercial starter cultures. This compound, which is characterized by chocolate and roasted odours, could contribute to the aromatic complexity produced by MLF. This study shows that LAB isolated from wine, especially OEnococcus oeni strains, the major species in MLF, are able to metabolize methionine to form volatile sulphur compounds. This is the first study to demonstrate the capacity of wine LAB to metabolize methionine.

Links between sulphur oxidation and sulphur-oxidising bacteria abundance and diversity in soil microcosms based on soxB functional gene analysis.

PubMed

Tourna, Maria; Maclean, Paul; Condron, Leo; O'Callaghan, Maureen; Wakelin, Steven A

2014-06-01

Sulphur-oxidising bacteria (SOB) play a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of sulphur in soil ecosystems. However, the ecology of SOB is poorly understood, and there is little knowledge about the taxa capable of sulphur oxidation, their distribution, habitat preferences and ecophysiology. Furthermore, as yet there are no conclusive links between SOB community size or structure and rates of sulphur oxidation. We have developed a molecular approach based on primer design targeting the soxB functional gene of nonfilamentous chemolithotrophic SOB that allows assessment of both abundance and diversity. Cloning and sequencing revealed considerable diversity of known soxB genotypes from agricultural soils and also evidence for previously undescribed taxa. In a microcosm experiment, abundance of soxB genes increased with sulphur oxidation rate in soils amended with elemental sulphur. Addition of elemental sulphur to soil had a significant effect in the soxB gene diversity, with the chemolithotrophic Thiobacillus-like Betaproteobacteria sequences dominating clone libraries 6 days after sulphur application. Using culture-independent methodology, the study provides evidence for links between abundance and diversity of SOB and sulphur oxidation. The methodology provides a new tool for investigation of the ecology and role of SOB in soil sulphur biogeochemistry. © 2014 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interrogating trees as archives of sulphur deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wynn, P. M.; Loader, N. J.; Fairchild, I. J.

2012-04-01

A principal driver of climatic variability over the past 1,000 years and essential forcing mechanism for climate, are the changes in atmospheric composition resulting from sulphur aerosols. Natural and anthropogenic aerosols released into the atmosphere disrupt the radiative balance through backscattering and absorption of incoming solar radiation and increase cloud albedo by acting as condensation nuclei. Understanding the impact of sulphur emissions upon climate beyond the last few hundred years however is not straightforward and natural archives of environmental information must be explored. Tree-rings represent one such archive as they are widely distributed and preserve environmental information within a precisely dateable, annually resolved timescale. Until recently the sulphur contained within tree-rings has largely remained beyond the reach of environmental scientists and climate modelers owing to difficulties associated with the extraction of a robust signal and uncertainties regarding post-depositional mobility. Our recent work using synchrotron radiation has established that the majority of non-labile sulphur in two conifer species is preserved within the cellular structure of the woody tissue after uptake and demonstrates an increasing trend in sulphur concentration during the 20th century and during known volcanic events. Due to the clear isotopic distinction between marine (+21), geological (+10 to +30), atmospheric pollution (-3 to +9 ) and volcanic sources of sulphur (0 to +5), isotopic ratios provide a diagnostic tool with which changes in the source of atmospheric sulphur can be detected in a more reliable fashion than concentration alone. Sulphur isotopes should thereby provide a fingerprint of short lived events including volcanic activity when extracted at high resolution and in conjunction with high resolution S concentrations defining the event. Here we present methodologies associated with extracting the sulphur isotopic signal from tree

Effects of gaseous sulphuric acid on diesel exhaust nanoparticle formation and characteristics.

PubMed

Rönkkö, Topi; Lähde, Tero; Heikkilä, Juha; Pirjola, Liisa; Bauschke, Ulrike; Arnold, Frank; Schlager, Hans; Rothe, Dieter; Yli-Ojanperä, Jaakko; Keskinen, Jorma

2013-10-15

Diesel exhaust gaseous sulphuric acid (GSA) concentrations and particle size distributions, concentrations, and volatility were studied at four driving conditions with a heavy duty diesel engine equipped with oxidative exhaust after-treatment. Low sulfur fuel and lubricant oil were used in the study. The concentration of the exhaust GSA was observed to vary depending on the engine driving history and load. The GSA affected the volatile particle fraction at high engine loads; higher GSA mole fraction was followed by an increase in volatile nucleation particle concentration and size as well as increase of size of particles possessing nonvolatile core. The GSA did not affect the number of nonvolatile particles. At low and medium loads, the exhaust GSA concentration was low and any GSA driven changes in particle population were not observed. Results show that during the exhaust cooling and dilution processes, besides critical in volatile nucleation particle formation, GSA can change the characteristics of all nucleation mode particles. Results show the dual nature of the nucleation mode particles so that the nucleation mode can include simultaneously volatile and nonvolatile particles, and fulfill the previous results for the nucleation mode formation, especially related to the role of GSA in formation processes.

A sulphur deficiency-induced gene, sdi1, involved in the utilization of stored sulphate pools under sulphur-limiting conditions has potential as a diagnostic indicator of sulphur nutritional status.

PubMed

Howarth, Jonathan R; Parmar, Saroj; Barraclough, Peter B; Hawkesford, Malcolm J

2009-02-01

A sulphate deficiency-induced gene, sdi1, has been identified by cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis utilizing field-grown, nutrient-deficient wheat (Triticum aestivum var. Hereward). The expression of sdi1 was specifically induced in leaf and root tissues in response to sulphate deficiency, but was not induced by nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium or magnesium deficiency. Expression was also shown to increase in plant tissues as the external sulphate concentration in hydroponically grown plants was reduced from 1.0 to 0.0 mm. On this basis, sdi1 gene expression has potential as a sensitive indicator of sulphur nutritional status in wheat. Genome-walking techniques were used to clone the 2.7-kb region upstream of sdi1 from genomic DNA, revealing several cis-element motifs previously identified as being associated with sulphur responses in plants. The Arabidopsis thaliana gene most highly homologous to sdi1 is At5g48850, which was also demonstrated to be induced by sulphur deficiency, an observation confirmed by the analysis of microarray data available in the public domain. The expression of Atsdi1 was induced more rapidly than previously characterized sulphur-responsive genes in the period immediately following the transfer of plants to sulphur-deficient medium. Atsdi1 T-DNA 'knockout' mutants were shown to maintain higher tissue sulphate concentrations than wild-type plants under sulphur-limiting conditions, indicating a role in the utilization of stored sulphate under sulphur-deficient conditions. The structural features of the sdi1 gene and its application in the genetic determination of the sulphur nutritional status of wheat crops are discussed.

Sulphurous Mineral Waters: New Applications for Health

PubMed Central

Carbajo, Jose Manuel

2017-01-01

Sulphurous mineral waters have been traditionally used in medical hydrology as treatment for skin, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders. However, driven by recent intense research efforts, topical treatments are starting to show benefits for pulmonary hypertension, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, peptic ulcer, and acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. The beneficial effects of sulphurous mineral waters, sulphurous mud, or peloids made from sulphurous mineral water have been attributed to the presence of sulphur mainly in the form of hydrogen sulphide. This form is largely available in conditions of low pH when oxygen concentrations are also low. In the organism, small amounts of hydrogen sulphide are produced by some cells where they have numerous biological signalling functions. While high levels of hydrogen sulphide are extremely toxic, enzymes in the body are capable of detoxifying it by oxidation to harmless sulphate. Hence, low levels of hydrogen sulphide may be tolerated indefinitely. In this paper, we review the chemistry and actions of hydrogen sulphide in sulphurous mineral waters and its natural role in body physiology. This is followed by an update of available data on the impacts of exogenous hydrogen sulphide on the skin and internal cells and organs including new therapeutic possibilities of sulphurous mineral waters and their peloids. PMID:28484507

Sulphur and oxygen isotope analysis to identify sources of sulphur in gypsum-rich black crusts developed on granites.

PubMed

Rivas, T; Pozo, S; Paz, M

2014-06-01

We describe the results of sulphur and oxygen isotope analyses used to identify sources of the gypsum present in black crusts that grow on the granite of historical buildings. The crusts were sampled at various locations in and near the city of Vigo (NW Spain) and were analysed for their sulphur content and δ(34)S and δ(18)O isotope ratios. Sampled crusts had δ(34)S values of 7.3‰ to 12.9‰ and δ(18)O values of 6.56‰ to 12.51‰. Sampled as potential sulphur sources were bulk depositions, seawater, foundation, ashlar and construction materials and combustion residues. The results indicated marine and, to a lesser extent, anthropogenic, origins for the sulphur and ruled out the contribution of sub-soil sulphates by capillary rise from building foundations. Isotope analyses would indicate that cement and mortar were enriched in sulphur after their application in buildings. The fact that facade orientation (towards the sea or fossil fuel pollution sources) was correlated with sulphur isotope distribution pointed to various contributions to black crust formation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-life Li/polysulphide batteries with high sulphur loading enabled by lightweight three-dimensional nitrogen/sulphur-codoped graphene sponge

PubMed Central

Zhou, Guangmin; Paek, Eunsu; Hwang, Gyeong S.; Manthiram, Arumugam

2015-01-01

Lithium–sulphur batteries with a high theoretical energy density are regarded as promising energy storage devices for electric vehicles and large-scale electricity storage. However, the low active material utilization, low sulphur loading and poor cycling stability restrict their practical applications. Herein, we present an effective strategy to obtain Li/polysulphide batteries with high-energy density and long-cyclic life using three-dimensional nitrogen/sulphur codoped graphene sponge electrodes. The nitrogen/sulphur codoped graphene sponge electrode provides enough space for a high sulphur loading, facilitates fast charge transfer and better immobilization of polysulphide ions. The hetero-doped nitrogen/sulphur sites are demonstrated to show strong binding energy and be capable of anchoring polysulphides based on first-principles calculations. As a result, a high specific capacity of 1,200 mAh g−1 at 0.2C rate, a high-rate capacity of 430 mAh g−1 at 2C rate and excellent cycling stability for 500 cycles with ∼0.078% capacity decay per cycle are achieved. PMID:26182892

Sulphur isotope applications in two Philippine geothermal systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bayon, F.E.B.

1996-12-31

A general and very preliminary study of sulphur isotope geochemistry is presented in this paper. Data from the Mt. Apo and Palinpinon geothermal fields are used to demonstrate the use of sulphur isotopes in geothermometry and correlation of sulphur species. Sulphur and oxygen isotope geothermometers applied to Mt. Apo data show very good agreement with temperatures estimated using other established geothermometers, as well as bore measured temperatures. This signifies that sulphur isotopes in S-species in fluids of the Mt. Apo hydrothermal system are in equilibrium at drilled depths. In Palinpinon, on the other hand, temperature estimates from fluid and mineralmore » sulphur isotope geothermometry calculations do not agree with, and are commonly higher than, well measured temperatures and temperatures estimated from other geothermometers. Sulphur isotopes in the presently-exploited Palinpinon fluid are not in equilibrium, and sulphur isotope geothermometry may be reflective of isotopic equilibrium of the deeper portions of the hydrothermal system. Dissolved sulphate in both the Palinpinon and Mt. Apo geothermal fluids appear to originate from the disproportionation of magmatic SO{sub 2} at temperatures below 400{degrees}C. Hydrogen sulphide in well discharge fluids are dominantly directly derived from the magma, with a minor amount coming from SO{sub 2} disproportionation.« less

Method for cleaning and passivating a metal surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, George B. (Inventor); Carpenter, Norman F. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A cleaning solvent useful in the cleaning of metal surfaces, e.g. nickle-iron alloys, contains sulfamic acid, citric acid, a solvent for hydrocarbon residues, and a surfactant. Metal surfaces are cleaned by contacting the surface with the cleaning solvent and then passivated by contact with aqueous solutions of citric acid or sodium nitrite or a combination of the two.

ToF-SIMS Investigation of the Effectiveness of Acid-Cleaning procedures for Genesis Solar Wind Collectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goreva, Y. S.; Humanyun, M.; Burnett, D. S.; Jurewicz, A. J.; Gonzalez, C. P.

2014-01-01

ToF-SIMS images of Genesis sample surfaces contain an incredible amount of important information, but they also show that the crash-derived surface contamination has many components, presenting a challenge to cleaning. Within the variability, we have shown that there are some samples which appear to be clean to begin with, e.g. 60471, and some are more contaminated. Samples 60493 and 60500 are a part of a focused study of the effectiveness of aqua regia and/or sulfuric acid cleaning of small flight Si implanted with Li-6 using ToF-SIMS.

Canadian experiences in development of critical loads for sulphur and nitrogen

Treesearch

Shaun Watmough; Julian Aherne; Paul Arp; Ian DeMerchant; Rock Ouimet

2006-01-01

Critical loads are a broad-scale modelling approach designed to assess the potential risk of pollutants to ecosystems. A description of the methodology for estimating critical loads (sulphur and nitrogen) for acid deposition (CL(A)) for upland forests in eastern Canada is presented, using a case study in central Ontario. In eastern Canada, CL(A) have been calculated...

Organic sulphur in macromolecular sedimentary organic matter. II. Analysis of distributions of sulphur-containing pyrolysis products using multivariate techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eglinton, Timothy I.; Sinninghe Damsté, Jaap S.; Pool, Wim; de Leeuw, Jan W.; Eijk, Gert; Boon, Jaap J.

1992-04-01

This study describes the analysis of sulphur-containing products from Curie-point pyrolysis (Py) of eighty-five samples (kerogens, bitumen, and petroleum asphaltenes and coals) using gas chromatography (GC) in combination with sulphur-selective detection. Peak areas of approximately forty individual organic sulphur pyrolysis products (OSPP) were measured, and the results analysed with the aid of multivariate data reduction techniques (principal components analysis, (PCA)). The structural relationships proposed in an earlier publication ( SINNINGHE DAMSTé et al., 1989a) in which OSPP can be grouped according to common "carbon skeletons" are supported by PCA. The distribution of OSPP varies both as a function of kerogen type (as defined by elemental composition) and maturity, reflecting differences in the relative abundance of the various carbon skeleton types. Sulphur-containing products from Type I, Type II, and, to some extent, Type II-S kerogens are dominated by OSPP derived from "moieties" (i.e., discrete structural components within the macromolecule) possessing linear carbon skeletons, while coals and Type III kerogens give rise to higher relative abundances of OSPP with branched carbon skeletons. Type I kerogens are distinguished from Type II kerogens due to the type of linear carbon skeleton, the former yielding higher relative amounts of 2- n-alkylthiophenes and thiolanes and the latter 2,5-di-substituted sulphur-containing products. Products from sulphur-rich (Type II-S) kerogens differ by higher relative abundances of OSPP derived from precursors with isoprenoid and/or steroidal side-chain carbon skeletons, and by higher absolute abundances of all OSPP. Petroleum and, to a lesser extent, bitumen asphaltenes give rise to OSPP with longer carbon skeletons than do kerogens or coals. This observation supports the models proposed by SINNINGHE DAMSTé et al. (1990a) in which sulphur-containing moieties in asphaltenes are bound by fewer intermolecular bridges

Multiple sulphur and oxygen isotopes reveal microbial sulphur cycling in spring waters in the Lower Engadin, Switzerland.

PubMed

Strauss, Harald; Chmiel, Hannah; Christ, Andreas; Fugmann, Artur; Hanselmann, Kurt; Kappler, Andreas; Königer, Paul; Lutter, Andreas; Siedenberg, Katharina; Teichert, Barbara M A

2016-01-01

Highly mineralized springs in the Scuol-Tarasp area of the Lower Engadin and in the Albula Valley near Alvaneu, Switzerland, display distinct differences with respect to the source and fate of their dissolved sulphur species. High sulphate concentrations and positive sulphur (δ(34)S) and oxygen (δ(18)O) isotopic compositions argue for the subsurface dissolution of Mesozoic evaporitic sulphate. In contrast, low sulphate concentrations and less positive or even negative δ(34)S and δ(18)O values indicate a substantial contribution of sulphate sulphur from the oxidation of sulphides in the crystalline basement rocks or the Jurassic sedimentary cover rocks. Furthermore, multiple sulphur (δ(34)S, Δ(33)S) isotopes support the identification of microbial sulphate reduction and sulphide oxidation in the subsurface, the latter is also evident through the presence of thick aggregates of sulphide-oxidizing Thiothrix bacteria.

Conducting linear chains of sulphur inside carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

Fujimori, Toshihiko; Morelos-Gómez, Aarón; Zhu, Zhen; Muramatsu, Hiroyuki; Futamura, Ryusuke; Urita, Koki; Terrones, Mauricio; Hayashi, Takuya; Endo, Morinobu; Young Hong, Sang; Chul Choi, Young; Tománek, David; Kaneko, Katsumi

2013-01-01

Despite extensive research for more than 200 years, the experimental isolation of monatomic sulphur chains, which are believed to exhibit a conducting character, has eluded scientists. Here we report the synthesis of a previously unobserved composite material of elemental sulphur, consisting of monatomic chains stabilized in the constraining volume of a carbon nanotube. This one-dimensional phase is confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, these one-dimensional sulphur chains exhibit long domain sizes of up to 160 nm and high thermal stability (~800 K). Synchrotron X-ray diffraction shows a sharp structural transition of the one-dimensional sulphur occurring at ~450–650 K. Our observations, and corresponding electronic structure and quantum transport calculations, indicate the conducting character of the one-dimensional sulphur chains under ambient pressure. This is in stark contrast to bulk sulphur that needs ultrahigh pressures exceeding ~90 GPa to become metallic. PMID:23851903

Pyroclastic sulphur eruption at Poás volcano, Costa Rica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francis, P. W.; Thorpe, R. S.; Brown, G. C.

1980-02-01

The recent Voyager missions to Jupiter have highlighted the role of sulphur in volcanic processes on Io1-7. Although fumarolic sulphur and SO2 gas are almost universal in terrestrial active volcanoes, and rare instances of sulphur lava flows have been reported8,9, sulphur in a pyroclastic form has only been described from Poás volcano, Costa Rica10. Here we amplify the original descriptions by Bennett and Raccichini10 and describe a recent eruption of pyroclastic sulphur scoria and ejected blocks that are characterised by miniature sulphur stalactites and stalagmites.

Isolation and fractionation of soil humin using alkaline urea and dimethylsulphoxide plus sulphuric acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Guixue; Hayes, Michael H. B.; Novotny, Etelvino H.; Simpson, Andre J.

2011-01-01

Humin, the most recalcitrant and abundant organic fraction of soils and of sediments, is a significant contributor to the stable carbon pool in soils and is important for the global carbon budget. It has significant resistance to transformations by microorganisms. Based on the classical operational definition, humin can include any humic-type substance that is not soluble in water at any pH. We demonstrate in this study how sequential exhaustive extractions with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) + 6 M urea, followed by dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) + 6% ( v/ v) sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solvent systems, can extract 70-80% of the residual materials remaining after prior exhaustive extractions in neutral and aqueous basic media. Solid-state 13C NMR spectra have shown that the components isolated in the base + urea system were compositionally similar to the humic and fulvic acid fractions isolated at pH 12.6 in the aqueous media. The NMR spectra indicated that the major components isolated in the DMSO + H2SO4 medium had aliphatic hydrocarbon associated with carboxyl functionalities and with lesser amounts of carbohydrate and peptide and minor amounts of lignin-derived components. The major components will have significant contributions from long-chain fatty acids, waxes, to cuticular materials. The isolates in the DMSO + H2SO4 medium were compositionally similar to the organic components that resisted solvation and remained associated with the soil clays. It is concluded that the base + urea system released humic and fulvic acids held by hydrogen bonding or by entrapment within the humin matrix. The recalcitrant humin materials extracted in DMSO + H2SO4 are largely biological molecules (from plants and the soil microbial population) that are likely to be protected from degradation by their hydrophobic moieties and by sorption on the soil clays. Thus, the major components of humin do not satisfy the classical definitions for humic substances which emphasise that these arise from

Long-term sulphur starvation of Arabidopsis thaliana modifies mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity and changes tissue energy and redox status.

PubMed

Ostaszewska, Monika; Juszczuk, Izabela M; Kołodziejek, Izabella; Rychter, Anna M

2014-04-15

Sulphur, as a constituent of amino acids (cysteine and methionine), iron-sulphur clusters, proteins, membrane sulpholipids, glutathione, glucosinolates, coenzymes, and auxin precursors, is essential for plant growth and development. Absence or low sulphur concentration in the soil results in severe growth retardation. Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown hydroponically for nine weeks on Knop nutrient medium without sulphur showed morphological symptoms of sulphur deficiency. The purpose of our study was to investigate changes that mitochondria undergo and the role of the highly branched respiratory chain in survival during sulphur deficiency stress. Ultrastructure analysis of leaf mesophyll cells of sulphur-deficient Arabidopsis showed heterogeneity of mitochondria; some of them were not altered, but the majority had swollen morphology. Dilated mitochondria displayed a lower matrix density and fewer cristae compared to control mitochondria. Disintegration of the inner and outer membranes of some mitochondria from the leaves of sulphur-deficient plants was observed. On the contrary, chloroplast ultrastructure was not affected. Sulphur deficiency changed the respiratory activity of tissues and isolated mitochondria; Complex I and IV capacities and phosphorylation rates were lower, but external NAD(P)H dehydrogenase activity increased. Higher external NAD(P)H dehydrogenase activity corresponded to increased cell redox level with doubled NADH/NAD ratio in the leaf and root tissues. Sulphur deficiency modified energy status in the tissues of Arabidopsis plants. The total concentration of adenylates (expressed as ATP+ADP), measured in the light, was lower in the leaves and roots of sulphur-deficient plants than in the controls, which was mainly due to the severely decreased ATP levels. We show that the changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure are compensated by the modifications in respiratory chain activity. Although mitochondria of Arabidopsis tissues are affected by

Preparation and characterization compatible pellets for immobilization of colloidal sulphur nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adlim, M.; Zarlaida, F.; Khaldun, I.; Dewi, R.; Jamilah, M.

2018-03-01

Mercury pollution in atmosphere is dominated by mercury vapour release from coal burning and gold-amalgam separation in gold mining. The initial steps in formulating a compatible mercury absorbent for mercury stabilization was fabrication of pellet supported colloidal sulphur. Sulphur is used to stabilize mercury vapour by formation of metacinnabar that has much lower toxicity. The sulphur reactivity toward mercury vapour can be enhanced by using colloidal sulphur nanoparticles immobilized on compatible pellets. Clay pellets would have heat resistance but in fact, they were less stable in aqueous solution although their stability increased with inclusion of rice husk ash and sawdust or pineapple leaf fibre in the composite. Pellets made of rice husk ash and polyvinyl acetate were stable in water at least for 24 hours. Sulphur from thiosulfate precursor that immobilized onto surface of pellet using chitosan as the stabilizer and the binding agent gave lower sulphur content compared to sulphur from other precursors (sulphur powder and sulphur-CS2). Sulphur from thiosulfate precursor was in form of colloid, has nanosize, and disperse particles on the surface of rice husk ash pellets. Sulphur immobilization methods affect on sulphur particles exposure on the pellet surface.

Sources of sulphur in rain collected below a wheat canopy.

PubMed

Raybould, C C; Unsworth, M H; Gregory, P J

1977-05-12

Vegetation plays an important role in the cycle of sulphur between the atmosphere and the soil. We have measured the quantity of sulphur in rain collected below a maturing wheat canopy. This sulphur has three sources: first, the atmosphere, from which falling rain gains SO2 and sulphate; second, leaf surfaces, from which rain washes sulphur which was previously deposited by turbulent transfer ('dry deposition'), and third, leaf tissue, from which rain leaches sulphur. We have now deduced from field and laboratory measurements that leaching supplied nearly 90% of the sulphur gained by rain as it fell through the wheat canopy. Only a small fraction of sulphur which had been dry-deposited on the surface of leaves could be washed off.

Respiratory Symptoms in Hospital Cleaning Staff Exposed to a Product Containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Acetic Acid.

PubMed

Hawley, Brie; Casey, Megan; Virji, Mohammed Abbas; Cummings, Kristin J; Johnson, Alyson; Cox-Ganser, Jean

2017-12-15

Cleaning and disinfecting products consisting of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (HP), peracetic acid (PAA), and acetic acid (AA) are widely used as sporicidal agents in health care, childcare, agricultural, food service, and food production industries. HP and PAA are strong oxidants and their mixture is a recognized asthmagen. However, few exposure assessment studies to date have measured HP, PAA, and AA in a health care setting. In 2015, we performed a health and exposure assessment at a hospital where a new sporicidal product, consisting of HP, PAA, and AA was introduced 16 months prior. We collected 49 full-shift time-weighted average (TWA) air samples and analyzed samples for HP, AA, and PAA content. Study participants were observed while they performed cleaning duties, and duration and frequency of cleaning product use was recorded. Acute upper airway, eye, and lower airway symptoms were recorded in a post-shift survey (n = 50). A subset of 35 cleaning staff also completed an extended questionnaire that assessed symptoms reported by workers as regularly occurring or as having occurred in the previous 12 months. Air samples for HP (range: 5.5 to 511.4 ppb) and AA (range: 6.7 to 530.3 ppb) were all below established US occupational exposure limits (OEL). To date, no full-shift TWA OEL for PAA has been established in the United States, however an OEL of 0.2 ppm has been suggested by several research groups. Air samples for PAA ranged from 1.1 to 48.0 ppb and were well below the suggested OEL of 0.2 ppm. Hospital cleaning staff using a sporicidal product containing HP, PAA, and AA reported work-shift eye (44%), upper airway (58%), and lower airway (34%) symptoms. Acute nasal and eye irritation were significantly positively associated with increased exposure to the mixture of the two oxidants: HP and PAA, as well as the total mixture (TM)of HP, PAA, and AA. Shortness of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill was significantly associated

Respiratory Symptoms in Hospital Cleaning Staff Exposed to a Product Containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Acetic Acid

PubMed Central

Hawley, Brie; Casey, Megan; Virji, Mohammed Abbas; Cummings, Kristin J.; Johnson, Alyson; Cox-Ganser, Jean

2017-01-01

Cleaning and disinfecting products consisting of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (HP), peracetic acid (PAA), and acetic acid (AA) are widely used as sporicidal agents in health care, childcare, agricultural, food service, and food production industries. HP and PAA are strong oxidants and their mixture is a recognized asthmagen. However, few exposure assessment studies to date have measured HP, PAA, and AA in a health care setting. In 2015, we performed a health and exposure assessment at a hospital where a new sporicidal product, consisting of HP, PAA, and AA was introduced 16 months prior. We collected 49 full-shift time-weighted average (TWA) air samples and analyzed samples for HP, AA, and PAA content. Study participants were observed while they performed cleaning duties, and duration and frequency of cleaning product use was recorded. Acute upper airway, eye, and lower airway symptoms were recorded in a post-shift survey (n = 50). A subset of 35 cleaning staff also completed an extended questionnaire that assessed symptoms reported by workers as regularly occurring or as having occurred in the previous 12 months. Air samples for HP (range: 5.5 to 511.4 ppb) and AA (range: 6.7 to 530.3 ppb) were all below established US occupational exposure limits (OEL). To date, no full-shift TWA OEL for PAA has been established in the United States, however an OEL of 0.2 ppm has been suggested by several research groups. Air samples for PAA ranged from 1.1 to 48.0 ppb and were well below the suggested OEL of 0.2 ppm. Hospital cleaning staff using a sporicidal product containing HP, PAA, and AA reported work-shift eye (44%), upper airway (58%), and lower airway (34%) symptoms. Acute nasal and eye irritation were significantly positively associated with increased exposure to the mixture of the two oxidants: HP and PAA, as well as the total mixture (TM) of HP, PAA, and AA. Shortness of breath when hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill was significantly associated

ENHANCED CHEMICAL CLEANING: A NEW PROCESS FOR CHEMICALLY CLEANING SAVANNAH RIVER WASTE TANKS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ketusky, E; Neil Davis, N; Renee Spires, R

2008-01-17

The Savannah River Site (SRS) has 49 high level waste (HLW) tanks that must be emptied, cleaned, and closed as required by the Federal Facilities Agreement. The current method of chemical cleaning uses several hundred thousand gallons per tank of 8 weight percent (wt%) oxalic acid to partially dissolve and suspend residual waste and corrosion products such that the waste can be pumped out of the tank. This adds a significant quantity of sodium oxalate to the tanks and, if multiple tanks are cleaned, renders the waste incompatible with the downstream processing. Tank space is also insufficient to store thismore » stream given the large number of tanks to be cleaned. Therefore, a search for a new cleaning process was initiated utilizing the TRIZ literature search approach, and Chemical Oxidation Reduction Decontamination--Ultraviolet (CORD-UV), a mature technology currently used for decontamination and cleaning of commercial nuclear reactor primary cooling water loops, was identified. CORD-UV utilizes oxalic acid for sludge dissolution, but then decomposes the oxalic acid to carbon dioxide and water by UV treatment outside the system being treated. This allows reprecipitation and subsequent deposition of the sludge into a selected container without adding significant volume to that container, and without adding any new chemicals that would impact downstream treatment processes. Bench top and demonstration loop measurements on SRS tank sludge stimulant demonstrated the feasibility of applying CORD-UV for enhanced chemical cleaning of SRS HLW tanks.« less

The role of phosphate additive in stabilization of sulphuric-acid-based vanadium(V) electrolyte for all-vanadium redox-flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roznyatovskaya, Nataliya V.; Roznyatovsky, Vitaly A.; Höhne, Carl-Christoph; Fühl, Matthias; Gerber, Tobias; Küttinger, Michael; Noack, Jens; Fischer, Peter; Pinkwart, Karsten; Tübke, Jens

2017-09-01

Catholyte in all-vanadium redox-flow battery (VRFB) which consists of vanadium salts dissolved in sulphuric acid is known to be stabilized by phosphoric acid to slow down the thermal aging at temperatures higher than 40 °C. To reveal the role of phosphoric acid, the thermally-induced aggregation is investigated using variable-temperature 51V, 31P, 17O, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results indicate that the thermal stabilization of vanadium(V) electrolyte is attained by the involvement of monomeric and dimeric vanadium(V) species in the reaction with phosphoric acid which is concurrent to the formation of neutral hydroxo-aqua vanadium(V) precipitation precursor. The dimers are stabilized by counter ions due to association reaction or if such stabilization is not possible, precipitation of vanadium pentoxide is favored. The evolution of particles size distributions at 50 °C in electrolyte samples containing 1.6 M vanadium and 4.0 M total sulphate and the pathways of precipitate formation are discussed. The optimal total phosphate concentration is found to be of 0.15 M. However, the induction time is assumed to be dependent not only on the total phosphate concentrations, but also on the ratio of total vanadium(V) to sulphate concentrations.

METHOD OF CLEANING METAL SURFACES

DOEpatents

Winkler, H.W.; Morfitt, J.W.; Little, T.H.

1959-05-19

Cleaning fluids for removing deposits from metal surfaces are described. The cleaning agents of the invention consist of aqueous nitric acid and an amhydrous nitrate salt of a metal which is lower in the electromotive series than the element of the deposit to be removed. In general, the salt content of thc cleaning agents ranged from 10 to 90%, preferably from 10 to 40% by weight; and the balance of the composition comprises nitric acid of any strength from extremely dilute up to concentrated strength.

Analysis of fusaric acid in maize using molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) clean-up and ion-pair LC with diode array UV detection

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fusaric acid is a phytotoxin and mycotoxin occasionally found in maize contaminated with Fusarium fungi. A selective sample clean-up procedure was developed to detect fusaric acid in maize using molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) clean-up coupled with ion-pair liquid chromatography...

Determination of sulphur in various vegetables by solid sampling high-resolution electrothermal molecular absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Gunduz, Sema; Akman, Suleyman

2015-04-01

Sulphur was determined in various vegetables via molecular absorption of carbon monosulphide (CS) at 258.056 nm using a solid sampling high resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (SS HR-CS ETAAS). Samples were dried, ground and directly introduced into the ruthenium coated graphite furnace as 0.05 to 0.50mg. All determinations were performed using palladium+citric acid modifier and applying a pyrolysis temperature of 1000 °C and a volatilisation temperature of 2400 °C. The results were in good agreement with certified sulphur concentrations of various vegetal CRM samples applying linear calibration technique prepared from thioacetamide. The limit of detection and characteristic mass of the method were 7.5 and 8.7 ng of S, respectively. The concentrations of S in various spinach, leek, lettuce, radish, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and chard samples were determined. It was showed that distribution of sulphur in CRM and grinded food samples were homogeneous even in micro-scale. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of sulphur and Thiobacillus thioparus on cow manure aerobic composting.

PubMed

Gu, Wenjie; Zhang, Fabao; Xu, Peizhi; Tang, Shuanhu; Xie, Kaizhi; Huang, Xu; Huang, Qiaoyi

2011-06-01

A simulated aerobic composting experiment was used to explore the effects of sulphur and Thiobacillus thioparus during six manure composting treatments. The addition of sulphur led to a decrease of the pH level within the range 6-6.3, which was lower than the control treatment (CK). The concentration of ammonium nitrogen in T1 (0.25% sulphur), T2 (0.5% sulphur), T3 (0.25% sulphur + T. thioparus) and T4 (0.5% sulphur + T. thioparus) were much higher than the ammonium N in CK. The results indicated that addition of sulphur could increase the concentration of ammonium N and reduce loss of nitrogen. However, excess sulphur had a negative effect on temperature and GI. Addition of T. thioparus could increase concentration of available S, alleviate these negative influences and reduce compost biological toxicity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced Chemical Cleaning: A New Process for Chemically Cleaning Savannah River Waste Tanks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ketusky, Edward; Spires, Renee; Davis, Neil

2009-02-11

At the Savannah River Site (SRS) there are 49 High Level Waste (HLW) tanks that eventually must be emptied, cleaned, and closed. The current method of chemically cleaning SRS HLW tanks, commonly referred to as Bulk Oxalic Acid Cleaning (BOAC), requires about a half million liters (130,000 gallons) of 8 weight percent (wt%) oxalic acid to clean a single tank. During the cleaning, the oxalic acid acts as the solvent to digest sludge solids and insoluble salt solids, such that they can be suspended and pumped out of the tank. Because of the volume and concentration of acid used, amore » significant quantity of oxalate is added to the HLW process. This added oxalate significantly impacts downstream processing. In addition to the oxalate, the volume of liquid added competes for the limited available tank space. A search, therefore, was initiated for a new cleaning process. Using TRIZ (Teoriya Resheniya Izobretatelskikh Zadatch or roughly translated as the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), Chemical Oxidation Reduction Decontamination with Ultraviolet Light (CORD-UV{reg_sign}), a mature technology used in the commercial nuclear power industry was identified as an alternate technology. Similar to BOAC, CORD-UV{reg_sign} also uses oxalic acid as the solvent to dissolve the metal (hydr)oxide solids. CORD-UV{reg_sign} is different, however, since it uses photo-oxidation (via peroxide/UV or ozone/UV to form hydroxyl radicals) to decompose the spent oxalate into carbon dioxide and water. Since the oxalate is decomposed and off-gassed, CORD-UV{reg_sign} would not have the negative downstream oxalate process impacts of BOAC. With the oxalate destruction occurring physically outside the HLW tank, re-precipitation and transfer of the solids, as well as regeneration of the cleaning solution can be performed without adding additional solids, or a significant volume of liquid to the process. With a draft of the pre-conceptual Enhanced Chemical Cleaning (ECC) flowsheet, taking

Exploiting sulphur-carrier proteins from primary metabolism for 2-thiosugar biosynthesis

PubMed Central

Sasaki, Eita; Zhang, Xuan; Sun, He G.; Lu, Mei-Yeh Jade; Liu, Tsung-lin; Ou, Albert; Li, Jeng-yi; Chen, Yu-hsiang; Ealick, Steven E.; Liu, Hung-wen

2014-01-01

Sulphur is an essential element for life and exists ubiquitously in living systems1,2. Yet, how the sulphur atom is incorporated in many sulphur-containing secondary metabolites remains poorly understood. For C-S bond formation in primary metabolites, the major ionic sulphur sources are the protein-persulphide and protein-thiocarboxylate3,4. In each case, the persulphide and thiocarboxylate group on these sulphur-carrier (donor) proteins are post-translationally generated through the action of a specific activating enzyme. In all bacterial cases reported thus far, the genes encoding the enzyme that catalyzes the actual C-S bond formation reaction and its cognate sulphur-carrier protein co-exist in the same gene cluster5. To study 2-thiosugar production in BE-7585A, an antibiotic from Amycolatopsis orientalis, we identified a putative 2-thioglucose synthase, BexX, whose protein sequence and mode of action appear similar to those of ThiG, the enzyme catalyzing thiazole formation in thiamin biosynthesis6,7. However, no sulphur-carrier protein gene could be located in the BE-7585A cluster. Subsequent genome sequencing revealed the presence of a few sulphur-carrier proteins likely involved in the biosynthesis of primary metabolites, but surprisingly only a single activating enzyme gene in the entire genome of A. orientalis. Further experiments showed that this activating enzyme is capable of adenylating each of these sulphur-carrier proteins, and likely also catalyzing the subsequent thiolation taking advantage of its rhodanese activity. A proper combination of these sulphur delivery systems is effective for BexX-catalyzed 2-thioglucose production. The ability of BexX to selectively distinguish sulphur-carrier proteins is given a structural basis using X-ray crystallography. These studies represent the first complete characterization of a thiosugar formation in nature and also demonstrate the receptor promiscuity of the sulphur-delivery system in A. orientalis. Our

Characterization of micro-organisms isolated from dairy industry after cleaning and fogging disinfection with alkyl amine and peracetic acid.

PubMed

Bore, E; Langsrud, S

2005-01-01

To characterize micro-organisms isolated from Norwegian dairy production plants after cleaning and fogging disinfection with alkyl amine/peracetic acid and to indicate reasons for survival. Microbial samples were collected from five dairy plants after cleaning and fogging disinfection. Isolates from two of these production plants, which used fogging with alkylamino acetate (plant A), and peracetic acid (plant B), were chosen for further characterization. The sequence of the 16S ribosomal DNA, fatty acid analysis and biochemical characteristics were used to identify isolates. Three isolates identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis, Methylobacterium rhodesianum and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were isolated from plant A and one Sphingomonas sp. and two M. extorquens from plant B. Different patterns of resistance to seven disinfectants in a bactericidal suspension test and variable degree of attachment to stainless steel were found. The strains with higher disinfectant resistance showed lower degree of attachment than susceptible strains. The study identifies and characterizes micro-organisms present after cleaning and fogging disinfection. Both surface attachment and resistance were shown as possible reasons for the presence of the isolates after cleaning and disinfection. These results contribute to the awareness of disinfectant resistance as well as attachment as mechanisms of survival in dairy industry. It also strengthens the argument of frequent alternation of disinfectants in the food processing industry to avoid the establishment of resistant house strains.

GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF WATER-ROCK INTERACTIONS AT THE SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE, LAKE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

EPA Science Inventory

The Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine on the eastern shore of Clear Lake is the source of poor quality acid mine drainage seeping into Clear Lake. Lateral and vertical geochemical trends in ground water composition point to a number of redox reactions taking place as a function of subsu...

Temperature Effects on Stainless Steel 316L Corrosion in the Environment of Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayu Arwati, I. G.; Herianto Majlan, Edy; Daud, Wan Ramli Wan; Shyuan, Loh Kee; Arifin, Khuzaimah Binti; Husaini, Teuku; Alfa, Sagir; Ashidiq, Fakhruddien

2018-03-01

In its application, metal is always in contact with its environment whether air, vapor, water, and other chemicals. During contact, chemical interactions emerge between metals and their respective environments such that the metal surface corrodes. This study aims to determine the corrosion rate of 316L stainless steel sulphuric acid environment (H2SO4) with weight loss and electrochemical methods. The corrosion rate (CR) is value of 316L stainless steel by weight loss method with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with concentration of 0.5 M. The result obtained in conjunction with the increase of temperature the rate of erosion obtained appears to be larger, with a consecutive 3 hour the temperature of 50°C is 0.27 mg/cm2h, temperature 70°C 0.38 mg/cm2h, and temperature 90 °C 0.52 mg/cm2h. With the electrochemical method, the current value increases by using a C350 potentiostal tool. The higher the current, the longer the time the corrosion rate increases, where the current is at 90 °C with a 10-minute treatment time of 0.0014736 A. The 316L stainless steel in surface metal morphology is shown by using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Sulphur cycling between terrestrial agroecosystem and atmosphere.

PubMed

Zgorelec, Zeljka; Pehnec, Gordana; Bašić, Ferdo; Kisić, Ivica; Mesić, Milan; Zužul, Silva; Jurišić, Aleksandra; Sestak, Ivana; Vađić, Vladimira; Cačković, Mirjana

2012-09-01

Central gas station of the natural gas borehole system Podravina is located near the village Molve. It delivers more than a quarter of total energy used in Croatia to its consumers. Over the years, adapting technology to increasingly demanding and rigorous standards in environmental protection has become paramount. Yet, despite all the industry has undertaken to address the risk of harmful substances entering the food chain, a multidisciplinary research team of independent scientists monitors the content of specific substances in all components of the ecosystem. This paper presents measurements of total sulphur contents in soil surface [(0 to 3) cm] and subsurface [(3 to 8) cm] layers (study period: autumn 2006 - spring 2010) and in plants (study period: spring 2000 - spring 2010), and the concentration of gaseous sulphur compounds in the air. Concentrations of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and mercaptans (RSH) were measured from the summer of 2002 until the autumn of 2010, while concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) were measured from the spring of 2008 until the autumn of 2010. The paper also shows total annual atmospheric sulphur (S-SO4) deposition at Bilogora measuring station (study period: 2001 - 2010). Average monthly concentrations of H2S in air varied between 0.2 μg m-3 and 2.0 μg m-3, RSH between 0.1 μg m-3 and 24.5 μg m-3, and SO2 between 0.4 μg m-3 and 2.8 μg m-3 depending on the location and the season of sampling. Mean values of total sulphur in soil and in Plantago lanceolata plant ranged between 610 mg kg-1 and 1,599 mg kg-1 and between 3,614 mg kg-1 and 4,342 mg kg-1, respectively, depending on the soil type, location, and sampling depth. Average values of total sulphur mass ratio for all examined single soil samples (n=80) were 1,080 mg kg-1 for both studied layers, and 4,108 mg kg-1 for all analysed plant samples (n=85). Average total annual atmospheric sulphur deposition at Bilogora measuring station was 6.3 kg of S-SO4 per hectare.

The effect of sulphur dioxide and oxygen on the viability and culturability of a strain of Acetobacter pasteurianus and a strain of Brettanomyces bruxellensis isolated from wine.

PubMed

du Toit, W J; Pretorius, I S; Lonvaud-Funel, A

2005-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of free molecular and bound forms of sulphur dioxide and oxygen on the viability and culturability of a selected strain of Acetobacter pasteurianus and a selected strain of Brettanomyces bruxellensis in wine. Acetic acid bacteria and Brettanomyces/Dekkera yeasts associated with wine spoilage were isolated from bottled commercial red wines. One bacterium, A. pasteurianus strain A8, and one yeast, B. bruxellensis strain B3a, were selected for further study. The resistance to sulphur dioxide and the effect of oxygen addition on these two selected strains were determined by using plating and epifluorescence techniques for monitoring cell viability in wine. Acetobacter pasteurianus A8 was more resistant to sulphur dioxide than B. bruxellensis B3a, with the latter being rapidly affected by a short exposure time to free molecular form of sulphur dioxide. As expected, neither of these microbial strains was affected by the bound form of sulphur dioxide. The addition of oxygen negated the difference observed between plate and epifluorescence counts for A. pasteurianus A8 during storage, while it stimulated growth of B. bruxellensis B3a. Acetobacter pasteurianus A8 can survive under anaerobic conditions in wine in the presence of sulphur dioxide. Brettanomyces bruxellensis B3a is more sensitive to sulphur dioxide than A. pasteurianus A8, but can grow in the presence of oxygen. Care should be taken to exclude oxygen from contact with wine when it is being transferred or moved. Wine spoilage can be avoided by preventing growth of undesirable acetic acid bacteria and Brettanomyces/Dekkera yeasts through the effective use of sulphur dioxide and the management of oxygen throughout the winemaking process.

Analytical applications of condensed phosphoric acid-IV Iodometric determination of sulphur in sulphate and sulphide ores and minerals and other compounds after reduction with sodium hypophosphite and tin metal in condensed phosphoric acid.

PubMed

Mizoguchi, T; Ishii, H

1980-06-01

Sulphate in sulphate ores, e.g., alunite, anglesite, barytes, chalcanthite, gypsum, manganese sulphate ore, is reduced to hydrogen sulphide by the hypophosphite-tin metal-CPA method, if a slight modification is made. Sulphide ores, e.g., galena, sphalerite, are quantitatively decomposed with CPA alone to give hydrogen sulphide. Suitable reducing agents must be used for the quantitative recovery of hydrogen sulphide from pyrite, nickel sulphide, cobalt sulphide and cadmium sulphide, or elemental sulphur is liberated. Iodide must be used in the decomposition of chalcopyrite; the copper sulphide is too stable to be decomposed by CPA alone. Molybdenite is not decomposed in CPA even if reducing agents are added. The pretreatment methods for the determination of sulphur in sulphur oxyacids and elemental sulphur have also been investigated.

Gas-Liquid Supersonic Cleaning and Cleaning Verification Spray System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrish, Lewis M.

2009-01-01

NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) recently entered into a nonexclusive license agreement with Applied Cryogenic Solutions (ACS), Inc. (Galveston, TX) to commercialize its Gas-Liquid Supersonic Cleaning and Cleaning Verification Spray System technology. This technology, developed by KSC, is a critical component of processes being developed and commercialized by ACS to replace current mechanical and chemical cleaning and descaling methods used by numerous industries. Pilot trials on heat exchanger tubing components have shown that the ACS technology provides for: Superior cleaning in a much shorter period of time. Lower energy and labor requirements for cleaning and de-scaling uper.ninih. Significant reductions in waste volumes by not using water, acidic or basic solutions, organic solvents, or nonvolatile solid abrasives as components in the cleaning process. Improved energy efficiency in post-cleaning heat exchanger operations. The ACS process consists of a spray head containing supersonic converging/diverging nozzles, a source of liquid gas; a novel, proprietary pumping system that permits pumping liquid nitrogen, liquid air, or supercritical carbon dioxide to pressures in the range of 20,000 to 60,000 psi; and various hoses, fittings, valves, and gauges. The size and number of nozzles can be varied so the system can be built in configurations ranging from small hand-held spray heads to large multinozzle cleaners. The system also can be used to verify if a part has been adequately cleaned.

A new look at sulphur chemistry in hot cores and corinos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidal, Thomas H. G.; Wakelam, Valentine

2018-03-01

Sulphur-bearing species are often used to probe the evolution of hot cores because their abundances are particularly sensitive to physical and chemical variations. However, the chemistry of sulphur is not well understood in these regions, notably because observations of several hot cores have displayed a large variety of sulphur compositions, and because the reservoir of sulphur in dense clouds, in which hot cores form, is still poorly constrained. In order to help disentangle its complexity, we present a fresh comprehensive review of sulphur chemistry in hot cores along with a study of sulphur's sensibility to temperature and pre-collapse chemical composition. In parallel, we analyse the discrepencies that result from the use of two different types of models (static and dynamic) in order to highlight the sensitivity to the choice of model to be used in astrochemical studies. Our results show that the pre-collapse chemical composition is a critical parameter for sulphur chemistry in hot cores and that it could explain the different sulphur compositions observed. We also report that differences in abundances for a given species between the static and dynamic models can reach six orders of magnitude in the hot core, which reveals the key role of the choice of model in astrochemical studies.

Spatial distributions of sulphur species and sulphate-reducing bacteria provide insights into sulphur redox cycling and biodegradation hot-spots in a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Einsiedl, Florian; Pilloni, Giovanni; Ruth-Anneser, Bettina; Lueders, Tillman; Griebler, Christian

2015-05-01

Dissimilatory sulphate reduction (DSR) has been proven to be one of the most relevant redox reactions in the biodegradation of contaminants in groundwater. However, the possible role of sulphur species of intermediate oxidation state, as well as the role of potential re-oxidative sulphur cycling in biodegradation particularly at the groundwater table are still poorly understood. Here we used a combination of stable isotope measurements of SO42-, H2S, and S0 as well as geochemical profiling of sulphur intermediates with special emphasis on SO32-, S2O32-, and S0 to unravel possible sulphur cycling in the biodegradation of aromatics in a hydrocarbon-contaminated porous aquifer. By linking these results to the quantification of total bacterial rRNA genes and respiratory genes of sulphate reducers, as well as pyrotag sequencing of bacterial communities over depth, light is shed on possible key-organisms involved. Our results substantiate the role of DSR in biodegradation of hydrocarbons (mainly toluene) in the highly active plume fringes above and beneath the plume core. In both zones the concentration of sulphur intermediates (S0, SO32- and S2O32-) was almost twice that of other sampling-depths, indicating intense sulphur redox cycling. The dual isotopic fingerprint of oxygen and sulphur in dissolved sulphate suggested a re-oxidation of reduced sulphur compounds to sulphate especially at the upper fringe zone. An isotopic shift in δ34S of S0 of nearly +4‰ compared to the δ34S values of H2S from the same depth linked to a high abundance (∼10%) of sequence reads related to Sulphuricurvum spp. (Epsilonproteobacteria) in the same depth were indicative of intensive oxidation of S0 to sulphate in this zone. At the lower plume fringe S0 constituted the main inorganic sulphur species, possibly formed by abiotic re-oxidation of H2S with Fe(III)oxides subsequent to sulphate reduction. These results provide first insights into intense sulphur redox cycling in a hydrocarbon

Co-opting sulphur-carrier proteins from primary metabolic pathways for 2-thiosugar biosynthesis.

PubMed

Sasaki, Eita; Zhang, Xuan; Sun, He G; Lu, Mei-yeh Jade; Liu, Tsung-lin; Ou, Albert; Li, Jeng-yi; Chen, Yu-hsiang; Ealick, Steven E; Liu, Hung-wen

2014-06-19

Sulphur is an essential element for life and is ubiquitous in living systems. Yet how the sulphur atom is incorporated into many sulphur-containing secondary metabolites is poorly understood. For bond formation between carbon and sulphur in primary metabolites, the major ionic sulphur sources are the persulphide and thiocarboxylate groups on sulphur-carrier (donor) proteins. Each group is post-translationally generated through the action of a specific activating enzyme. In all reported bacterial cases, the gene encoding the enzyme that catalyses the carbon-sulphur bond formation reaction and that encoding the cognate sulphur-carrier protein exist in the same gene cluster. To study the production of the 2-thiosugar moiety in BE-7585A, an antibiotic from Amycolatopsis orientalis, we identified a putative 2-thioglucose synthase, BexX, whose protein sequence and mode of action seem similar to those of ThiG, the enzyme that catalyses thiazole formation in thiamine biosynthesis. However, no gene encoding a sulphur-carrier protein could be located in the BE-7585A cluster. Subsequent genome sequencing uncovered a few genes encoding sulphur-carrier proteins that are probably involved in the biosynthesis of primary metabolites but only one activating enzyme gene in the A. orientalis genome. Further experiments showed that this activating enzyme can adenylate each of these sulphur-carrier proteins and probably also catalyses the subsequent thiolation, through its rhodanese domain. A proper combination of these sulphur-delivery systems is effective for BexX-catalysed 2-thioglucose production. The ability of BexX to selectively distinguish sulphur-carrier proteins is given a structural basis using X-ray crystallography. This study is, to our knowledge, the first complete characterization of thiosugar formation in nature and also demonstrates the receptor promiscuity of the A. orientalis sulphur-delivery system. Our results also show that co-opting the sulphur-delivery machinery

Amino acid composition of some Mexican foods.

PubMed

Morales de León, Josefina; Camacho, M Elena; Bourges, Héctor

2005-06-01

Knowledge of the amino acid composition of foods is essential to calculate their chemical score, which is used to predict protein quality of foods and diets. Though amino acid composition of many foods is reasonably well established, better knowledge is needed on native foods consumed in different regions and countries. This paper presents the amino acid composition of different presentations of raw and processed foods produced and consumed in Mexico. The amino acid composition was determined using Beckman amino acid analyzers (models 116 and 6300). Tryptophan was determined using the Spies and Chambers method. Of the different foods analyzed, some comments are made on native or basic foods in Mexico: Spirulin, where lysine is the limiting amino acid, with a chemical score of 67%, is a good source of tryptophan (1.16g/16 gN); amaranth contains high levels of sulphur amino acids (4.09 to 5.34 g/16gN), with a protein content of 15 g/100g; and pulque, a Pre-Hispanic beverage that contains high levels of tryptophan (2.58 g/16 gN) and sulphur amino acids (2.72 g/16 gN). Finally, insects are good sources of sulphur amino acids and lysine.

Reactions of sulphur mustard on impregnated carbons.

PubMed

Prasad, G K; Singh, Beer

2004-12-31

Activated carbon of surface area 1100 m2/gm is impregnated with 4% sodium hydroxide plus 3% Cr(VI) as CrO3 with and without 5% ethylene diamine (EDA), 4% magnesium nitrate and 5% ruthenium chloride by using their aqueous solutions. These carbons are characterized for surface area analysis by BET conventional method and exposed to the vapours of sulphur mustard (HD) at room temperature (30 degrees C). After 24 h, the reaction products are extracted in dichloromethane and analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hemisulphur mustard, thiodiglycol, 1,4-oxathiane are observed to be the products of reaction between sulphur mustard and NaOH/CrO3/C system, whereas on NaOH/CrO3/EDA/C system HD reacted to give 1,4-thiazane. On Mg(NO3)2/C system it gave hemisulphur mustard and thiodiglycol. On RuCl3/C system it degraded to divinyl sulphone. Residual sulphur mustard is observed along with reaction products in all systems studied. Reaction mechanisms are also proposed for these interesting surface reactions. Above-mentioned carbons can be used in filtration systems for protection against hazardous gases such as sulphur mustard.

Evaluation of assimilatory sulphur metabolism in Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus.

PubMed

Pawar, Sudhanshu S; van Niel, Ed W J

2014-10-01

Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus has gained reputation as being among the best microorganisms to produce H2 due to possession of various appropriate features. The quest to develop an inexpensive cultivation medium led to determine a possible replacement of the expensive component cysteine, i.e. sulphate. C. saccharolyticus assimilated sulphate successfully in absence of a reducing agent without releasing hydrogen sulphide. A complete set of genes coding for enzymes required for sulphate assimilation were found in the majority of Caldicellulosiruptor species including C. saccharolyticus. C. saccharolyticus displayed indifferent physiological behaviour to source of sulphur when grown under favourable conditions in continuous cultures. Increasing the usual concentration of sulphur in the feed medium increased substrate conversion. Choice of sulphur source did not affect the tolerance of C. saccharolyticus to high partial pressures of H2. Thus, sulphate can be a principle sulphur source in an economically viable and more sustainable biohydrogen process using C. saccharolyticus. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biological parameters in technogenic soils of a former sulphur mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siwik-Ziomek, Anetta; Brzezińska, Małgorzata; Lemanowicz, Joanna; Koper, Jan; Szarlip, Paweł

2018-04-01

This study was conducted on the soils originating from a reclamation area of the former sulphur mine in Tarnobrzeg, Poland. Soil was sampled 16 years after the completion of mining works with the open-pit method at Machów, as well as 7 years after sulphur mining via the `smelting' method in the Jeziórko mine was abandoned. Several biological parameters were examined: soil respiration, soil microbial biomass and the activity of rhodanese and arylsulphatase enzymes taking part in sulphur transformation within the site's soils. The soils showed a high total sulphur and sulphates content. The SO42- constituted a large fraction of total sulphur, in some cases, exceeding 80% or even 95% of total sulphur. The soil pH decreased due to the degrading effects of sulphur mining. In the soils studied from the locations with the lowest soil pH value, no activity of arylsulphatase was reported and the activity of rhodanese was lowest. The highest soil respiration values were recorded from the 0-5 cm layer in the areas covered with forest vegetation. A high soil respiration value at the waste heap at Machów wherein a very high concentration of Stot and SO42- was observed can be due to the ability of fungi to produce hyphal strands and to survive unfavourable conditions.

Antiquity of the biological sulphur cycle: evidence from sulphur and carbon isotopes in 2700 million-year-old rocks of the Belingwe Belt, Zimbabwe.

PubMed Central

Grassineau, N V; Nisbet, E G; Bickle, M J; Fowler, C M; Lowry, D; Mattey, D P; Abell, P; Martin, A

2001-01-01

Sulphur and carbon isotopic analyses on small samples of kerogens and sulphide minerals from biogenic and non-biogenic sediments of the 2.7 x 10(9) years(Ga)-old Belingwe Greenstone Belt (Zimbabwe) imply that a complex biological sulphur cycle was in operation. Sulphur isotopic compositions display a wider range of biological fractionation than hitherto reported from the Archaean. Carbon isotopic values in kerogen record fractionations characteristic of rubisco activity methanogenesis and methylotrophy and possibly anoxygenic photosynthesis. Carbon and sulphur isotopic fractionations have been interpreted in terms of metabolic processes in 2.7 Ga prokaryote mat communities, and indicate the operation of a diverse array of metabolic processes. The results are consistent with models of early molecular evolution derived from ribosomal RNA. PMID:11209879

Regional and global impacts of Criegee intermediates on atmospheric sulphuric acid concentrations and first steps of aerosol formation.

PubMed

Percival, Carl J; Welz, Oliver; Eskola, Arkke J; Savee, John D; Osborn, David L; Topping, David O; Lowe, Douglas; Utembe, Steven R; Bacak, Asan; McFiggans, Gordon; Cooke, Michael C; Xiao, Ping; Archibald, Alexander T; Jenkin, Michael E; Derwent, Richard G; Riipinen, Ilona; Mok, Daniel W K; Lee, Edmond P F; Dyke, John M; Taatjes, Craig A; Shallcross, Dudley E

2013-01-01

Carbonyl oxides ("Criegee intermediates"), formed in the ozonolysis of alkenes, are key species in tropospheric oxidation of organic molecules and their decomposition provides a non-photolytic source of OH in the atmosphere (Johnson and Marston, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2008, 37, 699, Harrison et al, Sci, Total Environ., 2006, 360, 5, Gäb et al., Nature, 1985, 316, 535, ref. 1-3). Recently it was shown that small Criegee intermediates, C.I.'s, react far more rapidly with SO2 than typically represented in tropospheric models, (Welz, Science, 2012, 335, 204, ref. 4) which suggested that carbonyl oxides could have a substantial influence on the atmospheric oxidation of SO2. Oxidation of 502 is the main atmospheric source of sulphuric acid (H2SO4), which is a critical contributor to aerosol formation, although questions remain about the fundamental nucleation mechanism (Sipilä et al., Science, 2010, 327, 1243, Metzger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 2010 107, 6646, Kirkby et al., Nature, 2011, 476, 429, ref. 5-7). Non-absorbing atmospheric aerosols, by scattering incoming solar radiation and acting as cloud condensation nuclei, have a cooling effect on climate (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Cambridge University Press, 2007, ref. 8). Here we explore the effect of the Criegees on atmospheric chemistry, and demonstrate that ozonolysis of alkenes via the reaction of Criegee intermediates potentially has a large impact on atmospheric sulphuric acid concentrations and consequently the first steps in aerosol production. Reactions of Criegee intermediates with SO2 will compete with and in places dominate over the reaction of OH with SO2 (the only other known gas-phase source of H2SO4) in many areas of the Earth's surface. In the case that the products of Criegee intermediate reactions predominantly result in H2SO4 formation, modelled particle nucleation rates can be substantially increased by the improved

Laboratory scale Clean-In-Place (CIP) studies on the effectiveness of different caustic and acid wash steps on the removal of dairy biofilms.

PubMed

Bremer, Philip J; Fillery, Suzanne; McQuillan, A James

2006-02-15

A laboratory scale, bench top flow system was used to partially reproduce dairy plant conditions under which biofilms form and to quantify the effectiveness of caustic and acid wash steps in reducing the number of viable bacteria attached to stainless steel (SS) surfaces. Once bacteria attached to surfaces, a standard clean-in-place (CIP) regime (water rinse, 1% sodium hydroxide at 65 degrees C for 10 min, water rinse, 1.0% nitric acid at 65 degrees C for 10 min, water rinse) did not reproducibly ensure their removal. Standard CIP effectiveness was compared to alternative cleaning chemicals such as: caustic blends (Alkazolv 48, Ultrazolv 700, Concept C20, and Reflex B165); a caustic additive (Eliminator); acid blends (Nitroplus and Nitrobrite); and sanitizer (Perform). The addition of a caustic additive, Eliminator, enhanced biofilm removal compared to the standard CIP regime and further increases in cleaning efficiency occurred when nitric acid was substituted with Nitroplus. The combination of NaOH plus Eliminator and Nitroplus achieved a 3.8 log reduction in the number of cells recovered from the stainless steel surface. The incorporation of a sanitizer step into the CIP did not appear to enhance biofilm removal. This study has shown that the effectiveness of a "standard" CIP can possibly be enhanced through the testing and use of caustic and acid blends. There are many implications of these findings, including: the development of improved cleaning regimes and improved product quality, plant performance, and economic returns.

The contribution of alliaceous and cruciferous vegetables to dietary sulphur intake.

PubMed

Doleman, Joanne F; Grisar, Katrijn; Van Liedekerke, Lena; Saha, Shikha; Roe, Mark; Tapp, Henri S; Mithen, Richard F

2017-11-01

Despite its importance in many areas of human metabolism, there are no recommended daily intake guide lines for sulphur. It is generally assumed that most dietary sulphur originates from intake of methionine and cysteine. We estimated sulphur intake from food diaries, and validated the results with the use of a duplicate diet analyses. Sulphur intake estimations were highly correlated with that obtain through an elemental analysis of duplicate diets, with a mean±sd daily intakes of 956±327.9mg estimated from diet diary analyses and 935±329.9mg estimated by a duplicate diet analyses. Sulphur intake from alliaceous and cruciferous vegetables contributed up to 42% of total sulphur intake. Daily intake estimation comparisons through diet diary analyses and duplicate diet for other elements showed good agreement, except for sodium and zinc, in which analyses of 24h diet dairies overestimated intake by 35% and 52%, respectively. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Acid-catalysed xylose dehydration into furfural in the presence of kraft lignin.

PubMed

Lamminpää, Kaisa; Ahola, Juha; Tanskanen, Juha

2015-02-01

In this study, the effects of kraft lignin (Indulin AT) on acid-catalysed xylose dehydration into furfural were studied in formic and sulphuric acids. The study was done using D-optimal design. Three variables in both acids were included in the design: time (20-80 min), temperature (160-180°C) and initial lignin concentration (0-20 g/l). The dependent variables were xylose conversion, furfural yield, furfural selectivity and pH change. The results showed that the xylose conversion and furfural yield decreased in sulphuric acid, while in formic acid the changes were minor. Additionally, it was showed that lignin has an acid-neutralising capacity, and the added lignin increased the pH of reactant solutions in both acids. The pH rise was considerably lower in formic acid than in sulphuric acid. However, the higher pH did not explain all the changes in conversion and yield, and thus lignin evidently inhibits the formation of furfural. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Levels of cystathionine gamma lyase production by Geotrichum candidum in synthetic media and correlation with the presence of sulphur flavours in cheese.

PubMed

Gente, Stéphanie; La Carbona, Stéphanie; Guéguen, Micheline

2007-03-10

Geotrichum candidum is a cheese-ripening agent with the potential to produce sulphur flavour compounds in soft cheeses. We aimed to develop an alternative test for predicting the aromatic (sulphur flavours) potential of G. candidum strains in soft cheese. Twelve strains of G. candidum with different levels of demethiolase activity (determined by a chemical method) in YEL-met (yeast extract, lactate methionine) medium were studied. We investigated cgl (cystathionine gamma lyase) gene expression after culture in three media - YEL-met, casamino acid and curd media - and then carried out sensory analysis on a Camembert cheese matrix. We found no correlation between demethiolase activity in vitro and cgl gene expression. Sensory analysis (detection of sulphur flavours) identified different aromatic profiles linked to cgl expression, but not to demethiolase activity. The RT-PCR technique described here is potentially useful for predicting the tendency of a given strain of G. candidum to develop sulphur flavours in cheese matrix. This is the first demonstration that an in vitro molecular approach could be used as a predictive test for evaluating the potential of G. candidum strains to generate sulphur compounds in situ (Camembert cheese matrix).

The detection of sulphur in contamination spots in electron probe X-ray microanalysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adler, I.; Dwornik, E.J.; Rose, H.J.

1962-01-01

Sulphur has been identified as one of the elements present in the contamination spot which forms under the electron beam in the microprobe. The presence of the sulphur results in a rapid change in intensity measurements causing a loss of observed intensity for elements other than sulphur. The source of sulphur has been traced at least in part to the Apiezon B diffusion pump oil. A comparative X-ray fluorescence study of the Apiezon B and Octoil diffusion pump oils showed substantial amounts of sulphur in the Apiezon B. The Octoil was relatively free of sulphur.

The Negative Effects of Volatile Sulphur Compounds.

PubMed

Milella, Lisa

2015-01-01

Oral malodor has been studied extensively in humans but not necessarily to the same degree in our veterinary patients where malodor constitutes a significant problem. Breath malodor may originate from the mouth, or from an extra oral source, originating from other organ systems such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, or even systemic disease. Oral malodor is a result of microbial metabolism of exogenous and endogenous proteinaceous substrates leading to the production of compounds such as indole, skatole, tyramine, cadaverine, puterescine, mercaptans, and sulphides. Volatile sulphur compounds have been shown to be the main cause of oral malodor. Although most clients perceive oral malodor to be primarily a cosmetic problem, there is an increasing volume of evidence in human dental literature demonstrating that volatile sulphur compounds produced by bacteria, even at low concentrations, are toxic to tissues and play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This article reviews the current available literature in human dentistry looking at these negative effects. No veterinary studies have been conducted looking at the negative effects of volatile sulphur compounds specifically, but as this article highlights, we should be aware of the potential negative effects of volatile sulphur compounds and consider this an area of future research.

Alternative Chemical Cleaning Methods for High Level Waste Tanks: Simulant Studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rudisill, T.; King, W.; Hay, M.

Solubility testing with simulated High Level Waste tank heel solids has been conducted in order to evaluate two alternative chemical cleaning technologies for the dissolution of sludge residuals remaining in the tanks after the exhaustion of mechanical cleaning and sludge washing efforts. Tests were conducted with non-radioactive pure phase metal reagents, binary mixtures of reagents, and a Savannah River Site PUREX heel simulant to determine the effectiveness of an optimized, dilute oxalic/nitric acid cleaning reagent and pure, dilute nitric acid toward dissolving the bulk non-radioactive waste components. A focus of this testing was on minimization of oxalic acid additions duringmore » tank cleaning. For comparison purposes, separate samples were also contacted with pure, concentrated oxalic acid which is the current baseline chemical cleaning reagent. In a separate study, solubility tests were conducted with radioactive tank heel simulants using acidic and caustic permanganate-based methods focused on the “targeted” dissolution of actinide species known to be drivers for Savannah River Site tank closure Performance Assessments. Permanganate-based cleaning methods were evaluated prior to and after oxalic acid contact.« less

Transcripts of sulphur metabolic genes are co-ordinately regulated in developing seeds of common bean lacking phaseolin and major lectins

PubMed Central

Marsolais, Frédéric

2012-01-01

The lack of phaseolin and phytohaemagglutinin in common bean (dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris) is associated with an increase in total cysteine and methionine concentrations by 70% and 10%, respectively, mainly at the expense of an abundant non-protein amino acid, S-methyl-cysteine. Transcripts were profiled between two genetically related lines differing for this trait at four stages of seed development using a high density microarray designed for common bean. Transcripts of multiple sulphur-rich proteins were elevated, several previously identified by proteomics, including legumin, basic 7S globulin, albumin-2, defensin, albumin-1, the Bowman–Birk type proteinase inhibitor, the double-headed trypsin inhibitor, and the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. A co-ordinated regulation of transcripts coding for sulphate transporters, sulphate assimilatory enzymes, serine acetyltransferases, cystathionine β-lyase, homocysteine S-methyltransferase and methionine gamma-lyase was associated with changes in cysteine and methionine concentrations. Differential gene expression of sulphur-rich proteins preceded that of sulphur metabolic enzymes, suggesting a regulation by demand from the protein sink. Up-regulation of SERAT1;1 and -1;2 expression revealed an activation of cytosolic O-acetylserine biosynthesis. Down-regulation of SERAT2;1 suggested that cysteine and S-methyl-cysteine biosynthesis may be spatially separated in different subcellular compartments. Analysis of free amino acid profiles indicated that enhanced cysteine biosynthesis was correlated with a depletion of O-acetylserine. These results contribute to our understanding of the regulation of sulphur metabolism in developing seed in response to a change in the composition of endogenous proteins. PMID:23066144

Transcripts of sulphur metabolic genes are co-ordinately regulated in developing seeds of common bean lacking phaseolin and major lectins.

PubMed

Liao, Dengqun; Pajak, Agnieszka; Karcz, Steven R; Chapman, B Patrick; Sharpe, Andrew G; Austin, Ryan S; Datla, Raju; Dhaubhadel, Sangeeta; Marsolais, Frédéric

2012-10-01

The lack of phaseolin and phytohaemagglutinin in common bean (dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris) is associated with an increase in total cysteine and methionine concentrations by 70% and 10%, respectively, mainly at the expense of an abundant non-protein amino acid, S-methyl-cysteine. Transcripts were profiled between two genetically related lines differing for this trait at four stages of seed development using a high density microarray designed for common bean. Transcripts of multiple sulphur-rich proteins were elevated, several previously identified by proteomics, including legumin, basic 7S globulin, albumin-2, defensin, albumin-1, the Bowman-Birk type proteinase inhibitor, the double-headed trypsin inhibitor, and the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. A co-ordinated regulation of transcripts coding for sulphate transporters, sulphate assimilatory enzymes, serine acetyltransferases, cystathionine β-lyase, homocysteine S-methyltransferase and methionine gamma-lyase was associated with changes in cysteine and methionine concentrations. Differential gene expression of sulphur-rich proteins preceded that of sulphur metabolic enzymes, suggesting a regulation by demand from the protein sink. Up-regulation of SERAT1;1 and -1;2 expression revealed an activation of cytosolic O-acetylserine biosynthesis. Down-regulation of SERAT2;1 suggested that cysteine and S-methyl-cysteine biosynthesis may be spatially separated in different subcellular compartments. Analysis of free amino acid profiles indicated that enhanced cysteine biosynthesis was correlated with a depletion of O-acetylserine. These results contribute to our understanding of the regulation of sulphur metabolism in developing seed in response to a change in the composition of endogenous proteins.

Effect of carbon-sulphur bond in a sulphur/dehydrogenated polyacrylonitrile/reduced graphene oxide composite cathode for lithium-sulphur batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konarov, Aishuak; Bakenov, Zhumabay; Yashiro, Hitoshi; Sun, Yang-Kook; Myung, Seung-Taek

2017-07-01

A S/DPAN (dehydrogenated polyacrylonitrile) composite shows promising electrode performances as a cathode material for Li-S batteries though its electric conductivity is insufficient for high rate tests. In an attempt to enhance the electric conductivity, the S/DPAN composite is attached on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets via self-assembling modification. As a result, the conductivity improves to ∼10-4 S cm-1, and the S/DPAN/rGO composite thereby delivers approximately 90% of the theoretical capacity of sulphur at a rate of 0.2C (0.34 A g-1) over 700 mAh (g-S)-1 even at 2C (3.4 A g-1). We first report on the Csbnd S bond between sulphur and DPAN in a composite that maintains the bond even after an extensive cycling test, as confirmed by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). These synergistic effects enable facile electron transport such that the S/DPAN/rGO composite electrode is able to maintain superior electrode performances.

Volatile sulphur compounds in UHT milk.

PubMed

Al-Attabi, Z; D'Arcy, B R; Deeth, H C

2009-01-01

Several volatile sulphur compounds have been detected in raw and processed milk. These are hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol, carbonyl sulphide, dimethyl sulphide, carbon disulphide, dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide, dimethyl sulphoxide, and dimethyl sulphone. Many of these increase in milk during heat processing and are associated with the cooked flavor of heat-treated milks, particularly UHT and sterilized milk. Several researchers have attempted to explain the origin of these volatiles in both raw and processed milk, and how to reduce the associated cooked flavor that has a negative impact on consumer acceptability of processed milk. These compounds are difficult to detect and analyze due to their high volatility, sensitivity to oxidation and heat, and in some cases, their very low concentrations. However, methods of detection and quantification have improved in recent years. Pre-concentration methods such as solid phase microextraction (SPME) together with gas chromatography equipped with sulphur-selective detectors now enable low concentrations of these compounds to be analyzed. In this review, methods of extraction and analyzes of these volatile sulphur compounds are compared, and their occurrence in milk is reviewed.

REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE ENHANCED CHEMICAL CLEANING OPTIONS FOR SRS WASTE TANKS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hay, M.; Koopman, D.

2009-08-01

A literature review was conducted to support the Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan for Alternative Enhanced Chemical Cleaning (AECC) for sludge heel removal funded as part of the EM-21 Engineering and Technology program. The goal was to identify potential technologies or enhancements to the baseline oxalic acid cleaning process for chemically dissolving or mobilizing Savannah River Site (SRS) sludge heels. The issues with the potentially large volume of oxalate solids generated from the baseline process have driven an effort to find an improved or enhanced chemical cleaning technology for the tank heels. This literature review builds on a previousmore » review conducted in 2003. A team was charged with evaluating the information in these reviews and developing recommendations of alternative technologies to pursue. The new information in this report supports the conclusion of the previous review that oxalic acid remains the chemical cleaning agent of choice for dissolving the metal oxides and hydroxides found in sludge heels in carbon steel tanks. The potential negative impact of large volumes of sodium oxalate on downstream processes indicates that the amount of oxalic acid used for chemical cleaning needs to be minimized as much as possible or the oxalic acid must be destroyed prior to pH adjustment in the receipt tank. The most straightforward way of minimizing the volume of oxalic acid needed for chemical cleaning is through more effective mechanical cleaning. Using a mineral acid to adjust the pH of the sludge prior to adding oxalic acid may also help to minimize the volume of oxalic acid used in chemical cleaning. If minimization of oxalic acid proves insufficient in reducing the volume of oxalate salts, several methods were found that could be used for oxalic acid destruction. For some waste tank heels, another acid or even caustic treatment (or pretreatment) might be more appropriate than the baseline oxalic acid cleaning process. Caustic treatment

Copper toxicity in Chinese cabbage is not influenced by plant sulphur status, but affects sulphur metabolism-related gene expression and the suggested regulatory metabolites.

PubMed

Shahbaz, M; Stuiver, C E E; Posthumus, F S; Parmar, S; Hawkesford, M J; De Kok, L J

2014-01-01

The toxicity of high copper (Cu) concentrations in the root environment of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) was little influenced by the sulphur nutritional status of the plant. However, Cu toxicity removed the correlation between sulphur metabolism-related gene expression and the suggested regulatory metabolites. At high tissue Cu levels, there was no relation between sulphur metabolite levels viz. total sulphur, sulphate and water-soluble non-protein thiols, and the expression and activity of sulphate transporters and expression of APS reductase under sulphate-sufficient or-deprived conditions, in the presence or absence of H2 S. This indicated that the regulatory signal transduction pathway of sulphate transporters was overruled or by-passed upon exposure to elevated Cu concentrations. © 2013 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

A Multi-spectroscopic Investigation of Sulphur Speciation in Silicate Glasses and Slags

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bingham, P.; Connelly, A; Hand, R

2010-01-01

Sulphur K-edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), sulphur K{sub {alpha}} and K{sub {beta}} high resolution x-ray emission spectroscopies (XES), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical absorption spectroscopies have been used to study the speciation of sulphur in a range of soda-lime-silica glasses and silicate slags. Several inorganic standards with known sulphur oxidation states and structural environments have also been analysed. Results confirm that the average oxidation state of sulphur in glasses decreases, as expected, in the order (colourless>light olive>dark olive>light amber>dark amber). This behaviour is consistent with decreasing S{sup 6+}/{Sigma}S ratio, which has been quantified by linear combination fitting ofmore » XES S K{alpha} spectra, and with analysed sulphur contents which exhibit a characteristic relationship with oxygen partial pressure, pO{sub 2}. A combination of S{sup 6+}, S{sup 5+}, S{sup 4+} and more reduced sulphur species has been detected in olive and amber glasses. The S{sup 4+} and S{sup 5+} species are most evident in olive-coloured glasses produced under moderately reducing conditions that coincide with minimum sulphur solubilities. The reduced form of sulphur, present in all reduced glasses, is interpreted as being present as S{sup 2-} on the basis of XANES, XES, EPR and optical measurements. An alternative interpretation of the data is that there is a continuum of less strongly reduced species, primarily S{sup +} and S{sup 2+}; this interpretation has less merit. In this paper we show that the established relationship that describes sulphur redox only in terms of S{sup 6+} and S{sup 2-}, and which states that only these two species co-exist over a narrow, moderately reducing range of pO{sub 2}, does not fully describe the behaviour of S in the industrial, non-equilibrated glasses studied. Hence this relationship requires slight modification for non-equilibrated systems to explain the existence of

Placing an upper limit on cryptic marine sulphur cycling.

PubMed

Johnston, D T; Gill, B C; Masterson, A; Beirne, E; Casciotti, K L; Knapp, A N; Berelson, W

2014-09-25

A quantitative understanding of sources and sinks of fixed nitrogen in low-oxygen waters is required to explain the role of oxygen-minimum zones (OMZs) in controlling the fixed nitrogen inventory of the global ocean. Apparent imbalances in geochemical nitrogen budgets have spurred numerous studies to measure the contributions of heterotrophic and autotrophic N2-producing metabolisms (denitrification and anaerobic ammonia oxidation, respectively). Recently, 'cryptic' sulphur cycling was proposed as a partial solution to the fundamental biogeochemical problem of closing marine fixed-nitrogen budgets in intensely oxygen-deficient regions. The degree to which the cryptic sulphur cycle can fuel a loss of fixed nitrogen in the modern ocean requires the quantification of sulphur recycling in OMZ settings. Here we provide a new constraint for OMZ sulphate reduction based on isotopic profiles of oxygen ((18)O/(16)O) and sulphur ((33)S/(32)S, (34)S/(32)S) in seawater sulphate through oxygenated open-ocean and OMZ-bearing water columns. When coupled with observations and models of sulphate isotope dynamics and data-constrained model estimates of OMZ water-mass residence time, we find that previous estimates for sulphur-driven remineralization and loss of fixed nitrogen from the oceans are near the upper limit for what is possible given in situ sulphate isotope data.

Sulphur responsiveness of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii LHCBM9 promoter.

PubMed

Sawyer, Anne L; Hankamer, Ben D; Ross, Ian L

2015-05-01

A 44-base-pair region in the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii LHCBM9 promoter is essential for sulphur responsiveness. The photosynthetic light-harvesting complex (LHC) proteins play essential roles both in light capture, the first step of photosynthesis, and in photoprotective mechanisms. In contrast to the other LHC proteins and the majority of photosynthesis proteins, the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii photosystem II-associated LHC protein, LHCBM9, was recently reported to be up-regulated under sulphur deprivation conditions, which also induce hydrogen production. Here, we examined the sulphur responsiveness of the LHCBM9 gene at the transcriptional level, through promoter deletion analysis. The LHCBM9 promoter was found to be responsive to sulphur deprivation, with a 44-base-pair region between nucleotide positions -136 and -180 relative to the translation start site identified as essential for this response. Anaerobiosis was found to enhance promoter activity under sulphur deprivation conditions, however, alone was unable to induce promoter activity. The study of LHCBM9 is of biological and biotechnological importance, as its expression is linked to photobiological hydrogen production, theoretically the most efficient process for biofuel production, while the simplicity of using an S-deprivation trigger enables the development of a novel C. reinhardtii-inducible promoter system based on LHCBM9.

Supramolecular reactive sulphur nanoparticles: a novel and efficient antimicrobial agent.

PubMed

Roy Choudhury, S; Goswami, A

2013-01-01

Antimicrobial resistance continues to be an inexorable threat for the biomedical and biochemical researchers. Despite the novel discoveries in drug designing and delivery, high-throughput screening and surveillance data render the prospects for new antimicrobial agents as bleak as ever. The advent of nanotechnology, however, strengthens pharmacology by offering effective therapeutics to treat this aforementioned problem. Several nanoparticles of the known elements have already been reported for their antimicrobial efficacy. Nanosized fabrication of elemental sulphur with suitable surface modifications offers to retrieve the use of sulphur (man's oldest known ecofriendly microbicide) as a potential antimicrobial agent. Sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) are effective against both conventionally sulphur-resistant and sulphur-susceptible microbes (fungi and bacteria). Moreover, biocompatible polymers present on the surface of SNPs minimize toxicity during application. Here, we focus on various aspects of physicochemical features of SNPs and their biochemical interactions with microbes. The present review also illustrates the effects of SNPs on plants and animals in terms of cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. © 2012 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Isolation and characterization of low-sulphur-tolerant mutants of Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Wu, Yu; Zhao, Qing; Gao, Lei; Yu, Xiao-Min; Fang, Ping; Oliver, David J; Xiang, Cheng-Bin

2010-07-01

Sulphur is an essential element for plant growth and development as well as for defence against biotic and abiotic stresses. Increasing sulphate utilization efficiency (SUE) is an important issue for crop improvement. Little is known about the genetic determinants of sulphate utilization efficiency. No gain-of-function mutants with improved SUE have been reported to date. Here the isolation and characterization of two low-sulphur-tolerant mutants, sue3 and sue4 are reported using a high-throughput genetic screen where a 'sulphur-free' solid medium was devised to give the selection pressure necessary to suppress the growth of the wild-type seedlings. Both mutants showed improved tolerance to low sulphur conditions and well-developed root systems. The mutant phenotype of both sue3 and sue4 was specific to sulphate deficiency and the mutants displayed enhanced tolerance to heavy metal and oxidative stress. Genetic analysis revealed that sue3 was caused by a single recessive nuclear mutation while sue4 was caused by a single dominant nuclear mutation. The recessive locus in sue3 is the previously identified VirE2-interacting Protein 1. The dominant locus in sue4 is a function-unknown locus activated by the four enhancers on the T-DNA. The function of SUE3 and SUE4 in low sulphur tolerance was confirmed either by multiple mutant alleles or by recapitulation analysis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that this genetic screen is a reasonable approach to isolate Arabidopsis mutants with improved low sulphur tolerance and potentially with enhanced sulphate utilization efficiency. The two loci identified in sue3 and sue4 should assist in understanding the molecular mechanisms of low sulphur tolerance.

Tobacco LSU-like protein couples sulphur-deficiency response with ethylene signalling pathway.

PubMed

Moniuszko, Grzegorz; Skoneczny, Marek; Zientara-Rytter, Katarzyna; Wawrzyńska, Anna; Głów, Dawid; Cristescu, Simona M; Harren, Frans J M; Sirko, Agnieszka

2013-11-01

Most genes from the plant-specific family encoding Response to Low Sulphur (LSU)-like proteins are strongly induced in sulphur (S)-deficient conditions. The exact role of these proteins remains unclear; however, some data suggest their importance for plants' adjustment to nutrient deficiency and other environmental stresses. This work established that the regulation of ethylene signalling is a part of plants' response to S deficiency and showed the interaction between UP9C, a tobacco LSU family member, and one of the tobacco isoforms of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO2A). Increase in ethylene level induced by S deficiency does not take place in tobacco plants with UP9C expressed in an antisense orientation. Based on transcriptomics data, this work also demonstrated that the majority of tobacco's response to S deficiency is misregulated in plants expressing UP9C-antisense. A link between response to S deficiency, ethylene sensing, and LSU-like proteins was emphasized by changes in expression of the genes encoding ethylene receptors and F-box proteins specific for the ethylene pathway.

Clean Air Markets

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Clean Air Markets implements regulatory programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to reduce air pollution from the power sector that contributes to human health and environmental issues.

Enhanced corrosion resistance of stainless steel type 316 in sulphuric acid solution using eco-friendly waste product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanni, O.; Popoola, A. P. I.; Fayomi, O. S. I.

2018-06-01

Literature has shown that different organic compounds are effective corrosion inhibitors for metal in acidic environments. Such compounds usually contain oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur and function through adsorption on the metal surface, thereby creating a barrier for corrosion attack. Unfortunately, these organic compounds are toxic, scarce and expensive. Therefore, plants, natural product and natural oils have been posed as cheap, environmentally acceptable, abundant, readily available and effective molecules having low environmental impact. The corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel Type 316 in the presence of eco-friendly waste product was studied using weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization techniques in 0.5 M H2SO4. The corrosion rate and corrosion potential of the steel was significantly altered by the studied inhibitor. Results show that increase in concentration of the inhibitor hinders the formation of the passive film. Experimental observation shows that its pitting potential depends on the concentration of the inhibitor in the acid solution due to adsorption of anions at the metal film interface. The presence of egg shell powder had a strong influence on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel Type 316 with highest inhibition efficiency of 94.74% from weight loss analysis, this is as a result of electrochemical action and inhibition of the steel by the ionized molecules of the inhibiting compound which influenced the mechanism of the redox reactions responsible for corrosion and surface deterioration. Inhibitor adsorption fits the Langmuir isotherm model. The two methods employed for the corrosion assessment were in good agreement.

Potential of Sulphur-containing Amino Acids in the Prevention of Catecholamine-induced Arrhythmias.

PubMed

Adameova, Adriana; Tappia, Paramjit S; Hatala, Robert; Dhalla, Naranjan S

2018-01-30

Various physiological and pathological stimuli can hypersensitize the sympathetic nervous system resulting in a substantial release of catecholamines (CA) and consequent alterations in excitation-contraction coupling and excitation-transcription coupling. It has been shown that oxidation products of CA, rather than CA themselves, are responsible for such adaptation to a new equilibrium. While chronic, sustained accumulation of CA and their toxic products are associated with the depression in cardiac contractile force and remodeling, acute excessive release of CA can result in brief oxidative bursts and serious damage leading in lethal arrhythmias. In response to such oxidative stress, dysregulation of ion homeostasis, activation of neurohumoral system, immune and inflammatory responses, are augmented. These events are inter-related, and as a complex promote electrical instability. Likewise, remodeling occurring after the loss of cardiomyocytes, induces the development of a proarrhythmogenic environment. Thus, CA oxidation products may be involved in triggering arrhythmias as a result of both changes in cardiac cell automaticity and conduction velocity. In contrast, sulphur-containing amino acids (S-AA), in particular taurine and its precursor cysteine have been shown to modulate redox state of the heart. However, the multiple anti-oxidant properties of S-AA are unlikely to be exclusively responsible for their anti-arrhythmic action. They also possess additional cytoprotective effects which can stabilize electrical activity of the heart. It is concluded that specific S-AA may attenuate deleterious effects of supraphysiological levels of CA and this could serve as an important mechanism for the treatment and/or prevention of arrhythmogenesis. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Sulphur tracer experiments in laboratory animals using 34S-labelled yeast.

PubMed

Martínez-Sierra, J Giner; Moreno Sanz, F; Herrero Espílez, P; Marchante Gayón, J M; Rodríguez Fernández, J; García Alonso, J I

2013-03-01

We have evaluated the use of (34)S-labelled yeast to perform sulphur metabolic tracer experiments in laboratory animals. The proof of principle work included the selection of the culture conditions for the preparation of sulphur labelled yeast, the study of the suitability of this labelled yeast as sulphur source for tracer studies using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and the administration of the (34)S-labelled yeast to laboratory animals to follow the fate and distribution of (34)S in the organism. For in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the combination of sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) showed that labelled methionine, cysteine and other low molecular weight sulphur-containing biomolecules were the major components in the digested extracts of the labelled yeast. Next, in vivo kinetic experiments were performed in healthy Wistar rats after the oral administration of (34)S-labelled yeast. The isotopic composition of total sulphur in tissues, urine and faeces was measured by double-focusing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave digestion. It was observed that measurable isotopic enrichments were detected in all samples. Finally, initial investigations on sulphur isotopic composition of serum and urine samples by HPLC-ICP-MS have been carried out. For serum samples, no conclusive data were obtained. Interestingly, chromatographic analysis of urine samples showed differential isotope enrichment for several sulphur-containing biomolecules.

Characterization of selectively etched halloysite nanotubes by acid treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Garcia, Daniel; Ferri, Jose M.; Ripoll, Laura; Hidalgo, Montserrat; Lopez-Martinez, Juan; Balart, Rafael

2017-11-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a type of naturally occurring inorganic nanotubes that are characterized by a different composition between their external and internal walls. The internal walls are mainly composed of alumina whilst external walls are composed of silica. This particular structure offers a dual surface chemistry that allows different selective surface treatments which can be focused on increasing the lumen, increasing porosity, etc. In this work, HNTs were chemically treated with different acids (sulphuric, acetic and acrylic acid), for 72 h at a constant temperature of 50 °C. As per the obtained results, the treatment with sulphuric acid is highly aggressive and the particular shape of HNTs is almost lost, with a remarkable increase in porosity. The BET surface area increases from 52.9 (untreated HNTs) up to 132.4 m2 g-1 with sulphuric acid treatment, thus showing an interesting potential in the field of catalysis. On the other hand, the treatment with acetic acid led to milder effects with a noticeable increase in the lumen diameter that changed from 13.8 nm (untreated HNTs) up to 18.4 nm which the subsequent increase in the loading capacity by 77.8%. The aluminium content was measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The final results using two systems, suggest a good correlation between the acid strength and the aluminium reduction. Consequently, is possible to conclude that new applications for HNTs can be derived from selective etching with acids. Sulphuric acid widens the potential of HNTs in the field of catalysis while weak acids such as acetic and acrylic acids give a controlled and homogeneous lumen increase with the corresponding increase in the loading capacity.

Isolation and characterization of low-sulphur-tolerant mutants of Arabidopsis

PubMed Central

Wu, Yu; Zhao, Qing; Gao, Lei; Yu, Xiao-Min; Fang, Ping; Oliver, David J.; Xiang, Cheng-Bin

2010-01-01

Sulphur is an essential element for plant growth and development as well as for defence against biotic and abiotic stresses. Increasing sulphate utilization efficiency (SUE) is an important issue for crop improvement. Little is known about the genetic determinants of sulphate utilization efficiency. No gain-of-function mutants with improved SUE have been reported to date. Here the isolation and characterization of two low-sulphur-tolerant mutants, sue3 and sue4 are reported using a high-throughput genetic screen where a ‘sulphur-free’ solid medium was devised to give the selection pressure necessary to suppress the growth of the wild-type seedlings. Both mutants showed improved tolerance to low sulphur conditions and well-developed root systems. The mutant phenotype of both sue3 and sue4 was specific to sulphate deficiency and the mutants displayed enhanced tolerance to heavy metal and oxidative stress. Genetic analysis revealed that sue3 was caused by a single recessive nuclear mutation while sue4 was caused by a single dominant nuclear mutation. The recessive locus in sue3 is the previously identified VirE2-interacting Protein 1. The dominant locus in sue4 is a function-unknown locus activated by the four enhancers on the T-DNA. The function of SUE3 and SUE4 in low sulphur tolerance was confirmed either by multiple mutant alleles or by recapitulation analysis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that this genetic screen is a reasonable approach to isolate Arabidopsis mutants with improved low sulphur tolerance and potentially with enhanced sulphate utilization efficiency. The two loci identified in sue3 and sue4 should assist in understanding the molecular mechanisms of low sulphur tolerance. PMID:20547563

Costs and benefits of low-sulphur fuel standard for Baltic Sea shipping.

PubMed

Antturi, Jim; Hänninen, Otto; Jalkanen, Jukka-Pekka; Johansson, Lasse; Prank, Marje; Sofiev, Mikhail; Ollikainen, Markku

2016-12-15

The maximum allowable fuel sulphur content for shipping in the Baltic Sea dropped from 1%S to 0.1%S in 1 January 2015. We provide a cost-benefit analysis of the sulphur reduction policy in the Baltic Sea Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA). We calculated the abatement costs based on shipowners' optimal decision-making in choosing between low-sulphur fuel and a sulphur scrubber, and the benefits were modelled through a high-resolution impact pathway analysis, which took into account the formation and dispersion of the emissions, and considered the positive health impacts resulting from lowered ambient PM 2.5 concentrations. Our basic result indicates that for the Baltic Sea only, the latest sulphur regulation is not cost-effective. The expected annual cost is roughly €465 M and benefit 2200 saved Disability Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs) or monetized €105 M. Based on our sensitivity analysis, the benefits yet have a potential to exceed the costs. The analysis neither takes into account the acidifying impact of sulphur nor the impact North Sea shipping has on the cost-benefit ratio. Lastly, a similar approach is found highly recommendable to study the implications of the upcoming Tier III NO x standard for shipping. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. LOOKING NORTH, SHOWING IODINE SPRING (FOREGROUND), SALT SULPHUR SPRING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

1. LOOKING NORTH, SHOWING IODINE SPRING (FOREGROUND), SALT SULPHUR SPRING (LEFT BACKGROUND), AND TWIN COTTAGES (UPPER RIGHT) (4 x 5 negative; 5 x 7 print) - Salt Sulpher Springs, U.S. Route 219, Salt Sulphur Springs, Monroe County, WV

SMED - Sulphur MEditerranean Dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salerno, Giuseppe G.; Sellitto, Pasquale; Corradini, Stefano; Di Sarra, Alcide Giorgio; Merucci, Luca; Caltabiano, Tommaso; La Spina, Alessandro

2016-04-01

Emissions of volcanic gases and particles can have profound impacts on terrestrial environment, atmospheric composition, climate forcing, and then on human health at various temporal and spatial scales. Volcanic emissions have been identified as one of the largest sources of uncertainty in our understanding of recent climate change trends. In particular, a primary role is acted by sulphur dioxide emission due to its conversion to volcanic sulphate aerosol via atmospheric oxidation. Aerosols may play a key role in the radiative budget and then in photochemistry and tropospheric composition. Mt. Etna is one of the most prodigious and persistent emitters of gasses and particles on Earth, accounting for about 10% of global average volcanic emission of CO2 and SO2. Its sulphur emissions stand for 0.7 × 106 t S/yr9 and then about 10 times bigger than anthropogenic sulphur emissions in the Mediterranean area. Centrepiece of the SMED project is to advance the understanding of volcanogenic sulphur dioxide and sulphate aerosol particles dispersion and radiative impact on the downwind Mediterranean region by an integrated approach between ground- and space-based observations and modelling. Research is addressed by exploring the potential relationship between proximal SO2 flux and aerosol measured remotely in the volcanic plume of Mt. Etna between 2000 and 2014 and distal aerosol ground-based measurements in Lampedusa, Greece, and Malta from AERONET network. Ground data are combined with satellite multispectral polar and geostationary imagers able to detect and retrieve volcanic ash and SO2. The high repetition time of SEVIRI (15 minutes) will ensure the potential opportunity to follow the entire evolution of the volcanic cloud, while, the higher spatial resolution of MODIS (1x1 km2), are exploited for investigating the probability to retrieve volcanic SO2 abundances from passive degassing. Ground and space observations are complemented with atmospheric Lagrangian model

Elimination of Acid Cleaning of High Temperature Salt Water Heat Exchangers: Redesigned Pre-Production Full-Scale Heat Pipe Bleed Air Cooler for Shipboard Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-01

Cleaning of High Temperature Salt Water Heat Exchangers ESTCP WP-200302 Subtitle: Redesigned Pre-production Full-Scale Heat Pipe Bleed Air Cooler For...FINAL 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 1-Jan-2003 – 1-Oct-2009 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Elimination of Acid Cleaning of High Temperature Salt Water Heat...6-5 Figure 6- 6 HP-BAC Tube Sheet Being Immersed in Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank ..................................... 6-6 Figure 6- 7 Heat Pipe

Sulphur alters chromium (VI) toxicity in Solanum melongena seedlings: Role of sulphur assimilation and sulphur-containing antioxidants.

PubMed

Singh, Madhulika; Kushwaha, Bishwajit Kumar; Singh, Samiksha; Kumar, Vipin; Singh, Vijay Pratap; Prasad, Sheo Mohan

2017-03-01

The present study investigates modulation in hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI) 25 μM] toxicity by sulphur (S; 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM S as low (LS), medium (MS) and high sulphur (HS), respectively) in Solanum melongena (eggplant) seedlings. Biomass accumulation (fresh and dry weights), photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic oxygen evolution and S content were declined by Cr(VI) toxicity. Furthermore, fluorescence characteristics (JIP-test) were also affected by Cr(VI), but Cr(VI) toxicity on photosystem II photochemistry was ameliorated by HS treatment via reducing damaging effect on PS II reaction centre and its reduction side. Enhanced respiration, Cr content and oxidative biomarkers: superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation and membrane damage were observed under Cr(VI) stress. Though Cr(VI) enhanced adenosine triphasphate sulfurylase (ATPS) and o-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASTL), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, and content of total glutathione, cysteine and NP-SH, however, their levels/activity were further enhanced by S being maximum with HS treatment. The results show that Cr(VI) toxicity does increase under LS treatment while HS protected Cr(VI)-induced damaging effects in brinjal seedlings. Under HS treatment, in mitigating Cr(VI) toxicity, S assimilation and its associated metabolites such as cysteine, glutathione and NP-SH play crucial role. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Utilization of sulphurized palm oil as cutting fluid base oil for broaching process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukirno; Ningsih, Y. R.

2017-03-01

Broaching is one of the most severe metal cutting operation that requires the use of cutting fluids formulated with extreme pressure (EP) additives to minimize metal-to-metal contact and improve tool life. Enhancement of EP performances of the cutting fluids can be achieved by addition of sulphur containing compounds that will allow the formation of metal sulfide film that has low shear strength and good antiweld properties and acts as protection layer from wear and seizure. Most of the cutting fluids are mineral oil based. However, as regards to health and environmental issues, reseach on vegetable oil based cutting fluid have been increased recently. This paper reports a study on the sulphurization of palm oil derivatives and its usage as broaching oil. Sulphurization of the palm oil derivative was conducted via non-catalytic sulphurization using elemental sulphur at various composition and under heating of 150-160°C for 3 hr. Broaching oil was made by blending the sulphurized palm oil and additive packages. The performance parameters of the broaching oil that has been observed including load carrying capacity, wear scar diameter, corrosion protection, oxidative stability, and surface finish of workpiece. From this research, it was found that sulphurized FAME based broaching oil has excellent EP properties. The optimum formulation was obtained on composition of sulphurized FAME-mineral oil with 6% wt of sulphur. The result from the test showed that kinematic viscosity of sulphurized palm oil was about 25.3 cSt (at 40 °C), load carrying capacity was 400 kgf, and wear scar diameter was 0.407 mm. In addition, it can be concluded that the class of corrosion protection of modified palm oil was 1.b (slight tarnish category), oxidative stability at 160 °C was obtained for 0.11 hr, and the surface roughness of workpiece was about 0.0418-0.0579 μm. These performances are comparable to commercial broaching oil. By this result, it indicates that sulphurized palm oil is

Evaluation of the smear layer removal and erosive capacity of EDTA, boric acid, citric acid and desy clean solutions: an in vitro study.

PubMed

Turk, Tugba; Kaval, Mehmet Emin; Şen, Bilge Hakan

2015-09-03

The purpose of this study was to investigate the smear layer removal and erosive capacity of various irrigation solutions with sequential use of NaOCl on instrumented root canal walls. The root canals of single-rooted teeth were instrumented with ProTaper rotary instrument. Then, the teeth were randomly divided into five experimental groups. The root canals were irrigated with one of the following solutions (5 mL/1 min): 5% EDTA, 5% boric acid (BA), a mixture of BA and CA, 2.5% citric acid (CA) and 5% Desy Clean. After irrigating with 2.5% NaOCl and distilled water, the roots were split into two halves and each half was prepared for SEM examination. Representative photographs were taken from each third at x500 and x1000 magnifications. Double blind scoring was performed by two calibrated observers for smear layer and erosion. The scores were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's post hoc and Spearman's correlation tests (p = 0.05). There were statistically significant differences among the solutions by means of smear layer and erosion (p < 0.05). While 2.5% CA solution was the most effective solution in removal of smear layer, it was also the most erosive solution (p < 0.05). 5% Desy Clean removed smear layer effectively and caused less erosion. There was a negative, but statistically significant correlation between presence of smear layer and erosion (r = -0.684; p < 0.0001). Desy Clean can be a promising agent as an irrigation solution with optimal smear layer removal capacity and less erosive effects.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens can obtain sulphur from an opine that is synthesized by octopine synthase using S-methylmethionine as a substrate.

PubMed

Flores-Mireles, Ana Lidia; Eberhard, Anatol; Winans, Stephen C

2012-06-01

Agrobacterium tumefaciens incites plant tumours that produce nutrients called opines, which are utilized by the bacteria during host colonization. Various opines provide sources of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, but virtually nothing was previously known about how A. tumefaciens acquires sulphur during colonization. Some strains encode an operon required for the catabolism of the opine octopine. This operon contains a gene, msh, that is predicted to direct the conversion of S-methylmethionine (SMM) and homocysteine (HCys) to two equivalents of methionine. Purified Msh carried out this reaction, suggesting that SMM could be an intermediate in opine catabolism. Purified octopine synthase (Ocs, normally expressed in plant tumours) utilized SMM and pyruvate to produce a novel opine, designated sulfonopine, whose catabolism by the bacteria would regenerate SMM. Sulfonopine was produced by tobacco and Arabidopsis when colonized by A. tumefaciens and was utilized as sole source of sulphur by A. tumefaciens. Purified Ocs also used 13 other proteogenic and non-proteogenic amino acids as substrates, including three that contain sulphur. Sulfonopine and 11 other opines were tested for induction of octopine catabolic operon and all were able to do so. This is the first study of the acquisition of sulphur, an essential element, by this pathogen. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Electrochemical and surface analysis of the Fe-Cr-Ru system in non-oxidizing acid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tjong, S. C.

1990-03-01

The effect of ruthenium addition on the spontaneous passivation behaviour of Fe-40Cr alloy in 0.5M H 2SO 4 and 0.5M HCl acid solutions has been studied. Auger and XPS techniques were also used to investigate the surface chemistries of the spontaneously passivated film. Electrochemical measurements indicate that the Fe-40Cr-0.1Ru and Fe-40Cr-0.2Ru alloys exhibit spontaneous passivation upon exposing them in both hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions from 25 to 85 ° C. However, the transition time for spontaneous passivation reduces dramatically with an increase in the ruthenium content and solution temperature. Furthermore, this transition time also decreases for the investigated alloys exposed in a less aggressive sulphuric acid solution. AES results show that ruthenium and chromium are enriched in the spontaneous passive films formed on the Fe-40Cr-0.1Ru alloy in both hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions at 25 °C, and also in the spontaneous passive film formed on the Fe-40Cr-0.2Ru alloy in hydrochloric acid solution at 25 ° C. AES does not detect the presence of ruthenium in the spontaneous passive film formed on the Fe-40Cr-0.2Ru alloy in sulphuric acid solution. However, XPS analysis shows that ruthenium and chromium are incorporated into the spontaneous passive films formed on the Fe-40Cr-0.1Ru and Fe-40Cr-0.2Ru alloys in both hydrochloric and sulphuric acid solutions as Ru 4+ and Cr 3+ species.

Environmentally friendly microwave-assisted sequential extraction method followed by ICP-OES and ion-chromatographic analysis for rapid determination of sulphur forms in coal samples.

PubMed

Mketo, Nomvano; Nomngongo, Philiswa N; Ngila, J Catherine

2018-05-15

A rapid three-step sequential extraction method was developed under microwave radiation followed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopic (ICP-OES) and ion-chromatographic (IC) analysis for the determination of sulphur forms in coal samples. The experimental conditions of the proposed microwave-assisted sequential extraction (MW-ASE) procedure were optimized by using multivariate mathematical tools. Pareto charts generated from 2 3 full factorial design showed that, extraction time has insignificant effect on the extraction of sulphur species, therefore, all the sequential extraction steps were performed for 5 min. The optimum values according to the central composite designs and counter plots of the response surface methodology were 200 °C (microwave temperature) and 0.1 g (coal amount) for all the investigated extracting reagents (H 2 O, HCl and HNO 3 ). When the optimum conditions of the proposed MW-ASE procedure were applied in coal CRMs, SARM 18 showed more organic sulphur (72%) and the other two coal CRMs (SARMs 19 and 20) were dominated by sulphide sulphur species (52-58%). The sum of the sulphur forms from the sequential extraction steps have shown consistent agreement (95-96%) with certified total sulphur values on the coal CRM certificates. This correlation, in addition to the good precision (1.7%) achieved by the proposed procedure, suggests that the sequential extraction method is reliable, accurate and reproducible. To safe-guard the destruction of pyritic and organic sulphur forms in extraction step 1, water was used instead of HCl. Additionally, the notorious acidic mixture (HCl/HNO 3 /HF) was replaced by greener reagent (H 2 O 2 ) in the last extraction step. Therefore, the proposed MW-ASE method can be applied in routine laboratories for the determination of sulphur forms in coal and coal related matrices. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sophisticated Clean Air Strategies Required to Mitigate Against Particulate Organic Pollution

PubMed Central

Grigas, T.; Ovadnevaite, J.; Ceburnis, D.; Moran, E.; McGovern, F. M.; Jennings, S. G.; O’Dowd, C.

2017-01-01

Since the 1980’s, measures mitigating the impact of transboundary air pollution have been implemented successfully as evidenced in the 1980–2014 record of atmospheric sulphur pollution over the NE-Atlantic, a key region for monitoring background northern-hemisphere pollution levels. The record reveals a 72–79% reduction in annual-average airborne sulphur pollution (SO4 and SO2, respectively) over the 35-year period. The NE-Atlantic, as observed from the Mace Head research station on the Irish coast, can be considered clean for 64% of the time during which sulphate dominates PM1 levels, contributing 42% of the mass, and for the remainder of the time, under polluted conditions, a carbonaceous (organic matter and Black Carbon) aerosol prevails, contributing 60% to 90% of the PM1 mass and exhibiting a trend whereby its contribution increases with increasing pollution levels. The carbonaceous aerosol is known to be diverse in source and nature and requires sophisticated air pollution policies underpinned by sophisticated characterisation and source apportionment capabilities to inform selective emissions-reduction strategies. Inauspiciously, however, this carbonaceous concoction is not measured in regulatory Air Quality networks. PMID:28303958

Sophisticated Clean Air Strategies Required to Mitigate Against Particulate Organic Pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigas, T.; Ovadnevaite, J.; Ceburnis, D.; Moran, E.; McGovern, F. M.; Jennings, S. G.; O'Dowd, C.

2017-03-01

Since the 1980’s, measures mitigating the impact of transboundary air pollution have been implemented successfully as evidenced in the 1980-2014 record of atmospheric sulphur pollution over the NE-Atlantic, a key region for monitoring background northern-hemisphere pollution levels. The record reveals a 72-79% reduction in annual-average airborne sulphur pollution (SO4 and SO2, respectively) over the 35-year period. The NE-Atlantic, as observed from the Mace Head research station on the Irish coast, can be considered clean for 64% of the time during which sulphate dominates PM1 levels, contributing 42% of the mass, and for the remainder of the time, under polluted conditions, a carbonaceous (organic matter and Black Carbon) aerosol prevails, contributing 60% to 90% of the PM1 mass and exhibiting a trend whereby its contribution increases with increasing pollution levels. The carbonaceous aerosol is known to be diverse in source and nature and requires sophisticated air pollution policies underpinned by sophisticated characterisation and source apportionment capabilities to inform selective emissions-reduction strategies. Inauspiciously, however, this carbonaceous concoction is not measured in regulatory Air Quality networks.

Sophisticated Clean Air Strategies Required to Mitigate Against Particulate Organic Pollution.

PubMed

Grigas, T; Ovadnevaite, J; Ceburnis, D; Moran, E; McGovern, F M; Jennings, S G; O'Dowd, C

2017-03-17

Since the 1980's, measures mitigating the impact of transboundary air pollution have been implemented successfully as evidenced in the 1980-2014 record of atmospheric sulphur pollution over the NE-Atlantic, a key region for monitoring background northern-hemisphere pollution levels. The record reveals a 72-79% reduction in annual-average airborne sulphur pollution (SO 4 and SO 2 , respectively) over the 35-year period. The NE-Atlantic, as observed from the Mace Head research station on the Irish coast, can be considered clean for 64% of the time during which sulphate dominates PM 1 levels, contributing 42% of the mass, and for the remainder of the time, under polluted conditions, a carbonaceous (organic matter and Black Carbon) aerosol prevails, contributing 60% to 90% of the PM 1 mass and exhibiting a trend whereby its contribution increases with increasing pollution levels. The carbonaceous aerosol is known to be diverse in source and nature and requires sophisticated air pollution policies underpinned by sophisticated characterisation and source apportionment capabilities to inform selective emissions-reduction strategies. Inauspiciously, however, this carbonaceous concoction is not measured in regulatory Air Quality networks.

Effect of Thiobacillus thioparus 1904 and sulphur addition on odour emission during aerobic composting.

PubMed

Gu, Wenjie; Sun, Wen; Lu, Yusheng; Li, Xia; Xu, Peizhi; Xie, Kaizhi; Sun, Lili; Wu, Hangtao

2018-02-01

The effects of sulphur and Thiobacillus thioparus 1904 on odour emissions during composting were studied. Results indicated that the sulphur addition reduced the pH and decreased cumulative emission of ammonia and the nitrogen loss by 47.80% and 44.23%, respectively, but the amount of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and the sulphur loss increased. The addition of T. thioparus 1904 effectively reduced the cumulative emissions of H 2 S, methyl sulphide, methanethiol, dimethyl disulphide and the sulphur loss by 33.24%, 81.24%, 32.70%, 54.22% and 54.24%, respectively. T. thioparus 1904 also limited the nitrogen loss. The combined application of sulphur and T. thioparus 1904 resulted in the greatest amount of nitrogen retention. The accumulation of ammonia emissions was reduced by 63.33%, and the nitrogen loss was reduced by 71.93%. The combined treatment did not increase the emission of VSCs. The application of sulphur and T. thioparus 1904 may help to control the odour of compost. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Optimization of digestion parameters for analysing the total sulphur of mine tailings by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

PubMed

Alam, Raquibul; Shang, Julie Q; Cheng, Xiangrong

2012-05-01

The oxidation of sulphidic mine tailings and consequent acid generation poses challenges for the environment. Accurate and precise analysis of sulphur content is necessary for impact assessment and management of mine tailings. Here, the authors aim at developing a rapid and easy digestion procedure, which may analyse and measure the total amount of sulphur in mine tailings by using inductively coupled plasma. For evaluating effects of several variables, the researchers used a univariate (analysis of variance (ANOVA)) strategy and considered factors such as composition of the acid mixture, heating time, and refluxing device to optimize the performance. To do the experiment, the researchers have used two certified reference materials (KZK-1 and RTS-2) and samples of tailings from Musselwhite mine. ANOVA result shows that heating time is the most influencing factor on acid digestion of the reference materials whereas in case of a digestion of tailings sample, hydrochloric acid proved to be the most significant parameter. Satisfactory results between the measured and referenced values are found for all experiments. It is found that the aqua regia (1 ml HNO(3) + 3 ml HCl) digestion of 0.1 g of samples after only 40 min of heating at 95°C produced fast, safe, and accurate analytical results with a recovery of 97% for the selected reference materials.

Cleaning procedure for improved photothermal background of toroidal optical microresonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horak, Erik H.; Knapper, Kassandra A.; Heylman, Kevin D.; Goldsmith, Randall H.

2016-09-01

High Q-factors and small mode volumes have made toroidal optical microresonators exquisite sensors to small shifts in the effective refractive index of the WGM modes. Eliminating contaminants and improving quality factors is key for many different sensing techniques, and is particularly important for photothermal imaging as contaminants add photothermal background obscuring objects of interest. Several different cleaning procedures including wet- and dry-chemical procedures are tested for their effect on Q-factors and photothermal background. RCA cleaning was shown to be successful in contrast to previously described acid cleaning procedures, most likely due to the different surface reactivity of the acid reagents used. UV-ozone cleaning was shown to be vastly superior to O2 plasma cleaning procedures, significantly reducing the photothermal background of the resonator.

Parallel-plate wet denuder coupled ion chromatograph for near-real-time detection of trace acidic gases in clean room air.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Masaki; Tsunoda, Hiromichi; Tanaka, Hideji; Shiramizu, Yoshimi

2011-01-01

This paper describes the performance of our automated acidic (CH(3)COOH, HCOOH, HCl, HNO(2), SO(2), and HNO(3)) gases monitor utilizing a parallel-plate wet denuder (PPWD). The PPWD quantitatively collects gaseous contaminants at a high sample flow rate (∼8 dm(3) min(-1)) compared to the conventional methods used in a clean room. Rapid response to any variability in the sample concentration enables near-real-time monitoring. In the developed monitor, the analyte collected with the PPWD is pumped into one of two preconcentration columns for 15 min, and determined by means of ion chromatography. While one preconcentration column is used for chromatographic separation, the other is used for loading the sample solution. The system allows continuous monitoring of the common acidic gases in an advanced semiconductor manufacturing clean room. 2011 © The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry

Acid rain and its ecological consequences.

PubMed

Singh, Anita; Agrawal, Madhoolika

2008-01-01

Acidification of rain-water is identified as one of the most serious environmental problems of transboundary nature. Acid rain is mainly a mixture of sulphuric and nitric acids depending upon the relative quantities of oxides of sulphur and nitrogen emissions. Due to the interaction of these acids with other constituents of the atmosphere, protons are released causing increase in the soil acidity Lowering of soil pH mobilizes and leaches away nutrient cations and increases availability of toxic heavy metals. Such changes in the soil chemical characteristics reduce the soil fertility which ultimately causes the negative impact on growth and productivity of forest trees and crop plants. Acidification of water bodies causes large scale negative impact on aquatic organisms including fishes. Acidification has some indirect effects on human health also. Acid rain affects each and every components of ecosystem. Acid rain also damages man-made materials and structures. By reducing the emission of the precursors of acid rain and to some extent by liming, the problem of acidification of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem has been reduced during last two decades.

Nitrogen and sulphur mustard induced histopathological observations in mouse visceral organs.

PubMed

Sharma, Manoj; Pant, S C; Pant, J C; Vijayaraghavan, R

2010-11-01

Nitrogen mustards (HN) and sulphur mustard (SM) are potent alkylating blister inducing chemical warfare agents. Single 1.0 LD50 dose produced a progressive fall in body weight from second day onwards in all groups of mustard agents exposed animals. Histological examination of spleen, liver skin and kidney revealed significant histopathological lesions in nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard. These lesions include granulovascular degeneration with perinuclear clumping of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and renal parenchymal cells. Renal lesions were characterized by congestion and hemorrhage. The maximum toxic manifestation were noted in spleen and skin of HN-3 exposed mice while sulphur mustard reported maximum toxicity in liver and kidneys. The study suggests both nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard to be extremely toxic by percutaneous route based on histopathological observation and can contributed to earlier reported free radical generation by these toxicants.

Fluidized-Bed Cleaning of Silicon Particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rohatgi, Naresh K.; Hsu, George C.

1987-01-01

Fluidized-bed chemical cleaning process developed to remove metallic impurities from small silicon particles. Particles (250 micrometer in size) utilized as seed material in silane pyrolysis process for production of 1-mm-size silicon. Product silicon (1 mm in size) used as raw material for fabrication of solar cells and other semiconductor devices. Principal cleaning step is wash in mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids, leaching out metals and carrying them away as soluble chlorides. Particles fluidized by cleaning solution to assure good mixing and uniform wetting.

Efficacy of mineral cationic carrier against sulphur mustard in skin decontamination.

PubMed

Vucemilović, Ante; Hadzija, Mirko; Jukić, Ivan

2008-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate decontamination (absorption) efficacy of a preparation called Mineral Cationic Carrier (MCC) against skin contamination with sulphur mustard in vivo. MCC is a synthetic preparation with known ion exchange, absorption efficiency, and bioactive potential. CBA mice were applied increasing doses of sulphur mustard on their skin and MCC was administered immediately after skin contamination. The results have confirmed the decontamination efficacy of MCC preparation, corresponding to 8.4 times the LD50 of percutaneous sulphur mustard, and call for further investigation.

Iron binding activity is essential for the function of IscA in iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis

PubMed Central

Landry, Aaron P.; Cheng, Zishuo; Ding, Huangen

2013-01-01

Iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis requires coordinated delivery of iron and sulphur to scaffold proteins, followed by transfer of the assembled clusters from scaffold proteins to target proteins. This complex process is accomplished by a group of dedicated iron-sulphur cluster assembly proteins that are conserved from bacteria to humans. While sulphur in iron-sulphur clusters is provided by L-cysteine via cysteine desulfurase, the iron donor(s) for iron-sulphur cluster assembly remains largely elusive. Here we report that among the primary iron-sulphur cluster assembly proteins, IscA has a unique and strong binding activity for mononuclear iron in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the ferric iron centre tightly bound in IscA can be readily extruded by L-cysteine, followed by reduction to ferrous iron for iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis. Substitution of the highly conserved residue tyrosine 40 with phenylalanine (Y40F) in IscA results in a mutant protein that has a diminished iron binding affinity but retains the iron-sulphur cluster binding activity. Genetic complementation studies show that the IscA Y40F mutant is inactive in vivo, suggesting that the iron binding activity is essential for the function of IscA in iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis. PMID:23258274

Iron binding activity is essential for the function of IscA in iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis.

PubMed

Landry, Aaron P; Cheng, Zishuo; Ding, Huangen

2013-03-07

Iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis requires coordinated delivery of iron and sulphur to scaffold proteins, followed by transfer of the assembled clusters from scaffold proteins to target proteins. This complex process is accomplished by a group of dedicated iron-sulphur cluster assembly proteins that are conserved from bacteria to humans. While sulphur in iron-sulphur clusters is provided by L-cysteine via cysteine desulfurase, the iron donor(s) for iron-sulphur cluster assembly remains largely elusive. Here we report that among the primary iron-sulphur cluster assembly proteins, IscA has a unique and strong binding activity for mononuclear iron in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the ferric iron centre tightly bound in IscA can be readily extruded by l-cysteine, followed by reduction to ferrous iron for iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis. Substitution of the highly conserved residue tyrosine 40 with phenylalanine (Y40F) in IscA results in a mutant protein that has a diminished iron binding affinity but retains the iron-sulphur cluster binding activity. Genetic complementation studies show that the IscA Y40F mutant is inactive in vivo, suggesting that the iron binding activity is essential for the function of IscA in iron-sulphur cluster biogenesis.

Cleaning agents and asthma.

PubMed

Quirce, S; Barranco, P

2010-01-01

Although cleaners represent a significant part of the working population worldwide, they remain a relatively understudied occupational group. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between cleaning work and asthma, but the risk factors are uncertain. Cleaning workers are exposed to a large variety of cleaning products containing both irritants and sensitizers, as well as to common indoor allergens and pollutants. Thus, the onset or aggravation of asthma in this group could be related to an irritant-induced mechanism or to specific sensitization. The main sensitizers contained in cleaning products are disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds (such as benzalkonium chloride), amine compounds, and fragrances.The strongest airway irritants in cleaning products are bleach (sodium hypochlorite), hydrochloric acid, and alkaline agents (ammonia and sodium hydroxide), which are commonly mixed together. Exposure to the ingredients of cleaning products may give rise to both new-onset asthma, with or without a latency period, and work-exacerbated asthma. High-level exposure to irritants may induce reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. Cleaning workers may also have a greater relative risk of developing asthma due to prolonged low-to-moderate exposure to respiratory irritants. In addition, asthma-like symptoms without confirmed asthma are also common after exposure to cleaning agents. In many cleaners, airway symptoms induced by chemicals and odors cannot be explained by allergic or asthmatic reactions. These patients may have increased sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin, which is known to reflect sensory reactivity, and this condition is termed airway sensory hyperreactivity.

Identification and distribution of sulfate reducing bacteria and sulphur-oxidising bacteria in northern South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, S.; Zhu, X.; Guan, H.; Wu, D.; Wu, N.

2015-12-01

Fatty acids are one of the major components in modern marine sediments. It is well known that the saturated short-chain FAs were typically to be from vascular plants, algae, bacteria, and other sources, while the saturated long-chain FAs are the major components found in leaf waxes, suberin, and cutin in terrestrial higher plants. So the lipid biomarkers of fatty acids in Site 4B from Shenhu Area, northern South China Sea were investigated in Recent research supported from the 973 Program (2009CB219506), and the resources of branched fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were mainly discussed. The results reveal that i/a15:0, i/a17:0, 16:1ω5, 18:1ω9 and 10me16:0 are derived from sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), while 16:1ω7t/c and 18:1ω7 are originated from sulphur-oxidising bacteria (SOB). The biomakers of methanotrophs such as 16:1ω6/8 and 18:1ω6/8 were not detected in the sediments which coincide with more positive carbon isotope values of the fatty acids in the sediments. The stable relationship between SRB and SOB below 97cm in the sediments reflects the relative stable oxidative and reductive depositional environment which may be connected with the sulphur cycle in the sediments, that is carried out as sulfate is reduced to sulfide, and then sulfide is oxidized to sulfate and elemental sulfur, at last elemental sulfur is disproportionated to sulfide and sulfate. The frequently changed relationship of SRB and SOB above 97cm in the sediments indicates intensely changing oxidative and reductive sedimental environment, that may related with diapir structure around Site 4B, which also brings about hydrocarbon seepage leading to increasing biomass at 97cm.

Determination of the wine preservative sulphur dioxide with cyclic voltammetry using inkjet printed electrodes.

PubMed

Schneider, Marion; Türke, Alexander; Fischer, Wolf-Joachim; Kilmartin, Paul A

2014-09-15

During winemaking sulphur dioxide is added to prevent undesirable reactions. However, concerns over the harmful effects of sulphites have led to legal limits being placed upon such additives. There is thus a need for simple and selective determinations of sulphur dioxide in wine, especially during winemaking. The simultaneous detection of polyphenols and sulphur dioxide, using cyclic voltammetry at inert electrodes is challenging due to close oxidation potentials. In the present study, inkjet printed electrodes were developed with a suitable voltammetric signal on which the polyphenol oxidation is suppressed and the oxidation peak height for sulphur dioxide corresponds linearly to the concentration. Different types of working electrodes were printed. Electrodes consisting of gold nanoparticles mixed with silver showed the highest sensitivity towards sulphur dioxide. Low cost production of the sensor elements and ultra fast determination of sulphur dioxide by cyclic voltammetry makes this technique very promising for the wine industry. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence for sulphur implantation in Europa's UV absorption band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lane, A. L.; Nelson, R. M.; Matson, D. L.

1981-01-01

The UV spectral characteristics of the Galilean satellites are investigated (using data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spacecraft) as a function of the orbital position, large-scale areal variability, and temporal dynamics. The discovery of an absorption feature at 280 nm in Europa's reflection spectrum is reported and observations show that the absorption is strongest on the trailing hemisphere (central longitude 270 degrees). The feature resembles SO2 and seems to result from S-O bond formation between deeply implanted sulphur atoms and the adjacent damaged water-ice-lattice. The sulphur supposedly comes from energetic (hundreds of keV) sulphur ions that are present in the Jovian magnetosphere. An appropriate equilibrium condition can be found to match the observed spectral data if sputtering erosion occurs at no greater than approximately 20 meters per one billion years.

LC-MS/MS determination of tranexamic acid in human plasma after phospholipid clean-up.

PubMed

Fabresse, Nicolas; Fall, Fanta; Etting, Isabelle; Devillier, Philippe; Alvarez, Jean-Claude; Grassin-Delyle, Stanislas

2017-07-15

Tranexamic acid is a widely used antifibrinolytic drug but its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics remains poorly understood. Owing to the recent knowledge on phospholipid-induced matrix effects during human plasma analysis, our aim was to develop a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of tranexamic acid after efficient sample clean-up. Sample preparation consisted in phospholipid removal and protein precipitation. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography was used and the detection was achieved with multiple reaction monitoring. The method was validated according to the European Medicine Agency guideline in the range 1.0-1000.0μg/mL. The performance of the method was excellent with a precision in the range 1.2-3.0%, an accuracy between 88.4 and 96.6% and a coefficient of variation of the internal standard-normalized matrix factor below 6.7%. This method is suitable for the quantification of tranexamic acid in the wide range of concentrations observed during clinical studies, with all the advantages related to phospholipid removal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Delayed head and neck complications of sulphur mustard poisoning in Iranian veterans.

PubMed

Zojaji, R; Balali-Mood, M; Mirzadeh, M; Saffari, A; Maleki, M

2009-10-01

Sulphur mustard is a chemical warfare agent which was used against Iranian combatants and civilians between 1983 and 1988. The purpose of this study was to document the delayed toxic effects of sulphur mustard in Iranian veterans, focussing on head and neck complications. This was a two-year, prospective, descriptive study of 43 male Iranian veterans aged 34 to 48 years (mean 41.8 years) who were moderately disabled or worse due to sulphur mustard poisoning. Investigations were performed with consent, including haematological, biochemical and immunological tests, spirometry, chest X-ray, high resolution computed tomography of the lungs, and skin biopsies. Further investigations and interventions were performed as clinically indicated. The most affected sites were the lungs (95 per cent), peripheral nerves (77 per cent), skin (73 per cent), eyes (68 per cent), and head and neck (16.2 per cent). Of seven patients with mostly head and neck complications, four had a skin disorder (hyperpigmentation in all four, an erythematous, papular rash in two, and dry skin in one). Two patients had thyroid cancer (undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma in one and papillary carcinoma of a thyroglossal cyst in the other, 12 and 14 years after sulphur mustard exposure, respectively). One patient had nasopharyngeal carcinoma, 12 years after sulphur mustard exposure. Carcinomas of the thyroid and nasopharynx in three patients with sulphur mustard exposure are reported for the first time.

Regional modelling of anthropogenic sulphur in Southeast Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engardt, M.; Leong, C. P.

A co-operative research project between the Malaysian Meteorological Service (MMS) and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) focussing on the usage of an atmospheric transport and chemistry model, has just been initiated. Here, we describe the main features of the dispersion model and discuss a first set of calculations in light of available measurements of sulphuric species in Southeast Asia. According to our results, anthropogenic sulphur concentrations and depositions are particularly high near the large cities of the region, around a metal smelter in the southern Philippines, and in a region extending from northern Vietnam into southeastern China. These areas coincide with the high-emissions regions of Southeast Asia and we tentatively conclude that regional transport of acidifying species is not as far-reaching as in the mid-latitudes. From our calculations, and from supporting measurements we conclude that most of rural Southeast Asia is not yet severely affected by anthropogenic sulphur, but given the rapid rate of economical development in this region the situation may deteriorate quickly. Areas that are particularly at risk include the large cities, northern Vietnam, most of central Thailand, most of peninsular Malaysia, eastern Sumatra and parts of Java, all of which receive total-sulphur depositions in excess of 0.5 g S m -2 yr -1. Our model simulates sulphate in precipitation in accordance with measurements, but it has a tendency to overestimate atmospheric SO 2. It remains to be investigated whether this is a problem in the model formulation or a result of unrepresentative sampling. An immediate continuation of this study should be performed with higher spatial resolution than the currently used 100×100 km 2. Other imperfections in this model study, which should be addressed in future work, include parameterised vertical transport in deep convective clouds, the influence of natural emissions (primarily from volcanoes) on the

Rapid and precise determination of total sulphur in soda-lime-silica glasses.

PubMed

Beesley, W J; Chamberlain, B R

1974-04-01

A method is described for the determination of total sulphur in small amounts of soda-lime-silica glasses (100 mg or less). The crushed glass is mixed with vanadium pentoxide and decomposed at 1450 degrees under oxygen. The sulphur is quantitatively removed from the glass and determined by a conductometric technique. The method is standardized by accurately injecting sulphur dioxide into the furnace tube. The analysis time is about 10 min and the overall precision (2s) is of the order of 5%.

Sulphur management in onion (Allium cepa) cultivation in hills of Himachal Pradesh.

PubMed

Jaggi, R C; Sharma, R K

2010-05-01

Field experiment were conducted at CSK HPKV Research Farm, Palampur during Rabi seasons of 2000-01 and 2001-02, to study the response of onion (Allium cepa var Patna red) at four sulphur levels (0, 15, 30 and 60 kg ha(-1)) applied through Gypsum and S95. The analysis was done to allocate the limited availability of sulphur for maximizing net profit over fertilizer cost. The results show that the dose of sulphur under its full availability is 43.02 kg ha(-1). But under its scarce availability the maximum benefit would occur when it is applied up to 32.11 kg ha(-1) followed by even distribution of fertilizer i.e. 20 kg ha(-1). The returns following sulphur application at these rates, would be Rs 69340, 73092 and 68700 ha(-1) respectively.

No positive effect of Acid etching or plasma cleaning on osseointegration of titanium implants in a canine femoral condyle press-fit model.

PubMed

Saksø, H; Jakobsen, T; Saksø, M; Baas, J; Jakobsen, Ss; Soballe, K

2013-01-01

Implant surface treatments that improve early osseointegration may prove useful in long-term survival of uncemented implants. We investigated Acid Etching and Plasma Cleaning on titanium implants. In a randomized, paired animal study, four porous coated Ti implants were inserted into the femurs of each of ten dogs. PC (Porous Coating; control)PC+PSHA (Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite; positive control)PC+ET (Acid Etch)PC+ET+PLCN (Plasma Cleaning) After four weeks mechanical fixation was evaluated by push-out test and osseointegration by histomorphometry. The PSHA-coated implants were better osseointegrated than the three other groups on outer surface implant porosity (p<0.05) while there was no statistical difference in deep surface implant porosity when compared with nontreated implant. Within the deep surface implant porosity, there was more newly formed bone in the control group compared to the ET and ET+PCLN groups (p<0.05). In all compared groups, there was no statistical difference in any biomechanical parameter. In terms of osseointegration on outer surface implant porosity PC+PSHA was superior to the other three groups. Neither the acid etching nor the plasma cleaning offered any advantage in terms of implant osseointegration. There was no statistical difference in any of the biomechanical parameters among all groups in the press-fit model at 4 weeks of evaluation time.

Post space cleaning using a new nickel titanium endodontic drill combined with different cleaning regimens.

PubMed

Coniglio, Ivanovic; Magni, Elisa; Goracci, Cecilia; Radovic, Ivana; Carvalho, Carlos Augusto; Grandini, Simone; Ferrari, Marco

2008-01-01

This study compared the effect of two drills and five cleaning regimens on post space debridement. One hundred extracted premolars were instrumented and obturated with warm vertical compaction of gutta percha. The teeth were divided into two groups according to the drill used to remove gutta percha/sealer and for post space preparation: a Largo drill (Largo; Dentsply, St Quentin en Yvelines, France) or a MTwo-PF drill (Sweden&Martina, Due Carrare, Padova, Italy). The following cleaning regimens were used: EDTA, ultrasonics, ultrasonics + EDTA, phosphoric acid, and distilled water. Scanning electron microscopic images of the post spaces were taken, and the presence of debris and of open dentin tubules were evaluated. The ultrasonics + EDTA, phosphoric acid, and EDTA groups were comparable in open tubules scores for both drills and in debris scores after the use of MTwo-PF (p > 0.05). The ultrasonics and control groups performed significantly worse (p < 0.05). The MTwo-PF drill resulted as effective as the Largo drill in obtaining a good post space cleaning, especially when followed by ultrasonics + EDTA irrigant regimen.

Biomaterial based sulphur di oxide gas sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, P. K.; Sarkar, A.

2013-06-01

Biomaterials are getting importance in the present research field of sensors. In this present paper performance of biomaterial based gas sensor made of gum Arabica and garlic extract had been studied. Extract of garlic clove with multiple medicinal and chemical utility can be proved to be useful in sensing Sulphur di Oxide gas. On exposure to Sulphur di Oxide gas the material under observation suffers some temporary structural change, which can be observed in form of amplified potentiometric change through simple electronic circuitry. Exploiting this very property a potentiometric gas sensor of faster response and recovery time can be designed. In this work sensing property of the said material has been studied through DC conductance, FTIR spectrum etc.

Microbial sulphur isotope fractionation in a Mars analogue environment at Rio Tinto, SW Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velasco, Esther; Mason, Paul; Gonzalez-Toril, Elena; Zegers, Tanja; Davies, Gareth; Amils, Ricardo

2010-05-01

The development of geochemical proxies for possible early life on Mars is important in preparation for future space missions, especially those that will return samples to Earth. Sulfur isotopes are likely to be a key future tool for this purpose since abundant sulphate minerals on the surface of Mars [1], such as jarosite (KFe3+3(SO4)2(OH)6), may record the activity of sulphur metabolizing microorganisms. Little is currently known about the sulphur isotope effects associated with sulphate reduction in the acidic environments where jarosite and other minerals are likely to have precipitated. Here we investigate the relationship between sulphate reducing activity and sulphur isotope fractionation in a modern hyper-acidic subareal environment at Rio Tinto, SW Spain [2,3,4]. The geochemical characteristics of Rio Tinto are the consequence of modern weathering of pyrite-rich ores in the Iberian Pyritic Belt, and the metabolism of iron and sulphur compounds by chemolithotrophic microorganisms. This results in a high concentration of ferric iron that is soluble under the acidic conditions generated by the biological activity. These conditions cause the precipitation of ferric-bearing minerals, including amorphous phases and hydronium jarosite. Sulphate reducing bacteria have recently been isolated from Rio Tinto sediments despite the fact that high concentrations of ferrous iron can inhibit microbial sulphate reduction. Flow-through reactor experiments were performed using sediment samples from Río Tinto, in localities where the potential for sulphate-reducing activity was previously identified. Sediments were taken both in the upper part of the river and in the estuary where tidal effects have created a dynamic environment, with mixing between hyperacidic and marine conditions. Sediments were incubated in the laboratory at 30oC, using an artificial input solution with sulphate in excess using techniques developed by Stam et al. [5]. Two sets of experiments were done at

Interrogating trees for isotopic archives of atmospheric sulphur deposition and comparison to speleothem records.

PubMed

Wynn, P M; Loader, N J; Fairchild, I J

2014-04-01

Palaeorecords which depict changes in sulphur dynamics form an invaluable resource for recording atmospheric pollution. Tree rings constitute an archive that are ubiquitously available and can be absolutely dated, providing the potential to explore local- to regional-scale trends in sulphur availability. Rapid isotopic analysis by a novel "on-line" method using elemental analyser isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) is developed, achieving sample precision of <0.4‰ using sample sizes of 40 mg wood powder. Tree cores from NE Italy show trends in pollution, evidenced through increasing concentrations of sulphur towards the youngest growth, and inverse trends in sulphur isotopes differentiating modern growth with light sulphur isotopes (+0.7‰) from pre-industrial growth (+7.5‰) influenced by bedrock composition. Comparison with speleothem records from the same location demonstrate replication, albeit offset in isotopic value due to groundwater storage. Using EA-IRMS, tree ring archives form a valuable resource for understanding local- to regional-scale sulphur pollution dynamics. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chronic aspartame intake causes changes in the trans-sulphuration pathway, glutathione depletion and liver damage in mice.

PubMed

Finamor, Isabela; Pérez, Salvador; Bressan, Caroline A; Brenner, Carlos E; Rius-Pérez, Sergio; Brittes, Patricia C; Cheiran, Gabriele; Rocha, Maria I; da Veiga, Marcelo; Sastre, Juan; Pavanato, Maria A

2017-04-01

No-caloric sweeteners, such as aspartame, are widely used in various food and beverages to prevent the increasing rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus, acting as tools in helping control caloric intake. Aspartame is metabolized to phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. Our aim was to study the effect of chronic administration of aspartame on glutathione redox status and on the trans-sulphuration pathway in mouse liver. Mice were divided into three groups: control; treated daily with aspartame for 90 days; and treated with aspartame plus N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Chronic administration of aspartame increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase activities and caused liver injury as well as marked decreased hepatic levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), γ-glutamylcysteine ​​(γ-GC), and most metabolites of the trans-sulphuration pathway, such as cysteine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine ​​(SAH). Aspartame also triggered a decrease in mRNA and protein levels of the catalytic subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLc) and cystathionine γ-lyase, and in protein levels of methionine adenosyltransferase 1A and 2A. N-acetylcysteine prevented the aspartame-induced liver injury and the increase in plasma ALT activity as well as the decrease in GSH, γ-GC, cysteine, SAM and SAH levels and GCLc protein levels. In conclusion, chronic administration of aspartame caused marked hepatic GSH depletion, which should be ascribed to GCLc down-regulation and decreased cysteine levels. Aspartame triggered blockade of the trans-sulphuration pathway at two steps, cystathionine γ-lyase and methionine adenosyltransferases. NAC restored glutathione levels as well as the impairment of the trans-sulphuration pathway. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Senate passes clean air bill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

In an 89 to 11 vote the Senate passed a clean air bill aimed at reducing pollution by the turn of the century by imposing tougher controls on American industry. The bill is the first revision of the Clean Air Act of 1970 in 13 years and calls for new limits on auto pollution to clean up smog in most U.S. cities, decreasing by half emissions by power plants that cause acid rain to protect the ecology, and increasing technological controls on factories to protect against cancer-causing and toxic substances. The bill will add about $20 billion per year to the estimated $33 billion cost of complying with current pollution laws.

Exposure to Fibres, Crystalline Silica, Silicon Carbide and Sulphur Dioxide in the Norwegian Silicon Carbide Industry

PubMed Central

Føreland, S.; Bye, E.; Bakke, B.; Eduard, W.

2008-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess personal exposure to fibres, crystalline silica, silicon carbide (SiC) and sulphur dioxide in the Norwegian SiC industry. Methods: Approximately 720 fibre samples, 720 respirable dust samples and 1400 total dust samples were collected from randomly chosen workers from the furnace, processing and maintenance departments in all three Norwegian SiC plants. The respirable dust samples were analysed for quartz, cristobalite and non-fibrous SiC content. Approximately 240 sulphur dioxide samples were collected from workers in the furnace department. Results: The sorting operators from all plants, control room and cleaning operators in Plant A and charger, charger/mix and payloader operators in Plant C had a geometric mean (GM) of fibre exposure above the Norwegian occupational exposure limit (OEL) (0.1 fibre cm−3). The cleaner operators in Plant A had the highest GM exposure to respirable quartz (20 μg m−3). The charger/mix operators in Plant C had the highest GM exposure to respirable cristobalite (38 μg m−3) and the refinery crusher operators in Plant A had the highest GM exposure to non-fibrous SiC (0.65 mg m−3). Exposure to the crystalline silica and non-fibrous SiC was generally low and between 0.4 and 2.1% of the measurements exceeded the OELs. The cleaner operators in Plant A had the highest GM exposure to respirable dust (1.3 mg m−3) and total dust (21 mg m−3). GM exposures for respirable dust above the Norwegian SiC industry-specific OEL of 0.5 mg m−3 were also found for refinery crusher operators in all plants and mix, charger, charger/mix and sorting operators in Plant C. Only 4% of the total dust measurements exceeded the OEL for nuisance dust of (10 mg m−3). Exposure to sulphur dioxide was generally low. However, peaks in the range of 10–100 p.p.m. were observed for control room and crane operators in Plants A and B and for charger and charger/mix operators in Plant C. Conclusion: Workers in

Transport of metals and sulphur in magmas by flotation of sulphide melt on vapour bubbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mungall, J. E.; Brenan, J. M.; Godel, B.; Barnes, S. J.; Gaillard, F.

2015-03-01

Emissions of sulphur and metals from magmas in Earth’s shallow crust can have global impacts on human society. Sulphur-bearing gases emitted into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions affect climate, and metals and sulphur can accumulate in the crust above a magma reservoir to form giant copper and gold ore deposits, as well as massive sulphur anomalies. The volumes of sulphur and metals that accumulate in the crust over time exceed the amounts that could have been derived from an isolated magma reservoir. They are instead thought to come from injections of multiple new batches of vapour- and sulphide-saturated magmas into the existing reservoirs. However, the mechanism for the selective upward transfer of sulphur and metals is poorly understood because their main carrier phase, sulphide melt, is dense and is assumed to settle to the bottoms of magma reservoirs. Here we use laboratory experiments as well as gas-speciation and mass-balance models to show that droplets of sulphide melt can attach to vapour bubbles to form compound drops that float. We demonstrate the feasibility of this mechanism for the upward mobility of sulphide liquids to the shallow crust. Our work provides a mechanism for the atmospheric release of large amounts of sulphur, and contradicts the widely held assumption that dense sulphide liquids rich in sulphur, copper and gold will remain sequestered in the deep crust.

Sulphur shuttling across a chaperone during molybdenum cofactor maturation.

PubMed

Arnoux, Pascal; Ruppelt, Christian; Oudouhou, Flore; Lavergne, Jérôme; Siponen, Marina I; Toci, René; Mendel, Ralf R; Bittner, Florian; Pignol, David; Magalon, Axel; Walburger, Anne

2015-02-04

Formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) are of interest as they are natural catalysts that sequester atmospheric CO2, generating reduced carbon compounds with possible uses as fuel. FDHs activity in Escherichia coli strictly requires the sulphurtransferase EcFdhD, which likely transfers sulphur from IscS to the molybdenum cofactor (Mo-bisPGD) of FDHs. Here we show that EcFdhD binds Mo-bisPGD in vivo and has submicromolar affinity for GDP-used as a surrogate of the molybdenum cofactor's nucleotide moieties. The crystal structure of EcFdhD in complex with GDP shows two symmetrical binding sites located on the same face of the dimer. These binding sites are connected via a tunnel-like cavity to the opposite face of the dimer where two dynamic loops, each harbouring two functionally important cysteine residues, are present. On the basis of structure-guided mutagenesis, we propose a model for the sulphuration mechanism of Mo-bisPGD where the sulphur atom shuttles across the chaperone dimer.

Antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics for iron-sulphur cluster deficiency myopathy.

PubMed

Kollberg, Gittan; Holme, Elisabeth

2009-12-01

Iron-sulphur cluster deficiency myopathy is caused by a deep intronic mutation in ISCU resulting in inclusion of a cryptic exon in the mature mRNA. ISCU encodes the iron-sulphur cluster assembly protein IscU. Iron-sulphur clusters are essential for most basic redox transformations including the respiratory-chain function. Most patients are homozygous for the mutation with a phenotype characterized by a non-progressive myopathy with childhood onset of early fatigue, dyspnoea and palpitation on trivial exercise. A more severe phenotype with early onset of a slowly progressive severe muscle weakness, severe exercise intolerance and cardiomyopathy is caused by a missense mutation in compound with the intronic mutation. Treatment of cultured fibroblasts derived from three homozygous patients with an antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide for 48 h resulted in 100% restoration of the normal splicing pattern. The restoration was stable and after 21 days the correctly spliced mRNA still was the dominating RNA species.

Sulphur shuttling across a chaperone during molybdenum cofactor maturation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnoux, Pascal; Ruppelt, Christian; Oudouhou, Flore; Lavergne, Jérôme; Siponen, Marina I.; Toci, René; Mendel, Ralf R.; Bittner, Florian; Pignol, David; Magalon, Axel; Walburger, Anne

2015-02-01

Formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) are of interest as they are natural catalysts that sequester atmospheric CO2, generating reduced carbon compounds with possible uses as fuel. FDHs activity in Escherichia coli strictly requires the sulphurtransferase EcFdhD, which likely transfers sulphur from IscS to the molybdenum cofactor (Mo-bisPGD) of FDHs. Here we show that EcFdhD binds Mo-bisPGD in vivo and has submicromolar affinity for GDP—used as a surrogate of the molybdenum cofactor’s nucleotide moieties. The crystal structure of EcFdhD in complex with GDP shows two symmetrical binding sites located on the same face of the dimer. These binding sites are connected via a tunnel-like cavity to the opposite face of the dimer where two dynamic loops, each harbouring two functionally important cysteine residues, are present. On the basis of structure-guided mutagenesis, we propose a model for the sulphuration mechanism of Mo-bisPGD where the sulphur atom shuttles across the chaperone dimer.

Thymus-like activities of sulphur derivatives on T-cell differentiation

PubMed Central

1977-01-01

Levamisole and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate can induce in vivo thymocyte differentiation from precursor spleen cells of nu/nu mice and evoke indirect plaque-forming cells in nude mice immunized with sheep red cells. These sulphur drugs induce in thymusless mice the production of a serum factor which transfer in vivo immune enhancement and in vitro thymocyte differentiation. In vivo treatment with sulphur derivative can substitute for an alleged thymice hormone. PMID:188971

Adsorption enhancement of elemental mercury onto sulphur-functionalized silica gel adsorbents.

PubMed

Johari, Khairiraihanna; Saman, Norasikin; Mat, Hanapi

2014-01-01

In this study, elemental mercury (EM) adsorbents were synthesized using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane as silica precursors. The synthesized silica gel (SG)-TEOS was further functionalized through impregnation with elemental sulphur and carbon disulphide (CS2). The SG adsorbents were then characterized by using scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infra-red spectrophotometer, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and energy-dispersive X-ray diffractometer. The EM adsorption of the SG adsorbents was determined using fabricated fixed-bed adsorber. The EM adsorption results showed that the sulphur-functionalized SG adsorbents had a greater Hgo breakthrough adsorption capacity, confirming that the presence of sulphur in silica matrices can improve Hgo adsorption performance due to their high affinity towards mercury. The highest Hgo adsorption capacity was observed for SG-TEOS(CS2) (82.62 microg/g), which was approximately 2.9 times higher than SG-TEOS (28.47 microg/g). The rate of Hgo adsorption was observed higher for sulphur-impregnated adsorbents, and decreased with the increase in the bed temperatures.

Paper-based electrochemical sensor for on-site detection of the sulphur mustard.

PubMed

Colozza, Noemi; Kehe, Kai; Popp, Tanja; Steinritz, Dirk; Moscone, Danila; Arduini, Fabiana

2018-06-22

Herein, we report a novel paper-based electrochemical sensor for on-site detection of sulphur mustards. This sensor was conceived combining office paper-based electrochemical sensor with choline oxidase enzyme to deliver a sustainable sensing tool. The mustard agent detection relies on the evaluation of inhibition degree of choline oxidase, which is reversibly inhibited by sulphur mustards, by measuring the enzymatic by-product H 2 O 2 in chronoamperometric mode. A nanocomposite constituted of Prussian Blue nanoparticles and Carbon Black was used as working electrode modifier to improve the electroanalytical performances. This bioassay was successfully applied for the measurement of a sulphur mustard, Yprite, obtaining a detection limit in the millimolar range (LOD = 0.9 mM). The developed sensor, combined with a portable and easy-to-use instrumentation, can be applied for a fast and cost-effective detection of sulphur mustards.

Agronomic effectiveness of biofertilizers with phosphate rock, sulphur and Acidithiobacillus for yam bean grown on a Brazilian tableland acidic soil.

PubMed

Stamford, N P; Santos, P R; Santos, C E S; Freitas, A D S; Dias, S H L; Lira, M A

2007-04-01

Phosphate rocks have low available P and soluble P fertilizers have been preferably used in plant crop production, although economic and effective P sources are needed. Experiments were carried out on a Brazilian Typic Fragiudult soil with low available P to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of phosphate rock (PR) compared with soluble phosphate fertilizer. Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) inoculated with rhizobia (strains NFB 747 and NFB 748) or not inoculated was the test crop. Biofertilizers were produced in field furrows by mixing phosphate rock (PR) and sulphur inoculated with Acidithiobacillus (S+Ac) in different rates (50, 100, 150 and 200 g S kg(-1) PR), with 60 days of incubation. Treatments were carried out with PR; biofertilizers B(50), B(100), B(150), B(200); triple super phosphate (TSP); B(200) without Acidithiobacillus and a control treatment without P application (P(0)). TSP and biofertilizers plus S inoculated with Acidithiobacillus increased plant growth. Soil acidity and available P increased when biofertilizers B(150) and B(200) were applied. We conclude that biofertilizers may be used as P source; however, long term use will reduce soil pH and potentially reduce crop growth.

The effect of copper pre-cleaning on graphene synthesis.

PubMed

Kim, Soo Min; Hsu, Allen; Lee, Yi-Hsien; Dresselhaus, Mildred; Palacios, Tomás; Kim, Ki Kang; Kong, Jing

2013-09-13

Copper foil is the most common substrate to synthesize monolayer graphene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The surface morphology and conditions of the copper foil can be very different depending on the various suppliers or different batches. These surface properties of copper strongly affect the growth behavior of graphene, thus rendering the growth conditions irreproducible when different batches of Cu foil are used. Furthermore, the quality of the graphene is severely affected as well. In this work, we report a facile method of copper pre-cleaning to improve the graphene quality and the reproducibility of the growth process. We found that the commercial Ni etchant (based on nitric acid) or nitric acid is the most effective cleaning agent among various acidic or basic solutions. The graphene grown on thus-treated copper surfaces is very clean and mostly monolayer when observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical imaging, as compared to the graphene grown on untreated copper foil. Different batches (but with the same catalog number) of copper foil from Alfa Aesar Company were examined to explore the effect of copper pre-cleaning; consistent growth results were obtained when pre-cleaning was used. This method overcomes a commonly encountered problem in graphene growth and could become one of the standard protocols for preparing the copper foil substrate for growing graphene or other 2D materials.

Biodegradation of the xenobiotic organic disulphide 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid by Rhodococcus erythropolis strain MI2 and comparison with the microbial utilization of 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid and 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid.

PubMed

Wübbeler, Jan Hendrik; Bruland, Nadine; Wozniczka, Milena; Steinbüchel, Alexander

2010-04-01

Application of the non-toxic 3,3'-thiodipropionic acid (TDP) and 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid (DTDP) as precursors for the microbial production of polythioesters (PTEs), a class of biologically persistent biopolymers containing sulphur in the backbone, was successfully established previously. However, synthesis of PTEs containing 4-mercaptobutyrate (4MB) as building blocks could not be achieved. The very harmful 4MB is not used as a PTE precursor or as the carbon source for growth by any known strain. As a promising alternative, the harmless oxidized disulfide of two molecules of 4MB, 4,4'-dithiodibutyric acid (DTDB), was employed for enrichments of bacterial strains capable of biodegradation. Investigation of novel precursor substrates for PTEs and comparison of respective strains growing on TDP, DTDP and DTDB as sole carbon source was accomplished. A broad variety of bacteria capable of using one of these organic sulphur compounds were isolated and compared. TDP and DTDP were degraded by several strains belonging to different genera, whereas all DTDB-utilizing strains were affiliated to the species Rhodococcus erythropolis. Transposon mutagenesis of R. erythropolis strain MI2 and screening of 7500 resulting mutants yielded three mutants exhibiting impaired growth on DTDB. Physiological studies revealed production of volatile hydrogen sulphide and accumulation of significant amounts of 4MB, 4-oxo-4-sulphanylbutanoic acid and succinic acid in the culture supernatants. Based on this knowledge, a putative pathway for degradation of DTDB was proposed: DTDB could be cleaved into two molecules of 4MB, followed by an oxidation yielding 4-oxo-4-sulphanylbutanoic acid. A putative desulphydrase probably catalyses the abstraction of sulphur, thereby generating succinic acid and hydrogen sulphide.

Chemical and isotopic characteristics of geothermal fluids from Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, Erouscilla P.; Fournier, Nicolas; Lindsay, Jan M.; Robertson, Richard; Beckles, Denise M.

2013-03-01

Sulphur Springs is a vigorous, geothermal field associated with the active Soufrière Volcanic Centre in southern Saint Lucia, Lesser Antilles island arc. The 'Sulphur Springs Park' is an important tourist attraction (touted as the 'world's only drive-through volcano') with some of the hot pools being developed into recreational pools. Some 200,000 people visit the park each year. Since 2001, the hydrothermal fluids of Sulphur Springs have been sampled as part of an integrated volcanic monitoring programme for the island. Gas and water samples were analysed to characterise the geochemistry of the hydrothermal system, and to assess the equilibrium state and subsurface temperatures of the reservoir. This has also enabled us, for the first time, to establish baseline data for future geochemical monitoring. The gases are of typical arc-type composition, with N2 excess and low He and Ar content. The dry gas composition is dominated by CO2 (ranging from 601-993 mmol/mol), with deeper magmatic sourced H2S-rich vapour undergoing boiling and redox changes in the geothermal reservoir to emerge with a hydrothermal signature in the fumarolic gases. Fluid contributions from magmatic degassing are also evident, mainly from the moderate to high contents of HCl and deeply-sourced H2S gas, respectively. Sulphur Springs hydrothermal waters have acid-sulphate type compositions (SO4 = 78-4008 mg/L; pH = 3-7), and are of primarily meteoric origin which have been affected by evaporation processes based on the enrichment in both δ18O and δD (δ18O = - 1 to 15‰ and δD = - 9 to 14‰ respectively) in relation to the global meteoric water line (GMWL). These waters are steam-heated water typically formed by absorption of H2S-rich gases in the near surface oxygenated groundwaters. Reservoir temperatures calculated from the evaluation of gas equilibria in the CO2-CH4-H2 system reveal higher temperatures (190 to 300 °C) than those derived from quartz geothermometry (95 to 169 °C), which

Clean Air Markets - Compliance Query Wizard

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Compliance Query Wizard is part of a suite of Clean Air Markets-related tools that are accessible at http://ampd.epa.gov/ampd/. The Compliance module provides final compliance results. Using the Compliance Query Wizard, the user can find compliance information associated with specific programs, facilities, states or time frames. Quick Reports and Prepackaged Datasets are also available for data that are commonly requested. Final compliance results are available for all years since 1995 for the Acid Rain Program and for the various NOx trading programs EPA has operated since 1999.EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) includes several market-based regulatory programs designed to improve air quality and ecosystems. The most well-known of these programs are EPA's Acid Rain Program and the NOx Programs, which reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-compounds that adversely affect air quality, the environment, and public health. CAMD also plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

Multi-residue analysis of 26 organochlorine pesticides in Alpinia oxyphylla by GC-ECD after solid phase extraction and acid cleanup.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiangsheng; Zhou, Yakui; Kong, Weijun; Gong, Bao; Chen, Deli; Wei, Jianhe; Yang, Meihua

2016-04-01

A simple and effective multi-residue method was developed and validated for the analysis of 26 organochlorine pesticide residues in Alpinia oxyphylla by a gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The target pesticides were extracted by sonication and cleaned up with florisil solid phase extraction and sulphuric acid. Some crucial parameters, including extraction solvent and time, sorbent type, elute solvent and concentration of sulphuric acid were optimized to improve the performance of sample preparation procedure. The optimized method gave high sensitivity with detection limit ranging from 0.1 to 2.0μg/kg. Matrix-matched calibration was employed for the quantification, and a wide linear range (from 1.0 to 1000μg/kg) with r(2) values ranging from 0.9971 to 0.9998 was obtained. For the majority of the tested pesticides, the average recoveries were in acceptable range (between 70% and 110%) with relative standard deviation values below 15.0%. Matrix effect was evaluated for target compounds through the study of ratio of peak area obtained in the solvent and blank matrix. The proposed method was applied to simultaneously analyze 26 pesticides in 55 batches of Alpinia oxyphylla samples. 3 samples were found to be positive with four pesticides (α-BHC, quintozene, trans-chlordane and op'-DDD), which were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Natural occurrence of microbial sulphur oxidation by long-range electron transport in the seafloor

PubMed Central

Malkin, Sairah Y; Rao, Alexandra MF; Seitaj, Dorina; Vasquez-Cardenas, Diana; Zetsche, Eva-Maria; Hidalgo-Martinez, Silvia; Boschker, Henricus TS; Meysman, Filip JR

2014-01-01

Recently, a novel mode of sulphur oxidation was described in marine sediments, in which sulphide oxidation in deeper anoxic layers was electrically coupled to oxygen reduction at the sediment surface. Subsequent experimental evidence identified that long filamentous bacteria belonging to the family Desulfobulbaceae likely mediated the electron transport across the centimetre-scale distances. Such long-range electron transfer challenges some long-held views in microbial ecology and could have profound implications for sulphur cycling in marine sediments. But, so far, this process of electrogenic sulphur oxidation has been documented only in laboratory experiments and so its imprint on the seafloor remains unknown. Here we show that the geochemical signature of electrogenic sulphur oxidation occurs in a variety of coastal sediment environments, including a salt marsh, a seasonally hypoxic basin, and a subtidal coastal mud plain. In all cases, electrogenic sulphur oxidation was detected together with an abundance of Desulfobulbaceae filaments. Complementary laboratory experiments in intertidal sands demonstrated that mechanical disturbance by bioturbating fauna destroys the electrogenic sulphur oxidation signal. A survey of published geochemical data and 16S rRNA gene sequences identified that electrogenic sulphide oxidation is likely present in a variety of marine sediments with high sulphide generation and restricted bioturbation, such as mangrove swamps, aquaculture areas, seasonally hypoxic basins, cold sulphide seeps and possibly hydrothermal vent environments. This study shows for the first time that electrogenic sulphur oxidation occurs in a wide range of marine sediments and that bioturbation may exert a dominant control on its natural distribution. PMID:24671086

Natural occurrence of microbial sulphur oxidation by long-range electron transport in the seafloor.

PubMed

Malkin, Sairah Y; Rao, Alexandra M F; Seitaj, Dorina; Vasquez-Cardenas, Diana; Zetsche, Eva-Maria; Hidalgo-Martinez, Silvia; Boschker, Henricus T S; Meysman, Filip J R

2014-09-01

Recently, a novel mode of sulphur oxidation was described in marine sediments, in which sulphide oxidation in deeper anoxic layers was electrically coupled to oxygen reduction at the sediment surface. Subsequent experimental evidence identified that long filamentous bacteria belonging to the family Desulfobulbaceae likely mediated the electron transport across the centimetre-scale distances. Such long-range electron transfer challenges some long-held views in microbial ecology and could have profound implications for sulphur cycling in marine sediments. But, so far, this process of electrogenic sulphur oxidation has been documented only in laboratory experiments and so its imprint on the seafloor remains unknown. Here we show that the geochemical signature of electrogenic sulphur oxidation occurs in a variety of coastal sediment environments, including a salt marsh, a seasonally hypoxic basin, and a subtidal coastal mud plain. In all cases, electrogenic sulphur oxidation was detected together with an abundance of Desulfobulbaceae filaments. Complementary laboratory experiments in intertidal sands demonstrated that mechanical disturbance by bioturbating fauna destroys the electrogenic sulphur oxidation signal. A survey of published geochemical data and 16S rRNA gene sequences identified that electrogenic sulphide oxidation is likely present in a variety of marine sediments with high sulphide generation and restricted bioturbation, such as mangrove swamps, aquaculture areas, seasonally hypoxic basins, cold sulphide seeps and possibly hydrothermal vent environments. This study shows for the first time that electrogenic sulphur oxidation occurs in a wide range of marine sediments and that bioturbation may exert a dominant control on its natural distribution.

Interaction of organic carbon, reduced sulphur and nitrate in anaerobic baffled reactor for fresh leachate treatment.

PubMed

Yin, Zhixuan; Xie, Li; Khanal, Samir Kumar; Zhou, Qi

2016-01-01

Interaction of organic carbon, reduced sulphur and nitrate was examined using anaerobic baffled reactor for fresh leachate treatment by supplementing nitrate and/or sulphide to compartment 3. Nitrate was removed completely throughout the study mostly via denitrification (>80%) without nitrite accumulation. Besides carbon source, various reduced sulphur (e.g. sulphide, elemental sulphur and organic sulphur) could be involved in the nitrate reduction process via sulphur-based autotrophic denitrification when dissolved organic carbon/nitrate ratio decreased below 1.6. High sulphide concentration not only stimulated autotrophic denitrification, but it also inhibited heterotrophic denitrification, resulting in a shift (11-20%) from heterotrophic denitrification to dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis further confirmed that sulphur-oxidizing nitrate-reducing bacteria were stimulated with increase in the proportion of bacterial population from 18.6% to 27.2% by high sulphide concentration, meanwhile, heterotrophic nitrate-reducing bacteria and fermentative bacteria were inhibited with 25.5% and 66.6% decrease in the bacterial population.

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary: Title IV

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page provides an overview of the 1990 amendments to Title IV of the Clean Air Act, which were enacted to curb acid rain, urban air pollution and toxic air emissions. The edits to this title deal with acid deposition control.

Silvering substrates after CO2 snow cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zito, Richard R.

2005-09-01

There have been some questions in the astronomical community concerning the quality of silver coatings deposited on substrates that have been cleaned with carbon dioxide snow. These questions center around the possible existence of carbonate ions left behind on the substrate by CO2. Such carbonate ions could react with deposited silver to produce insoluble silver carbonate, thereby reducing film adhesion and reflectivity. Carbonate ions could be produced from CO2 via the following mechanism. First, during CO2 snow cleaning, a small amount of moisture can condense on a surface. This is especially true if the jet of CO2 is allowed to dwell on one spot. CO2 gas can dissolve in this moisture, producing carbonic acid, which can undergo two acid dissociations to form carbonate ions. In reality, it is highly unlikely that charged carbonate ions will remain stable on a substrate for very long. As condensed water evaporates, Le Chatelier's principle will shift the equilibrium of the chain of reactions that produced carbonate back to CO2 gas. Furthermore, the hydration of CO2 reaction of CO2 with H20) is an extremely slow process, and the total dehydrogenation of carbonic acid is not favored. Living tissues that must carry out the equilibration of carbonic acid and CO2 use the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to speed up the reaction by a factor of one million. But no such enzymatic action is present on a clean mirror substrate. In short, the worst case analysis presented below shows that the ratio of silver atoms to carbonate radicals must be at least 500 million to one. The results of chemical tests presented here support this view. Furthermore, film lift-off tests, also presented in this report, show that silver film adhesion to fused silica substrates is actually enhanced by CO2 snow cleaning.

Single step transformation of sulphur to Li2S2/Li2S in Li-S batteries

PubMed Central

Helen, M.; Reddy, M. Anji; Diemant, Thomas; Golla-Schindler, Ute; Behm, R. Jürgen; Kaiser, Ute; Fichtner, Maximilian

2015-01-01

Lithium-sulphur batteries have generated tremendous research interest due to their high theoretical energy density and potential cost-effectiveness. The commercial realization of Li-S batteries is still hampered by reduced cycle life associated with the formation of electrolyte soluble higher-order polysulphide (Li2Sx, x = 4–8) intermediates, leading to capacity fading, self-discharge, and a multistep voltage profile. Herein, we have realized a practical approach towards a direct transformation of sulphur to Li2S2/Li2S in lithium-sulphur batteries by alteration of the reaction pathway. A coconut shell derived ultramicroporous carbon-sulphur composite cathode has been used as reaction directing template for the sulphur. The lithiation/delithiation and capacity fading mechanism of microporous carbon confined sulphur composite was revealed by analyzing the subsurface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. No higher-order polysulphides were detected in the electrolyte, on the surface, and in the subsurface of the cathode composite. The altered reaction pathway is reflected by a single-step profile in the discharge/charge of a lithium-sulphur cell. PMID:26173723

Epoxidation of cottonseed oil by aqueous hydrogen peroxide catalysed by liquid inorganic acids.

PubMed

Dinda, Srikanta; Patwardhan, Anand V; Goud, Vaibhav V; Pradhan, Narayan C

2008-06-01

The kinetics of epoxidation of cottonseed oil by peroxyacetic acid generated in situ from hydrogen peroxide and glacial acetic acid in the presence of liquid inorganic acid catalysts were studied. It was possible to obtain up to 78% relative conversion to oxirane with very less oxirane cleavage by in situ technique. The rate constants for sulphuric acid catalysed epoxidation of cottonseed oil were in the range 0.39-5.4 x 10(-6)L mol(-1)s(-1) and the activation energy was found to be 11.7 kcal mol(-1). Some thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy, entropy, and free energy of activation were determined to be of 11.0 kcal mol(-1), -51.4 cal mol(-1)K(-1) and 28.1 kcal mol(-1), respectively. The order of effectiveness of catalysts was found to be sulphuric acid>phosphoric acid>nitric acid>hydrochloric acid. Acetic acid was found to be superior to formic acid for the in situ cottonseed oil epoxidation.

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In 1989, President George W. Bush proposed revisions to the Clean Air Act designed to curb acid rain, urban air pollution, and toxic air emissions. The proposal also called for establishing a national permits program.

Recovery of elemental sulphur from anaerobic effluents through the biological oxidation of sulphides.

PubMed

de Sousa, José Tavares; Lima, Jéssyca de Freitas; da Silva, Valquíria Cordeiro; Leite, Valderi Duarte; Lopes, Wilton Silva

2017-03-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biological oxidation of sulphide in two different UASB reactors by assessing the occurrence of oxidized forms of sulphur in the effluents and the amount of S 0 that could be recovered in the process. The bioreactors employed were an anaerobic hybrid (AH) reactor employing porous polyurethane foam as support media and a micro-aerated UASB reactor equipped with an aeration device above the digestion zone. The AH reactor produced a final effluent containing low concentrations of S 2- (3.87% of total sulphur load). It was achieved due to a complete oxidation of 56.1% of total sulphur. The partial biological oxidation that occurred in the AH reactor allowed the recovery of 30% of the sulphur load as S 0 . The effluent from the micro-aerated UASB reactor contained 5% of the sulphur load in the form of S 2- , while 20.9% was present as dissolved SO 4 2- and 46% was precipitated as S 0 . It is concluded that the AH reactor or micro-aeration carried out above the digestion zone of the UASB reactor favoured the biological oxidation of S 2- and the release of odourless effluents. Both technologies represent feasible and low-cost alternatives for the anaerobic treatment of domestic sewage.

A green procedure using ozone for Cleaning-in-Place in the beverage industry.

PubMed

Nishijima, Wataru; Okuda, Tetsuji; Nakai, Satoshi; Okada, Mitsumasa

2014-06-01

Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) in the beverage industry is typically carried out in production lines with alkaline and acidic solutions with detergents. This cleaning not only produces alkaline and acidic wastewater with detergents but also takes significant time. One of the important targets for CIP is adsorbed odorous compounds on gaskets, hence, we have tried to establish a rapid and green CIP process to remove traces of such compounds, especially d-limonene, an odorous component of orange juice, using two approaches; an ozone cleaning method and a change of gasket material from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber to silicone rubber. By changing the gasket material from EPDM rubber to silicone rubber, the removability of d-limonene by typical alkaline and acidic cleanings with detergents was improved. However, complete removal of 4 mg g(-1) of d-limonene on both EPDM and silicone gaskets could not be achieved even using a series of conventional cleaning procedures that included alkaline and acidic cleaning for 220 min. Ozone treatment dramatically improved the removability of d-limonene, removing 87% from the EPDM gasket at 60 min and 100% from the silicone gasket at 30 min. The combination of the silicone gasket and ozone treatment resulted in the most effective cleaning. The main removal mechanism for ozone treatment was confirmed to be oxidation by molecular ozone. Effectiveness of changing the gasket material from EPDM rubber to silicone rubber in reducing residual amounts of odorous compounds adsorbed on the gaskets was also confirmed for furfural and 4-vinylguaiacol. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discharging a Li-S battery with ultra-high sulphur content cathode using a redox mediator.

PubMed

Kim, Kwi Ryong; Lee, Kug-Seung; Ahn, Chi-Yeong; Yu, Seung-Ho; Sung, Yung-Eun

2016-08-30

Lithium-sulphur batteries are under intense research due to the high specific capacity and low cost. However, several problems limit their commercialization. One of them is the insulating nature of sulphur, which necessitates a large amount of conductive agent and binder in the cathode, reducing the effective sulphur load as well as the energy density. Here we introduce a redox mediator, cobaltocene, which acts as an electron transfer agent between the conductive surface and the polysulphides in the electrolyte. We confirmed that cobaltocene could effectively convert polysulphides to Li2S using scanning electron microscope, X-ray absorption near-edge structure and in-situ X-ray diffraction studies. This redox mediator enabled excellent electrochemical performance in a cathode with ultra-high sulphur content (80 wt%). It delivered 400 mAh g(-1)cathode capacity after 50 cycles, which is equivalent to 800 mAh g(-1)S in a typical cathode with 50 wt% sulphur. Furthermore, the volumetric capacity was also dramatically improved.

Scrubbing intensification for sulphur and ammonia compounds removal.

PubMed

Couvert, A; Sanchez, C; Laplanche, A; Renner, C

2008-02-01

Operating conditions were optimised in a new compact scrubber in order to remove odorous sulphur (H(2)S and CH(3)SH) and ammonia compounds. The influence of the superficial gas and liquid velocities, pH, contactor length, inlet concentrations (sulphur compounds, ammonia, chlorine), and the mixing effects was characterised. Whereas abatement increased with velocities, pH and the chlorine concentration, an increase of inlet CH(3)SH concentration drove to a worse efficiency of process. Moreover, the contactor length and the presence of another pollutant in the gas phase only played a role on the methylmercaptan removal. Finally, the reactive consumptions were estimated at the outlet of the reactor. The chlorination by-product quantification permitted to understand the under-stoichiometry.

[Sulphurous vaginal douching and vulvovaginal atrophy].

PubMed

Costantino, M; Conti, V; Marongiu, M B; Napolano, G; Filippelli, A

2017-01-01

During climacteric the reduction or interruption of estrogenic stimulus determines a gradual atrophy of the tissues of the urogenital tract.Vulvovaginal atrophy can be cause of dryness, itch, burning, and dyspareunia. Vulvovaginal atrophy is associated also with depression. Hence the importance of an appropriate treatment of the vulvovaginal atrophy. Between therapeutic options we can add, particularly for women who suffer only from vaginal symptoms, the spa therapy that uses mineral waters with benefic effects on vaginal tissue wellness and health. On the basis of considerations described above and on the insufficient literature data, the objective of our single-arm pilot study has been to evaluate, in women suffering from vulvovaginal atrophy, the effects and safety of a vaginal douching cycle with sulphurous mineral water and impact on depression disorder frequently observed. The study was conducted on 24 women affected by vulvovaginal atrophy; mean age:57±11 years; age range:42-81 years. The subjects were treated, for 2 weeks, with sulphurous vaginal douching from Terme of Telese S.p.A. (Benevento-Italy). At the beginning and at the end of the SPA treatment the following symptoms were evaluated: dryness, burning, itch, dyspareunia and leucorrhoea (using VAS scale); the impact on psychological distress (using S.D.S. Zung-test). At the end of the spa treatment, the mean values±SD, compared to baseline, have showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in leucorrhoea (-88%), in vulvar itch (-79%), in vaginal burning (-71%), in vaginal dryness (-65%) with an improvement of psichological distress as demonstrated by S.D.S. Zung-test. The data of this single-arm pilot clinical trial show that the sulphurous vaginal douching cycle can be considered very useful in women suffering from vulvovaginal atrophy with improving of the quality of life and social relationship.

Sulphur cycling in a Neoarchaean microbial mat.

PubMed

Meyer, N R; Zerkle, A L; Fike, D A

2017-05-01

Multiple sulphur (S) isotope ratios are powerful proxies to understand the complexity of S biogeochemical cycling through Deep Time. The disappearance of a sulphur mass-independent fractionation (S-MIF) signal in rocks <~2.4 Ga has been used to date a dramatic rise in atmospheric oxygen levels. However, intricacies of the S-cycle before the Great Oxidation Event remain poorly understood. For example, the isotope composition of coeval atmospherically derived sulphur species is still debated. Furthermore, variation in Archaean pyrite δ 34 S values has been widely attributed to microbial sulphate reduction (MSR). While petrographic evidence for Archaean early-diagenetic pyrite formation is common, textural evidence for the presence and distribution of MSR remains enigmatic. We combined detailed petrographic and in situ, high-resolution multiple S-isotope studies (δ 34 S and Δ 33 S) using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to document the S-isotope signatures of exceptionally well-preserved, pyritised microbialites in shales from the ~2.65-Ga Lokammona Formation, Ghaap Group, South Africa. The presence of MSR in this Neoarchaean microbial mat is supported by typical biogenic textures including wavy crinkled laminae, and early-diagenetic pyrite containing <26‰ μm-scale variations in δ 34 S and Δ 33 S = -0.21 ± 0.65‰ (±1σ). These large variations in δ 34 S values suggest Rayleigh distillation of a limited sulphate pool during high rates of MSR. Furthermore, we identified a second, morphologically distinct pyrite phase that precipitated after lithification, with δ 34 S = 8.36 ± 1.16‰ and Δ 33 S = 5.54 ± 1.53‰ (±1σ). We propose that the S-MIF signature of this secondary pyrite does not reflect contemporaneous atmospheric processes at the time of deposition; instead, it formed by the influx of later-stage sulphur-bearing fluids containing an inherited atmospheric S-MIF signal and/or from magnetic isotope effects during thermochemical

Zero-valent sulphur is a key intermediate in marine methane oxidation.

PubMed

Milucka, Jana; Ferdelman, Timothy G; Polerecky, Lubos; Franzke, Daniela; Wegener, Gunter; Schmid, Markus; Lieberwirth, Ingo; Wagner, Michael; Widdel, Friedrich; Kuypers, Marcel M M

2012-11-22

Emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from marine sediments are controlled by anaerobic oxidation of methane coupled primarily to sulphate reduction (AOM). Sulphate-coupled AOM is believed to be mediated by a consortium of methanotrophic archaea (ANME) and sulphate-reducing Deltaproteobacteria but the underlying mechanism has not yet been resolved. Here we show that zero-valent sulphur compounds (S(0)) are formed during AOM through a new pathway for dissimilatory sulphate reduction performed by the methanotrophic archaea. Hence, AOM might not be an obligate syntrophic process but may be carried out by the ANME alone. Furthermore, we show that the produced S(0)--in the form of disulphide--is disproportionated by the Deltaproteobacteria associated with the ANME. Our observations expand the diversity of known microbially mediated sulphur transformations and have significant implications for our understanding of the biogeochemical carbon and sulphur cycles.

Sulphur-oxidizing and sulphate-reducing communities in Brazilian mangrove sediments.

PubMed

Varon-Lopez, Maryeimy; Dias, Armando Cavalcante Franco; Fasanella, Cristiane Cipolla; Durrer, Ademir; Melo, Itamar Soares; Kuramae, Eiko Eurya; Andreote, Fernando Dini

2014-03-01

Mangrove soils are anaerobic environments rich in sulphate and organic matter. Although the sulphur cycle is one of the major actors in this ecosystem, little is known regarding the sulphur bacteria communities in mangrove soils. We investigated the abundance, composition and diversity of sulphur-oxidizing (SOB) and sulphate-reducing (SRB) bacteria in sediments from three Brazilian mangrove communities: two contaminated, one with oil (OilMgv) and one with urban waste and sludge (AntMgv), and one pristine (PrsMgv). The community structures were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and clone libraries, using genes for the enzymes adenosine-5'-phosphosulphate reductase (aprA) and sulphite reductase (Dsr) (dsrB). The abundance for qPCR showed the ratio dsrB/aprA to be variable among mangroves and higher according to the gradient observed for oil contamination in the OilMgv. The PCR-DGGE patterns analysed by Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling revealed differences among the structures of the three mangrove communities. The clone libraries showed that Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria were the most abundant groups associated with sulphur cycling in mangrove sediments. We conclude that the microbial SOB and SRB communities in mangrove soils are different in each mangrove forest and that such microbial communities could possibly be used as a proxy for contamination in mangrove forests. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

Origin and diagenetic transformations of C 25 and C 30 highly branched isoprenoid sulphur compounds: Further evidence for the formation of organically bound sulphur during early diagenesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohnen, M. E. L.; Damsté, J. S. Slnninghe; Kock-van Dalen, A. C.; Haven, H. L. Ten; Rullkötter, J.; De Leeuw, J. W.

1990-11-01

A number of C 25 and C 30 highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) sulphur compounds (E.G., thiolanes, 1-oxo-thiolanes, thiophenes, and benzo[ b]thiophenes) with 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-7-(3-methylpentyl)pentadecane and 2,6,10,14,18-pentamethyl-7-(3-methylpentyl)nonadecane carbon skeletons were identified in sediments, ranging from Holocene to Upper Cretaceous. These identifications are based on mass spectral characterisation, desulphurisation, and, in some cases, by comparison of mass spectral and relative retention time data with those of authentic standards. The presence of unsaturated C 25 and C 30 HBI thiolanes in a Recent sediment from the Black Sea (age 3-6 × 10 3 a) strongly supports their formation during early diagenesis. The co-occurrence of HBI polyenes (C 25 and C 30) and unsaturated HBI thiolanes (C 25 and C 30) possessing two double bonds less than the corresponding HBI polyenes, in this Recent sediment, testifies to the formation of unsaturated HBI thiolanes by a reaction of inorganic sulphur species with double bonds of the HBI polyenes. Furthermore, a diagenetic scheme for HBI sulphur compounds is proposed based on the identification of HBI sulphur compounds in sediment samples with different maturity levels.

Sulphur Spring: Busy Intersection and Possible Martian Analogue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nankivell, A.; Andre, N.; Thomas-Keprta, K.; Allen, C.; McKay, D.

2000-01-01

Life in extreme environments exhibiting conditions similar to early Earth and Mars, such as Sulphur Spring, may harbor microbiota serving as both relics from the past as well as present day Martian analogues.

ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES FROM TANK 5F CHEMICAL CLEANING

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poirier, M.; Fink, S.

2011-03-07

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is preparing Tank 5F for closure. The first step in preparing the tank for closure is mechanical sludge removal. Following mechanical sludge removal, SRS performed chemical cleaning with oxalic acid to remove the sludge heel. Personnel are currently assessing the effectiveness of the chemical cleaning. SRS personnel collected liquid samples during chemical cleaning and submitted them to Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for analysis. Following chemical cleaning, they collected a solid sample (also known as 'process sample') and submitted it to SRNL for analysis. The authors analyzed these samples to assess the effectiveness of themore » chemical cleaning process. The conclusions from this work are: (1) With the exception of iron, the dissolution of sludge components from Tank 5F agreed with results from the actual waste demonstration performed in 2007. The fraction of iron removed from Tank 5F by chemical cleaning was significantly less than the fraction removed in the SRNL demonstrations. The likely cause of this difference is the high pH following the first oxalic acid strike. (2) Most of the sludge mass remaining in the tank is iron and nickel. (3) The remaining sludge contains approximately 26 kg of barium, 37 kg of chromium, and 37 kg of mercury. (4) Most of the radioactivity remaining in the residual material is beta emitters and {sup 90}Sr. (5) The chemical cleaning removed more than {approx} 90% of the uranium isotopes and {sup 137}Cs. (6) The chemical cleaning removed {approx} 70% of the neptunium, {approx} 83% of the {sup 90}Sr, and {approx} 21% of the {sup 60}Co. (7) The chemical cleaning removed less than 10% of the plutonium, americium, and curium isotopes. (8) The chemical cleaning removed more than 90% of the aluminium, calcium, and sodium from the tank. (9) The cleaning operations removed 61% of lithium, 88% of non-radioactive strontium, and 65% of zirconium. The {sup 90}Sr and non-radioactive strontium were

Investigation of sulphur isotope variation due to different processes applied during uranium ore concentrate production.

PubMed

Krajkó, Judit; Varga, Zsolt; Wallenius, Maria; Mayer, Klaus; Konings, Rudy

The applicability and limitations of sulphur isotope ratio as a nuclear forensic signature have been studied. The typically applied leaching methods in uranium mining processes were simulated for five uranium ore samples and the n ( 34 S)/ n ( 32 S) ratios were measured. The sulphur isotope ratio variation during uranium ore concentrate (UOC) production was also followed using two real-life sample sets obtained from industrial UOC production facilities. Once the major source of sulphur is revealed, its appropriate application for origin assessment can be established. Our results confirm the previous assumption that process reagents have a significant effect on the n ( 34 S)/ n ( 32 S) ratio, thus the sulphur isotope ratio is in most cases a process-related signature.

The mechanism of photosystem-II inactivation during sulphur deprivation-induced H2 production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

PubMed

Nagy, Valéria; Vidal-Meireles, André; Podmaniczki, Anna; Szentmihályi, Klára; Rákhely, Gábor; Zsigmond, Laura; Kovács, László; Tóth, Szilvia Z

2018-05-01

Sulphur limitation may restrain cell growth and viability. In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, sulphur limitation may induce H 2 production lasting for several days, which can be exploited as a renewable energy source. Sulphur limitation causes a large number of physiological changes, including the inactivation of photosystem II (PSII), leading to the establishment of hypoxia, essential for the increase in hydrogenase expression and activity. The inactivation of PSII has long been assumed to be caused by the sulphur-limited turnover of its reaction center protein PsbA. Here we reinvestigated this issue in detail and show that: (i) upon transferring Chlamydomonas cells to sulphur-free media, the cellular sulphur content decreases only by about 25%; (ii) as demonstrated by lincomycin treatments, PsbA has a significant turnover, and other photosynthetic subunits, namely RbcL and CP43, are degraded more rapidly than PsbA. On the other hand, sulphur limitation imposes oxidative stress early on, most probably involving the formation of singlet oxygen in PSII, which leads to an increase in the expression of GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase, playing an essential role in ascorbate biosynthesis. When accumulated to the millimolar concentration range, ascorbate may inactivate the oxygen-evolving complex and provide electrons to PSII, albeit at a low rate. In the absence of a functional donor side and sufficient electron transport, PSII reaction centers are inactivated and degraded. We therefore demonstrate that the inactivation of PSII is a complex and multistep process, which may serve to mitigate the damaging effects of sulphur limitation. © 2018 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Isotopic links between atmospheric chemistry and the deep sulphur cycle on Mars.

PubMed

Franz, Heather B; Kim, Sang-Tae; Farquhar, James; Day, James M D; Economos, Rita C; McKeegan, Kevin D; Schmitt, Axel K; Irving, Anthony J; Hoek, Joost; Dottin, James

2014-04-17

The geochemistry of Martian meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solid planet and the surface and atmospheric processes that occurred on Mars. The degree to which Martian magmas may have assimilated crustal material, thus altering the geochemical signatures acquired from their mantle sources, is unclear. This issue features prominently in efforts to understand whether the source of light rare-earth elements in enriched shergottites lies in crustal material incorporated into melts or in mixing between enriched and depleted mantle reservoirs. Sulphur isotope systematics offer insight into some aspects of crustal assimilation. The presence of igneous sulphides in Martian meteorites with sulphur isotope signatures indicative of mass-independent fractionation suggests the assimilation of sulphur both during passage of magmas through the crust of Mars and at sites of emplacement. Here we report isotopic analyses of 40 Martian meteorites that represent more than half of the distinct known Martian meteorites, including 30 shergottites (28 plus 2 pairs, where pairs are separate fragments of a single meteorite), 8 nakhlites (5 plus 3 pairs), Allan Hills 84001 and Chassigny. Our data provide strong evidence that assimilation of sulphur into Martian magmas was a common occurrence throughout much of the planet's history. The signature of mass-independent fractionation observed also indicates that the atmospheric imprint of photochemical processing preserved in Martian meteoritic sulphide and sulphate is distinct from that observed in terrestrial analogues, suggesting fundamental differences between the dominant sulphur chemistry in the atmosphere of Mars and that in the atmosphere of Earth.

Clean Air Act Requirements and History

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

In 1970 congress designed the Clean Air Act to combat a variety of air pollution problems, and to tackle emerging pollution threats such as public health, national welfare, toxic air pollutants, acid rain, protection of the ozone layer, and regional haze.

Low surface area graphene/cellulose composite as a host matrix for lithium sulphur batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Manu U. M.; Luong, Nguyen Dang; Seppälä, Jukka; Tchernychova, Elena; Dominko, Robert

2014-05-01

Graphene/cellulose composites were prepared and studied as potential host matrixes for sulphur impregnation and use in Li-S batteries. We demonstrate that with the proper design of a relatively low surface area graphene/cellulose composite, a high electrochemical performance along with good cyclability can be achieved. Graphene cellulose composites are built from two constituents: a two-dimensional electronic conductive graphene and cellulose fibres as a structural frame; together they form a laminar type of pore. The graphene sheets that uniformly anchor sulphur molecules provide confinement ability for polysulphides, sufficient space to accommodate sulphur volumetric expansion, a large contact area with the sulphur and a short transport pathway for both electrons and lithium ions. Nano-cellulose prevents the opening of graphene sheets due to the volume expansion caused by dissolved polysulphides during battery operation. This, in turn, prevents the diffusion of lithium polysulphides into the electrolyte, enabling a long cycle life.

Regulation of sulphur assimilation is essential for virulence and affects iron homeostasis of the human-pathogenic mould Aspergillus fumigatus.

PubMed

Amich, Jorge; Schafferer, Lukas; Haas, Hubertus; Krappmann, Sven

2013-01-01

Sulphur is an essential element that all pathogens have to absorb from their surroundings in order to grow inside their infected host. Despite its importance, the relevance of sulphur assimilation in fungal virulence is largely unexplored. Here we report a role of the bZIP transcription factor MetR in sulphur assimilation and virulence of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The MetR regulator is essential for growth on a variety of sulphur sources; remarkably, it is fundamental for assimilation of inorganic S-sources but dispensable for utilization of methionine. Accordingly, it strongly supports expression of genes directly related to inorganic sulphur assimilation but not of genes connected to methionine metabolism. On a broader scale, MetR orchestrates the comprehensive transcriptional adaptation to sulphur-starving conditions as demonstrated by digital gene expression analysis. Surprisingly, A. fumigatus is able to utilize volatile sulphur compounds produced by its methionine catabolism, a process that has not been described before and that is MetR-dependent. The A. fumigatus MetR transcriptional activator is important for virulence in both leukopenic mice and an alternative mini-host model of aspergillosis, as it was essential for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis and supported the systemic dissemination of the fungus. MetR action under sulphur-starving conditions is further required for proper iron regulation, which links regulation of sulphur metabolism to iron homeostasis and demonstrates an unprecedented regulatory crosstalk. Taken together, this study provides evidence that regulation of sulphur assimilation is not only crucial for A. fumigatus virulence but also affects the balance of iron in this prime opportunistic pathogen.

Stalagmite carbon isotopes and dead carbon proportion (DCP) in a near-closed-system situation: An interplay between sulphuric and carbonic acid dissolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bajo, Petra; Borsato, Andrea; Drysdale, Russell; Hua, Quan; Frisia, Silvia; Zanchetta, Giovanni; Hellstrom, John; Woodhead, Jon

2017-08-01

In this study, the 'dead carbon proportion' (DCP) calculated from combined U-Th and radiocarbon analyses was used to explore the carbon isotope systematics in Corchia Cave (Italy) speleothems, using the example of stalagmite CC26 which grew during the last ∼12 ka. The DCP values in CC26 are among the highest ever recorded in a stalagmite, spanning the range 44.8-68.8%. A combination of almost closed-system conditions and sulphuric acid dissolution (SAD) are proposed as major drivers in producing such a high DCP with minor contribution from old organic matter from the deep vadose zone. The long-term decrease in both DCP and δ13C most likely reflects post-glacial soil recovery above the cave, with a progressive increase of soil CO2 contribution to the total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Pronounced millennial-scale shifts in DCP and relatively small coeval but antipathetic changes in δ13C are modulated by the effects of hydrological variability on open and closed-system dissolution, SAD and prior calcite precipitation. Hence, the DCP in Corchia Cave speleothems represents an additional proxy for rainfall amount.

Markets for Clean Air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ellerman, A. Denny; Joskow, Paul L.; Schmalensee, Richard; Montero, Juan-Pablo; Bailey, Elizabeth M.

2000-06-01

Markets for Clean Air provides a comprehensive, in-depth description and evaluation of the first three years' experience with the U.S. Acid Rain Program. This environmental control program is the world's first large-scale use of a tradable emission permit system for achieving environmental goals. The book analyzes the behavior and performance of the market for emissions permits, called allowances in the Acid Rain Program, and quantifies emission reductions, compliance costs, and cost savings associated with the trading program. The book also includes chapters on the historical context in which this pioneering program developed and the political economy of allowance allocations.

Nitrate removal with lateral flow sulphur autotrophic denitrification reactor.

PubMed

Lv, Xiaomei; Shao, Mingfei; Li, Ji; Xie, Chuanbo

2014-01-01

An innovative lateral flow sulphur autotrophic denitrification (LFSAD) reactor was developed in this study; the treatment performance was evaluated and compared with traditional sulphur/limestone autotrophic denitrification (SLAD) reactor. Results showed that nitrite accumulation in the LFSAD reactor was less than 1.0 mg/L during the whole operation. Denitrification rate increased with the increased initial alkalinity and was approaching saturation when initial alkalinity exceeded 2.5 times the theoretical value. Higher influent nitrate concentration could facilitate nitrate removal capacity. In addition, denitrification efficiency could be promoted under an appropriate reflux ratio, and the highest nitrate removal percentage was achieved under reflux ratio of 200%, increased by 23.8% than that without reflux. Running resistance was only about 1/9 of that in SLAD reactor with equal amount of nitrate removed, which was the prominent excellence of the new reactor. In short, this study indicated that the developed reactor was feasible for nitrate removal from waters with lower concentrations, including contaminated surface water, groundwater or secondary effluent of municipal wastewater treatment with fairly low running resistance. The innovation in reactor design in this study may bring forth new ideas of reactor development of sulphur autotrophic denitrification for nitrate-contaminated water treatment.

Determination of lithium sulphur batteries internal resistance by the pulsed method during galvanostatic cycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolosnitsyn, V. S.; Kuzmina, E. V.; Mochalov, S. E.

2014-04-01

The pulsed method of measuring impedance is described. The cell is galvanostatically stimulated by a bipolar current signal of square shape. The cell response is registered by sampling U+[i], U-[i] with selected period Δt. The impedance spectra are calculated by direct Fourier transform. The internal resistance of the lithium sulphur cell is characteristically minimum in the calculated impedance diagrams in the frequency range of 0.035-5 Hz. It is shown that the lithium sulphur cells have maximum internal resistance at the transient between high and low voltage plateaus of charge and discharge curves. The internal resistance increases significantly during the initial stages of cycling because of the formation of passivation layers at the electrodes. It was found that the internal resistance of the lithium sulphur cell in the same charge state is governed by the way in which it is achieved. This is explained by differences in molar volumes of products generated in the sulphur electrode by electrochemical reaction during charging and discharging.

Regulation of Sulphur Assimilation Is Essential for Virulence and Affects Iron Homeostasis of the Human-Pathogenic Mould Aspergillus fumigatus

PubMed Central

Amich, Jorge; Schafferer, Lukas; Haas, Hubertus; Krappmann, Sven

2013-01-01

Sulphur is an essential element that all pathogens have to absorb from their surroundings in order to grow inside their infected host. Despite its importance, the relevance of sulphur assimilation in fungal virulence is largely unexplored. Here we report a role of the bZIP transcription factor MetR in sulphur assimilation and virulence of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The MetR regulator is essential for growth on a variety of sulphur sources; remarkably, it is fundamental for assimilation of inorganic S-sources but dispensable for utilization of methionine. Accordingly, it strongly supports expression of genes directly related to inorganic sulphur assimilation but not of genes connected to methionine metabolism. On a broader scale, MetR orchestrates the comprehensive transcriptional adaptation to sulphur-starving conditions as demonstrated by digital gene expression analysis. Surprisingly, A. fumigatus is able to utilize volatile sulphur compounds produced by its methionine catabolism, a process that has not been described before and that is MetR-dependent. The A. fumigatus MetR transcriptional activator is important for virulence in both leukopenic mice and an alternative mini-host model of aspergillosis, as it was essential for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis and supported the systemic dissemination of the fungus. MetR action under sulphur-starving conditions is further required for proper iron regulation, which links regulation of sulphur metabolism to iron homeostasis and demonstrates an unprecedented regulatory crosstalk. Taken together, this study provides evidence that regulation of sulphur assimilation is not only crucial for A. fumigatus virulence but also affects the balance of iron in this prime opportunistic pathogen. PMID:24009505

Gemini surfactants from natural amino acids.

PubMed

Pérez, Lourdes; Pinazo, Aurora; Pons, Ramon; Infante, Mrosa

2014-03-01

In this review, we report the most important contributions in the structure, synthesis, physicochemical (surface adsorption, aggregation and phase behaviour) and biological properties (toxicity, antimicrobial activity and biodegradation) of Gemini natural amino acid-based surfactants, and some potential applications, with an emphasis on the use of these surfactants as non-viral delivery system agents. Gemini surfactants derived from basic (Arg, Lys), neutral (Ser, Ala, Sar), acid (Asp) and sulphur containing amino acids (Cys) as polar head groups, and Geminis with amino acids/peptides in the spacer chain are reviewed. © 2013.

RECENT GEOCHEMICAL SAMPLING AND MERCURY SOURCES AT SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE, LAKE COUNTY, CA

EPA Science Inventory

The Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM), located on the shore of Clear Lake in Lake County, California, has been identified as a significant source of mercury to the lake. Sulphur Bank was actively minded from the 1880's to the 1950's. Mining and processing operations at the Sulph...

The speciation of soluble sulphur compounds in bacterial culture fluids by X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy.

PubMed

Franz, Bettina; Lichtenberg, Henning; Hormes, Josef; Dahl, Christiane; Prange, Alexander

2009-11-01

Over the last decade X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been used in an increasing number of microbiological studies. In addition to other applications it has served as a valuable tool for the investigation of the sulphur globules deposited intra- or extracellularly by certain photo- and chemotrophic sulphur-oxidizing (Sox) bacteria. For XANES measurements, these deposits can easily be concentrated by filtration or sedimentation through centrifugation. However, during oxidative metabolism of reduced sulphur compounds, such as sulphide or thiosulphate, sulphur deposits are not the only intermediates formed. Soluble intermediates such as sulphite may also be produced and released into the medium. In this study, we explored the potential of XANES spectroscopy for the detection and speciation of sulphur compounds in culture supernatants of the phototrophic purple sulphur bacterium Allochromatium vinosum. More specifically, we investigated A. vinosum DeltasoxY, a strain with an in frame deletion of the soxY gene. This gene encodes an essential component of the thiosulphate-oxidizing Sox enzyme complex. Improved sample preparation techniques developed for the DeltasoxY strain allowed for the first time not only the qualitative but also the quantitative analysis of bacterial culture supernatants by XANES spectroscopy. The results thus obtained verified and supplemented conventional HPLC analysis of soluble sulphur compounds. Sulphite and also oxidized organic sulphur compounds were shown by XANES spectroscopy to be present, some of which were not seen when standard HPLC protocols were used.

Clean Air Markets - Monitoring Surface Water Chemistry

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Learn about how EPA uses Long Term Monitoring (LTM) and Temporily Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (TIME) to track the effect of the Clean Air Act Amendments on acidity of surface waters in the eastern U.S.

Geologic Map of the Sulphur Mountain Quadrangle, Park County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bohannon, Robert G.; Ruleman, Chester A.

2009-01-01

The main structural element in the Sulphur Mountain quadrangle is the Elkhorn thrust. This northwest-trending fault is the southernmost structure that bounds the west side of the Late Cretaceous and early Tertiary Front Range basement-rock uplift. The Elkhorn thrust and the Williams Range thrust that occurs in the Dillon area north of the quadrangle bound the west flank of the Williams Range and the Front Range uplift in the South Park area. Kellogg (2004) described widespread, intense fracturing, landsliding, and deep-rooted scarps in the crystalline rocks that comprise the upper plate of the Williams Range thrust. The latter thrust is also demonstrably a low-angle structure upon which the fractured bedrock of the upper plate was translated west above Cretaceous shales. Westward thrusting along the border of the Front Range uplift is probably best developed in that area. By contrast, the Elkhorn in the Sulphur Mountain quadrangle is poorly exposed and occurs in an area of relatively low relief. The thrust also apparently ends in the central part of the quadrangle, dying out into a broad area of open, upright folds with northwest axes in the Sulphur Mountain area.

Extending CO2 cryogenic aerosol cleaning for advanced optical and EUV mask cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varghese, Ivin; Bowers, Charles W.; Balooch, Mehdi

2011-11-01

Cryogenic CO2 aerosol cleaning being a dry, chemically-inert and residue-free process is used in the production of optical lithography masks. It is an attractive cleaning option for the mask industry to achieve the requirement for removal of all printable soft defects and repair debris down to the 50nm printability specification. In the technique, CO2 clusters are formed by sudden expansion of liquid from high to almost atmospheric pressure through an optimally designed nozzle orifice. They are then directed on to the soft defects or debris for momentum transfer and subsequent damage free removal from the mask substrate. Unlike aggressive acid based wet cleaning, there is no degradation of the mask after processing with CO2, i.e., no critical dimension (CD) change, no transmission/phase losses, or chemical residue that leads to haze formation. Therefore no restriction on number of cleaning cycles is required to be imposed, unlike other cleaning methods. CO2 aerosol cleaning has been implemented for several years as full mask final clean in production environments at several state of the art mask shops. Over the last two years our group reported successful removal of all soft defects without damage to the fragile SRAF features, zero adders (from the cleaning and handling mechanisms) down to a 50nm printability specification. In addition, CO2 aerosol cleaning is being utilized to remove debris from Post-RAVE repair of hard defects in order to achieve the goal of no printable defects. It is expected that CO2 aerosol cleaning can be extended to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) masks. In this paper, we report advances being made in nozzle design qualification for optimum snow properties (size, velocity and flux) using Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) technique. In addition the two new areas of focus for CO2 aerosol cleaning i.e. pellicle glue residue removal on optical masks, and ruthenium (Ru) film on EUV masks are presented. Usually, the residue left over after the pellicle

Correlating Cleaning Thoroughness with Effectiveness and Briefly Intervening to Affect Cleaning Outcomes: How Clean Is Cleaned?

PubMed

Clifford, Robert; Sparks, Michael; Hosford, Eve; Ong, Ana; Richesson, Douglas; Fraser, Susan; Kwak, Yoon; Miller, Sonia; Julius, Michael; McGann, Patrick; Lesho, Emil

2016-01-01

The most efficient approach to monitoring and improving cleaning outcomes remains unresolved. We sought to extend the findings of a previous study by determining whether cleaning thoroughness (dye removal) correlates with cleaning efficacy (absence of molecular or cultivable biomaterial) and whether one brief educational intervention improves cleaning outcomes. Before-after trial. Newly built community hospital. 90 minute training refresher with surface-specific performance results. Dye removal, measured by fluorescence, and biomaterial removal and acquisition, measured with culture and culture-independent PCR-based assays, were clandestinely assessed for eight consecutive months. At this midpoint, results were presented to the cleaning staff (intervention) and assessments continued for another eight consecutive months. 1273 surfaces were sampled before and after terminal room cleaning. In the short-term, dye removal increased from 40.3% to 50.0% (not significant). For the entire study period, dye removal also improved but not significantly. After the intervention, the number of rooms testing positive for specific pathogenic species by culturing decreased from 55.6% to 36.6% (not significant), and those testing positive by PCR fell from 80.6% to 53.7% (P = 0.016). For nonspecific biomaterial on surfaces: a) removal of cultivable Gram-negatives (GN) trended toward improvement (P = 0.056); b) removal of any cultivable growth was unchanged but acquisition (detection of biomaterial on post-cleaned surfaces that were contaminant-free before cleaning) worsened (P = 0.017); c) removal of PCR-based detection of bacterial DNA improved (P = 0.046), but acquisition worsened (P = 0.003); d) cleaning thoroughness and efficacy were not correlated. At this facility, a minor intervention or minimally more aggressive cleaning may reduce pathogen-specific contamination, but not without unintended consequences.

Stabilization process of metallic mercury by sulphur

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vaudey, Claire-Emilie; Bardy, Maud; Huc, Christelle

2013-07-01

The technical field of this subject can be described as the treatment of mercury based wastes in order to stock or eliminate them. Toxic mercury vapours prevent from directly stocking or incinerating the wastes. Therefore, some processes have already been implemented to reduce the mercury mobility. Those immobilization processes are created to avoid mercury release in the atmosphere by volatilization or in the soil by leaching. Among the 3 current processes: encapsulation, amalgamation and stabilization, we took an interest on the last one. Stabilization can be defined as an immobilization due to a combination between a molecule and motionless particlesmore » to reduce the release of dangerous elements in the atmosphere or the biosphere. The most common technique of metallic mercury stabilization found in readings is the sulphur amalgamation technique. It consists in the chemical reaction: Hg + S → HgS. A mercury sulphide is then produced and is very insoluble in the water. A 386 deg. C heating transforms it in red sulphide. The obtained mixture can be easily and safely stored in a waste storage. In this context, solid sulphur is added in wide excess compared to the liquid mercury to cause the reaction: Hg(l) + S(s) → HgS(s) with a molar ratio between 1/6.5 and 1/19. The main drawback of this technique is the generation of an important waste quantity: a mixture of HgS and sulphur. Moreover there's no guarantee about the absence of mercury vapours. Therefore there's a real need to improve the ratio and the safety of the reaction, which is the purpose of this study. The volume of the created product is greatly reduced in this case and authorizes significant savings on storage costs. The other experimental parameters discussed in this study are temperature, volume, flask type and mixing speed. (authors)« less

Advanced coal cleaning meets acid rain emission limits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boron, D.J.; Matoney, J.P.; Albrecht, M.C.

1987-03-01

The following processes were selected for study: fine-coal, heavy-medium cyclone separation/flotation, advanced flotation, Dow true heavy liquid separation, Advanced Energy Dynamics (AED) electrostatic separation, and National Research Council of Canada oil agglomeration. Advanced coal cleaning technology was done for the state of New York to investigate methods to use high sulfur coal in view of anticipated lower SO/sub 2/ emission limits.

Sulphur chemistry in the L1544 pre-stellar core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vastel, Charlotte; Quénard, D.; Le Gal, R.; Wakelam, V.; Andrianasolo, A.; Caselli, P.; Vidal, T.; Ceccarelli, C.; Lefloch, B.; Bachiller, R.

2018-05-01

The L1544 pre-stellar core has been observed as part of the ASAI IRAM 30m Large Program as well as follow-up programs. These observations have revealed the chemical richness of the earliest phases of low-mass star-forming regions. In this paper we focus on the twenty-one sulphur bearing species (ions, isotopomers and deuteration) that have been detected in this spectral-survey through fifty one transitions: CS, CCS, C3S, SO, SO2, H2CS, OCS, HSCN, NS, HCS+, NS+ and H2S. We also report the tentative detection (4 σ level) for methyl mercaptan (CH3SH). LTE and non-LTE radiative transfer modelling have been performed and we used the NAUTILUS chemical code updated with the most recent chemical network for sulphur to explain our observations. From the chemical modelling we expect a strong radial variation for the abundances of these species, which mostly are emitted in the external layer where non thermal desorption of other species has previously been observed. We show that the chemical study cannot be compared to what has been done for the TMC-1 dark cloud, where the abundance is supposed constant along the line of sight, and conclude that a strong sulphur depletion is necessary to fully reproduce our observations of the prototypical pre-stellar core L1544.

Correlating Cleaning Thoroughness with Effectiveness and Briefly Intervening to Affect Cleaning Outcomes: How Clean Is Cleaned?

PubMed Central

Hosford, Eve; Ong, Ana; Richesson, Douglas; Fraser, Susan; Kwak, Yoon; Miller, Sonia; Julius, Michael; McGann, Patrick; Lesho, Emil

2016-01-01

Objectives The most efficient approach to monitoring and improving cleaning outcomes remains unresolved. We sought to extend the findings of a previous study by determining whether cleaning thoroughness (dye removal) correlates with cleaning efficacy (absence of molecular or cultivable biomaterial) and whether one brief educational intervention improves cleaning outcomes. Design Before-after trial. Setting Newly built community hospital. Intervention 90 minute training refresher with surface-specific performance results. Methods Dye removal, measured by fluorescence, and biomaterial removal and acquisition, measured with culture and culture-independent PCR-based assays, were clandestinely assessed for eight consecutive months. At this midpoint, results were presented to the cleaning staff (intervention) and assessments continued for another eight consecutive months. Results 1273 surfaces were sampled before and after terminal room cleaning. In the short-term, dye removal increased from 40.3% to 50.0% (not significant). For the entire study period, dye removal also improved but not significantly. After the intervention, the number of rooms testing positive for specific pathogenic species by culturing decreased from 55.6% to 36.6% (not significant), and those testing positive by PCR fell from 80.6% to 53.7% (P = 0.016). For nonspecific biomaterial on surfaces: a) removal of cultivable Gram-negatives (GN) trended toward improvement (P = 0.056); b) removal of any cultivable growth was unchanged but acquisition (detection of biomaterial on post-cleaned surfaces that were contaminant-free before cleaning) worsened (P = 0.017); c) removal of PCR-based detection of bacterial DNA improved (P = 0.046), but acquisition worsened (P = 0.003); d) cleaning thoroughness and efficacy were not correlated. Conclusion At this facility, a minor intervention or minimally more aggressive cleaning may reduce pathogen-specific contamination, but not without unintended consequences. PMID

30 CFR 250.1603 - Determination of sulphur deposit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Determination of sulphur deposit. 250.1603 Section 250.1603 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT, REGULATION, AND ENFORCEMENT..., after completion of the wells, of producing minerals at the wellheads). (b) A determination under...

A sulphur budget for sour gas plants

Treesearch

Richard D. Rowe

1976-01-01

The principal aim of this project is to produce a mass balance for the SO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere from sour gas plants in various localities in Alberta. Partial sulphur budgets for two plants at dissimilar locations are shown to exhibit major differences. The rise and dispersion of sour gas plant plumes have been investigated in...

Comparison of the impacts of acid and nitrogen additions on carbon fluxes in European conifer and broadleaf forests.

PubMed

Oulehle, Filip; Tahovská, Karolina; Chuman, Tomáš; Evans, Chris D; Hruška, Jakub; Růžek, Michal; Bárta, Jiří

2018-07-01

Increased reactive nitrogen (N) loadings to terrestrial ecosystems are believed to have positive effects on ecosystem carbon (C) sequestration. Global "hot spots" of N deposition are often associated with currently or formerly high deposition of sulphur (S); C fluxes in these regions might therefore not be responding solely to N loading, and could be undergoing transient change as S inputs change. In a four-year, two-forest stand (mature Norway spruce and European beech) replicated field experiment involving acidity manipulation (sulphuric acid addition), N addition (NH 4 NO 3 ) and combined treatments, we tested the extent to which altered soil solution acidity or/and soil N availability affected the concentration of soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), soil respiration (Rs), microbial community characteristics (respiration, biomass, fungi and bacteria abundances) and enzyme activity. We demonstrated a large and consistent suppression of soil water DOC concentration driven by chemical changes associated with increased hydrogen ion concentrations under acid treatments, independent of forest type. Soil respiration was suppressed by sulphuric acid addition in the spruce forest, accompanied by reduced microbial biomass, increased fungal:bacterial ratios and increased C to N enzyme ratios. We did not observe equivalent effects of sulphuric acid treatments on Rs in the beech forest, where microbial activity appeared to be more tightly linked to N acquisition. The only changes in C cycling following N addition were increased C to N enzyme ratios, with no impact on C fluxes (either Rs or DOC). We conclude that C accumulation previously attributed solely to N deposition could be partly attributable to their simultaneous acidification. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Seasonal and annual variability of coastal sulphur plumes in the northern Benguela upwelling system.

PubMed

Ohde, Thomas; Dadou, Isabelle

2018-01-01

We investigated the seasonal and annual variability of surface sulphur plumes in the northern Benguela upwelling system off Namibia because of their significant impacts on the marine ecosystem, fishing industry, aquaculture farming and tourism due to their toxic properties. We identified the sulphur plumes in ocean colour satellite data of the medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) for the 2002-2012 time period using the differences in the spectral properties of Namibian Benguela optical water types. The sulphur events have a strong seasonal cycle with pronounced main and off-seasons forced by local and remote-driven processes. The main peak season is in late austral summer and early austral autumn at the beginning of the annual upwelling cycle caused by increasing equatorwards alongshore winds. The sulphur plume activity is high between February and April during the seasonal oxygen minimum associated with the seasonal reduction of cross-shore ventilation of the bottom waters, the seasonal southernmost position of the Angola Benguela Frontal Zone, the seasonal maximum of water mass fractions of South Atlantic and Angola Gyre Central Waters as well as the seasonal arrival of the downwelling coastal trapped waves. The off-season is in austral spring and early austral summer during increased upwelling intensity and enhanced oxygen supply. The annual variability of sulphur events is characterized by very high activities in years 2004, 2005 and 2010 interrupted by periods of lower activity in years 2002 to 2003, 2006 to 2009 and 2011 to 2012. This result can be explained by the relative contributions or adding effects of local and remote-driven forces (from the equatorial area). The probability for the occurrence of sulphur plumes is enhanced in years with a lower annual mean of upwelling intensity, decreased oxygen supply associated with decreased lateral ventilation of bottom waters, more southern position of the Angola Benguela Frontal Zone, increased mass

Seasonal and annual variability of coastal sulphur plumes in the northern Benguela upwelling system

PubMed Central

Dadou, Isabelle

2018-01-01

We investigated the seasonal and annual variability of surface sulphur plumes in the northern Benguela upwelling system off Namibia because of their significant impacts on the marine ecosystem, fishing industry, aquaculture farming and tourism due to their toxic properties. We identified the sulphur plumes in ocean colour satellite data of the medium resolution imaging spectrometer (MERIS) for the 2002–2012 time period using the differences in the spectral properties of Namibian Benguela optical water types. The sulphur events have a strong seasonal cycle with pronounced main and off-seasons forced by local and remote-driven processes. The main peak season is in late austral summer and early austral autumn at the beginning of the annual upwelling cycle caused by increasing equatorwards alongshore winds. The sulphur plume activity is high between February and April during the seasonal oxygen minimum associated with the seasonal reduction of cross-shore ventilation of the bottom waters, the seasonal southernmost position of the Angola Benguela Frontal Zone, the seasonal maximum of water mass fractions of South Atlantic and Angola Gyre Central Waters as well as the seasonal arrival of the downwelling coastal trapped waves. The off-season is in austral spring and early austral summer during increased upwelling intensity and enhanced oxygen supply. The annual variability of sulphur events is characterized by very high activities in years 2004, 2005 and 2010 interrupted by periods of lower activity in years 2002 to 2003, 2006 to 2009 and 2011 to 2012. This result can be explained by the relative contributions or adding effects of local and remote-driven forces (from the equatorial area). The probability for the occurrence of sulphur plumes is enhanced in years with a lower annual mean of upwelling intensity, decreased oxygen supply associated with decreased lateral ventilation of bottom waters, more southern position of the Angola Benguela Frontal Zone, increased mass

Higher plants as bioindicators of sulphur dioxide emissions in urban environments.

PubMed

Hijano, Concepción Fidalgo; Domínguez, Maria Dolores Petit; Gimínez, Rosario García; Sínchez, Pilar Hungría; García, Inís Sancho

2005-12-01

The evaluation of certain vascular plants that grow in the city of Madrid as biomonitors of SO(2) air pollution in urban environments has been carried out. Total concentration of sulphur in leaves of the chosen higher plants as well as other parameters in close relation to this contaminant (visible injury symptoms, chlorophyll a- and b-content and peroxidase activity) have been determined in order to study the spatial distribution and temporal changes in SO(2) deposition. Results obtained show that coniferous species such as Pinus pinea, were more sensitive to SO(2) atmospheric concentration than leafy species as Quercux ilex subspecies ballota and, in the same way, bush species, such as Pyracantha coccinea and Nerium oleander, were more sensitive than wooded species, such as Cedrus deodara and Pinus pinea, respectively. There is a higher accumulation of sulphur in vegetable species located near highways and dense traffic incidence roads and near areas with high density of population. The minimum values for accumulation of SO(2) were registered in winter and spring seasons (from January to April) due to the vegetative stop; while maximum values are obtained during the summer season (from June to September), due to the stoma opening. The highest increments in sulphur concentration, calculated as the difference between two consecutive months, are obtained in May and June for all considered species except for Cedrus deodara and Pyracantha coccinea, both species have few seasonal changes during the whole year. Some species are more sensitive to natural washing than others, showing a decrease in sulphur concentration after rainfall periods.

30 CFR 250.1603 - Determination of sulphur deposit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Determination of sulphur deposit. 250.1603 Section 250.1603 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE... of the wells, of producing minerals at the wellheads). (b) A determination under paragraph (a) of...

30 CFR 250.1603 - Determination of sulphur deposit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Determination of sulphur deposit. 250.1603 Section 250.1603 Mineral Resources MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFSHORE OIL... the wells, of producing minerals at the wellheads). (b) A determination under paragraph (a) of this...

30 CFR 250.1603 - Determination of sulphur deposit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Determination of sulphur deposit. 250.1603 Section 250.1603 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE... of the wells, of producing minerals at the wellheads). (b) A determination under paragraph (a) of...

30 CFR 250.1603 - Determination of sulphur deposit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Determination of sulphur deposit. 250.1603 Section 250.1603 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE... of the wells, of producing minerals at the wellheads). (b) A determination under paragraph (a) of...

Exposure of German residents to ethylene and propylene glycol ethers in general and after cleaning scenarios.

PubMed

Fromme, H; Nitschke, L; Boehmer, S; Kiranoglu, M; Göen, T

2013-03-01

Glycol ethers are a class of semi-volatile substances used as solvents in a variety of consumer products like cleaning agents, paints, cosmetics as well as chemical intermediates. We determined 11 metabolites of ethylene and propylene glycol ethers in 44 urine samples of German residents (background level study) and in urine samples of individuals after exposure to glycol ethers during cleaning activities (exposure study). In the study on the background exposure, methoxyacetic acid and phenoxyacetic acid (PhAA) could be detected in each urine sample with median (95th percentile) values of 0.11 mgL(-1) (0.30 mgL(-1)) and 0.80 mgL(-1) (23.6 mgL(-1)), respectively. The other metabolites were found in a limited number of samples or in none. In the exposure study, 5-8 rooms were cleaned with a cleaner containing ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), propylene glycol monobutyl ether (PGBE), or ethylene glycol monopropyl ether (EGPE). During cleaning the mean levels in the indoor air were 7.5 mgm(-3) (EGBE), 3.0 mgm(-3) (PGBE), and 3.3 mgm(-3) (EGPE), respectively. The related metabolite levels analysed in the urine of the residents of the rooms at the day of cleaning were 2.4 mgL(-1) for butoxyacetic acid, 0.06 mgL(-1) for 2-butoxypropionic acid, and 2.3 mgL(-1) for n-propoxyacetic acid. Overall, our study indicates that the exposure of the population to glycol ethers is generally low, with the exception of PhAA. Moreover, the results of the cleaning scenarios demonstrate that the use of indoor cleaning agents containing glycol ethers can lead to a detectable internal exposure of residents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The determination of molecular sulphur in Matsesta mineral water and its analog Novonukutskaya mineral water].

PubMed

Khutorianskiĭ, V A; Smirnov, A I; Matveev, D A

2014-01-01

The method of microcolumn reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (rp-HPLC) was employed to determine the content of elemental sulphur in mineral waters. The study envisaged the analysis of the samples of sulphide-containing mineral waters Novonukutskaya and Matsesta obtained by the solid phase extraction technique. Based on these data, the authors discuss the origin and the circulation of sulphur in the hydrogen sulphide sources. The elution conditions selected in this study ensured the high-resolution separation of the octasulphur peak from the peaks of allotropic components of the extract whereas the two-wave detection technique allowed to identify the peaks of molecular sulphur.

Di- or polysulphide-bound biomarkers in sulphur-rich geomacromolecules as revealed by selective chemolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohnen, Math E. l.; Sinninghe Damsté, Jaap S.; Kock-van Dalen, A. c.; Jan, W. De Leeuw

1991-05-01

Three types of sulphur-rich high-molecular-weight material in the alkylsulphide, the polar, and the asphaltene fractions isolated from the bitumen of an immature bituminous shale from the Vena del Gesso basin (Italy) were desulphurised using Raney Ni and were treated with MeLi/MeI, a chemical degradation method which cleaves selectively and quantitatively di- or polysulphide linkages. The products formed were characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Raney Ni desulphurisation revealed that these S-rich macromolecules are in substantial part composed of sulphur-linked biomarkers with linear, branched, isoprenoid, steroid, hopanoid, and carotenoid carbon skeletons. MeLi/Mel treatment provided evidence that a major part of the total amount of macromolecularly bound biomarkers are linked via di- or polysulphide moieties to the macromolecular network. Since the di- or polysulphide linkages are attached at specific positions of the bound biomarkers it is proposed that they are formed by intermolecular incorporation reactions of HS x- into low-molecular-weight functionalised biological lipids during early diagenesis. The different properties (solubility and molecular weight) of the sulphur-rich macromolecules in the alkylsulphide, the resin, and the asphaltene fractions can be explained simply by differences in degree of sulphur cross-linking.

Alternative Chemical Cleaning Methods for High Level Waste Tanks: Actual Waste Testing with SRS Tank 5F Sludge

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, William D.; Hay, Michael S.

Solubility testing with actual High Level Waste tank sludge has been conducted in order to evaluate several alternative chemical cleaning technologies for the dissolution of sludge residuals remaining in the tanks after the exhaustion of mechanical cleaning and sludge sluicing efforts. Tests were conducted with archived Savannah River Site (SRS) radioactive sludge solids that had been retrieved from Tank 5F in order to determine the effectiveness of an optimized, dilute oxalic/nitric acid cleaning reagent toward dissolving the bulk non-radioactive waste components. Solubility tests were performed by direct sludge contact with the oxalic/nitric acid reagent and with sludge that had beenmore » pretreated and acidified with dilute nitric acid. For comparison purposes, separate samples were also contacted with pure, concentrated oxalic acid following current baseline tank chemical cleaning methods. One goal of testing with the optimized reagent was to compare the total amounts of oxalic acid and water required for sludge dissolution using the baseline and optimized cleaning methods. A second objective was to compare the two methods with regard to the dissolution of actinide species known to be drivers for SRS tank closure Performance Assessments (PA). Additionally, solubility tests were conducted with Tank 5 sludge using acidic and caustic permanganate-based methods focused on the “targeted” dissolution of actinide species.« less

Staphylococcus aureus SufT: an essential iron-sulphur cluster assembly factor in cells experiencing a high-demand for lipoic acid.

PubMed

Mashruwala, Ameya A; Roberts, Christina A; Bhatt, Shiven; May, Kerrie L; Carroll, Ronan K; Shaw, Lindsey N; Boyd, Jeffrey M

2016-12-01

Staphylococcus aureus SufT is composed solely of the domain of unknown function 59 (DUF59) and has a role in the maturation of iron-sulphur (Fe-S) proteins. We report that SufT is essential for S. aureus when growth is heavily reliant upon lipoamide-utilizing enzymes, but dispensable when this reliance is decreased. LipA requires Fe-S clusters for lipoic acid (LA) synthesis and a ΔsufT strain had phenotypes suggestive of decreased LA production and decreased activities of lipoamide-requiring enzymes. Fermentative growth, a null clpC allele, or decreased flux through the TCA cycle diminished the demand for LA and rendered SufT non-essential. Abundance of the Fe-S cluster carrier Nfu was increased in a ΔclpC strain and a null clpC allele was unable to suppress the LA requirement of a ΔsufT Δnfu strain. Over-expression of nfu suppressed the LA requirement of the ΔsufT strain. We propose a model wherein SufT, and by extension the DUF59, is essential for the maturation of holo-LipA in S. aureus cells experiencing a high demand for lipoamide-dependent enzymes. The findings presented suggest that the demand for products of Fe-S enzymes is a factor governing the usage of one Fe-S cluster assembly factor over another in the maturation of apo-proteins. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Concept Evaluation of Visual Cleaning Performance Indicators (VCPI) for Real Time Cleaning Verification

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-15

Dyes Used § ORO § Food Green 3 § Alizarin § Natural Red 4 (Carminic Acid) § ORO § FG3 § ALZ § NR4 (or CAR) Panel Materials § Al2024...with Natural Red 4 (NR4) dye . Blank panels were not contaminated or labeled. The following protocol based on T.O.1-1-691 was used to clean the...Preliminary Estimate of Dye Use Level Required for the VCPI Technique ................................................................................30

Clean Air Markets - Allowances Query Wizard

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Allowances Query Wizard is part of a suite of Clean Air Markets-related tools that are accessible at http://camddataandmaps.epa.gov/gdm/index.cfm. The Allowances module allows the user to view allowance data associated with EPA's emissions trading programs. Allowance data can be specified and organized using the Allowance Query Wizard to find allowances information associated with specific accounts, companies, transactions, programs, facilities, representatives, allowance type, or by date. Quick Reports and Prepackaged Datasets are also available for data that are commonly requested.EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) includes several market-based regulatory programs designed to improve air quality and ecosystems. The most well-known of these programs are EPA's Acid Rain Program and the NOx Programs, which reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-compounds that adversely affect air quality, the environment, and public health. CAMD also plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

Identifying sources and processes controlling the sulphur cycle in the Canyon Creek watershed, Alberta, Canada.

PubMed

Nightingale, Michael; Mayer, Bernhard

2012-01-01

Sources and processes affecting the sulphur cycle in the Canyon Creek watershed in Alberta (Canada) were investigated. The catchment is important for water supply and recreational activities and is also a source of oil and natural gas. Water was collected from 10 locations along an 8 km stretch of Canyon Creek including three so-called sulphur pools, followed by the chemical and isotopic analyses on water and its major dissolved species. The δ(2)H and δ(18)O values of the water plotted near the regional meteoric water line, indicating a meteoric origin of the water and no contribution from deeper formation waters. Calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate were the dominant ions in the upstream portion of the watershed, whereas sulphate was the dominant anion in the water from the three sulphur pools. The isotopic composition of sulphate (δ(34)S and δ(18)O) revealed three major sulphate sources with distinct isotopic compositions throughout the catchment: (1) a combination of sulphate from soils and sulphide oxidation in the bedrock in the upper reaches of Canyon Creek; (2) sulphide oxidation in pyrite-rich shales in the lower reaches of Canyon Creek and (3) dissolution of Devonian anhydrite constituting the major sulphate source for the three sulphur pools in the central portion of the watershed. The presence of H(2)S in the sulphur pools with δ(34)S values ∼30 ‰ lower than those of sulphate further indicated the occurrence of bacterial (dissimilatory) sulphate reduction. This case study reveals that δ(34)S values of surface water systems can vary by more than 20 ‰ over short geographic distances and that isotope analyses are an effective tool to identify sources and processes that govern the sulphur cycle in watersheds.

Annual report, spring 2015. Alternative chemical cleaning methods for high level waste tanks-corrosion test results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wyrwas, R. B.

The testing presented in this report is in support of the investigation of the Alternative Chemical Cleaning program to aid in developing strategies and technologies to chemically clean radioactive High Level Waste tanks prior to tank closure. The data and conclusions presented here were the examination of the corrosion rates of A285 carbon steel and 304L stainless steel when interacted with the chemical cleaning solution composed of 0.18 M nitric acid and 0.5 wt. % oxalic acid. This solution has been proposed as a dissolution solution that would be used to remove the remaining hard heel portion of the sludgemore » in the waste tanks. This solution was combined with the HM and PUREX simulated sludge with dilution ratios that represent the bulk oxalic cleaning process (20:1 ratio, acid solution to simulant) and the cumulative volume associated with multiple acid strikes (50:1 ratio). The testing was conducted over 28 days at 50°C and deployed two methods to invest the corrosion conditions; passive weight loss coupon and an active electrochemical probe were used to collect data on the corrosion rate and material performance. In addition to investigating the chemical cleaning solutions, electrochemical corrosion testing was performed on acidic and basic solutions containing sodium permanganate at room temperature to explore the corrosion impacts if these solutions were to be implemented to retrieve remaining actinides that are currently in the sludge of the tank.« less

Hazardous substances in frequently used professional cleaning products.

PubMed

Gerster, Fabian Melchior; Vernez, David; Wild, Pascal Pierre; Hopf, Nancy Brenna

2014-01-01

A growing number of studies have identified cleaners as a group at risk for adverse health effects of the skin and the respiratory tract. Chemical substances present in cleaning products could be responsible for these effects. Currently, only limited information is available about irritant and health hazardous chemical substances found in cleaning products. We hypothesized that chemical substances present in cleaning products are known health hazardous substances that might be involved in adverse health effects of the skin and the respiratory tract. We performed a systematic review of cleaning products used in the Swiss cleaning sector. We surveyed Swiss professional cleaning companies (n = 1476) to identify the most used products (n = 105) for inclusion. Safety data sheets (SDSs) were reviewed and hazardous substances present in cleaning products were tabulated with current European and global harmonized system hazard labels. Professional cleaning products are mixtures of substances (arithmetic mean 3.5 +/- 2.8), and more than 132 different chemical substances were identified in 105 products. The main groups of chemicals were fragrances, glycol ethers, surfactants, solvents; and to a lesser extent, phosphates, salts, detergents, pH-stabilizers, acids, and bases. Up to 75% of products contained irritant (Xi), 64% harmful (Xn) and 28% corrosive (C) labeled substances. Hazards for eyes (59%) and skin (50%), and hazards by ingestion (60%) were the most reported. Cleaning products potentially give rise to simultaneous exposures to different chemical substances. As professional cleaners represent a large workforce, and cleaning products are widely used, it is a major public health issue to better understand these exposures. The list of substances provided in this study contains important information for future occupational exposure assessment studies.

Antitumoural Sulphur and Selenium Heteroaryl Compounds: Thermal Characterization and Stability Evaluation.

PubMed

Alcolea, Verónica; Garnica, Pablo; Palop, Juan A; Sanmartín, Carmen; González-Peñas, Elena; Durán, Adrián; Lizarraga, Elena

2017-08-08

The physicochemical properties of a compound play a crucial role in the cancer development process. In this context, polymorphism can become an important obstacle for the pharmaceutical industry because it frequently leads to the loss of therapeutic effectiveness of some drugs. Stability under manufacturing conditions is also critical to ensure no undesired degradations or transformations occur. In this study, the thermal behaviour of 40 derivatives of a series of sulphur and selenium heteroaryl compounds with potential antitumoural activity were studied. In addition, the most promising cytotoxic derivatives were analysed by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric techniques in order to investigate their polymorphism and thermal stability. Moreover, stability under acid, alkaline and oxidative media was tested. Degradation under stress conditions as well as the presence of polymorphism was found for the compounds VA6E and VA7J, which might present a hurdle to carrying on with formulation. On the contrary, these obstacles were not found for derivative VA4J.

Chemical dynamics of acidity and heavy metals in a mine water-polluted soil during decontamination using clean water.

PubMed

Chen, A; Lin, C; Lu, W; Ma, Y; Bai, Y; Chen, H; Li, J

2010-03-15

A column leaching experiment was conducted to investigate the chemical dynamics of the percolating water and washed soil during decontamination of an acidic mine water-polluted soil. The results show that leaching of the contaminated soil with clean water rapidly reduced soluble acidity and ion concentrations in the soils. However, only <20% of the total actual acidity in the soil column was eliminated after 30 leaching cycles. It is likely that the stored acidity continues to be released to the percolating water over a long period of time. During the column leaching, dissolved Cu and Pb were rapidly leached out, followed by mobilization of colloidal Cu and Pb from the exchangeable and the oxide-bound fractions as a result of reduced ionic strength in the soil solution. The soluble Fe contained in the soil was rare, probably because the soil pH was not sufficiently low; marked mobility of colloidal Fe took place after the ionic strength of the percolating water was weakened and the mobilized Fe was mainly derived from iron oxides. In contrast with Cu, Pb and Fe, the concentration of leachate Zn and Mn showed a continuously decreasing trend during the entire period of the experiment. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clean Air Markets - Part 75 Emissions Monitoring Policy Manual

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Learn about monitoring mass sulfur dioxide and mass carbon dioxide emissions, nitrogen oxide emission rate, and heat input by units affected by the Acid Rain Program and the Clean Air Interstate Rule.

Two stage fluid bed-plasma gasification process for solid waste valorisation: Technical review and preliminary thermodynamic modelling of sulphur emissions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morrin, Shane, E-mail: shane.morrin@ucl.ac.uk; Advanced Plasma Power, South Marston Business park, Swindon, SN3 4DE; Lettieri, Paola, E-mail: p.lettieri@ucl.ac.uk

2012-04-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We investigate sulphur during MSW gasification within a fluid bed-plasma process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We review the literature on the feed, sulphur and process principles therein. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The need for research in this area was identified. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We perform thermodynamic modelling of the fluid bed stage. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Initial findings indicate the prominence of solid phase sulphur. - Abstract: Gasification of solid waste for energy has significant potential given an abundant feed supply and strong policy drivers. Nonetheless, significant ambiguities in the knowledge base are apparent. Consequently this study investigates sulphur mechanisms within a novel two stage fluid bed-plasma gasification process.more » This paper includes a detailed review of gasification and plasma fundamentals in relation to the specific process, along with insight on MSW based feedstock properties and sulphur pollutant therein. As a first step to understanding sulphur partitioning and speciation within the process, thermodynamic modelling of the fluid bed stage has been performed. Preliminary findings, supported by plant experience, indicate the prominence of solid phase sulphur species (as opposed to H{sub 2}S) - Na and K based species in particular. Work is underway to further investigate and validate this.« less

Impact of sulphurous water politzer inhalation on audiometric parameters in children with otitis media with effusion.

PubMed

Mirandola, Prisco; Gobbi, Giuliana; Malinverno, Chiara; Carubbi, Cecilia; Ferné, Filippo M; Artico, Marco; Vitale, Marco; Vaccarezza, Mauro

2013-03-01

The positive effects of spa therapy on ear, nose, and throat pathology are known but robust literature in this field, is still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess through a retrospective analysis, the effects on otitis media with effusion of Politzer endotympanic inhalation of sulphurous waters in children aged 5-9 years. A cohort of 95 patients was treated with Politzer insufflations of sulphurous water: 58 patients did a cycle consisting of a treatment of 12 days per year for three consecutive years; 37 patients followed the same procedure for 5 years consecutively. The control population was represented by untreated, age-matched children. A standard audiometric test was used before and after each cycle of treatment. One cycle of Politzer inhalation of sulphur-rich water improved the symptoms. Three cycles definitively stabilized the improvement of hearing function. Our results show that otitis media with effusion in children can be resolved by an appropriate non-pharmacological treatment of middle ear with sulphur-rich water.

Primordial helium abundance determination using sulphur as metallicity tracer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, Vital; Terlevich, Elena; Díaz, Angeles I.; Terlevich, Roberto; Rosales-Ortega, F. F.

2018-05-01

The primordial helium abundance YP is calculated using sulphur as metallicity tracer in the classical methodology (with YP as an extrapolation of Y to zero metals). The calculated value, YP, S = 0.244 ± 0.006, is in good agreement with the estimate from the Planck experiment, as well as, determinations in the literature using oxygen as the metallicity tracer. The chemical analysis includes the sustraction of the nebular continuum and of the stellar continuum computed from simple stellar population synthesis grids. The S+2 content is measured from the near infrared [SIII]λλ9069Å, 9532Å lines, while an ICF(S3 +) is proposed based on the Ar3 +/Ar2 + fraction. Finally, we apply a multivariable linear regression using simultaneously oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur abundances for the same sample to determine the primordial helium abundance resulting in YP - O, N, S = 0.245 ± 0.007.

Carbon with hierarchical pores from carbonized metal-organic frameworks for lithium sulphur batteries.

PubMed

Xi, Kai; Cao, Shuai; Peng, Xiaoyu; Ducati, Caterina; Kumar, R Vasant; Cheetham, Anthony K

2013-03-18

This paper presents a novel method and rationale for utilizing carbonized MOFs for sulphur loading to fabricate cathode structures for lithium-sulphur batteries. Unique carbon materials with differing hierarchical pore structures were synthesized from four types of zinc-containing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). It is found that cathode materials made from MOFs-derived carbons with higher mesopore (2-50 nm) volumes exhibit increased initial discharge capacities, whereas carbons with higher micropore (<2 nm) volumes lead to cathode materials with better cycle stability.

Comparative distribution of sulphur, thiols and disulphides in the porcine stratum corneum.

PubMed

Meyer, W; Zschemisch, N H; Lehmann, H; Busche, R; Kunz, U

2005-01-01

Biochemical, histochemical and cytochemical analyses were used to determine the sulphur contents and the thiol and disulphide distribution in the stratum corneum (SC) of the wild boar (WB), a large domestic pig breed (DP) and the Goettingen miniature pig (GMP). The sulphur contents (% DW) were different in the three animal types (WB: 1.70-1.38 body, 0.54 ear; DP: 0.84-0.53 body, 0.50 ear; GMP: 2.28-2.51 body, 2.66 ear). The results of the histochemical analysis of SH- and -S-S- groups were clear, and densitometrical extinctions were highest in most body regions of the GMP for thiols and disulphides, followed by the DP for thiols, and the WB for disulphides. Absolute SC thickness was highest in the body of the GMP (62-80 mum), and generally lowest in the ear (20-38 mum) of all animal types. Relative SC thickness was the same for all animals in the body (40-66%), but lower in the ear (30%). Only -S-S- concentrations were correlated with SC thickness, and primarily in the GMP. Cytochemical analysis showed that high sulphur concentrations were obvious particularly in the CCE of corneal cells in the DP, as compared to the cytoplasm. Intracellular sulphur distribution was homogenous in the WB, and in the GMP, although in the latter at a higher concentration level. The results indicate breed-related effects on keratinisation in porcine corneal cells. Only the SC of the outer side of the ear of DP females is recommended as a model for humans.

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary: Title III

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page provides an overview of the 1990 amendments to Title III of the Clean Air Act, which were enacted to curb acid rain, urban air pollution and toxic air emissions. The edits to this title deal with toxic air pollutants.

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary: Title II

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page provides an overview of the 1990 amendments to Title II of the Clean Air Act, which were enacted to curb acid rain, urban air pollution and toxic air emissions. The edits to this title deal emissions from mobile sources.

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary: Title VII

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page provides an overview of the 1990 amendments to Title VII of the Clean Air Act, which were enacted to curb acid rain, urban air pollution and toxic air emissions. The edits to this title deal with enforcement provisions.

The Gaia-ESO Survey: Galactic evolution of sulphur and zinc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duffau, S.; Caffau, E.; Sbordone, L.; Bonifacio, P.; Andrievsky, S.; Korotin, S.; Babusiaux, C.; Salvadori, S.; Monaco, L.; François, P.; Skúladóttir, Á.; Bragaglia, A.; Donati, P.; Spina, L.; Gallagher, A. J.; Ludwig, H.-G.; Christlieb, N.; Hansen, C. J.; Mott, A.; Steffen, M.; Zaggia, S.; Blanco-Cuaresma, S.; Calura, F.; Friel, E.; Jiménez-Esteban, F. M.; Koch, A.; Magrini, L.; Pancino, E.; Tang, B.; Tautvaišienė, G.; Vallenari, A.; Hawkins, K.; Gilmore, G.; Randich, S.; Feltzing, S.; Bensby, T.; Flaccomio, E.; Smiljanic, R.; Bayo, A.; Carraro, G.; Casey, A. R.; Costado, M. T.; Damiani, F.; Franciosini, E.; Hourihane, A.; Jofré, P.; Lardo, C.; Lewis, J.; Morbidelli, L.; Sousa, S. G.; Worley, C. C.

2017-08-01

Context. Due to their volatile nature, when sulphur and zinc are observed in external galaxies, their determined abundances represent the gas-phase abundances in the interstellar medium. This implies that they can be used as tracers of the chemical enrichment of matter in the Universe at high redshift. Comparable observations in stars are more difficult and, until recently, plagued by small number statistics. Aims: We wish to exploit the Gaia-ESO Survey (GES) data to study the behaviour of sulphur and zinc abundances of a large number of Galactic stars, in a homogeneous way. Methods: By using the UVES spectra of the GES sample, we are able to assemble a sample of 1301 Galactic stars, including stars in open and globular clusters in which both sulphur and zinc were measured. Results: We confirm the results from the literature that sulphur behaves as an α-element. We find a large scatter in [Zn/Fe] ratios among giant stars around solar metallicity. The lower ratios are observed in giant stars at Galactocentric distances less than 7.5 kpc. No such effect is observed among dwarf stars, since they do not extend to that radius. Conclusions: Given the sample selection, giants and dwarfs are observed at different Galactic locations, and it is plausible, and compatible with simple calculations, that Zn-poor giants trace a younger population more polluted by SN Ia yields. It is necessary to extend observations in order to observe both giants and dwarfs at the same Galactic location. Further theoretical work on the evolution of zinc is also necessary. Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere under ESO programmes 188.B-3002, 193.B-0936.The full table of S abundances is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/604/A128

Cleaning products and short-term respiratory effects among female cleaners with asthma.

PubMed

Vizcaya, David; Mirabelli, Maria C; Gimeno, David; Antó, Josep-Maria; Delclos, George L; Rivera, Marcela; Orriols, Ramon; Arjona, Lourdes; Burgos, Felip; Zock, Jan-Paul

2015-11-01

We evaluated the short-term effects of exposure to cleaning products on lung function and respiratory symptoms among professional cleaning women. Twenty-one women with current asthma and employed as professional cleaners participated in a 15-day panel study. During 312 person-days of data collection, participants self-reported their use of cleaning products and respiratory symptoms in daily diaries and recorded their forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) three times per day using a handheld spirometer. We evaluated associations of cleaning product use with upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms using Poisson mixed regression models and with changes in FEV1 and PEF using linear mixed regression analyses. Participants reported using an average of 2.4 cleaning products per day, with exposure to at least one strong irritant (eg, ammonia, bleach, hydrochloric acid) on 56% of person-days. Among participants without atopy, lower respiratory tract symptoms were associated with the use of hydrochloric acid and detergents. Measurements of FEV1 and PEF taken in the evening were 174 mL (95% CI 34 to 314) and 37 L/min (CI 4 to 70), respectively, lower on days when three or more sprays were used. Evening and next morning FEV1 were both lower following the use of hydrochloric acid (-616 and -526 mL, respectively) and solvents (-751 and -1059 mL, respectively). Diurnal variation in FEV1 and PEF increased on days when ammonia and lime-scale removers were used. The use of specific cleaning products at work, mainly irritants and sprays, may exacerbate asthma. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Reactions of molybdenum-sulphur compounds with cyanide: chemical evolution and deactivation of molybdoenzymes.

PubMed

Mitchell, P C; Pygall, C F

1979-08-01

Reactions of molybdenum-sulphur compounds with cyanide are reported which may be relevant to (1) the chemical evolution of molybdoenzymes and (2) deactivation of molybdoenzymes by cyanide. (1) With aqueous cyanide MoS2 gave thio-bridged complex anions [(Mo(CN)6)2(mu-S)]6- and [(Mo(CN)4(mu-S))2]6-. Under prebiotic conditions such complexes could have been formed similarly from molybdenite and may have been precursors of molybdoenzymes. (2) Only those compounds which contained terminal sulphur bound to molybdenum (i.e., Mo = S groups), viz. oxothiomolybdates and the complex [(Mo(mu-S)(S)(Et2NCS2))2], reacted with cyanide; thiocyanate was formed and the molybdenum underwent two-electron reduction. That the cyanolysable sulphur of xanthine oxidase reacts in the same way with cyanide suggests the presence of a Mo = S group which could be a structural feature of the enzyme or could have been formed by initial cyanolysis of a bound persulphide or cysteine residue.

The 2016 Al-Mishraq sulphur plant fire: Source and health risk area estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Björnham, Oscar; Grahn, Håkan; von Schoenberg, Pontus; Liljedahl, Birgitta; Waleij, Annica; Brännström, Niklas

2017-11-01

On October 20, 2016, Daesh (Islamic State) set fire to the sulphur production site Al-Mishraq as the battle of Mosul in northern Iraq became more intense. An extensive plume of toxic sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide caused comprehensive casualties. The intensity of the SO2 release was reaching levels of minor volcanic eruptions and the plume was observed by several satellites. By investigation of the measurement data from instruments on the MetOp-A, MetOp-B, Aura and Soumi satellites we have estimated the time-dependent source term to 161 kilotonnes sulphur dioxide released into the atmosphere during seven days. A long-range dispersion model was utilized to simulate the atmospheric transport over the Middle East. The ground level concentrations predicted by the simulation were compared with observation from the Turkey National Air Quality Monitoring Network. Finally, the simulation data provided, using a probit analysis of the simulated data, an estimate of the health risk area that was compared to reported urgent medical treatments.

The origin of sulphur in gypsum and dissolved sulphate in the Central Namib Desert, Namibia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eckardt, F. D.; Spiro, B.

1999-02-01

This study investigates the sulphur source of gypsum sulphate and dissolved groundwater sulphate in the Central Namib Desert, home to one of Africa's most extensive gypsum (CaSO 4·2H 2O) accumulations. It investigates previously suggested sulphate precursors such as bedrock sulphides and decompositional marine biogenic H 2S and studies the importance of other potential sources in order to determine the origin of gypsum and dissolved sulphate in the region. An attempt has been made to sample all possible sulphur sources, pathways and types of gypsum accumulations in the Central Namib Desert. We have subjected those samples to sulphur isotopic analyses and have compiled existing results. In addition, ionic ratios of Cl/SO 4 are used to determine the presence of non-sea-salt (NSS) sulphur in groundwater and to investigate processes affecting groundwater sulphate. In contrast to previous work, this study proposes that the sulphur cycle, and the formation of gypsum, in the Namib Desert appears to be dominated by the deposition of atmospheric sulphates of phytoplanktonic origin, part of the primary marine production of the Benguela upwelling cells. The aerosol sulphates are subjected to terrestrial storage within the gypsum deposits on the hyper-arid gravel plain and are traceable in groundwater including coastal sabkhas. The hypothesis of decompositional marine biogenic H 2S or bedrock sulphide sources, as considered previously for the Namib Desert, cannot account for the widespread accumulation of gypsum in the region. The study area in the Central Namib Desert, between the Kuiseb and Omaruru rivers, features extensive gypsum accumulations in a ca. 50-70 km wide band, parallel to the shore. They consist of surficial or shallow pedogenic gypsum crusts in the desert pavement, hydromorphic playa or sabkha gypsum, as thin isolated pockets on bedrock ridges and as discrete masses of gypsum selenite along some faults. The sulphur isotopic values (δ 34S ‰CDT) of these

Hazardous substances in frequently used professional cleaning products

PubMed Central

Gerster, Fabian Melchior; Vernez, David; Wild, Pascal Pierre; Hopf, Nancy Brenna

2014-01-01

Background: A growing number of studies have identified cleaners as a group at risk for adverse health effects of the skin and the respiratory tract. Chemical substances present in cleaning products could be responsible for these effects. Currently, only limited information is available about irritant and health hazardous chemical substances found in cleaning products. We hypothesized that chemical substances present in cleaning products are known health hazardous substances that might be involved in adverse health effects of the skin and the respiratory tract. Methods: We performed a systematic review of cleaning products used in the Swiss cleaning sector. We surveyed Swiss professional cleaning companies (n = 1476) to identify the most used products (n = 105) for inclusion. Safety data sheets (SDSs) were reviewed and hazardous substances present in cleaning products were tabulated with current European and global harmonized system hazard labels. Results: Professional cleaning products are mixtures of substances (arithmetic mean 3.5±2.8), and more than 132 different chemical substances were identified in 105 products. The main groups of chemicals were fragrances, glycol ethers, surfactants, solvents; and to a lesser extent, phosphates, salts, detergents, pH-stabilizers, acids, and bases. Up to 75% of products contained irritant (Xi), 64% harmful (Xn) and 28% corrosive (C) labeled substances. Hazards for eyes (59%) and skin (50%), and hazards by ingestion (60%) were the most reported. Conclusions: Cleaning products potentially give rise to simultaneous exposures to different chemical substances. As professional cleaners represent a large workforce, and cleaning products are widely used, it is a major public health issue to better understand these exposures. The list of substances provided in this study contains important information for future occupational exposure assessment studies. PMID:24804339

Effect of SPM-based cleaning POR on EUV mask performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jaehyuck; Lee, Han-shin; Yoon, Jinsang; Shimomura, Takeya; Friz, Alex; Montgomery, Cecilia; Ma, Andy; Goodwin, Frank; Kang, Daehyuk; Chung, Paul; Shin, Inkyun; Cho, H.

2011-11-01

EUV masks include many different layers of various materials rarely used in optical masks, and each layer of material has a particular role in enhancing the performance of EUV lithography. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the mask quality and patterning performance can change during mask fabrication, EUV exposure, maintenance cleaning, shipping, or storage. The fact that a pellicle is not used to protect the mask surface in EUV lithography suggests that EUV masks may have to undergo more cleaning cycles during their lifetime. More frequent cleaning, combined with the adoption of new materials for EUV masks, necessitates that mask manufacturers closely examine the performance change of EUV masks during cleaning process. We have investigated EUV mask quality and patterning performance during 30 cycles of Samsung's EUV mask SPM-based cleaning and 20 cycles of SEMATECH ADT exposure. We have observed that the quality and patterning performance of EUV masks does not significantly change during these processes except mask pattern CD change. To resolve this issue, we have developed an acid-free cleaning POR and substantially improved EUV mask film loss compared to the SPM-based cleaning POR.

Kinetics of autotrophic denitrification process and the impact of sulphur/limestone ratio on the process performance.

PubMed

Kilic, Arzu; Sahinkaya, Erkan; Cinar, Ozer

2014-01-01

Kinetics of sulphur-limestone autotrophic denitrification process in batch assays and the impact of sulphur/limestone ratio on the process performance in long-term operated packed-bed bioreactors were evaluated. The specific nitrate and nitrite reduction rates increased almost linearly with the increasing initial nitrate and nitrite concentrations, respectively. The process performance was evaluated in three parallel packed-bed bioreactors filled with different sulphur/limestone ratios (1:1, 2:1 and 3:1, v/v). Performances of the bioreactors were studied under varying nitrate loadings (0.05 - 0.80 gNO(-)(3) - NL⁻¹ d⁻¹) and hydraulic retention times (3-12 h). The maximum nitrate reduction rate of 0.66 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹ was observed at the loading rate of 0.80 g NO(-)(3) - N L⁻¹ d⁻¹ in the reactor with sulphur/limestone ratio of 3:1. Throughout the study, nitrite concentrations remained quite low (i.e. below 0.5 mg L⁻¹ NO(-)(2) -N. The reactor performance increased in the order of sulphur/limestone ratio of 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed quite stable communities in the reactors with the presence of Methylo virgulaligni, Sulfurimonas autotrophica, Sulfurovum lithotrophicum, Thiobacillus aquaesulis and Sulfurimonas autotrophica related species.

Acute exposure of symptomatic steelworkers to sulphur dioxide and carbon dust: effects on mucociliary transport, pulmonary function, and bronchial reactivity.

PubMed Central

Wolff, R K; Obminski, G; Newhouse, M T

1984-01-01

Nine steel workers participated in controlled exposures to sulphur dioxide alone and sulphur dioxide plus carbon dust (5 ppm and 10 mg/m3, respectively). All were experiencing work related respiratory difficulties. Bronchial clearance was measured using radioaerosol inhalations and external detection. Results were variable and no statistically significant changes were observed. One asthmatic showed a complete cessation of clearance during exposure to sulphur dioxide and carbon dust. Bronchial reactivity was found to be significantly raised after exposure to sulphur dioxide but equivocal results were found after exposure to sulphur dioxide and carbon dust. Pronounced changes in pulmonary function were seen only in the two asthmatic subjects. They could not tolerate the levels, indicating that these threshold limit values are too high, at least for these individuals who showed much greater sensitivity to the pollutants than the others. PMID:6498113

Enhancing lithium-sulphur battery performance by strongly binding the discharge products on amino-functionalized reduced graphene oxide.

PubMed

Wang, Zhiyu; Dong, Yanfeng; Li, Hongjiang; Zhao, Zongbin; Wu, Hao Bin; Hao, Ce; Liu, Shaohong; Qiu, Jieshan; Lou, Xiong Wen David

2014-09-25

Lithium-sulphur batteries are one very appealing power source with high energy density. But their practical use is still hindered by several issues including short lifespan, low efficiency and safety concern from the lithium anode. Polysulphide dissolution and insulating nature of sulphur are generally considered responsible for the capacity degradation. However, the detachment of discharge products, that is, highly polar lithium sulphides, from nonpolar carbon matrix (for example, graphene) has been rarely studied as one critical factor. Here we report the strongly covalent stabilization of sulphur and its discharge products on amino-functionalized reduced graphene oxide that enables stable capacity retention of 80% for 350 cycles with high capacities and excellent high-rate response up to 4 C. The present study demonstrates a feasible and effective strategy to solve the long-term cycling difficulty for lithium-sulphur batteries and also helps to understand the capacity decay mechanism involved.

Distribution of sulphuric acid aerosols in the clouds and upper haze of Venus using Venus Express VAST and VeRa temperature profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parkinson, Christopher D.; Gao, Peter; Schulte, Rick; Bougher, Stephen W.; Yung, Yuk L.; Bardeen, Charles G.; Wilquet, Valérie; Vandaele, Ann Carine; Mahieux, Arnaud; Tellmann, Silvia; Pätzold, Martin

2015-08-01

Observations from Pioneer Venus and from SPICAV/SOIR aboard Venus Express (VEx) have shown the upper haze (UH) of Venus to be highly spatially and temporally variable, and populated by multiple particle size modes. Previous models of this system (e.g., Gao et al., 2014. Icarus 231, 83-98), using a typical temperature profile representative of the atmosphere (viz., equatorial VIRA profile), did not investigate the effect of temperature on the UH particle distributions. We show that the inclusion of latitude-dependent temperature profiles for both the morning and evening terminators of Venus helps to explain how the atmospheric aerosol distributions vary spatially. In this work we use temperature profiles obtained by two instruments onboard VEx, VeRa and SPICAV/SOIR, to represent the latitudinal temperature dependence. We find that there are no significant differences between results for the morning and evening terminators at any latitude and that the cloud base moves downwards as the latitude increases due to decreasing temperatures. The UH is not affected much by varying the temperature profiles; however, the haze does show some periodic differences, and is slightly thicker at the poles than at the equator. We also find that the sulphuric acid "rain" seen in previous models may be restricted to the equatorial regions of Venus, such that the particle size distribution is relatively stable at higher latitudes and at the poles.

Nicotiana tabacum EIL2 directly regulates expression of at least one tobacco gene induced by sulphur starvation.

PubMed

Wawrzyńska, Anna; Lewandowska, Małgorzata; Sirko, Agnieszka

2010-03-01

Sulphur deficiency severely affects plant growth and their agricultural productivity leading to diverse changes in development and metabolisms. Molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression under low sulphur conditions remain largely unknown. AtSLIM1, a member of the EIN3-like (EIL) family was reported to be a central transcriptional regulator of the plant sulphur response, however, no direct interaction of this protein with any sulphur-responsive promoters was demonstrated. The focus of this study was on the analysis of a promoter region of UP9C, a tobacco gene strongly induced by sulphur limitation. Cloning and subsequent examination of this promoter resulted in the identification of a 20-nt sequence (UPE-box), also present in the promoters of several Arabidopsis genes, including three out of four homologues of UP9C. The UPE-box, consisting of two parallel tebs sequences (TEIL binding site), proved to be necessary to bind the transcription factors belonging to the EIL family and of a 5-nt conserved sequence at the 3'-end. The yeast one-hybrid analysis resulted in the identification of one transcription factor (NtEIL2) capable of binding to the UPE-box. The interactions of NtEIL2, and its homologue from Arabidopsis, AtSLIM1, with DNA were affected by mutations within the UPE-box. Transient expression assays in Nicotiana benthamiana have further shown that both factors, NtEIL2 and AtSLIM1, activate the UP9C promoter. Interestingly, activation by NtEIL2, but not by AtSLIM1, was dependent on the sulphur-deficiency of the plants.

Measurement of acid precipitation in Norway

Treesearch

Arne Semb

1976-01-01

Since January 1972, chemical analysis of daily precipitation samples from about 20 background stations in Norway has been carried out on a routine basis. Air monitoring is carried out at six stations. The chemical analysis programme is: sulphate, pH and acidity in precipitation, sulphates and sulphur dioxide in air. In addition, more detailed chemical analysis of...

Mass Independent Fractionation of Sulphur Isotopes in Precambrian Sedimentary Rocks: Indicator for Changes in Atmospheric Composition and the Operation of the Global Sulphur Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, M.; Farquhar, J.; Strauss, H.

2005-12-01

Large mass independent fractionation (MIF) of sulphur isotopes in sedimentary rocks older than 2.3 Ga and the absence of this isotopic anomaly in younger rocks seem to be the consequence of a change in Earth's atmospheric composition from essentially oxygen-free or to oxygen-rich conditions. MIF is produced by photochemical reactions of volcanogenic sulphur dioxide with UV radiation in the absence of an ozone shield. The products of such processes are elemental sulphur with positive and sulphate with negative Δ33S values. Here we present isotope data (32S, 33S, 34S) for sedimentary pyrites from Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic rocks of the Kaapvaal Craton (South Africa), the Pilbara Craton (Australia) and the Greenland Shield (Isua Supercrustal Belt). Their ages range from 3.85 to 2.47 Ga. Large positive Δ33S values up to +9.13 ‰ in several Archaean units from the Kapvaal and Pilbara Cratons are attributed to low atmospheric oxygen at that time. Interestingly, very low Δ33S values between -0.28 and +0.57 ‰ appear to characterize the Witwatersrand succession of South Africa (3.0 Ga). This rather small MIF signature was previously detected in rocks of the same age in Western Australia (OHMOTO et al., 2005). The signature is interpreted as a global signal, which could be the consequence of a shielding effect induced by one or more atmospheric components. The most probable chemical compounds for this process are methane and carbon dioxide. Rocks of the Kameeldoorns Fm. (2.71 Ga), Kaapvaal Craton, display also low values between -0.46 and +0.33 ‰, which are consistent with the small (absent) MIF signal in rocks of the Hardey Fm. (2.76 Ga) of Western Australia (OHMOTO et al., 2005). Very low carbon isotope values between -51 and -40 ‰ in late Archaean kerogens (2.6 - 2.8 Ga) indicate a high concentration of methane in the atmosphere (PAVLOV et al., 2001). This high methane level could produce an organic haze, which absorbed most of the UV radiation and prevented

Surface-enhanced redox chemistry of polysulphides on a metallic and polar host for lithium-sulphur batteries.

PubMed

Pang, Quan; Kundu, Dipan; Cuisinier, Marine; Nazar, L F

2014-08-26

The lithium-sulphur battery relies on the reversible conversion between sulphur and Li2S and is highly appealing for energy storage owing to its low cost and high energy density. Porous carbons are typically used as sulfur hosts, but they do not adsorb the hydrophilic polysulphide intermediates or adhere well to Li2S, resulting in pronounced capacity fading. Here we report a different strategy based on an inherently polar, high surface area metallic oxide cathode host and show that it mitigates polysulphide dissolution by forming an excellent interface with Li2S. Complementary physical and electrochemical probes demonstrate strong polysulphide/Li2S binding with this 'sulphiphilic' host and provide experimental evidence for surface-mediated redox chemistry. In a lithium-sulphur cell, Ti4O7/S cathodes provide a discharge capacity of 1,070 mAh g(-1) at intermediate rates and a doubling in capacity retention with respect to a typical conductive carbon electrode, at practical sulphur mass fractions up to 70 wt%. Stable cycling performance is demonstrated at high rates over 500 cycles.

Impact of Sulphurous Water Politzer Inhalation on Audiometric Parameters in Children with Otitis Media with Effusion

PubMed Central

Mirandola, Prisco; Gobbi, Giuliana; Malinverno, Chiara; Carubbi, Cecilia; Ferné, Filippo M.; Artico, Marco; Vitale, Marco

2013-01-01

Objectives The positive effects of spa therapy on ear, nose, and throat pathology are known but robust literature in this field, is still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess through a retrospective analysis, the effects on otitis media with effusion of Politzer endotympanic inhalation of sulphurous waters in children aged 5-9 years. Methods A cohort of 95 patients was treated with Politzer insufflations of sulphurous water: 58 patients did a cycle consisting of a treatment of 12 days per year for three consecutive years; 37 patients followed the same procedure for 5 years consecutively. The control population was represented by untreated, age-matched children. A standard audiometric test was used before and after each cycle of treatment. Results One cycle of Politzer inhalation of sulphur-rich water improved the symptoms. Three cycles definitively stabilized the improvement of hearing function. Conclusion Our results show that otitis media with effusion in children can be resolved by an appropriate non-pharmacological treatment of middle ear with sulphur-rich water. PMID:23524467

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary: Title I

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page provides an overview of the 1990 amendments to Title I of the Clean Air Act, which were enacted to curb acid rain, urban air pollution and toxic air emissions. The edits to this title deal with the national ambient air quality standards.

1990 Clean Air Act Amendment Summary: Title VI

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page provides an overview of the 1990 amendments to Title VI of the Clean Air Act, which were enacted to curb acid rain, urban air pollution and toxic air emissions. The edits to this title deal with stratospheric ozone and global climate protection.

30 CFR 250.124 - Will MMS approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Will MMS approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit? 250.124 Section 250.124 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY... increase potential hazards to present or future sulphur mining operations. Fees ...

76 FR 52963 - Information Collection Activity: Prospecting for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-24

... ID No. BOEM-2011-0076] Information Collection Activity: Prospecting for Minerals Other Than Oil, Gas... paperwork requirements in the regulations under, Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur...: 30 CFR Part 280, Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental...

Annual Report, Fall 2016: Alternative Chemical Cleaning of Radioactive High Level Waste Tanks - Corrosion Test Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wyrwas, R. B.

The testing presented in this report is in support of the investigation of the Alternative Chemical Cleaning program to aid in developing strategies and technologies to chemically clean radioactive High Level Waste tanks prior to tank closure. The data and conclusions presented here were the examination of the corrosion rates of A285 carbon steel and 304L stainless steel exposed to two proposed chemical cleaning solutions: acidic permanganate (0.18 M nitric acid and 0.05M sodium permanganate) and caustic permanganate. (10 M sodium hydroxide and 0.05M sodium permanganate). These solutions have been proposed as a chemical cleaning solution for the retrieval ofmore » actinides in the sludge in the waste tanks, and were tested with both HM and PUREX sludge simulants at a 20:1 ratio.« less

Trends in atmospheric deposition fluxes of sulphur and nitrogen in Czech forests.

PubMed

Hůnová, Iva; Maznová, Jana; Kurfürst, Pavel

2014-01-01

We present the temporal trends and spatial changes of deposition of sulphur and nitrogen in Czech forests based on records from long-term monitoring. A statistically significant trend for sulphur was detected at most of the sites measuring for wet, dry, and total deposition fluxes and at many of these the trend was also present for the period after 2000. The spatial pattern of the changes in sulphur deposition flux between 1995 and 2011 shows the decrease over the entire forested area in a wide range of 18.1-0.2 g m(-2) year(-1) with the most pronounced improvement in formerly most impacted regions. Nitrogen still represents a considerable stress in many areas. The value of nitrogen deposition flux of 1 g m(-2) year(-1) is exceeded over a significant portion of the country. On an equivalent basis, the ion ratios of NO3(-)/SO4(2-) and NH4(+)/SO4(2-) in precipitation show significantly increasing trends in time similarly to those of pH. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Battery Technology Stores Clean Energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

Headquartered in Fremont, California, Deeya Energy Inc. is now bringing its flow batteries to commercial customers around the world after working with former Marshall Space Flight Center scientist, Lawrence Thaller. Deeya's liquid-cell batteries have higher power capability than Thaller's original design, are less expensive than lead-acid batteries, are a clean energy alternative, and are 10 to 20 times less expensive than nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cell options.

Clean Air Markets - Quick Facts and Trends

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Quick Facts and Trends module is part of a suite of Clean Air Markets-related tools that are accessible at http://camddataandmaps.epa.gov/gdm/index.cfm. The Quick Facts and Trends module provides charts and graphs depicting national trends in emissions and heat input. The user can view, for example, data pertaining to the top annual and ozone season emitters of a selected pollutant, the number of units and facilities in a particular state, and trends in sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions.EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) includes several market-based regulatory programs designed to improve air quality and ecosystems. The most well-known of these programs are EPA's Acid Rain Program and the NOx Programs, which reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-compounds that adversely affect air quality, the environment, and public health. CAMD also plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

[Therapeutic effect of the association between pulmonary ventilation and aerosol--inhalation with sulphureous mineral water in the chronic bronchopneumopathies].

PubMed

Lopalco, M; Proia, A R; Fraioli, A; Serio, A; Cammarella, I; Petraccia, L; Grassi, M

2004-04-01

Our research evaluates the efficacy of the inalation therapy by mineral sulphureous water in patients suffering from cronic bronchopneumopathy. From August to October 2002, two groups of patients, randomly selected, suffering from cronic bronchopneumonopathy, were studied at spa center "Pompeo" in Ferentino (FR). Every patient was treated daily during a cycle of twelve days. The first group was treated by pneumonic mechanical ventilation associated to sulphureous water aerosolinalation, the second by mechanical pulmonary ventilation associated to sulphureous water aerosol-inalation medicated with flunisolide. Every patient carried out spirometry, before and after treatment, and the measurement of FEV1 was considered a good parameter to evaluate the respiratory function. All patients reported an improvement in symptoms as dyspnea and cough. Results obtained show a significant functional improvement of respiratory function in both groups, evaluated by FEV1. Equal efficacy treating the patients by medicated and not medicated treatments stress the therapeutic role of mineral sulphureous waters in chronic bronchopneumopathies. Our research points out the usefullness of pneumonic ventilation associated with sulphureous water aerosol-inalation in patients suffering from chronic bronchopneumopathies.

Membrane extraction with thermodynamically unstable diphosphonic acid derivatives

DOEpatents

Horwitz, Earl Philip; Gatrone, Ralph Carl; Nash, Kenneth LaVerne

1997-01-01

Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described.

Environmental policy constraints for acidic exhaust gas scrubber discharges from ships.

PubMed

Ülpre, H; Eames, I

2014-11-15

Increasingly stringent environmental legislation on sulphur oxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels onboard ships (International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regulation 14) can be met by either refining the fuel to reduce sulphur content or by scrubbing the exhaust gases. Commonly used open loop marine scrubbers discharge warm acidic exhaust gas wash water into the sea, depressing its pH. The focus on this paper is on the physics and chemistry behind the disposal of acidic discharges in seawater. The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 59/24/Add.1 Annex 9) requires the wash water to reach a pH greater than 6.5 at a distance of 4m from the point of discharge. We examine the engineering constraints, specifically size and number of ports, to identify the challenges of meeting regulatory compliance. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effects of sulphur on the performance of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor: Biological stability, trace organic contaminant removal, and membrane fouling.

PubMed

Song, Xiaoye; Luo, Wenhai; McDonald, James; Khan, Stuart J; Hai, Faisal I; Guo, Wenshan; Ngo, Hao H; Nghiem, Long D

2018-02-01

This study investigated the impact of sulphur content on the performance of an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) with an emphasis on the biological stability, contaminant removal, and membrane fouling. Removal of 38 trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) that are ubiquitously present in municipal wastewater by AnMBR was evaluated. Results show that basic biological performance of AnMBR regarding biomass growth and the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was not affected by sulphur addition when the influent COD/SO 4 2- ratio was maintained higher than 10. Nevertheless, the content of hydrogen sulphate in the produced biogas increased significantly and membrane fouling was exacerbated with sulphur addition. Moreover, the increase in sulphur content considerably affected the removal of some hydrophilic TrOCs and their residuals in the sludge phase during AnMBR operation. By contrast, no significant impact on the removal of hydrophobic TrOCs was noted with sulphur addition to AnMBR. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short communication: Reactivity of diacetyl with cleaning and sanitizing agents.

PubMed

Rincon-Delgadillo, M I; Lopez-Hernandez, A; Rankin, S A

2013-01-01

Diacetyl is used to impart a buttery flavor to numerous food products such as sour cream, cottage cheese, vegetable oil-based spreads, baked goods, and beverages. Recent studies have linked exposure to high concentrations of diacetyl and the onset of bronchiolitis obliterans. Due to the reported risks that diacetyl may pose, many food companies have altered practices to reduce worker exposure to diacetyl, including the use of personal respirators, improved air handling systems, and adequate cleaning practices. Commonly used cleaning and sanitizing agents may be reactive with diacetyl; however, the efficacy of these chemicals has not been studied in detail and remains unclear. The objective of this work was to study the reaction chemistry of diacetyl with common industrial cleaning and sanitizing chemicals. The reactions were assessed at equimolar concentrations and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Peroxyacetic acid was most reactive with diacetyl (95% reduction in diacetyl), followed by sodium hypochlorite (76% reduction), and hydrogen peroxide (26% reduction). Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) did not react with diacetyl. Acetic acid was detected as the main product of reactions of diacetyl with peroxyacetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide. 1,1-Dichloro-2-propanone and 1,1,1-trichloropropanone were also identified as volatile reaction products in the sodium hypochlorite reactions. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of nickel and sulphur on the core-mantle partitioning of oxygen in Earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuno, Kyusei; Frost, Daniel J.; Rubie, David C.

2011-03-01

Constraints on the partitioning of oxygen between silicates, oxides, and metallic liquids are important for determining the amount of oxygen that may have entered the cores of terrestrial planets and to identify likely reactions at the core-mantle boundary. Several previous studies have examined oxygen partitioning between liquid Fe metal and ferropericlase, however, the cores of terrestrial planets also contain nickel and most likely sulphur. We have performed experiments to examine the effects of both nickel and sulphur on the partitioning of oxygen between ferropericlase and liquid Fe alloy up to pressures of 24.5 GPa in the temperature range 2430-2750 K using a multianvil press. The results show that at a fixed oxygen fugacity the proportion of oxygen that partitions into liquid metal will decrease by approximately 1-2 mol% on the addition of 10-20 mol% nickel to the liquid. The addition of around 30 mol% sulphur will, on the other hand, increase the metal oxygen content by approximately 10 mol%. Experiments to examine the combined effects of both nickel and sulphur, show a decrease in the effect of nickel on oxygen partitioning as the sulphur content of the metal increases. We expand an existing thermodynamic model for the partitioning of oxygen at high pressures and temperatures to include the effects of nickel and sulphur by fitting these experimental data, with further constraints provided by existing phase equilibria studies at similar conditions in the Fe-S and Fe-O-S systems. Plausible terrestrial core sulphur contents have little effect on oxygen partitioning. When our model is extrapolated to conditions of the present day terrestrial core-mantle boundary, the presence of nickel is found to lower the oxygen content of the outer core that is in equilibrium with the expected mantle ferropericlase FeO content, by approximately 1 weight %, in comparison to nickel free calculations. In agreement with nickel-free experiments, this implies that the Earth

Risk in cleaning: chemical and physical exposure.

PubMed

Wolkoff, P; Schneider, T; Kildesø, J; Degerth, R; Jaroszewski, M; Schunk, H

1998-04-23

occupants. The variety and duration of the emissions depend inter alia on the use of fragrances and high boiling VOCs. Some building materials appear to increase their VOC emission through wet cleaning and thus may affect the IAQ. Particles and dirt contain a great variety of both volatile and non-volatile substances, including allergens. While the volatile fraction can consist of more than 200 different VOCs including formaldehyde, the non-volatile fraction can contain considerable amounts (> 0.5%) of fatty acid salts and tensides (e.g. linear alkyl benzene sulphonates). The level of these substances can be high immediately after the cleaning process, but few studies have been conducted concerning this problem. The substances partly originate from the use of cleaning agents. Both types are suspected to be airway irritants. Cleaning activities generate dust, mostly by resuspension, but other occupant activities may also resuspend dust over longer periods of time. Personal sampling of VOCs and airborne dust gives higher results than stationary sampling. International bodies have proposed air sampling strategies. A variety of field sampling techniques for VOC and surface particle sampling is listed.

Film loss-free cleaning chemicals for EUV mask lifetime elongation developed through combinatorial chemical screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Jaehyuck; Kim, Jinsu; Lowe, Jeff; Dattilo, Davide; Koh, Soowan; Choi, Jun Yeol; Dietze, Uwe; Shoki, Tsutomu; Kim, Byung Gook; Jeon, Chan-Uk

2015-10-01

EUV masks include many different layers of various materials rarely used in optical masks, and each layer of material has a particular role in enhancing the performance of EUV lithography. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the mask quality and patterning performance can change during mask fabrication, EUV exposure, maintenance cleaning, shipping, or storage. SPM (Sulfuric acid peroxide mixture) which has been extensively used for acid cleaning of photomask and wafer has serious drawback for EUV mask cleaning. It shows severe film loss of tantalum-based absorber layers and limited removal efficiency of EUV-generated carbon contaminants on EUV mask surface. Here, we introduce such novel cleaning chemicals developed for EUV mask as almost film loss free for various layers of the mask and superior carbon removal performance. Combinatorial chemical screening methods allowed us to screen several hundred combinations of various chemistries and additives under several different process conditions of temperature and time, eventually leading to development of the best chemistry selections for EUV mask cleaning. Recently, there have been many activities for the development of EUV pellicle, driven by ASML and core EUV scanner customer companies. It is still important to obtain film-loss free cleaning chemicals because cleaning cycle of EUV mask should be much faster than that of optic mask mainly due to EUV pellicle lifetime. More frequent cleaning, combined with the adoption of new materials for EUV masks, necessitates that mask manufacturers closely examine the performance change of EUV masks during cleaning process. We have investigated EUV mask quality changes and film losses during 50 cleaning cycles using new chemicals as well as particle and carbon contaminant removal characteristics. We have observed that the performance of new chemicals developed is superior to current SPM or relevant cleaning chemicals for EUV mask cleaning and EUV mask lifetime elongation.

30 CFR 250.124 - Will BSEE approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... rock containing a sulphur deposit? 250.124 Section 250.124 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND... CONTINENTAL SHELF General Performance Standards § 250.124 Will BSEE approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit? To receive the Regional Supervisor's approval to inject gas into the cap rock...

30 CFR 250.124 - Will BSEE approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... rock containing a sulphur deposit? 250.124 Section 250.124 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND... CONTINENTAL SHELF General Performance Standards § 250.124 Will BSEE approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit? To receive the Regional Supervisor's approval to inject gas into the cap rock...

30 CFR 250.124 - Will BSEE approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... rock containing a sulphur deposit? 250.124 Section 250.124 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF SAFETY AND... CONTINENTAL SHELF General Performance Standards § 250.124 Will BSEE approve gas injection into the cap rock containing a sulphur deposit? To receive the Regional Supervisor's approval to inject gas into the cap rock...

The use of sulphur as a rigid binder and for the impregnation of concrete : state of the art.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-01-01

Recent research has led to the development of durable modified-sulphur mortars, concretes, and coatings. All of the methods of using sulphur as a binder for rigid concrete rely on the reaction of one or more modifiers to stabilize, in the hardened st...

Effects of chronic and acute exposure to sulphur dioxide on the growth of hybrid poplar cuttings

Treesearch

Leon S. Dochinger; Keith F. Jensen

1975-01-01

Hybrid poplar clones were fumigated in controlled-environment chambers with either 5 ppm sulphur dioxide for 1½, 3, and 6 h or with 0.25 ppm sulphur dioxide for six weeks. Multivariate analyses were made from shoot-growth data before and after treatment and on the foliar injury induced by S02. Both short- and long-term fumigation produced similar...

Quantifying Sulphur Emissions and Atmospheric Aerosol Loading From the 1730-36 Lanzarote Eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, K.; Blake, S.; Self, S.

2005-12-01

The AD 1730-36 eruption of Lanzarote (Canary Islands) is the third largest basaltic fissure eruption known to have occurred in the last 1000 years, after the Icelandic events of Laki (AD 1783-84) and Eldgja (AD 934). Our new volume estimates suggest that the Lanzarote eruption produced ~6 km3 of alkali basalt magma along a 15-km long, E-W trending fissure. Eruptive activity occurred in five distinct phases. Each phase began with Strombolian fire fountain activity, building large spatter and scoria cones. This was accompanied and followed by effusive aa and pahoehoe lava flow emplacement. As studies in Iceland have shown, this type of sustained fissure eruption can release large amounts of SO2 to the upper atmosphere, leading to the formation of sulphate aerosol clouds and causing widespread environmental damage and human suffering. Matrix glasses in scoria and surface lava samples have 80-300 ppm S (EMPA) and 300-600 ppm H2O (FTIR), whereas glass inclusions in olivine have 420-2650 ppm S and 1000-5000 ppm H2O. Low sulphur inclusions are believed to be partially degassed, representing melt that was trapped during degassing-induced crystallization that occurred as a result of shallow decompression. The inclusions with the highest sulphur contents trap the original un-degassed melt, as indicated by their consistent S/K2O ratio (0.22). The high sulphur contents are also consistent with our finding, from olivine-spinel equilibria, that the magma was relatively oxidized (log fO2 -4.8) therefore favouring the formation of sulphate species and preventing sulphide saturation. Our glass analyses indicate that 40 Mt of SO2 was injected into the upper troposphere - lower stratosphere via 12-16-km-high eruption plumes and that over half this amount was released during the first year of activity. This figure correlates with published Greenland ice-core (GISP-2) data that shows an acidity spike in 1731, suggesting stratospheric transport of sulphate aerosol to the North during

Fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope evidence for syntectonic mineralisation at the Elura mine, southeastern Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seccombe, P. K.

1990-10-01

Fluid inclusion and sulphur isotope data for the discordant, metasediment-hosted massive sulphide deposit at Elura are consistent with a syntectonic origin of the orebodies. Thermometric and laser Raman microprobe analyses indicate that two-phase, primary fluid inclusions are low salinity and H2O-CO2-CH4 types. Inclusion fluids from quartz in ore yield homogenisation temperatures (Th) ranging from 298 ° to 354 °C (mean 320 °C). They are likely to have been trapped close to the solvus of the H2O-CO2-(CH4-NaCl) system and thus should give temperatures of the mineralising fluid. An additional, low Th population of later fluid inclusions is recognised in quartz from ore and syntectonic extension veins in the adjacent wallrock. Th's for these low CO2bearing inclusions range from 150 to 231 °C (mean 190 °C), and should be considerably lower than true trapping temperatures. Sulphur isotopic composition (δ34S) of pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite and galena ranges from 4.7 to 12.6% and indicates a sulphur source from underlying Cobar Supergroup metasediments. An average temperature of 275 °C from the sphalerite-galena sulphur isotopic thermometer suggests isotopic re-equilibration below peak metamorphic temperatures.

[Effect of manual cleaning and machine cleaning for dental handpiece].

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaoli; Huang, Hao; He, Xiaoyan; Chen, Hui; Zhou, Xiaoying

2013-08-01

Comparing the dental handpiece' s cleaning effect between manual cleaning and machine cleaning. Eighty same contaminated dental handpieces were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, each group contains 40 pieces. The experimental group was treated by full automatic washing machine, and the control group was cleaned manually. The cleaning method was conducted according to the operations process standard, then ATP bioluminescence was used to test the cleaning results. Average relative light units (RLU) by ATP bioluminescence detection were as follows: Experimental group was 9, control group was 41. The two groups were less than the recommended RLU value provided by the instrument manufacturer (RLU < or = 45). There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The cleaning quality of the experimental group was better than that of control group. It is recommended that the central sterile supply department should clean dental handpieces by machine to ensure the cleaning effect and maintain the quality.

Identification and on-line monitoring of reduced sulphur species (RSS) by voltammetry in oxic waters.

PubMed

Superville, Pierre-Jean; Pižeta, Ivanka; Omanović, Dario; Billon, Gabriel

2013-08-15

Based on automatic on-line measurements on the Deûle River that showed daily variation of a peak around -0.56V (vs Ag|AgCl 3M), identification of Reduced Sulphur Species (RSS) in oxic waters was performed applying cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) with the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Pseudopolarographic studies accompanied with increasing concentrations of copper revealed the presence of elemental sulphur S(0), thioacetamide (TA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as the main sulphur compounds in the Deûle River. In order to resolve these three species, a simple procedure was developed and integrated in an automatic on-line monitoring system. During one week monitoring with hourly measurements, GSH and S(0) exhibited daily cycles whereas no consequential pattern was observed for TA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigating the significance of zero-point motion in small molecular clusters of sulphuric acid and water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stinson, Jake L.; Kathmann, Shawn M.; Ford, Ian J.

2014-01-14

The nucleation of particles from trace gases in the atmosphere is an important source of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), and these are vital for the formation of clouds in view of the high supersaturations required for homogeneous water droplet nucleation. The methods of quantum chemistry have increasingly been employed to model nucleation due to their high accuracy and efficiency in calculating configurational energies; and nucleation rates can be obtained from the associated free energies of particle formation. However, even in such advanced approaches, it is typically assumed that the nuclei have a classical nature, which is questionable for some systems.more » The importance of zero-point motion (also known as quantum nuclear dynamics) in modelling small clusters of sulphuric acid and water is tested here using the path integral molecular dynamics (PIMD) method at the density functional theory (DFT) level of theory. We observe a small zero-point effect on the the equilibrium structures of certain clusters. One configuration is found to display a bimodal behaviour at 300 K in contrast to the stable ionised state suggested from a zero temperature classical geometry optimisation. The general effect of zero-point motion is to promote the extent of proton transfer with respect to classical behaviour. We thank Prof. Angelos Michaelides and his group in University College London (UCL) for practical advice and helpful discussions. This work benefited from interactions with the Thomas Young Centre through seminar and discussions involving the PIMD method. SMK was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences. JLS and IJF were supported by the IMPACT scheme at UCL and by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences. We are grateful for use of the UCL Legion High Performance Computing Facility and the

Lipoic acid biosynthesis defects.

PubMed

Mayr, Johannes A; Feichtinger, René G; Tort, Frederic; Ribes, Antonia; Sperl, Wolfgang

2014-07-01

Lipoate is a covalently bound cofactor essential for five redox reactions in humans: in four 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases and the glycine cleavage system (GCS). Two enzymes are from the energy metabolism, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase; and three are from the amino acid metabolism, branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase, 2-oxoadipate dehydrogenase, and the GCS. All these enzymes consist of multiple subunits and share a similar architecture. Lipoate synthesis in mitochondria involves mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis up to octanoyl-acyl-carrier protein; and three lipoate-specific steps, including octanoic acid transfer to glycine cleavage H protein by lipoyl(octanoyl) transferase 2 (putative) (LIPT2), lipoate synthesis by lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS), and lipoate transfer by lipoyltransferase 1 (LIPT1), which is necessary to lipoylate the E2 subunits of the 2-oxoacid dehydrogenases. The reduced form dihydrolipoate is reactivated by dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD). Mutations in LIAS have been identified that result in a variant form of nonketotic hyperglycinemia with early-onset convulsions combined with a defect in mitochondrial energy metabolism with encephalopathy and cardiomyopathy. LIPT1 deficiency spares the GCS, and resulted in a combined 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase deficiency and early death in one patient and in a less severely affected individual with a Leigh-like phenotype. As LIAS is an iron-sulphur-cluster-dependent enzyme, a number of recently identified defects in mitochondrial iron-sulphur cluster synthesis, including NFU1, BOLA3, IBA57, GLRX5 presented with deficiency of LIAS and a LIAS-like phenotype. As in DLD deficiency, a broader clinical spectrum can be anticipated for lipoate synthesis defects depending on which of the affected enzymes is most rate limiting.

Physical and chemical processes of sulphur dioxide in the plume from an oil-fired power station.

PubMed

Flyger, H; Lewin, E; Thomsen, E L; Fenger, J; Lyck, E; Gryning, S E

1977-03-01

The Danish contribution to the EUROCOP COST 61a project is described. Work concerned the physical and chemical reactions of sulphur dioxide released from a power station. The investigation was based on the application of two tracers. Inactive, inert SF6 is used to monitor the dispersion of and deposition from the plume; it was intended to use radioactive 35SO2 to determine the degree of oxidation of sulphur released from the stack; so far, however, public reaction has prevented the use of a release of activity in field experiments. The report describes the construction and testing of airborne instruments for continuous registration of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and the tracer SF6, as well as for measurements of temperature and humidity. Sulphur samples were collected on filter paper in a specially constructed low volume air sampler, and the subsequentchemical analysis in the laboratory is described. Finally, the problem of navigation is treated. It is shown that nitrogen oxides may be used as an internal tracer in plume experiments. Preliminary experiments based on inactive analysis only indicated an overall half-life for SO2 in the plume of about half an hour.

An evaluation of ambient sulphur dioxide concentrations from passive degassing of the Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia geothermal system: Implications for human health

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, Erouscilla P.; Beckles, Denise M.; Cox, Leonette; Jackson, Viveka B.; Alexander, Dominic

2015-10-01

Sulphur Springs Park in Saint Lucia is a site of energetic geothermal activity associated with the potentially active Soufrière Volcanic Centre. The Park is one of Saint Lucia's most important tourist attractions, and is marketed as the 'world's only drive-in volcano'. It has an on-site staff of tour guides and vendors, as well as over 200,000 visitors annually. There are also a number of residents living in the areas bordering the Park. Recreational use is made of the geothermal waters for bathing, application of mud masques, and in some cases drinking. As part of the University of the West Indies, Seismic Research Centre's (UWI-SRC's) overall volcano monitoring programme for Saint Lucia, the volcanic emissions at Sulphur Springs (hot springs, mud pools and fumaroles) have been regularly monitored since 2001. In recent years, visitors, staff, and management at the Park have expressed concern about the health effects of exposure to volcanic emissions from the hydrothermal system. In response to this, SRC has expanded its regular geothermal monitoring programme to include a preliminary evaluation of ambient sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations in and around the Park, to assess the possible implications for human health. Passive diffusion tubes were used to measure the atmospheric SO2 concentrations at various sites in Sulphur Springs Park (SSP), in the town of Soufrière and in the capital of Castries. Measurements of average monthly ambient SO2 with the passive samplers indicated that during the dry season period of April to July 2014 concentration at sites closest to the main vents at SSP (Group 1), which are routinely used by staff and visitors, frequently exceeded the WHO 10-minute AQG for SO2 of 500 μg/m3. However, for sites that were more distal to the main venting area (Groups 2 and 3), the average monthly ambient SO2 did not exceed the WHO 10-minute AQG for SO2 of 500 μg/m3 during the entire monitoring period. The measured concentrations and dispersion

Airing 'clean air' in Clean India Mission.

PubMed

Banerjee, T; Kumar, M; Mall, R K; Singh, R S

2017-03-01

The submission explores the possibility of a policy revision for considering clean air quality in recently launched nationwide campaign, Clean India Mission (CIM). Despite of several efforts for improving availability of clean household energy and sanitation facilities, situation remain still depressing as almost half of global population lacks access to clean energy and proper sanitation. Globally, at least 2.5 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation facilities. There are also evidences of 7 million premature deaths by air pollution in year 2012. The situation is even more disastrous for India especially in rural areas. Although, India has reasonably progressed in developing sanitary facilities and disseminating clean fuel to its urban households, the situation in rural areas is still miserable and needs to be reviewed. Several policy interventions and campaigns were made to improve the scenario but outcomes were remarkably poor. Indian census revealed a mere 31% sanitation coverage (in 2011) compared to 22% in 2001 while 60% of population (700 million) still use solid biofuels and traditional cook stoves for household cooking. Further, last decade (2001-2011) witnessed the progress decelerating down with rural households without sanitation facilities increased by 8.3 million while minimum progress has been made in conversion of conventional to modern fuels. To revamp the sanitation coverage, an overambitious nationwide campaign CIM was initiated in 2014 and present submission explores the possibility of including 'clean air' considerations within it. The article draws evidence from literatures on scenarios of rural sanitation, energy practises, pollution induced mortality and climatic impacts of air pollution. This subsequently hypothesised with possible modification in available technologies, dissemination modes, financing and implementation for integration of CIM with 'clean air' so that access to both sanitation and clean household energy may be

Acidity of open and intercepted precipitation in forests

Treesearch

J. Baker; Drake Hocking; Marvin Nyborg

1976-01-01

Emissions of sulphur dioxide appear to have an acidifying effect on grossfall (open rainfall), throughfall, stemflow and soil solution at sites near major sources. Resulting effects on soil chemistry include elevated extractable acidity and aluminum and depressed exchangeable bases, especially calcium and magnesium. These changes are mostly in the incipient phases in...

The effect of storage conditions, contamination modes and cleaning procedures on the resin bond strength to lithium disilicate ceramic.

PubMed

Klosa, Karsten; Wolfart, Stefan; Lehmann, Frank; Wenz, Hans-Jürgen; Kern, Matthias

2009-04-01

The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the resin bond strength to pre-etched lithium disilicate ceramic using different cleaning methods after two contamination modes (saliva or saliva and silicone). Plexiglas tubes filled with composite resin (MultiCore Flow) were bonded to etched and silanized ceramic disks made of lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max Press) using a luting resin (Multilink Automix). Either etched or unetched ceramic surfaces were contaminated with saliva or with saliva followed by a disclosing silicone. Groups of 16 specimens each were bonded after pretreatment using 4 surface cleaning agents (37% phosphoric acid, 5% hydrofluoric acid, 96% isopropanol, air polishing device with sodium bicarbonate) in different combinations. Before measuring tensile bond strength, specimens were stored for 3 or 150 days with thermocycling. After 150 days of storage, etching of saliva-contaminated surfaces with 5% hydrofluoric acid and/or 37% phosphoric acid provided statistically significantly higher bond strengths (37.9 to 49.5 MPa) than the other cleaning methods (1.7 to 15.5 MPa). After saliva and silicone contamination, etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid provided statistically significantly higher bond strengths (44.5 to 50.3 MPa) than all other cleaning methods (0.3 to 13.5 MPa). Ceramic cleaning methods after try-in procedures have a significant influence on the resin bond strength and are dependent on the type of contamination. Re-etching lithium disilicate ceramic with 5% hydrofluoric acid is most effective in removing contamination with saliva and/or a silicone disclosing medium.

Plasma Cleaning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hintze, Paul E.

2016-01-01

NASA's Kennedy Space Center has developed two solvent-free precision cleaning techniques: plasma cleaning and supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2), that has equal performance, cost parity, and no environmental liability, as compared to existing solvent cleaning methods.

A comparison of decontamination effects of commercially available detergents in rats pre-exposed to topical sulphur mustard.

PubMed

Misik, Jan; Jost, Petr; Pavlikova, Ruzena; Vodakova, Eva; Cabal, Jiri; Kuca, Kamil

2013-06-01

The genotoxic vesicant sulphur mustard [bis-2-(chloroethyl)sulphide] is a chemical warfare agent which is easily available due to its relatively simple synthesis. Thus, sulphur mustard is a potential agent for mass contamination. In this study, we focused on sulphur mustard toxicity and decontamination in a rat model using commercially available detergent mixtures for dermal decontamination. Male Wistar rats were percutaneously treated with sulphur mustard and subjected to wet decontamination 2 min postexposure. Commercially produced detergents Neodekont™, Argos™, Dermogel™ and FloraFree™ were tested for their decontamination efficacy against an exposed group and their protective ratios determined. The results showed that all tested detergent solutions produced an increase in the median lethal dose [LD(50) = 9.83 (5.87-13.63) mg·kg(-1)] in comparison to controls, which led to increased survival of experimental animals. In general, all tested detergents provided modest decontamination efficacy (PR = 2.0-5.7). The highest protective ratio (5.7) was consistently achieved with Argos™. Accordingly, Argos™ should be considered in further investigation of mass casualty decontamination.

Rapid analytical procedure for determination of mineral oils in edible oil by GC-FID.

PubMed

Wrona, Magdalena; Pezo, Davinson; Nerin, Cristina

2013-12-15

A procedure for the determination of mineral oils in edible oil has been fully developed. The procedure consists of using a sulphuric acid-impregnated silica gel (SAISG) glass column to eliminate the fat matter. A chemical combustion of the fatty acids takes place, while the mineral oils are not affected by the sulphuric acid. The column is eluted with hexane using a vacuum pump and the final extract is concentrated and analysed by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionisation detector (FID). The detection limit (LOD) and the quantification limit (LOQ) in hexane were 0.07 and 0.21 μg g(-1) respectively and the LOQ in vegetable oil was 1 μg g(-1). Only a few minutes were necessary for sample treatment to have a clean extract. The efficiency of the process, measured through the recoveries from spiked samples of edible oil was higher than 95%. The procedure has been applied to determine mineral oil in olive oil from the retailed market. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies of a urinary biomarker of dietary inorganic sulphur in subjects on diets containing 1-38 mmol sulphur/day and of the half-life of ingested 34SO4(2-).

PubMed

Curno, R; Magee, E A; Edmond, L M; Cummings, J H

2008-09-01

Sulphites are widely used food additives that may damage health, hence limits are set on their use. They are excreted in urine as sulphate, along with sulphate derived from sulphur amino acids. Dietary intakes of sulphites are hard to determine, so we have tested the utility of urinary nitrogen:sulphate ratio as a biomarker of inorganic sulphur (IS) intake. Additionally we determined the half-life of ingested (34)SO(4)(2-) from its urinary excretion. Twenty healthy adult subjects were recruited by poster advertisement, for a 24-h study where they ate specified foods, which were high in IS, in addition to their normal diet. The half-life of ingested (34)SO(4)(2-) was assessed in five healthy volunteers, given 5.9 mmols of Na(2)(34)SO(4) as a single dose and collecting all urine specimens for 72-96 h. Urine and duplicate diets from three previously conducted studies were analysed for nitrogen and sulphate content, thus expanding the range of IS intakes for evaluation. Duplicate diets were analysed for IS content by ion exchange chromatography, while IS intake was predicted from urinary sulphate (g/day S)-(urinary nitrogen (g/day)/18.89). (32)S:(34)S ratios were determined by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The range of IS intake was 1.3-37.5 mmol S/day. Actual and predicted IS intakes were mmol/day+/-s.e. 9.2+/-0.65 and 7.0+/-0.45, respectively, and were correlated r=0.60 (n=108). The mean half-life of ingested (34)SO(4)(2-) was 8.2 h. From a 24-h urine collection, IS intake from the habitual diet can be determined for groups of individuals. To predict individual intakes of IS, which may include high sporadic amounts from beer and wine, at least 48 h of urine collection would be required.

Cleaning verification: Exploring the effect of the cleanliness of stainless steel surface on sample recovery.

PubMed

Haidar Ahmad, Imad A; Tam, James; Li, Xue; Duffield, William; Tarara, Thomas; Blasko, Andrei

2017-02-05

The parameters affecting the recovery of pharmaceutical residues from the surface of stainless steel coupons for quantitative cleaning verification method development have been studied, including active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) level, spiking procedure, API/excipient ratio, analyst-to-analyst variability, inter-day variability, and cleaning procedure of the coupons. The lack of a well-defined procedure that consistently cleaned coupon surface was identified as the major contributor to low and variable recoveries. Assessment of acid, base, and oxidant washes, as well as the order of treatment, showed that a base-water-acid-water-oxidizer-water wash procedure resulted in consistent, accurate spiked recovery (>90%) and reproducible results (S rel ≤4%). By applying this cleaning procedure to the previously used coupons that failed the cleaning acceptance criteria, multiple analysts were able to obtain consistent recoveries from day-to-day for different APIs, and API/excipient ratios at various spike levels. We successfully applied our approach for cleaning verification of small molecules (MW<1000Da) as well as large biomolecules (MW up to 50,000Da). Method robustness was greatly influenced by the sample preparation procedure, especially for analyses using total organic carbon (TOC) determination. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of zinc (Zn) content to cell potential value and efficiency aluminium sacrificial anode in 0.2 M sulphuric acid environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akranata, Ahmad Ridho; Sulistijono, Awali, Jatmoko

2018-04-01

Sacrificial anode is sacirifial component that used to protect steel from corrosion. Generally, the component are made of aluminium and zinc in water environment. Sacrificial anode change the protected metal structure become cathodic with giving current. The advantages of aluminium is corrosion resistance, non toxicity and easy forming. Zinc generally used for coating in steel to prevent steel from corrosion. This research was conducted to analyze the effect of zinc content to the value of cell potential and efficiency aluminium sacrificial anode with sand casting method in 0.2 M sulphuric acid environment. The sacrificial anode fabrication made with alloying aluminium and zinc metals with variation composition of alloy with pure Al, Al-3Zn, Al-6Zn, and Al-9Zn with open die sand casting process. The component installed with ASTM A36 steel. After the research has been done the result showed that addition of zinc content increase the cell potential, protection efficiency, and anode efficiency from steel plate. Cell potential value measurement and weight loss measurement showed that addition of zinc content increase the cell potential value into more positive that can protected the ASTM A36 steel more efficiently that showed in weight loss measurement where the protection efficiency and anodic efficiency of Al-9Zn sacrificial anode is better than protection efficiency and anodic efficiency of pure Al. The highest protection efficiency gotten by Al-9Zn alloy

The Neoarchaean surficial sulphur cycle: An alternative hypothesis based on analogies with 20th-century atmospheric lead.

PubMed

Gallagher, M; Whitehouse, M J; Kamber, B S

2017-05-01

We revisit the S-isotope systematics of sedimentary pyrite in a shaly limestone from the ca. 2.52 Ga Gamohaan Formation, Upper Campbellrand Subgroup, Transvaal, South Africa. The analysed rock is interpreted to have been deposited in a water depth of ca. 50-100 m, in a restricted sub-basin on a drowning platform. A previous study discovered that the pyrites define a nonzero intercept δ 34 S V - CDT -Δ 33 S data array. The present study carried out further quadruple S-isotope analyses of pyrite, confirming and expanding the linear δ 34 S V - CDT -Δ 33 S array with an δ 34 S zero intercept at ∆ 33 S ca. +5. This was previously interpreted to indicate mixing of unrelated S-sources in the sediment environment, involving a combination of recycled sulphur from sulphides that had originally formed by sulphate-reducing bacteria, along with elemental sulphur. Here, we advance an alternative explanation based on the recognition that the Archaean seawater sulphate concentration was likely very low, implying that the Archaean ocean could have been poorly mixed with respect to sulphur. Thus, modern oceanic sulphur systematics provide limited insight into the Archaean sulphur cycle. Instead, we propose that the 20th-century atmospheric lead event may be a useful analogue. Similar to industrial lead, the main oceanic input of Archaean sulphur was through atmospheric raindown, with individual giant point sources capable of temporally dominating atmospheric input. Local atmospheric S-isotope signals, of no global significance, could thus have been transmitted into the localised sediment record. Thus, the nonzero intercept δ 34 S V - CDT -Δ 33 S data array may alternatively represent a very localised S-isotope signature in the Neoarchaean surface environment. Fallout from local volcanic eruptions could imprint recycled MIF-S signals into pyrite of restricted depositional environments, thereby avoiding attenuation of the signal in the subdued, averaged global open ocean

Extracting metal ions with diphosphonic acid, or derivative thereof

DOEpatents

Horwitz, Earl P.; Gatrone, Ralph C.; Nash, Kenneth L.

1994-01-01

Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described.

Semi-mechanistic modelling of ammonia absorption in an acid spray wet scrubber based on mass balance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A model to describe reactive absorption of ammonia (NH3) in an acid spray scrubber was developed as a function of the combined overall mass transfer coefficient K. An experimental study of NH3 absorption using 1% dilute sulphuric acid was carried out under different operating conditions. An empiric...

Unravelling the Carbon and Sulphur Metabolism in Coastal Soil Ecosystems Using Comparative Cultivation-Independent Genome-Level Characterisation of Microbial Communities

PubMed Central

Yousuf, Basit; Kumar, Raghawendra; Mishra, Avinash; Jha, Bhavanath

2014-01-01

Bacterial autotrophy contributes significantly to the overall carbon balance, which stabilises atmospheric CO2 concentration and decelerates global warming. Little attention has been paid to different modes of carbon/sulphur metabolism mediated by autotrophic bacterial communities in terrestrial soil ecosystems. We studied these pathways by analysing the distribution and abundance of the diagnostic metabolic marker genes cbbM, apsA and soxB, which encode for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, adenosine phosphosulphate reductase and sulphate thiohydrolase, respectively, among different contrasting soil types. Additionally, the abundance of community members was assessed by quantifying the gene copy numbers for 16S rRNA, cbbL, cbbM, apsA and soxB. Distinct compositional differences were observed among the clone libraries, which revealed a dominance of phylotypes associated with carbon and sulphur cycling, such as Gammaproteobacteria (Thiohalomonas, Allochromatium, Chromatium, Thiomicrospira) and Alphaproteobacteria (Rhodopseudomonas, Rhodovulum, Paracoccus). The rhizosphere soil was devoid of sulphur metabolism, as the soxB and apsA genes were not observed in the rhizosphere metagenome, which suggests the absence or inadequate representation of sulphur-oxidising bacteria. We hypothesise that the novel Gammaproteobacteria sulphur oxidisers might be actively involved in sulphur oxidation and inorganic carbon fixation, particularly in barren saline soil ecosystems, suggesting their significant putative ecological role and contribution to the soil carbon pool. PMID:25225969

Unravelling the carbon and sulphur metabolism in coastal soil ecosystems using comparative cultivation-independent genome-level characterisation of microbial communities.

PubMed

Yousuf, Basit; Kumar, Raghawendra; Mishra, Avinash; Jha, Bhavanath

2014-01-01

Bacterial autotrophy contributes significantly to the overall carbon balance, which stabilises atmospheric CO2 concentration and decelerates global warming. Little attention has been paid to different modes of carbon/sulphur metabolism mediated by autotrophic bacterial communities in terrestrial soil ecosystems. We studied these pathways by analysing the distribution and abundance of the diagnostic metabolic marker genes cbbM, apsA and soxB, which encode for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, adenosine phosphosulphate reductase and sulphate thiohydrolase, respectively, among different contrasting soil types. Additionally, the abundance of community members was assessed by quantifying the gene copy numbers for 16S rRNA, cbbL, cbbM, apsA and soxB. Distinct compositional differences were observed among the clone libraries, which revealed a dominance of phylotypes associated with carbon and sulphur cycling, such as Gammaproteobacteria (Thiohalomonas, Allochromatium, Chromatium, Thiomicrospira) and Alphaproteobacteria (Rhodopseudomonas, Rhodovulum, Paracoccus). The rhizosphere soil was devoid of sulphur metabolism, as the soxB and apsA genes were not observed in the rhizosphere metagenome, which suggests the absence or inadequate representation of sulphur-oxidising bacteria. We hypothesise that the novel Gammaproteobacteria sulphur oxidisers might be actively involved in sulphur oxidation and inorganic carbon fixation, particularly in barren saline soil ecosystems, suggesting their significant putative ecological role and contribution to the soil carbon pool.

Using heat pipe to make isotherm condition in catalytic converters of sulfuric acid plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yousefi, M.; Pahlavanzadeh, H.; Sadrameli, S. M.

2017-08-01

In this study, for the first time, it is tried to construct a pilot reactor, for surveying the possibility of creating isothermal condition in the catalytic convertors where SO2 is converted to SO3 in the sulfuric acid plants by heat pipe. The thermodynamic and thermo-kinetic conditions were considered the same as the sulfuric acid plants converters. Also, influence of SO2 gas flow rate on isothermal condition, has been studied. A thermo-siphon type heat pipe contains the sulfur + 5% iodine as working fluid, was used for disposing the heat of reaction from catalytic bed. Our results show that due to very high energy-efficiency, isothermal and passive heat transfer mechanism of heat pipe, it is possible to reach more than 95% conversion in one isothermal catalytic bed. As the results, heat pipe can be used as a certain piece of equipment to create isothermal condition in catalytic convertors of sulphuric acid plants. With this work a major evaluation in design of sulphuric acid plants can be taken place.

Excessive sulphur accumulation and ionic storage behaviour identified in species of Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)

PubMed Central

Reid, N.; Robson, T. C.; Radcliffe, B.; Verrall, M.

2016-01-01

Background and Aims Thiophores, which are typically desert gypsophytes, accumulate high (2–6 % S dry weight) sulphur concentrations and may possess unique tolerance to environmental stress factors, e.g. sulphate/metal toxicity, drought and salinity. Little is known of the prevalence of the behaviour or the associated physiological aspects. The aim of this study was to (a) determine the prevalence of thiophore behaviour in a group of Australian xerophytes; (b) identify elemental uptake/storage characteristics of these thiophores; and (c) determine whether the behaviour is constitutive or environmental. Methods The elemental composition of soils and the foliage of 11 species (seven genera) at a site in the Tanami Desert (NT, Australia) was compared and 13 additional Acacia species from other locations were examined for elevated calcium and sulphur concentrations and calcium–sulphur mineralization, thought to be particular to thiophores. Key Results Acacia bivenosa DC. and 11 closely related species were identified as thiophores that can accumulate high levels of sulphur (up to 3·2 %) and calcium (up to 6.8 %), but no thiophores were identified in other genera occupying the same habitat. This behaviour was observed in several populations from diverse habitats, from samples collected over three decades. It was also observed that these thiophores featured gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) crystal druses that completely filled cells and vascular systems in their dried phyllode tissues. Conclusions The thiophores studied exhibit a tight coupling between sulphur and calcium uptake and storage, and apparently store these elements as inorganic salts within the cells of their foliage. Thiophore behaviour is a constitutive trait shared by closely related Acacia but is not highly prevalent within, nor exclusive to, xerophytes. Several of the newly identified thiophores occupy coastal or riparian habitats, suggesting that the evolutionary and ecophysiological explanations for this trait

Excessive sulphur accumulation and ionic storage behaviour identified in species of Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae).

PubMed

Reid, N; Robson, T C; Radcliffe, B; Verrall, M

2016-04-01

Thiophores, which are typically desert gypsophytes, accumulate high (2-6 % S dry weight) sulphur concentrations and may possess unique tolerance to environmental stress factors, e.g. sulphate/metal toxicity, drought and salinity. Little is known of the prevalence of the behaviour or the associated physiological aspects. The aim of this study was to (a) determine the prevalence of thiophore behaviour in a group of Australian xerophytes; (b) identify elemental uptake/storage characteristics of these thiophores; and (c) determine whether the behaviour is constitutive or environmental. The elemental composition of soils and the foliage of 11 species (seven genera) at a site in the Tanami Desert (NT, Australia) was compared and 13 additional Acacia species from other locations were examined for elevated calcium and sulphur concentrations and calcium-sulphur mineralization, thought to be particular to thiophores. Acacia bivenosa DC. and 11 closely related species were identified as thiophores that can accumulate high levels of sulphur (up to 3·2 %) and calcium (up to 6.8 %), but no thiophores were identified in other genera occupying the same habitat. This behaviour was observed in several populations from diverse habitats, from samples collected over three decades. It was also observed that these thiophores featured gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) crystal druses that completely filled cells and vascular systems in their dried phyllode tissues. The thiophores studied exhibit a tight coupling between sulphur and calcium uptake and storage, and apparently store these elements as inorganic salts within the cells of their foliage. Thiophore behaviour is a constitutive trait shared by closely related Acacia but is not highly prevalent within, nor exclusive to, xerophytes. Several of the newly identified thiophores occupy coastal or riparian habitats, suggesting that the evolutionary and ecophysiological explanations for this trait do not lie solely in adaptation to arid conditions or

Clean then Assemble Versus Assemble then Clean: Several Comparisons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welker, Roger W.

2004-01-01

Cleanliness of manufactured parts and assemblies is a significant issue in many industries including disk drives, semiconductors, aerospace, and medical devices. Clean manufacturing requires cleanroom floor space and cleaning technology that are both expensive to own and expensive to operate. Strategies to reduce these costs are an important consideration. One strategy shown to be effective at reducing costs is to assemble parts into subassemblies and then clean the subassembly, rather than clean the individual parts first and then assemble them. One advantage is that assembly outside of the cleanroom reduces the amount of cleanroom floor space and its associated operating cost premium. A second advantage is that this strategy reduces the number of individual parts that must be cleaned prior to assembly, reducing the number of cleaning baskets, handling and, possibly, reducing the number of cleaners. The assemble then clean strategy also results in a part that is significantly cleaner because contamination generated during the assembly steps are more effectively removed that normally can be achieved by hand wiping after assembly in the cleanroom.

Membrane extraction with thermodynamically unstable diphosphonic acid derivatives

DOEpatents

Horwitz, E.P.; Gatrone, R.C.; Nash, K.L.

1997-10-14

Thermodynamically-unstable complexing agents which are diphosphonic acids and diphosphonic acid derivatives (or sulphur containing analogs), like carboxyhydroxymethanediphosphonic acid and vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, are capable of complexing with metal ions, and especially metal ions in the II, III, IV, V and VI oxidation states, to form stable, water-soluble metal ion complexes in moderately alkaline to highly-acidic media. However, the complexing agents can be decomposed, under mild conditions, into non-organic compounds which, for many purposes are environmentally-nondamaging compounds thereby degrading the complex and releasing the metal ion for disposal or recovery. Uses for such complexing agents as well as methods for their manufacture are also described. 1 fig.

Clean Energy Solutions Center: Assisting Countries with Clean Energy Policy

Science.gov Websites

Energy Solutions Center: Assisting Countries with Clean Energy Policy NREL helps developing countries and adapting to climate change impacts, developing countries are looking for clean energy solutions supports clean energy scale-up in the developing world are knowledge, capacity, and cost. The Clean Energy

Temperature control of thermal-gas-dynamical installation in cleaning oil-well tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penner, V. A.; Martemyanov, D. B.; Pshenichnikova, V. V.

2017-08-01

The article provides the study results of cleaning oil-well tubes, the oil-well tube failure reasons for service by their types have been considered. The chemical method of cleaning oil-well tubes as the least expensive has been reviewed when acid solution moves to the interptube space mixing up with oil and liquidates paraffin and pitches deposits on the internal pipe surface. Except the chemical method of pipes cleaning the mechanical one was considered as well. Also the disadvantages -such as the low productivity of cleaning and design complexity- of this deposits removal method on the internal oil-well tube surface have been considered. An effective method for cleaning oil-well tubing from paraffin and pitches by the thermodynamic plant based on the aircraft engine has been introduced for the first time. The temperature distribution graph in the gas stream at the engine output has been given.

Mass-dependent and Mass-independent Sulphur Isotope Fractionation Accompanying Thermal- and Photo-chemical Decomposition of Sulphur Bearing Organic Compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oduro, Harry; Izon, Gareth; Ono, Shuhei

2014-05-01

Archaean sedimentary record. Further thermal decomposition of several sulphur containing compounds with; 1) an aliphatic-S (e.g., diphenyl disulphide), 2) tri-substituted aromatic-S (trithiane), and S-amino acids (e.g., cysteine, methionine, taurine, and glutathionine) were tested for four S-isotope fractionation under vacuum. Among these, aromatic trithiane produced anomalous 33S up to 1.3‰, indicating thermal decomposition through radical chemistry, producing S-MIE. While taurine with sulphonic acid (R-SO2OH) functional groups yielded S-MDF up to 15‰ (between the AVS and the residual OSC), which is consistent with estimated zero-point energy shifts for thiol (R-SH), and thiyl (R-S-CH3) groups of cysteine and methionine, respectively. These results suggest that OSC might undergo either thermal or photochemical decomposition and the S-MIF, S-MDF, and S-MIE signatures may be archived in the geologic record. The emerging mechanisms responsible for these isotope signals and their implications will be discussed in more detail. Ultimately this work offers a framework where these signals can be used as a diagnostic marker to distinguish between thermo- and photochemical processes. References: 1. Farquhar et al., Science 2000 2. Watanabe et al., Science 2010; 3. Oduro et al., PNAS 2011; 4. Kopf and Ono, GCA 2012.

Effects of application of sulphuric acid to poor pine forests

Treesearch

C. O. Tamm; G. Wiklander; B. Popovic

1976-01-01

The department of plant ecology and soils of the College of Forestry has been interested in the problem of the acid rain as an environmental factor since the discussion of this problem started in the late 1960's (0den 1968).

Crude protein and essential amino acid requirements in chicks during the first week posthatch.

PubMed

Sklan, D; Noy, Y

2003-05-01

1. This study examined optimal lysine and sulphur amino acid supply in the first week posthatch in broilers and the relationship between essential amino acids and dietary crude protein during the first week posthatch on performance at 7 d and through marketing. 2. The optimal supply during the 7 d posthatch using a 230 g/kg crude protein diet for sulphur amino acids was 9.1 and for lysine was 10.3-10.8 g/kg with maximal body weight (BW) or feed efficiency as the criteria. 3. Feeding diets with crude protein content ranging from 200 to 260 g/kg with either constant amounts of essential amino acids at different crude protein levels or constant ratios of essential amino acids to crude protein resulted in enhanced performance at 7 but not at 4 d with high protein intake and proportionally increased essential amino acids. 4. Performance on diets with crude protein ranging from 160 to 280 g/kg, with constant ratios of essential amino acid to crude protein, was much enhanced with the high crude protein diets at 7 d. All chicks were transferred to standard diets after 7 d and the BW advantage due to the balanced amino acid-high crude protein diet remained through marketing. 5. Thus increasing essential amino acids in a constant ratio to crude protein enhanced performance during the 7 d posthatch.

Extraction and derivatization of polar herbicides for GC-MS analyses.

PubMed

Ranz, Andreas; Maier, Eveline; Motter, Herbert; Lankmayr, Ernst

2008-09-01

A sample preparation procedure including a simultaneous microwave-assisted (MA) extraction and derivatization for the determination of chlorophenoxy acids in soil samples is presented. For a selective and sensitive measurement, an analytical technique such as GC coupled with MS needs to be adopted. For GC analyses, chlorophenoxy acids have to be converted into more volatile and thermally stable derivatives. Derivatization by means of microwave radiation offers new alternatives in terms of shorter derivatization time and reduces susceptibility for the formation of artefacts. Extraction and derivatization into methyl esters (ME) were performed with sulphuric acid and methanol. Due to the novelty of the simultaneous extraction and derivatization assisted by means of microwave radiation, a careful investigation and optimization of influential reaction parameters was necessary. It could be shown that the combination of sulphuric acid and methanol provides a fast sample preparation including an efficient clean up procedure. The data obtained by the described method are in good agreement with those published for the reference material. Finally, compared to conventional heating and also to the standard procedure of the EPA, the sample preparation time could be considerably shortened.

HAVE U.S. SURFACE WATERS RESPONDED TO THE 1990 CLEAN AIR ACT AMENDMENTS?

EPA Science Inventory

Title IV of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) set target reductions for sulfur and nitrogen emissions from industrial sources as a means of reducing the acidity in deposition. One of the intended effects of the reductions was to decrease the acidity of low alkalinity wate...

Short term clinical efficacy of new meridol HALITOSIS tooth & tongue gel in combination with a tongue cleaner to reduce oral malodor.

PubMed

Wilhelm, D; Himmelmann, A; Krause, C; Wilhelm, K-P

2013-01-01

This study evaluated the short term efficacy of tongue cleaning with meridol HALITOSIS tooth & tongue gel in comparison to mechanical tongue cleaning alone and untreated after five and 60 minutes in patients with an oral cause of bad breath. Fifty-four male and female subjects with an intra-oral cause of halitosis (organoleptic ratings > or = 2 and volatile sulphur compounds > or = 50 ppb) participated in this crossover study and were assigned to six different treatment sequences (ABC, ACB, BAC, BCA, CAB, CBA) with no treatment (A), mechanical tongue cleaning alone (B), and tongue cleaning with tooth & tongue gel applied to the tongue cleaner (C). Efficacy was assessed by organoleptic ratings and volatile sulphur compound measurements five and 60 minutes after treatment Cleaning the tongue with tooth & tongue gel applied onto the tongue cleaner resulted in significantly reduced organoleptic ratings (p < 0.001 for the five-minute assessment; p = 0.001 for the 60-minute assessment) and volatile sulphur compounds (H2S + CH3SH: p = 0.005 for the five-minute assessment; p = 0.003 for the 60-minute assessment) compared to no treatment at the five- and 60-minute assessment time points, while mechanical tongue cleaning alone was less effective in reducing organoleptic ratings (p = 0.008 for the five-minute assessment; p = 0.144 for the 60-minute assessment) and volatile sulphur compounds (H2S + CH3SH: p = 0.261 for the five-minute assessment; p = 0.365 for the 60-minute assessment). Single tongue cleaning with meridol HALITOSIS tooth & tongue gel had a positive effect on halitosis five and 60 minutes after treatment. Tongue cleaning with tooth & tongue gel in combination with other oral hygiene procedures is a promising approach to control halitosis.

[Sulphureous mud-bath therapy and changes in blood pressure: observational investigation].

PubMed

Costantino, M; Marongiu, M B; Russomanno, G; Conti, V; Manzo, V; Filippelli, A

2015-01-01

The chronic arthropathies currently appear to be a major cause of disability with a negative impact on quality of life and health care spending. The mud-bath therapy is a spa treatment that induces benefic effects in chronic rheumatic diseases. It has long been debated on the assumption that the mud-bath spa therapy could have adverse cardiovascular effects which often induce caution and even a contraindication to the use of this treatment in chronic arthropathies associated with cardiovascular alterations such as hypertension. The aim of this observational study was to investigate, in arthrorheumatic subjects, the effects of sulphureous mud-bath cycle on blood pressure and the possible appearance of adverse drug reaction. 169 patients, with age range 42-86 years, suffering by chronic arthropathies were treated with sulphureous mud-bath therapy for 2 weeks. According to the arterial pressure values, measured before the spa treatment, the patients considered were divided in three groups: with normal blood pressure (NOR group); with high blood pressure, after, the latter group was divided in IPET (patients in treatment with antihypertensive drugs) and IPENT (patients not in antihypertensive therapy). The arterial pressure values, maximum and minimum, expressed in mmHg, were detected in the first (T1) - sixth (T6) and twelfth (T12) day of spa treatment. The media arterial pressure values collected before and after T1, before and after T6, before and after T12 , before T1 and after T12 were compared. The data, presented as mean±SD, were compared with the paired Student t test. A p value ≤0.05 was considered significant. The comparison between the mean values detected in pre and post T1, pre and post T6, pre and post T12 have showed that sulphureous mud-bath therapy induced a significant (p<0.05) reduction of arterial blood pressure values in patients suffering of chronic arthropathies with high blood pressure in antihypertensive therapy or not (IPET and IPENT groups

Can Beach Cleans Do More Than Clean-Up Litter? Comparing Beach Cleans to Other Coastal Activities

PubMed Central

Wyles, Kayleigh J.; Pahl, Sabine; Holland, Matthew; Thompson, Richard C.

2016-01-01

Coastal visits not only provide psychological benefits but can also contribute to the accumulation of rubbish. Volunteer beach cleans help address this issue, but may only have limited, local impact. Consequently, it is important to study any broader benefits associated with beach cleans. This article examines the well-being and educational value of beach cleans, as well as their impacts on individuals’ behavioral intentions. We conducted an experimental study that allocated students (n = 90) to a beach cleaning, rock pooling, or walking activity. All three coastal activities were associated with positive mood and pro-environmental intentions. Beach cleaning and rock pooling were associated with higher marine awareness. The unique impacts of beach cleaning were that they were rated as most meaningful but linked to lower restorativeness ratings of the environment compared with the other activities. This research highlights the interplay between environment and activities, raising questions for future research on the complexities of person-environment interactions. PMID:28546642

Sulphur abundances in halo giants from the [S I] line at 1082 nm and the [S I] triplet around 1045 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jönsson, H.; Ryde, N.; Nissen, P. E.; Collet, R.; Eriksson, K.; Asplund, M.; Gustafsson, B.

2011-06-01

Context. It is still debated whether or not the Galactic chemical evolution of sulphur in the halo follows the flat trend with [Fe/H] that is ascribed to the result of explosive nucleosynthesis in type II SNe. It has been suggested that the disagreement between different investigations of sulphur abundances in halo stars might be owing to problems with the diagnostics used, that a new production source of sulphur might be needed in the early Universe, like hypernovae, or that the deposition of supernova ejecta into the interstellar medium is time-delayed. Aims: The aim of this study is to try to clarify this situation by measuring the sulphur abundance in a sample of halo giants using two diagnostics: the S i triplet around 1045 nm and the [S i] line at 1082 nm. The latter of the two is not believed to be sensitive to non-LTE effects. We can thereby minimize the uncertainties in the diagnostic used and estimate the usefulness of the triplet for the sulphur determination in halo K giants. We will also be able to compare our sulphur abundance differences from the two diagnostics with the expected non-LTE effects in the 1045 nm triplet previously calculated by others. Methods: High-resolution near-infrared spectra of ten K giants were recorded using the spectrometer CRIRES mounted at VLT. Two standard settings were used, one covering the S i triplet and one covering the [S i] line. The sulphur abundances were individually determined with equivalent widths and synthetic spectra for the two diagnostics using tailored 1D model atmospheres and relying on non-LTE corrections from the litterature. Effects of convective inhomogeneities in the stellar atmospheres are investigated. Results: The sulphur abundances derived from both the [S i] line and the non-LTE corrected 1045 nm triplet favor a flat trend for the evolution of sulphur. In contrast to some previous studies, we saw no "high" values of [S/Fe] in our sample. Conclusions: We corroborate the flat trend in the [S

Effects of nitrogen with and without acidified sulphur on an ectomycorrhizal community in a Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong. Carr) forest.

PubMed

Carfrae, J A; Skene, K R; Sheppard, L J; Ingleby, K; Crossley, A

2006-05-01

This preliminary study investigated the effects of enhanced nitrogen (NH4NO3 at 48 kg ha(-1) y(-1)), sulphur (Na2SO4 at 50 kg ha(-1) y(-1)), acidified nitrogen and sulphur (H2SO4 + NH4NO3) at pre-stated doses (pH 2.5), and acidified nitrogen and sulphur deposition at double these doses on the ectomycorrhizal community associated with a 13-year-old Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) forest. Sulphur deposition had little impact on below ground ectomycorrhizal diversity, but stimulated sporocarp production. Nitrogen inputs increased below ground colonisation compared to acidified nitrogen and sulphur, largely due to an increase in Tylospora fibrillosa colonisation. Sporocarp production and ectomycorrhizal root colonisation by Lactarius rufus were reduced in the nitrogen treated plots. These observations suggest that nitrogen deposition to a young plantation may suppress ectomycorrhizal fungi producing large sporocarps. It is proposed that enhanced nitrogen deposition increases ectomycorrhizal nitrogen assimilation, consuming more carbon and leaving less for extrametrical mycelium and sporocarp development.

A new approach for the determination of sulphur in food samples by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometer.

PubMed

Ozbek, N; Baysal, A

2015-02-01

The new approach for the determination of sulphur in foods was developed, and the sulphur concentrations of various fresh and dried food samples determined using a high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometer with an air/acetylene flame. The proposed method was optimised and the validated using standard reference materials, and certified values were found to be within the 95% confidence interval. The sulphur content of foods ranged from less than the LOD to 1.5mgg(-1). The method is accurate, fast, simple and sensitive. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of sulphur-fumigation on the quality of white ginseng: a quantitative evaluation of major ginsenosides by high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Jin, Xin; Zhu, Ling-Ying; Shen, Hong; Xu, Jun; Li, Song-Lin; Jia, Xiao-Bin; Cai, Hao; Cai, Bao-Chang; Yan, Ru

2012-12-01

White ginseng was reported to be sulphur-fumigated during post-harvest handling. In the present study, the influence of sulphur-fumigation on the quality of white ginseng and its decoction were quantitatively evaluated through simultaneous quantification of 14 major ginsenosides by a validated high performance liquid chromatography. Poroshell 120 EC-C18 (100mm×3.0mm, 2.7μm) column was chosen for the separation of the major ginsenosides, which were eluted with gradient water and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The analytes were monitored by UV at 203nm. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy and stability. The sulphur-fumigated and non-fumigated white ginseng samples, as well as their respective decoctions, were comparatively analysed with the newly-validated method. It was found that the contents of nine ginsenosides detected in raw materials decreased by about 3-85%, respectively, and the total content of the nine ginsenosides detected in raw materials, decreased by almost 54% after sulphur-fumigation. On the other hand, the contents of 10 ginsenosides detected in decoctions of sulphur-fumigated white ginseng were decreased by about 33-83%, respectively, and the total content of ginsenosides was decreased by up to 64% when compared with that of non-fumigated white ginseng. In addition, ginsenoside Rh(2) and Rg(5) could be detected in the decoctions of sulphur-fumigated white ginseng but not in that of non-fumigated white ginseng. It is suggested that sulphur-fumigation can significantly influence not only the contents of original ginsenosides, but also the decocting-induced chemical transformation of ginsenosides in white ginseng. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cheap non-toxic non-corrosive method of glass cleaning evaluated by contact angle, AFM, and SEM-EDX measurements.

PubMed

Dey, Tania; Naughton, Daragh

2017-05-01

Glass surface cleaning is the very first step in advanced coating deposition and it also finds use in conserving museum objects. However, most of the wet chemical methods of glass cleaning use toxic and corrosive chemicals like concentrated sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ), piranha (a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide), and hydrogen fluoride (HF). On the other hand, most of the dry cleaning techniques like UV-ozone, plasma, and laser treatment require costly instruments. In this report, five eco-friendly wet chemical methods of glass cleaning were evaluated in terms of contact angle (measured by optical tensiometer), nano-scale surface roughness (measured by atomic force microscopy or AFM), and elemental composition (measured by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy or SEM-EDX). These glass cleaning methods are devoid of harsh chemicals and costly equipment, hence can be applied in situ in close proximity with plantation such as greenhouse or upon subtle objects such as museum artifacts. Out of these five methods, three methods are based on the chemical principle of chelation. It was found that the citric acid cleaning method gave the greatest change in contact angle within the hydrophilic regime (14.25° for new glass) indicating effective cleansing and the least surface roughness (0.178 nm for new glass) indicating no corrosive effect. One of the glass sample showed unique features which were traced backed to the history of the glass usage.

Selective methods for polyphenols and sulphur dioxide determination in wines.

PubMed

García-Guzmán, Juan J; Hernández-Artiga, María P; Palacios-Ponce de León, Lourdes; Bellido-Milla, Dolores

2015-09-01

A critical review to the methods recommended by international bodies and widely used in the winery industry and research studies was performed. A Laccase biosensor was applied to the selective determination of polyphenols in wines. The biosensor response was characterised and it responds mainly to o-diphenols which are the principal polyphenols responsible for the stability and sensory qualities of wines. The spectrophotometric method to determine free and total sulphur dioxide recommended for beers was applied directly to wines. A sampling of 14 red and white wines was performed and they were analysed for biosensor polyphenol index (IBP) and sulphur dioxide concentration (SO2). The antioxidant capacity by the ABTS(+) spectrophotometric method was also determined. A correlation study was performed to elucidate the influence of the polyphenols and SO2 on the wines stability. High correlations were found between IBP and antioxidant capacity and low correlation between SO2 and antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the benefits of wine drinking a new parameter (IBP/SO2) is proposed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 52239 - Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Oil and Gas Production Safety...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-22

... Environmental Enforcement 30 CFR Part 250 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems; Proposed Rule #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 163 / Thursday...] RIN 1014-AA10 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf--Oil and Gas...

Acid soldering flux poisoning

MedlinePlus

Acid soldering flux is a chemical used to clean and protect the area where two pieces of metal are ... The harmful substances in soldering fluxes are called hydrocarbons. They include: Ammonium chloride Rosin Hydrochloric acid Zinc chloride

Aqueous cleaning and verification processes for precision cleaning of small parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, Gale J.; Fishell, Kenneth A.

1995-01-01

The NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) has developed a totally aqueous process for precision cleaning and verification of small components. In 1990 the Precision Cleaning Facility at KSC used approximately 228,000 kg (500,000 lbs) of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) 113 in the cleaning operations. It is estimated that current CFC 113 usage has been reduced by 75 percent and it is projected that a 90 percent reduction will be achieved by the end of calendar year 1994. The cleaning process developed utilizes aqueous degreasers, aqueous surfactants, and ultrasonics in the cleaning operation and an aqueous surfactant, ultrasonics, and Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) in the nonvolatile residue (NVR) and particulate analysis for verification of cleanliness. The cleaning and verification process is presented in its entirety, with comparison to the CFC 113 cleaning and verification process, including economic and labor costs/savings.

Qualification of local advanced cryogenic cleaning technology for 14nm photomask fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taumer, Ralf; Krome, Thorsten; Bowers, Chuck; Varghese, Ivin; Hopkins, Tyler; White, Roy; Brunner, Martin; Yi, Daniel

2014-10-01

The march toward tighter design rules, and thus smaller defects, implies stronger surface adhesion between defects and the photomask surface compared to past generations, thereby resulting in increased difficulty in photomask cleaning. Current state-of-the-art wet clean technologies utilize functional water and various energies in an attempt to produce similar yield to the acid cleans of previous generations, but without some of the negative side effects. Still, wet cleans have continued to be plagued with issues such as persistent particles and contaminations, SRAF and feature damages, leaving contaminants behind that accelerate photo-induced defect growth, and others. This paper details work done through a design of experiments (DOE) utilized to qualify an improved cryogenic cleaning technology for production in the Advanced Mask Technology Center (AMTC) advanced production lines for 20 and 14 nm processing. All work was conducted at the AMTC facility in Dresden, Germany utilizing technology developed by Eco-Snow Systems and RAVE LLC for their cryogenic local cleaning VC1200F platform. This system uses a newly designed nozzle, improved gaseous CO2 delivery, extensive filtration to remove hydrocarbons and minimize particle adders, and other process improvements to overcome the limitations of the previous generation local cleaning tool. AMTC has successfully qualified this cryogenic cleaning technology and is currently using it regularly to enhance production yields even at the most challenging technology nodes.

Effects of elemental sulphur on heavy metal uptake by plants growing on municipal sewage sludge.

PubMed

Dede, Gulgun; Ozdemir, Saim

2016-01-15

In this study experiment was carried out to determine the phytoextraction potential of six plant species (Conium maculatum, Brassica oleraceae var. oleraceae, Brassica juncea, Datura stramonium, Pelargonium hortorum and Conyza canadensis) grown in a sewage sludge medium amended with metal uptake promoters. The solubility of Cu, Cd and Pb was significantly increased with the application of elemental S due to decrease of pH. Faecal coliform number was markedly decreased by addition of elemental sulphur. The extraction of Cu, Cr and Pb from sewage sludge by using B. juncea plant was observed as 65%, 65% and 54% respectively that is statistically similar to EDTA as sulphur. The bioaccumulation factors were found higher (>1) in the plants tested for Cu and Pb like B. juncea. Translocation index (TI) calculated values for Cd and Pb were greater than one (>1) in both C. maculatum and B. oleraceae var. oleraceae. The results cleared that the amendment of sludge with elemental sulphur showed potential to solubilize heavy metals in phytoremediation as much as EDTA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction for total sulphur measurement in mine tailings.

PubMed

Khan, Adnan Hossain; Shang, Julie Q; Alam, Raquibul

2012-10-15

A sample preparation method for percentage recovery of total sulphur (%S) in reactive mine tailings based on ultrasound-assisted digestion (USAD) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was developed. The influence of various methodological factors was screened by employing a two-level and three-factor (2(3)) full factorial design and using KZK-1, a sericite schist certified reference material (CRM), to find the optimal combination of studied factors and %S. Factors such as the sonication time, temperature and acid combination were studied, with the best result identified as 20 min of sonication, 80°C temperature and 1 ml of HNO(3):1 ml of HCl, which can achieve 100% recovery for the selected CRM. Subsequently a fraction of the 2(3) full factorial design was applied to mine tailings. The percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) for the ultrasound method is less than 3.0% for CRM and less than 6% for the mine tailings. The investigated method was verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. The USAD method compared favorably with existing methods such as hot plate assisted digestion method, X-ray fluorescence and LECO™-CNS method. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combined wet and dry cleaning of SiGe(001)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Sang Wook; Kaufman-Osborn, Tobin; Kim, Hyonwoong

Combined wet and dry cleaning via hydrofluoric acid (HF) and atomic hydrogen on Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4}(001) surface was studied at the atomic level using ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to understand the chemical transformations of the surface. Aqueous HF removes native oxide, but residual carbon and oxygen are still observed on Si{sub 0.6}Ge{sub 0.4}(001) due to hydrocarbon contamination from post HF exposure to ambient. The oxygen contamination can be eliminated by shielding the sample from ambient via covering the sample in the HF cleaning solution until the sample is introduced tomore » the vacuum chamber or by transferring the sample in an inert environment; however, both processes still leave carbon contaminant. Dry in-situ atomic hydrogen cleaning above 330 °C removes the carbon contamination on the surface consistent with a thermally activated atomic hydrogen reaction with surface hydrocarbon. A postdeposition anneal at 550 °C induces formation of an atomically flat and ordered SiGe surface observed by STM. STS verifies that the wet and dry cleaned surface has an unpinned Fermi level with no states between the conduction and valence band edge comparable to sputter cleaned SiGe surfaces.« less

Gas chromatographic sulphur speciation in heavy crude oil using a modified standard D5623 method and microfluidic Deans switching.

PubMed

Heshka, Nicole E; Choy, Joanne M; Chen, Jinwen

2017-12-29

A modification to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method D5623 is proposed to enable successful and repeatable analysis of heavy crude oil samples. A two-dimensional gas chromatography configuration was implemented, with separation of sulphur compounds occurring on two columns. A Deans switch is used to enable heart-cutting of volatile sulphur compounds onto a DB-Sulfur stationary phase, and separation occurs concurrently with the backflushing of the primary column. The use of a sulphur-selective detector increases selectivity, and 22 volatile sulphur species are quantified in less than 15min, which is almost half the time of the original ASTM method. Samples ranging from light distillation cuts to whole crudes (boiling from 100°C to >750°C) were analyzed with minimal sample preparation. The calculated limit of detection was 0.7mg/kg, repeatability was 3% relative standard deviation (RSD), and a linear range of 1-250mg/kg was obtained, with an R 2 value of 0.994 or better, depending on the compound. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acidic leaching both of zinc and iron from basic oxygen furnace sludge.

PubMed

Trung, Zuzana Hoang; Kukurugya, Frantisek; Takacova, Zita; Orac, Dusan; Laubertova, Martina; Miskufova, Andrea; Havlik, Tomas

2011-09-15

During the steel production in the basic oxygen furnace (BOF), approximately 7-15 kg of dust per tonne of produced steel is generated. This dust contains approximately 1.4-3.2% Zn and 54-70% Fe. Regarding the zinc content, the BOF dust is considered to be highly problematic, and therefore new technological processes for recycling dusts and sludge from metallurgical production are still searched for. In this study the hydrometallurgical processing of BOF sludge in the sulphuric acid solutions under atmospheric pressure and temperatures up to 100 °C is investigated on laboratory scale. The influence of sulphuric acid concentration, temperature, time and liquid to solid ratio (L:S) on the leaching process was studied. The main aim of this study was to determine optimal conditions when the maximum amount of zinc passes into the solution whilst iron remains in a solid residue. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Sulphur Poisoning Behaviour of Gadolinia Doped Ceria Model Systems in Reducing Atmospheres

PubMed Central

Gerstl, Matthias; Nenning, Andreas; Iskandar, Riza; Rojek-Wöckner, Veronika; Bram, Martin; Hutter, Herbert; Opitz, Alexander Karl

2016-01-01

An array of analytical methods including surface area determination by gas adsorption using the Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) method, combustion analysis, XRD, ToF-SIMS, TEM and impedance spectroscopy has been used to investigate the interaction of gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) with hydrogen sulphide containing reducing atmospheres. It is shown that sulphur is incorporated into the GDC bulk and might lead to phase changes. Additionally, high concentrations of silicon are found on the surface of model composite microelectrodes. Based on these data, a model is proposed to explain the multi-facetted electrochemical degradation behaviour encountered during long term electrochemical measurements. While electrochemical bulk properties of GDC stay largely unaffected, the surface polarisation resistance is dramatically changed, due to silicon segregation and reaction with adsorbed sulphur. PMID:28773771

Sulphur isotopes as tracers of the influence of a coal-fired power plant on a Scots pine forest in Catalonia (NE Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puig, R.; Àvila, A.; Soler, A.

Stable sulphur isotopes and major ionic composition were analysed in precipitation and throughfall samples from a Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris, L.) forest near the Cercs coal-fired power plant (Catalonia, NE Spain). The purpose of the study was to determine the main sources of sulphur deposition on this pine forest. Sulphur isotope measurements from the SO 2 power plant stack emissions were used to identify the isotopic signature of this source. Net throughfall fluxes of sulphur (26.1 kg S ha 1 yr -1) and nitrogen (16.3 kg N ha -1 yr -1) were higher—5-25 times higher for S and 5-15 times for N—at this site than in other forests in Catalonia. Sulphur isotope analysis confirmed that the net throughfall fluxes of sulphur were mostly due to the dry deposition of the SO 2 power plant emissions onto the pine canopies. Two potential atmospheric end-members were distinguished: regional background rainwater (δ 34S=+7.2‰) and power plant emissions (δ 34S=-2.8‰). By applying a two-component sulphur isotope mixing model, we found that during periods of low power plant activity (⩽10 emission h day -1), 62% of the throughfall sulphate could be attributed to the power plant emissions. At higher activity periods (⩾14 emission h day -1), this contribution rose to 73%. Although power plant contribution to bulk deposition was lower in both cases (34% and 45%), the possible influence of sulphate coming with long-range transport events from the polluted areas in the Mediterranean basin (δ 34S≈0‰) was not discarded.

Sulphur bacteria mediated formation of Palaeoproterozoic phosphorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joosu, Lauri; Lepland, Aivo; Kirsimäe, Kalle

2014-05-01

Modern phosphorite formation is typically associated with high productivity in upwelling areas where apatite (Ca-phosphate) precipitation is mediated by sulphur oxidising bacteria [1]. They inhabit the oxic/anoxic interface within the upper few centimetres of sediment column, accumulating phosphate in their cells under oxic conditions and releasing it rapidly when conditions become anoxic. Sulphur bacteria are known to live in close association with a consortium of anaerobic methane oxidising archaea and syntrophic sulphate-reducing bacteria. Paleoproterozoic, c. 2.0 Ga Zaonega Formation in Karelia, Russia contains several P-rich intervals in the upper part of 1500 m thick succession of organic-rich sedimentary rocks interlayered with mafic tuffs and lavas. Apatite in these P-rich intervals forms impure laminae, lenses and round-oval nodules which diameters typically range from 300 to 1000 μm. Individual apatite particles in P-rich laminae and nodules commonly occur as cylinders that are 1-8 μm long and have diameters of 0.5-4 μm. Cross-sections of best preserved cylindrical apatite particles reveal a thin outer rim whereas the internal parts consist of small anhedral elongated crystallites, intergrown with carbonaceous material. During recrystallization the outer rim thickens towards interior and cylinders may attain hexagonal crystal habit, but their size and shape remains largely unchanged [2]. The sizes of Zaonega nodules are similar to giant sulphide-oxidising bacteria known from modern and ancient settings [3, 4]. Individual apatite cylinders and aggregates have shapes and sizes similar to the methanotrophic archaea that inhabit microbial mats in modern seep/vent areas where they operate in close associations with sulphur-oxidising microbial communities [5]. Seep/vent influence during the Zaonega phosphogenesis is indicated by variable, though positive Eu anomaly, expected in magmatically active sedimentary environment experiencing several lava flows

Cleaning efficacy of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin for biofouling reduction on reverse osmosis membranes.

PubMed

Alayande, Abayomi Babatunde; Kim, Lan Hee; Kim, In S

2016-01-01

In this study, an environmentally friendly compound, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was applied to clean reverse osmosis (RO) membranes fouled by microorganisms. The cleaning with HP-β-CD removed the biofilm and resulted in a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 102%. As cleaning efficiency is sometimes difficult to determine using flux recovery data alone, attached bacterial cells and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were quantified after cleaning the biofouled membrane with HP-β-CD. Membrane surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the effectiveness of HP-β-CD in removal of biofilm from the RO membrane surface. Finally, a comparative study was performed to investigate the competitiveness of HP-β-CD with other known cleaning agents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Tween 20, rhamnolipid, nisin, and surfactin. In all cases, HP-β-CD was superior.

THE HERMAN PIT AND ITS ROLE IN MERCURY TRANSPORT AT THE SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE SUPERFUND SITE, CLEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA

EPA Science Inventory

The Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM) is an abandoned sulphur and cinnabar mine located on the eastern shore of the Oaks Arm of Clear Lake, Lake County, California. SBMM was one of the largest mercury producers in California and has been described as one of the most productive sh...

Storage and utilization patterns of cleaning products in the home: toxicity implications.

PubMed

Sawalha, Ansam F

2007-11-01

Cleaning products are used to achieve cleaner homes. However, they have been responsible for a considerable number of poisoning cases. The aims of this study were to investigate the storage and utilization patterns of cleaning products in the home, as well as the risk of adverse and toxic effects produced by them. This study has been performed using a questionnaire that was developed by the Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC). The questionnaire was distributed randomly in northern Palestine. The questionnaire included questions regarding storage, utilization habits, and the adverse effects experienced by respondents upon handling the cleaning products. All respondents utilized and stored cleaning products in their homes. Chlorine bleach and acidic cleaning products were the most common. Respondents stored cleaning products at different places in their homes, but most of those storage places were suboptimal and were within the reach of children. The daily utilization rate of cleaning products was 1.6+/-0.8 with chlorine bleach being the most commonly used. Of the respondents, 27% reported experiencing a wide range of acute adverse and toxic effects resulting from cleaning product use and that exposure occurred mainly via inhalation. Caustic substances, bleach, and kerosene were the agents mainly involved in producing these adverse and toxic effects. About half of those who experienced adverse and toxic effects sought medical help, and 22% of them were children younger than 6 years of age. Finally, most respondents reported mixing and discarding cleaning product leftovers and their containers improperly. Correct utilization and safer storage of cleaning products is encouraged. Several preventive strategies should be implemented in order to decrease the incidence of accidental harmful exposure that is due to cleaning agents. The role of the PCDIC is very important in the education, prevention, and management of cleaning product-induced adverse effects.

Sulphur and nitrogen fluxes and budgets in the Bohemian Forest and Tatra Mountains during the Industrial Revolution (1850-2000)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopcek, J.; Vesel, J.; Stuchlk, E.

Major fluxes of sulphur and dissolved inorganic nitrogen were estimated in Central European mountain ecosystems of the Bohemian Forest (forest lakes) and Tatra Mountains (alpine lakes) over the industrial period. Sulphur outputs from these ecosystems were comparable to inputs during a period of relatively stable atmospheric deposition (10-35 mmol m-2 yr-1) around the 1930s. Atmospheric inputs of sulphur increased by three- to four-fold between the 1950s and 1980s to ~140 and ~60 mmol mm-2 yr-1 in the Bohemian Forest and Tatra Mountains, respectively. Sulphur outputs were lower than inputs due to accumulation in soils, which was higher in forest soils than in the sparser alpine soils and represented 0.8-1.6 and 0.2-0.3 mol m-2, respectively, for the whole 1930-2000 period. In the 1990s, atmospheric inputs of sulphur decreased 80% and 50% in the Bohemian Forest and Tatra Mountains, respectively, and sulphur outputs exceeded inputs. Catchment soils became pronounced sources of sulphur with output fluxes averaging between 15 and 31 mmol m-2 yr-1. Higher sulphur accumulation in the forest soils has delayed (by several decades) recovery of forest lakes from acidification compared to alpine lakes. Estimated deposition of dissolved inorganic nitrogen was 53-75 mmol m-2 yr-1 in the Bohemian Forest and 35-45 mmol m-2 yr-1 in the Tatra Mountains in the 1880- 1950 period, i.e. below the empirically derived threshold of ~70 mmol m-2 yr-1, above which nitrogen leaching often occurs. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen was efficiently retained in the ecosystems and nitrate export was negligible (0-7 mmol m-2 yr-1). By the 1980s, nitrogen deposition increased to ~160 and ~80 mmol m-2 yr-1 in the Bohemian Forest and Tatra Mountains, respectively, and nitrogen output increased to 120 and 60 mmol m-2 yr-1. Moreover, assimilation of nitrogen in soils declined from ~40 to 10-20 mmol m-2 yr-1 in the alpine soils and even more in the Bohemian Forest, where one of the catchments has even become

Transcriptional response of Medicago truncatula sulphate transporters to arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis with and without sulphur stress.

PubMed

Casieri, Leonardo; Gallardo, Karine; Wipf, Daniel

2012-06-01

Sulphur is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, development and response to various abiotic and biotic stresses due to its key role in the biosynthesis of many S-containing compounds. Sulphate represents a very small portion of soil S pull and it is the only form that plant roots can uptake and mobilize through H(+)-dependent co-transport processes implying sulphate transporters. Unlike the other organically bound forms of S, sulphate is normally leached from soils due to its solubility in water, thus reducing its availability to plants. Although our knowledge of plant sulphate transporters has been growing significantly in the past decades, little is still known about the effect of the arbuscular mycorrhiza interaction on sulphur uptake. Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur measurements in plant parts and expression analysis of genes encoding putative Medicago sulphate transporters (MtSULTRs) were performed to better understand the beneficial effects of mycorrhizal interaction on Medicago truncatula plants colonized by Glomus intraradices at different sulphate concentrations. Mycorrhization significantly promoted plant growth and sulphur content, suggesting increased sulphate absorption. In silico analyses allowed identifying eight putative MtSULTRs phylogenetically distributed over the four sulphate transporter groups. Some putative MtSULTRs were transcribed differentially in roots and leaves and affected by sulphate concentration, while others were more constitutively transcribed. Mycorrhizal-inducible and -repressed MtSULTRs transcripts were identified allowing to shed light on the role of mycorrhizal interaction in sulphate uptake.

Hydrofluosilicic acid as a cap and can etchant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dixon, D.S.

1953-03-17

Aluminum caps and cans are thoroughly cleaned, before being used to can slugs, to insure wetting of the metal surfaces by molten AlSi in the canning pot. An acid bath is used, as part of the cleaning operations to remove surface oxide and other surface films from the metal. Two acid solutions are authorized in the standard operating procedure; a 20% phosphoric acid solution for etching both caps and cans, and a 1% hydrofluosilicic acid solution to be used for caps only. It is desired to determine the feasibility of using hydrofluosilicic acid exclusively as an etchant for both capsmore » and cans.« less

rPM6 parameters for phosphorous and sulphur-containing open-shell molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Toru; Takano, Yu

2018-03-01

In this article, we have introduced a reparameterisation of PM6 (rPM6) for phosphorus and sulphur to achieve a better description of open-shell species containing the two elements. Two sets of the parameters have been optimised separately using our training sets. The performance of the spin-unrestricted rPM6 (UrPM6) method with the optimised parameters is evaluated against 14 radical species, which contain either phosphorus or sulphur atom, comparing with the original UPM6 and the spin-unrestricted density functional theory (UDFT) methods. The standard UPM6 calculations fail to describe the adiabatic singlet-triplet energy gaps correctly, and may cause significant structural mismatches with UDFT-optimised geometries. Leaving aside three difficult cases, tests on 11 open-shell molecules strongly indicate the superior performance of UrPM6, which provides much better agreement with the results of UDFT methods for geometric and electronic properties.

Comparative toxicity of mono- and bifunctional alkylating homologues of sulphur mustard in human skin keratinocytes.

PubMed

Sawyer, Thomas W; McNeely, Karin; Louis, Kristen; Lecavalier, Pierre; Song, Yanfeng; Villanueva, Mercy; Clewley, Robin

2017-05-01

Sulphur mustard (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide; agent H) is a vesicant chemical warfare (CW) agent whose mechanism of action is not known with any certainty and for which there are no effective antidotes. It has a pronounced latent period before signs and symptoms of poisoning appear which it shares with the nitrogen mustards, and that differentiates it from other classes of vesicant agents. Sulphur mustard, the sulphur mustard CW agents Q (1,2-bis(2-chloroethylthio) ethane) and T (1,1 bis(2-chloroethylthioethyl) ether), the H partial hydrolysis product hemi-sulphur mustard (2-chloroethyl 2-hydroxyethyl sulphide; HSM), and the commercially available 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES) were characterized with respect to their toxicity in first passage cultures of proliferating human skin keratinocytes, the target cell of H-induced skin vesication. Agents H and T were equitoxic and half as toxic as agent Q. Hemi-sulphur mustard and CEES were approximately six times and seventeen times, respectively less cytotoxic than H. 2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulphide was only slightly less toxic in confluent cultures compared to actively proliferating cells. In contrast, the toxicity of H, Q, T and HSM significantly decreased as the cultures became confluent, paralleling the decreasing sensitivity of skin keratinocytes to H as they leave the basement membrane of the skin. The toxicity of CEES was maximal by 24h. In contrast, the maximal toxicity of the other four agents occurred at 48h, mirroring the latent period observed for these agents in vivo. The markedly different characteristics of toxicity between CEES and the other four test compounds indicate that it is likely that different mechanisms of action are operative between them. Caution should therefore be taken when interpreting the results of studies utilizing CEES as a simulant for the mechanistic study of H, or in the elucidation of medical countermeasures against this CW agent. It is also notable that the toxicity

Selenium and sulphur derivatives of hydroxytyrosol: inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes of vitamin E-deficient rats.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Gutiérrez, Guillermo; Rubio-Senent, Fátima; Gómez-Carretero, Antonio; Maya, Inés; Fernández-Bolaños, Juan; Duthie, Garry G; de Roos, Baukje

2018-05-28

The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of modified phenols synthesized from hydroxytyrosol, a natural olive oil phenol, specifically those containing a selenium or sulphur group, to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The compounds' abilities to inhibit lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes obtained from vitamin E-deficient rats were compared to hydroxytyrosol. All synthetic compounds had a significant higher ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation than hydroxytyrosol. Selenium derivates displayed a higher antioxidant activity than sulphur derivatives. In addition, the antioxidant activity increased with a higher number of heteroatoms in the hydroxytyrosol molecular structure. The study shows, for the first time, the ability of synthetic compounds, derived from the most active phenol present in olives in free form (hydroxytyrosol), and containing one or two atoms of sulphur or selenium, to inhibit the lipid peroxidation of vitamin E-deficient microsomes. The antioxidant activity of five thioureas, a disulfide, a thiol, three selenoureas, a diselenide, and a selenonium were evaluated and the results showed a higher inhibition of lipid peroxidation than the natural phenol. Selenium and sulphur derivatives of hydroxytyrosol are novel antioxidants with the potential to supplement the lack of vitamin E in the diet as natural alternatives for the prevention of diseases related to oxidative damage.

Chemical cleaning re-invented: clean, lean and green.

PubMed

Hanson, Margaret; Vangeel, Michel

2014-01-01

A project undertaken in the Central Cleaning Department of Janssen, a Johnson and Johnson pharmaceutical company, demonstrates how ergonomics, environmental and industrial hygiene risks and quality concerns can be tackled simultaneously. The way equipment was cleaned was re-designed by an in-house cross-functional team to ensure a 'clean, lean and green' process. Initiatives included a new layout of the area, and new work processes and equipment to facilitate cleaning and handling items. This resulted in significant improvements: all ergonomics high risk tasks were reduced to moderate or low risk; hearing protection was no longer required; respirator requirement reduced by 67%; solvent use reduced by 73%; productivity improved, with 55% fewer operator hours required; and quality improved 40-fold. The return on investment was estimated at 3.125 years based on an investment of over €1.5 million (2008 prices). This win-win intervention allowed ergonomics, environmental, industrial hygiene, productivity and quality concerns all to be addressed.

First Description of Sulphur-Oxidizing Bacterial Symbiosis in a Cnidarian (Medusozoa) Living in Sulphidic Shallow-Water Environments.

PubMed

Abouna, Sylvie; Gonzalez-Rizzo, Silvina; Grimonprez, Adrien; Gros, Olivier

2015-01-01

Since the discovery of thioautotrophic bacterial symbiosis in the giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila, there has been great impetus to investigate such partnerships in other invertebrates. In this study, we present the occurrence of a sulphur-oxidizing symbiosis in a metazoan belonging to the phylum Cnidaria in which this event has never been described previously. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) observations and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXs) analysis, were employed to unveil the presence of prokaryotes population bearing elemental sulphur granules, growing on the body surface of the metazoan. Phylogenetic assessments were also undertaken to identify this invertebrate and microorganisms in thiotrophic symbiosis. Our results showed the occurrence of a thiotrophic symbiosis in a cnidarian identified as Cladonema sp. This is the first report describing the occurrence of a sulphur-oxidizing symbiosis in a cnidarian. Furthermore, of the two adult morphologies, the polyp and medusa, this mutualistic association was found restricted to the polyp form of Cladonema sp.

Electrothermal vaporization of mineral acid solutions in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: comparison with sample nebulization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mora, Juan; Gras, Luis; van Veen, Eric H.; de Loos-Vollebregt, Margaretha T. C.

1999-06-01

The analytical behaviour of an electrothermal vaporization (ETV) device for the introduction of mineral acid solutions in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was evaluated. Water, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, perchloric acid and sulphuric acid in concentrations within the 0.05-1.0 mol l-1 range were studied. For all the acids tested, increasing the acid concentration increases the ion signal and deteriorates the precision. The magnitude of the signal enhancement depends on the analyte and on the acid considered. Acid solutions give rise to ion signals that are between 2 and 10 times higher than those with water. Among the acids tested, sulphuric acid provides the highest signals. The addition of palladium reduces matrix effects due to the acids and increases the signal in ETV ICP-MS. In comparison with conventional sample nebulization (CS), the ETV sample introduction system provides higher sensitivities (between 2 and 20 times higher) at the same acid concentration. The magnitude of this improvement is similar to that obtained with a microwave desolvation system (MWDS). The ETV sample introduction system gives rise to the lowest background signals from matrix-induced species. Due to this fact, the limits of detection (LODs) obtained for the isotopes affected by any interference are lower for ETV sample introduction than those obtained with the CS and the MWDS. For the isotopes that do not suffer from matrix-induced spectral interferences, the ETV gives rise to LODs higher than those obtained with the CS. For these isotopes the lowest LODs are obtained with MWDS.

Fermentative utilization of glycerol residue for the production of acetic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irvan; Trisakti, B.; Hasibuan, R.; Joli, M.

2018-02-01

Glycerol residue, frequently known as pitch, is a waste produced from the downstream product of crude glycerine distillation. With the increasing need of pure glycerine in the world, the glycerol residue produced is also increasing. Glycerol residue is a solid waste at room temperature, highly alkaline (pH > 13), corrosive, and categorized as hazardous and poisonous waste. In this research, acetic acid was produced from glycerol residue through the anaerobic fermentation process by using purple non-sulphur photosynthetic bacteria. The purpose of this study was to find out the influence of concentration change of glycerol residue on time and to find out the possibility of glycerol residue to be utilized as acetic acid. In this research, at first 400 g of glycerol residue was diluted with 200 ml of distilled water to change the glycerine phase, from solid to liquid at room temperature, acidified by using hydrochloric acid until pH 2. The top layer formed was fatty acid and triglycerides that should be removed. Meanwhile, the bottom layer was diluted glycerol residue which was then neutralized with caustic soda. To produce acetic acid, glycerol residue with various concentrations, salt, and purple non-sulphur photosynthetic bacteria were put together into a 100 ml bottle which had been previously sterilized, then incubated for four weeks under the light of 40-watt bulb. The result showed that on the 28th day of fermentation, the produced acetic acid were 0.28, 1.85, and 0.2% (w/w) by using glycerine with the concentration of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% (w/w), respectively.

Comparison of the solubilizing efficiencies of some pH lowering (sulphur and (NH4)2SO4) amendments on Cd and Zn mobility in soils.

PubMed

Amoakwah, Emmanuel; Van Slycken, Stijn; Essumang, David K

2014-08-01

The use of conventional methods to clean up the soil is very expensive and destructive to the ecosystem. The concept of phytoextraction has been introduced to safely manage soils contaminated with heavy metals. However, using plants to remediate polluted soils is a lengthy process. This has necessitated the use of amendments to potentially enhance solubilization of metals in order to increase their bioavailability in the soil solution. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of some selected pH lowering amendments [elemental sulphur and (NH4)2SO4] on the solubility and availability of Cd and Zn. The application of these amendments resulted in a decrease in the pH of the soil. The decrease in pH significantly enhanced the solubilization and the mobility of Cd and Zn into the soil solution. The CaCl2 extraction protocol was employed to study the effects of the various amendments on the mobility of Cd and Zn.

75 FR 82040 - Notice of Public Meeting on the International Maritime Organization Guidelines for Exhaust Gas...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-29

... on the International Maritime Organization Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems for Marine... Organization guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems for marine engines in Washington, DC. The purpose of... exhaust gas cleaning systems for marine engines to remove sulphur oxide emissions in order to comply with...

Sulphur cycling in the drinking water catchment area of Torgau-Mockritz (Germany): insights from hydrochemical and stable isotope investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knöller, K.; Trettin, R.; Strauch, G.

2005-11-01

The hydrochemical composition of groundwater and the isotopic composition of sulphur compounds in sediments (34S of sulphide, inorganic sulphate) and groundwater (34S, 18O of dissolved sulphate) have been investigated to reveal the reasons for elevated concentrations of dissolved groundwater sulphate in the drinking water catchment area of Torgau-Mockritz (Germany).The three most important anthropogenic sources of sulphate identified in this study are historic atmospheric sulphate deposition, predominantly of anthropogenic origin, inorganic fertilization, and dissolution of gypsum from waste dumps. Owing to their overlapping isotopic range, no clear differentiation between the individual anthropogenic sources is possible. Sulphate from the oxidation of sedimentary sulphides, however, was recognized by its negative sulphur isotope signature (34S < - 5).The mobilization of sulphate from different soil sulphur species is closely connected with variable isotopic fractionations, resulting in a wide isotopic variation range for the sulphate entering the saturated zone. Generally, sulphur and oxygen isotope ratios of the dissolved groundwater sulphate range from -19 to +37 (Vienna Cañon Diablo troilite) and from -2 to +19 (Vienna standard mean ocean water), respectively. Sulphate from the majority of groundwater samples can be assigned to anthropogenic sources. Sulphate from sulphide oxidation is especially present in samples from the upper sampling level and the groundwater surface. Sulphate concentrations above 700 mg l-1 are mostly caused by the oxidation of sulphide. Sulphate that occurs in low and moderate concentrations dominantly originates from anthropogenic sources.34S distribution patterns were used to locate the sources for the elevated sulphate concentrations in the raw water. It was shown that the sulphate is not mobilized in the immediate vicinity of the production wells. Rather, it originates in an area 1.5 km west of the intake. The main mobilization

A Green Clean

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kravitz, Robert

2006-01-01

In the professional cleaning industry, green cleaning has been much discussed in the past few years. Usually, the information pertains to the many reasons why a green cleaning program should be started, the steps involved to get the program off the ground, and the potential benefits. However, although many facility managers and school…

Development of clean coal and clean soil technologies using advanced agglomeration technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ignasiak, B.; Pawlak, W.; Szymocha, K.

1990-04-01

The specific objectives of the bituminous coal program were to explore and evaluate the application of advanced agglomeration technology for: (1)desulphurization of bituminous coals to sulphur content acceptable within the current EPA SO{sub 2} emission guidelines; (2) deashing of bituminous coals to ash content of less than 10 percent; and (3)increasing the calorific value of bituminous coals to above 13,000 Btu/lb. (VC)

Sulphur dioxide affects culturability and volatile phenol production by Brettanomyces/Dekkera bruxellensis.

PubMed

Agnolucci, Monica; Rea, Francesco; Sbrana, Cristiana; Cristani, Caterina; Fracassetti, Daniela; Tirelli, Antonio; Nuti, Marco

2010-09-30

The effect of different sulphur dioxide concentrations on culturability and viability of seven strains of Brettanomyces bruxellensis was tested in a synthetic wine medium (SWM) and a different response to molecular SO(2) among strains was detected. Sulphur dioxide induced a viable but non culturable (VBNC) state in all the strains. The greater percentage of VBNC cells were identified for five strains at molecular SO(2) concentrations of 0.2mg/L and for two strains at the concentration of 0.4mg/L. Vinyl phenols were detected in media containing VBNC or not viable B. bruxellensis, suggesting that its spoilage metabolism could be maintained during wine storage. Overall, this study indicates that SO(2) is a chemical stressor inducing VBNC state in B. bruxellensis grown in synthetic wine medium. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of SO(2) on the metabolism of this yeast in wine spoilage. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma chemical conversion of sulphur hexafluoride initiated by a pulsed electron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kholodnaya, Galina; Sazonov, Roman; Ponomarev, Denis; Guzeeva, Tatiana

2017-01-01

This paper presents the results of the experimental investigation of plasma chemical conversion of sulphur hexafluoride initiated by a pulsed electron beam (TEA-500 pulsed electron accelerator) with the following characteristics: 400-450 keV electron energy, 60 ns pulse duration, up to 200 J pulse energy, and 5 cm beam diameter. Experiments were conducted on the effect of the pulsed electron beam on SF6 and on mixtures of SF6 with O2, Ar, or N2. For the mixture of SF6 and oxygen, the results indicated chemical reactions involving the formation of a number of products of which one is sulphur, confirming the Wray - Fluorescence Analysis. The plasma chemical conversion of SF6 initiated by the pulsed electron beam was not detected when SF6 was mixed with Ar or N2, suggesting a possible mechanism for the reaction of SF6 in the presence of O2.

Comparative study on intestinal metabolism and absorption in vivo of ginsenosides in sulphur-fumigated and non-fumigated ginseng by ultra performance liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry based chemical profiling approach.

PubMed

Zhu, He; Shen, Hong; Xu, Jun; Xu, Jin-Di; Zhu, Ling-Ying; Wu, Jie; Chen, Hu-Biao; Li, Song-Lin

2015-04-01

Our previous study indicated that sulphur-fumigation of ginseng in post-harvest handling processes could induce chemical transformation of ginsenosides to generate multiple ginsenoside sulphur derivatives. In this study, the influence of sulphur-fumigation on intestinal metabolism and absorption in vivo of ginsenosides in ginseng was sequentially studied. The intestinal metabolic and absorbed profiles of ginsenosides in rats after intra-gastric (i.g.) administration of sulphur-fumigated ginseng (SFG) and non-fumigated ginseng (NFG) were comparatively characterized by a newly established ultra performance liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization negative (ESI-) mode. A novel strategy based on the characteristic product ions and fragmentation pathways of different types of aglycones (saponin skeletons) and glycosyl moieties was proposed and successfully applied to rapid structural identification of ginsenoside sulphur derivatives and relevant metabolites. In total, 18 ginsenoside sulphur derivatives and 26 ginsenoside sulphur derivative metabolites in the faeces together with six ginsenoside sulphur derivatives in the plasma were identified in the SFG-administrated group but not in the NFG-administrated group. The results clearly demonstrated that the intestinal metabolic and absorbed profiles of ginsenosides in sulphur-fumigated and non-fumigated ginseng were quite different, which inspired that sulphur-fumigation of ginseng should not be recommended before the bioactivity and toxicity of the ginsenoside sulphur derivatives were systematically evaluated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Volatile sulphur compounds and pathways of L-methionine catabolism in Williopsis yeasts.

PubMed

Tan, Amelia W J; Lee, Pin-Rou; Seow, Yi-Xin; Ong, Peter K C; Liu, Shao-Quan

2012-08-01

Volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) are important to the food industry due to their high potency and presence in many foods. This study assessed for the first time VSC production and pathways of L: -methionine catabolism in yeasts from the genus Williopsis with a view to understanding VSC formation and their potential flavour impact. Five strains of Williopsis saturnus (var. saturnus, var. subsufficiens, var. suavolens, var. sargentensis and var. mrakii) were screened for VSC production in a synthetic medium supplemented with L: -methionine. A diverse range of VSCs were produced including dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanal (methional), 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol (methionol), 3-(methylthio)-1-propene, 3-(methylthio)-1-propyl acetate, 3-(methylthio)-1-propanoic acid (methionic acid) and ethyl 3-(methylthio)-1-propanoate, though the production of these VSCs varied between yeast strains. W. saturnus var. saturnus NCYC22 was selected for further studies due to its relatively high VSC production. VSC production was characterised step-wise with yeast strain NCYC22 in coconut cream at different L: -methionine concentrations (0.00-0.20%) and under various inorganic sulphate (0.00-0.20%) and nitrogen (ammonia) supplementation (0.00-0.20%), respectively. Optimal VSC production was obtained with 0.1% of L: -methionine, while supplementation of sulphate had no significant effect. Nitrogen supplementation showed a dramatic inhibitory effect on VSC production. Based on the production of VSCs, the study suggests that the Ehrlich pathway of L: -methionine catabolism is operative in W. saturnus yeasts and can be manipulated by adjusting certain nutrient parameters to control VSC production.

Clean Air Markets - Facility Attributes and Contacts Query Wizard

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Facility Attributes and Contacts Query Wizard is part of a suite of Clean Air Markets-related tools that are accessible at http://camddataandmaps.epa.gov/gdm/index.cfm. The Facility Attributes and Contact module gives the user access to current and historical facility, owner, and representative data using custom queries, via the Facility Attributes Query Wizard, or Quick Reports. In addition, data regarding EPA, State, and local agency staff are also available. The Query Wizard can be used to search for data about a facility or facilities by identifying characteristics such as associated programs, owners, representatives, locations, and unit characteristics, facility inventories, and classifications.EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) includes several market-based regulatory programs designed to improve air quality and ecosystems. The most well-known of these programs are EPA's Acid Rain Program and the NOx Programs, which reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-compounds that adversely affect air quality, the environment, and public health. CAMD also plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

High temperature abatement of acid gases from waste incineration. Part I: experimental tests in full scale plants.

PubMed

Biganzoli, Laura; Racanella, Gaia; Rigamonti, Lucia; Marras, Roberto; Grosso, Mario

2015-02-01

In recent years, several waste-to-energy plants in Italy have experienced an increase of the concentration of acid gases (HCl, SO2 and HF) in the raw gas. This is likely an indirect effect of the progressive decrease of the amount of treated municipal waste, which is partially replaced by commercial waste. The latter is characterised by a higher variability of its chemical composition because of the different origins, with possible increase of the load of halogen elements such as chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F), as well as of sulphur (S). A new dolomitic sorbent was then tested in four waste-to-energy plants during standard operation as a pre-cleaning stage, to be directly injected at high temperature in the combustion chamber. For a sorbent injection of about 6 kg per tonne of waste, the decrease of acid gases concentration downstream the boiler was in the range of 7-37% (mean 23%) for HCl, 34-95% (mean 71%) for SO2 and 39-80% (mean 63%) for HF. This pre-abatement of acid gases allowed to decrease the feeding rate of the traditional low temperature sorbent (sodium bicarbonate in all four plants) by about 30%. Furthermore, it was observed by the plant operators that the sorbent helps to keep the boiler surfaces cleaner, with a possible reduction of the fouling phenomena and a consequent increase of the specific energy production. A preliminary quantitative estimate was carried out in one of the four plants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF HALIDE IONS ON THE CORROSION INHIBITION OF MILD STEEL IN SULPHURIC ACID USING METHYL, N-METHYL ETHYL AND ETHYL SUBSTITUTED γ-2,c-6-DIPHENYL PIPERIDIN-4-ONE SEMICARBAZONES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priya, V. Shanmuga; Rani, C. Uma; Velrani, S.

The synergistic effect of halide ions such as KCl, KBr and KI on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 N sulphuric acid by γ-2,c-6-diphenyl-t-3-methyl piperdin-4-ones with semicarbazone (01SC), γ-2,c-6-diphenyl-N-methyl-t-3-ethyl piperdin-4-ones with semicarbazone (02SC) and 2,6-diphenyl-t-3-ethyl piperdin-4-one with semicarbazone (03SC) has been examined by weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical AC impedance spectroscopy. Results show that substituted γ-2,c-6-diphenyl piperidin-4-ones with semicarbazone act as the perfect corrosion inhibitors and their inhibition efficiency increases with the addition of halide ions. The inhibitor (01SC) shows the inhibition efficiency of 78.28% (0.2mM) by using a weight loss method. The influence of I-, Br- and Cl- anions raises the inhibition efficiency of the substituted 2,6-diphenyl piperidin-4-ones with semicarbazone due to the synergistic effect. The synergistic effect of halide ions was formed in the following order: KI > KBr > KCl.

Response of thinned White fir stands to fertilization with nitrogen plus sulphur.

Treesearch

P.H. Cochran

1991-01-01

A single application of 200 pounds nitrogen (N) plus 33 pounds of sulphur (S) per acre to white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glen.) Lindl.) increased periodic annual increments of basal area and volume by 1.7 ft2acre-1year-1 and 43 to 68 ft3acre

Commandant’s International Technical Series. Volume 9. International Regulations on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Carrying Hazardous Chemicals in Bulk.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

Styrene monomer 2055 B Sulphuric acid 1830 C " Sulphuric acid, spent 1832 C - Sulphurous acid 1633 (C) Sunflover oil D...anhydrides (e.g. formic, acetic); .3 halogenated carboxylic acids (e.g. chloracetic); .4 sulpnonic acids (e.g. benzene sulphonic); .5 caustic alkalis...acetic); (iii) halogenated carboxylic acids (e.g. cbloracetic); (iv) sulphonic acids (e.g. benzene sulphonic);II (v) caustic alkalis (e.g. sodium

Acid hydrolysis of Curcuma longa residue for ethanol and lactic acid fermentation.

PubMed

Nguyen, Cuong Mai; Nguyen, Thanh Ngoc; Choi, Gyung Ja; Choi, Yong Ho; Jang, Kyoung Soo; Park, Youn-Je; Kim, Jin-Cheol

2014-01-01

This research examines the acid hydrolysis of Curcuma longa waste, to obtain the hydrolysate containing lactic acid and ethanol fermentative sugars. A central composite design for describing regression equations of variables was used. The selected optimum condition was 4.91% sulphuric acid, 122.68°C and 50 min using the desirability function under the following conditions: the maximum reducing sugar (RS) yield is within the limited range of the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural concentrations. Under the condition, the obtained solution contained 144 g RS/L, 0.79 g furfural/L and 2.59 g HMF/L and was directly fermented without a detoxification step. The maximum product concentration, average productivity, RS conversion and product yield were 115.36 g/L, 2.88 g/L/h, 89.43% and 64% for L-lactic acid; 113.92 g/L, 2.59 g/L/h, 88.31% and 63.29% for D-lactic acid; and 55.03 g/L, 1.38 g/L/h, 42.66 and 30.57%, respectively, for ethanol using a 7-L jar fermenter. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Bio-Inspired Self-Cleaning Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Kesong; Jiang, Lei

2012-08-01

Self-cleaning surfaces have drawn a lot of interest for both fundamental research and practical applications. This review focuses on the recent progress in mechanism, preparation, and application of self-cleaning surfaces. To date, self-cleaning has been demonstrated by the following four conceptual approaches: (a) TiO2-based superhydrophilic self-cleaning, (b) lotus effect self-cleaning (superhydrophobicity with a small sliding angle), (c) gecko setae-inspired self-cleaning, and (d) underwater organisms-inspired antifouling self-cleaning. Although a number of self-cleaning products have been commercialized, the remaining challenges and future outlook of self-cleaning surfaces are also briefly addressed. Through evolution, nature, which has long been a source of inspiration for scientists and engineers, has arrived at what is optimal. We hope this review will stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration among material science, chemistry, biology, physics, nanoscience, engineering, etc., which is essential for the rational design and reproducible construction of bio-inspired multifunctional self-cleaning surfaces in practical applications.

Application of sulphur isotope ratios to examine weaning patterns and freshwater fish consumption in Roman Oxfordshire, UK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nehlich, Olaf; Fuller, Benjamin T.; Jay, Mandy; Mora, Alice; Nicholson, Rebecca A.; Smith, Colin I.; Richards, Michael P.

2011-09-01

This study investigates the application of sulphur isotope ratios (δ 34S) in combination with carbon (δ 13C) and nitrogen (δ 15N) ratios to understand the influence of environmental sulphur on the isotopic composition of archaeological human and faunal remains from Roman era sites in Oxfordshire, UK. Humans ( n = 83), terrestrial animals ( n = 11), and freshwater fish ( n = 5) were analysed for their isotope values from four locations in the Thames River Valley, and a broad range of δ 34S values were found. The δ 34S values from the terrestrial animals were highly variable (-13.6‰ to +0.5‰), but the δ 34S values of the fish were clustered and 34S-depleted (-20.9‰ to -17.3‰). The results of the faunal remains suggest that riverine sulphur influenced the terrestrial sulphur isotopic signatures. Terrestrial animals were possibly raised on the floodplains of the River Thames, where highly 34S-depleted sulphur influenced the soil. The humans show the largest range of δ 34S values (-18.8‰ to +9.6‰) from any archaeological context to date. No differences in δ 34S values were found between the males (-7.8 ± 6.0‰) and females (-5.3 ± 6.8‰), but the females had a linear correlation ( R2 = 0.71; p < 0.0001) between their δ 15N and δ 34S compositions. These δ 34S results suggest a greater dietary variability for the inhabitants of Roman Oxfordshire than previously thought, with some individuals eating solely terrestrial protein resources and others showing a diet almost exclusively based on freshwater protein such as fish. Such large dietary variability was not visible by analysing only the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios, and this research represents the largest and most detailed application of δ 34S analysis to examine dietary practices (including breastfeeding and weaning patterns) during the Romano-British Period.

Mouse Cleaning Apparatus and Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Glenn L. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

The method of using the mouse pad cleaning apparatus is disclosed and claimed. The method comprises the steps of uncovering the mouse cleaning surface, applying the mouse and ball of the mouse to the cleaning surface, moving the mouse in a rotational pattern on the mouse cleaning surface, removing the mouse form the mouse cleaning surface, washing the cleaning surface, and covering the mouse cleaning surface. A mouse pad cleaning apparatus comprising a plurality of substrates, each said substrate having adhesive thereon, said plurality of substrates residing in and affixed to a receptacle. A single substrate having adhesive, which may be washable or non-washable, thereon may be employed. The washable adhesive may be an organopolysiloxane or gelatinous elastomer.

Control of 5-aminolaevulinate synthetase activity in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides. The involvement of sulphur metabolism

PubMed Central

Neuberger, Albert; Sandy, John D.; Tait, George H.

1973-01-01

1. The `initial' 5-aminolaevulinate synthetase activity, that is the activity observed immediately after cell disruption, in extracts prepared from unharvested semianaerobically grown Rhodopseudomonas spheroides, was twice that observed under the same assay conditions in extracts prepared from harvested cells. 2. The effect of oxygenation of a culture on the `maximum' aminolaevulinate synthetase activity, that is the activity observed 1h after disruption of harvested cells, is markedly influenced by the contents of the growth medium. Oxygenation of organisms for 1h in the medium in which they have grown produces an 80–90% decrease in maximum activity, whereas similar treatment of organisms resuspended in fresh medium produces less than a 40% decrease. 3. This protective effect of fresh medium is absolutely dependent on the presence of sulphate. When cells are suspended in sulphate-deficient fresh medium, the maximum activity falls by 65–75% even without oxygenation. A high maximum activity is regenerated when sulphate is resupplied. 4. When organisms are oxygenated in the medium in which they have grown, the cellular contents of GSH+GSSG and cysteine+cystine fall very markedly and homolanthionine is formed. Both the fall in aminolaevulinate synthetase activity and the changes in sulphur metabolism are largely prevented by the addition of compounds which stimulate synthesis of cysteine de novo or inhibit the conversion of cysteine S into homocysteine S. 5. The maximum aminolaevulinate synthetase activity was directly proportional to the GSH+GSSG content of all cell preparations. In glutathione-depleted extracts the `low'-activity enzyme could be re-activated in vitro by the addition of GSH, GSSG, cysteine or cystine, whereas in extracts with a high glutathione content the `high'-activity enzyme was unaffected by these sulphur compounds. 6. The activation of low-activity enzyme with exogenous sulphur compounds was prevented by excluding air or by adding NADH

Incidence of laryngeal cancer and exposure to acid mists.

PubMed Central

Steenland, K; Schnorr, T; Beaumont, J; Halperin, W; Bloom, T

1988-01-01

To determine the relation between exposure to acid mist and laryngeal cancer, the smoking habits, drinking habits, and incidence of laryngeal cancer of 879 male steelworkers exposed to acid mists during pickling operations was ascertained. Sulphuric acid mist was the primary exposure for most men in this cohort. These men had all worked in a pickling operation for a minimum of six months before 1965, with an average duration of exposure of 9.5 years. Exposures to sulphuric acid in the 1970s averaged about 0.2 mg/m3, and earlier exposures were probably similar. Interviews were conducted with all cohort members or their next of kin in 1986 and medical records of decedents were reviewed. Nine workers were identified who had been diagnosed as having laryngeal cancer, using a conservative case definition that required medical record confirmation for any case among decedents and confirmation by a physician for any case among live individuals. Using data from national surveys of cancer incidence as referent rates, 3.44 laryngeal cancers would have been expected. Excess smoking by the exposed cohort compared with the United States population resulted in an upward adjustment of the expected number of cases of laryngeal cancer to 3.92. The standardised incidence rate ratio for laryngeal cancer was 2.30 (9/3.92), with a one sided p value of 0.01 (assuming a Poisson distribution). The finding of excess laryngeal cancer in this cohort is consistent with four other studies published since 1981. PMID:3203082

Deep cleaning of a metallurgical zinc leaching residue and recovery of valuable metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, Peng; Ma, Bao-zhong; Zeng, Peng; Wang, Cheng-yan; Wang, Ling; Zhang, Yong-lu; Chen, Yong-qiang; Wang, Shuo; Wang, Qiu-yin

2017-11-01

Huge quantities of zinc leaching residues (ZLRs) generated from zinc production are dumped continuously around the world and pose a potential environmental threat because of their considerable amounts of entrained heavy metals (mainly lead). Most ZLRs have not been properly treated and the valuable metals in them have not yet been effectively recovered. Herein, the deep cleaning of a ZLR and recovery of valuable metals via a hydrometallurgical route were investigated. The cleaning process consists of two essential stages: acid leaching followed by calcium chloride leaching. The optimum conditions for extracting zinc, copper, and indium by acid leaching were a sulfuric acid concentration of 200 g·L-1, a liquid/solid ratio of 4:1 (mL/g), a leaching time of 2 h, and a temperature of 90°C. For lead and silver extractions, the optimum conditions were a calcium chloride concentration of 400 g·L-1, a pH value of 1.0, a leaching time of 1 h, and a temperature of 30°C. After calcium chloride leaching, silver and lead were extracted out and the lead was finally recovered as electrolytic lead by electrowinning. The anglesite phase, which poses the greatest potential environmental hazard, was removed from the ZLR after deep cleaning, thus reducing the cost of environmental management of ZLRs. The treatment of chlorine and spent electrolyte generated in the process was discussed.

78 FR 42538 - Information Collection Activities: Sulphur Operations, Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-16

..., section 301(a) of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA), 30 U.S.C. 1751(a), grants... requirements. The BSEE uses the information collected to ascertain the condition of drilling sites for the purpose of preventing hazards inherent in sulphur drilling and production operations and to evaluate the...

Sulphur flux through the sulphate assimilation pathway is differently controlled by adenosine 5'-phosphosulphate reductase under stress and in transgenic poplar plants overexpressing gamma-ECS, SO, or APR.

PubMed

Scheerer, Ursula; Haensch, Robert; Mendel, Ralf R; Kopriva, Stanislav; Rennenberg, Heinz; Herschbach, Cornelia

2010-01-01

Sulphate assimilation provides reduced sulphur for the synthesis of cysteine, methionine, and numerous other essential metabolites and secondary compounds. The key step in the pathway is the reduction of activated sulphate, adenosine 5'-phosphosulphate (APS), to sulphite catalysed by APS reductase (APR). In the present study, [(35)S]sulphur flux from external sulphate into glutathione (GSH) and proteins was analysed to check whether APR controls the flux through the sulphate assimilation pathway in poplar roots under some stress conditions and in transgenic poplars. (i) O-Acetylserine (OAS) induced APR activity and the sulphur flux into GSH. (ii) The herbicide Acetochlor induced APR activity and results in a decline of GSH. Thereby the sulphur flux into GSH or protein remained unaffected. (iii) Cd treatment increased APR activity without any changes in sulphur flux but lowered sulphate uptake. Several transgenic poplar plants that were manipulated in sulphur metabolism were also analysed. (i) Transgenic poplar plants that overexpressed the gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-ECS) gene, the enzyme catalysing the key step in GSH formation, showed an increase in sulphur flux into GSH and sulphate uptake when gamma-ECS was targeted to the cytosol, while no changes in sulphur flux were observed when gamma-ECS was targeted to plastids. (ii) No effect on sulphur flux was observed when the sulphite oxidase (SO) gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, which catalyses the back reaction of APR, that is the reaction from sulphite to sulphate, was overexpressed. (iii) When Lemna minor APR was overexpressed in poplar, APR activity increased as expected, but no changes in sulphur flux were observed. For all of these experiments the flux control coefficient for APR was calculated. APR as a controlling step in sulphate assimilation seems obvious under OAS treatment, in gamma-ECS and SO overexpressing poplars. A possible loss of control under certain conditions, that is Cd treatment

Rapid classification of enzymes in cleaning products by hydrolysis, mass spectrometry and linear discriminant analysis.

PubMed

Beneito-Cambra, Miriam; Herrero-Martínez, José Manuel; Simó-Alfonso, Ernesto F; Ramis-Ramos, Guillermo

2008-11-01

A method for the rapid classification of proteases, lipases, amylases and cellulases used as enhancers in cleaning products, based on precipitation with acetone, hydrolysis with HCl, dilution of the hydrolysates with ethanol, and direct infusion into the electrospray ion source of an ion-trap mass spectrometer, has been developed. The abundances of the ([M+H]+ ions of the amino acids, from the hydrolysates of both the enzyme industrial concentrates and the detergent bases spiked with them, were used to construct linear discriminant analysis models, capable of distinguishing between the enzyme classes. For this purpose, the variables were normalized as follows: (A) the ion abundance of each amino acid was divided by the sum of the ion abundances of all the amino acids in the corresponding mass spectrum; (B) the ratios of pairs of ion abundances were obtained by dividing the ion abundance of each amino acid by each one of the ion abundances of the other 17 amino acids in the corresponding mass spectrum. Using normalization procedure B, excellent class-resolution between proteases, lipases, amylases and cellulases was achieved. In all cases, enzymes in industrial concentrates and manufactured cleaning products were correctly classified with >98% assignment probability.

First Description of Sulphur-Oxidizing Bacterial Symbiosis in a Cnidarian (Medusozoa) Living in Sulphidic Shallow-Water Environments

PubMed Central

Abouna, Sylvie; Gonzalez-Rizzo, Silvina; Grimonprez, Adrien; Gros, Olivier

2015-01-01

Background Since the discovery of thioautotrophic bacterial symbiosis in the giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila, there has been great impetus to investigate such partnerships in other invertebrates. In this study, we present the occurrence of a sulphur-oxidizing symbiosis in a metazoan belonging to the phylum Cnidaria in which this event has never been described previously. Methodology/Principal Findings Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) observations and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXs) analysis, were employed to unveil the presence of prokaryotes population bearing elemental sulphur granules, growing on the body surface of the metazoan. Phylogenetic assessments were also undertaken to identify this invertebrate and microorganisms in thiotrophic symbiosis. Our results showed the occurrence of a thiotrophic symbiosis in a cnidarian identified as Cladonema sp. Conclusions/Significance This is the first report describing the occurrence of a sulphur-oxidizing symbiosis in a cnidarian. Furthermore, of the two adult morphologies, the polyp and medusa, this mutualistic association was found restricted to the polyp form of Cladonema sp. PMID:26011278

Effect of strong acids on red mud structural and fluoride adsorption properties.

PubMed

Liang, Wentao; Couperthwaite, Sara J; Kaur, Gurkiran; Yan, Cheng; Johnstone, Dean W; Millar, Graeme J

2014-06-01

The removal of fluoride using red mud has been improved by acidifying red mud with hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid. The acidification of red mud causes sodalite and cancrinite phases to dissociate, confirmed by the release of sodium and aluminium into solution as well as the disappearance of sodalite bands and peaks in infrared and X-ray diffraction data. The dissolution of these mineral phases increases the amount of available iron and aluminium oxide/hydroxide sites that are accessible for the adsorption of fluoride. However, concentrated acids have a negative effect on adsorption due to the dissolution of these iron and aluminium oxide/hydroxide sites. The removal of fluoride is dependent on the charge of iron and aluminium oxide/hydroxides on the surface of red mud. Acidifying red mud with hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid resulted in surface sites of the form ≡SOH2(+) and ≡SOH. Optimum removal is obtained when the majority of surface sites are in the form ≡SOH2(+) as the substitution of a fluoride ion does not cause a significant increase in pH. This investigation shows the importance of having a low and consistent pH for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions using red mud. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Commercial IOTV Cleaning Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-12

manufacturer’s list price without taking into consideration of possible volume discount.  Equipment depreciation cost was calculated based on...Laundering with Prewash Spot Cleaning) 32 Table 12 Shrinkage Statistical Data (Traditional Wet Laundering without Prewash Spot Cleaning...Statistical Data (Computer-controlled Wet Cleaning without Prewash Spot Cleaning) 35 Table 15 Shrinkage Statistical Data (Liquid CO2 Cleaning

Latest technologies on ultrasonic cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofstetter, Hans U.

2007-05-01

UCM-AG manufactures Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines for highest quality requirements. The company has the know-how for cleaning and supplies cleaning systems together with the cleaning process. With a UCM of Switzerland Cleaning System, the customer gets the system itself, the cleaning process with a guarantee for the specified result but also all auxiliary equipment needed for perfect results. Therefore UCM also supplies fixtures, linkage to existing automated fabrication facilities water treatment plants etc. Thus the UCM customer gets a turnkey installation - ready to operate and including know-how. UCM of Switzerland will describe the latest technology in ultrasonic precision cleaning on the example of a recent and sophisticated installation. The installation consists of three interlinked cleaning systems which operate completely automated. The 1st system is designed for pre-cleaning to remove waxes, pitch and protection lacquers with environmentally friendly solvents which are non hazardous to the health of the operators. The 2nd system cleans the parts prior to inspection and operates with neutral or slightly alkaline detergents. The 3rd system is designed for final cleaning prior to vacuum coating and perfect results are required. It combines cleaning tanks and DI-Water rinse with lift out and vacuum dryer. The installation combines the latest technologies in ultrasonic cleaning for precision optical components. The system employs multi frequency immersed ultrasonic transducers and special rinsing technologies The complete installation will be explained in detail; the concept in its whole, the lay out, the particular setup of each cleaning system etc. will be shown and explained together with construction particulars of the complete installation.

Comparison of washer-disinfector cleaning indicators: impact of temperature and cleaning cycle parameters.

PubMed

Alfa, Michelle J; Olson, Nancy

2014-02-01

Because automated instrument washer-disinfectors (WD) are widely used in health care to reprocess a variety of medical instruments, we developed a study to compare 3 cleaning indicators to determine whether they detected suboptimal temperature, time, enzymatic detergent, and fluid action in a washer-disinfector. The Miele WD was used for this comparison. One optimal cycle and 14 cycles with suboptimal enzymatic detergent, cleaning time, temperature, or inactive spray arms were evaluated. The cleaning indicators evaluated included the following: Pinnacle Monitor for Automated Enzymatic Cleaning Process (PNCL), Wash-Checks (WC), and TOSI. The scoring system for all 3 indicators was harmonized to a common scale. Soiled tweezers were included in each cycle evaluated. The PNCL, TOSI, and WC cleaning indicators showed significantly more failures at 40°C compared with 60°C (100% vs 0% for PNCL, 17% vs 0% for TOSI, and 60% vs 22% for WC, respectively). There were significantly more failures at suboptimal temperatures with a 2- versus 4-minute cycle (100% vs 0% for PNCL, 17% vs 0% for TOSI, and 17% vs 0% for WC, respectively, for 40°C cycles). Despite suboptimal cleaning cycles, all soiled tweezers looked clean. All 3 cleaning indicators responded to suboptimal WD conditions; however, the PNCL was the most affected by alterations in the cycle conditions evaluated. In simulated use testing, cleaning indicators provided a more sensitive audit tool compared with visual inspection of soiled instruments after automated cleaning. Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

RESULTS FROM THE MOUNTAIN ACID DEPOSITION PROGRAM

EPA Science Inventory

The Mountain Acid Deposition Program (MADPro) was initiated in 1993 as part of the research necessary to support the objectives of the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNet), which was created to address the. requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). The main ob...

Precision cleaning apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Schneider, T.W.; Frye, G.C.; Martin, S.J.

1998-01-13

A precision cleaning apparatus and method are disclosed. The precision cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning monitor further comprising an acoustic wave cleaning sensor such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW) sensor, a shear horizontal acoustic plate mode (SH--APM) sensor, or a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH--SAW) sensor; and measurement means connectable to the sensor for measuring in-situ one or more electrical response characteristics that vary in response to removal of one or more contaminants from the sensor and a workpiece located adjacent to the sensor during cleaning. Methods are disclosed for precision cleaning of one or more contaminants from a surface of the workpiece by means of the cleaning monitor that determines a state of cleanliness and any residual contamination that may be present after cleaning; and also for determining an effectiveness of a cleaning medium for removing one or more contaminants from a workpiece. 11 figs.

Precision cleaning apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Schneider, Thomas W.; Frye, Gregory C.; Martin, Stephen J.

1998-01-01

A precision cleaning apparatus and method. The precision cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning monitor further comprising an acoustic wave cleaning sensor such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW) sensor, a shear horizontal acoustic plate mode (SH--APM) sensor, or a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH--SAW) sensor; and measurement means connectable to the sensor for measuring in-situ one or more electrical response characteristics that vary in response to removal of one or more contaminants from the sensor and a workpiece located adjacent to the sensor during cleaning. Methods are disclosed for precision cleaning of one or more contaminants from a surface of the workpiece by means of the cleaning monitor that determines a state of cleanliness and any residual contamination that may be present after cleaning; and also for determining an effectiveness of a cleaning medium for removing one or more contaminants from a workpiece.

Supersonic Gas-Liquid Cleaning System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kinney, Frank

1996-01-01

The Supersonic Gas-Liquid Cleaning System Research Project consisted mainly of a feasibility study, including theoretical and engineering analysis, of a proof-of-concept prototype of this particular cleaning system developed by NASA-KSC. The cleaning system utilizes gas-liquid supersonic nozzles to generate high impingement velocities at the surface of the device to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid being accelerated to these high velocities may consist of any solvent or liquid, including water. Compressed air or any inert gas is used to provide the conveying medium for the liquid, as well as substantially reduce the total amount of liquid needed to perform adequate surface cleaning and cleanliness verification. This type of aqueous cleaning system is considered to be an excellent way of conducting cleaning and cleanliness verification operations as replacements for the use of CFC 113 which must be discontinued by 1995. To utilize this particular cleaning system in various cleaning applications for both the Space Program and the commercial market, it is essential that the cleaning system, especially the supersonic nozzle, be characterized for such applications. This characterization consisted of performing theoretical and engineering analysis, identifying desirable modifications/extensions to the basic concept, evaluating effects of variations in operating parameters, and optimizing hardware design for specific applications.

Automated imprint mask cleaning for step-and-flash imprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Sherjang; Chen, Ssuwei; Selinidis, Kosta; Fletcher, Brian; McMackin, Ian; Thompson, Ecron; Resnick, Douglas J.; Dress, Peter; Dietze, Uwe

2009-03-01

Step-and-Flash Imprint Lithography (S-FIL) is a promising lithography strategy for semiconductor manufacturing at device nodes below 32nm. The S-FIL 1:1 pattern transfer technology utilizes a field-by-field ink jet dispense of a low viscosity liquid resist to fill the relief pattern of the device layer etched into the glass mask. Compared to other sub 40nm CD lithography methods, the resulting high resolution, high throughput through clustering, 3D patterning capability, low process complexity, and low cost of ownership (CoO) of S-FIL makes it a widely accepted technology for patterned media as well as a promising mainstream option for future CMOS applications. Preservation of mask cleanliness is essential to avoid risk of repeated printing of defects. The development of mask cleaning processes capable of removing particles adhered to the mask surface without damaging the mask is critical to meet high volume manufacturing requirements. In this paper we have presented various methods of residual (cross-linked) resist removal and final imprint mask cleaning demonstrated on the HamaTech MaskTrack automated mask cleaning system. Conventional and non-conventional (acid free) methods of particle removal have been compared and the effect of mask cleaning on pattern damage and CD integrity is also studied.

Morphological transformation of soot: investigation of microphysical processes during the condensation of sulphuric acid and limonene ozonolysis products vapours

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pathak, R. K. P.; Pei, X.; Hallquist, M.; Pagels, J. H.

2017-12-01

Morphological transformation of soot particle by condensation of low volatility materials on it is a dominant atmospheric process with serious implications for its optical and hygroscopic properties, and atmospheric lifetime. In this study, the morphological transformation of soot agglomerate under the influence of condensation of vapours of sulphuric acid, and/or limonene ozonolysis products were investigated systematically using a Differential Mobility Analyser-Aerosol Particle Mass Analyser (DMA-APM) and the Tandem DMA techniques integrated with a laminar flow-tube system. We discovered that the morphology transformation of soot in general was a sequence of two-step process, i.e. (i) filling of void space within soot agglomerate; (ii) growth of particle diameter. These two steps followed and complimented each other. In the very beginning the filling was the dominant process followed by growth until it led to the accumulation of enough material that in turn exerted surface forces that eventually facilitated the further filling. The filling of void space was constrained by the initial morphology of fresh soot and the nature and amount of the material condensed. This process continued in several sequential steps until all void space within the soot agglomerate was filled completely and then growth of a spherical particle continued as long as mass was condensed on it. In this study, we developed a framework to quantify the microphysical transformation of soot upon the condensation of various materials. The framework utilized experimental data and hypothesis of ideal sphere growth and filling of voids to quantify the distribution of condensed materials in these two processes complimenting each other. Using this framework, we have quantified the percentage of material that went into processes of particle growth and void filling at each step. Using the same framework, we further estimated the fraction of internal voids and open voids and used this information to derive

Feasibility of high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry in flame and furnace for sulphur determination in petroleum products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowalewska, Zofia

2011-07-01

For the first time, high-resolution molecular absorption spectrometry with a high-intensity xenon lamp as radiation source has been applied for the determination of sulphur in crude oil and petroleum products. The samples were analysed as xylene solutions using vaporisation in acetylene-air flame or in an electrothermally heated graphite furnace. The sensitive rotational lines of the CS molecule, belonging to the ∆ν = 0 vibrational sequence within the electronic transition X 1∑ + → A 1П, were applied. For graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry, the Pd + Mg organic modifier was selected. Strong interactions with Pd atoms enable easier decomposition of sulphur-containing compounds, likely through the temporal formation of Pd xS y molecules. At the 258.056 nm line, with the wavelength range covering central pixel ± 5 pixels and with application of interactive background correction, the detection limit was 14 ng in graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry and 18 mg kg -1 in flame molecular absorption spectrometry. Meanwhile, application of 2-points background correction found a characteristic mass of 12 ng in graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry and a characteristic concentration of 104 mg kg -1 in flame molecular absorption spectrometry. The range of application of the proposed methods turned out to be significantly limited by the properties of the sulphur compounds of interest. In the case of volatile sulphur compounds, which can be present in light petroleum products, severe difficulties were encountered. On the contrary, heavy oils and residues from distillation as well as crude oil could be analysed using both flame and graphite furnace vaporisation. The good accuracy of the proposed methods for these samples was confirmed by their mutual consistency and the results from analysis of reference samples (certified reference materials and home reference materials with sulphur content determined by X-ray fluorescence

A workforce-based study of occupational exposures and asthma symptoms in cleaning workers.

PubMed

Vizcaya, David; Mirabelli, Maria C; Antó, Josep-Maria; Orriols, Ramon; Burgos, Felip; Arjona, Lourdes; Zock, Jan-Paul

2011-12-01

To study associations between use of cleaning products and asthma symptoms in cleaning workers. Information on respiratory symptoms, history of asthma, workplaces, use of cleaning products and acute inhalation incidents were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. 917 employees of 37 cleaning companies in Barcelona were studied. 761 (83%) were current cleaners, 86 (9%) former cleaners and 70 (8%) had never worked as cleaners. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between specific exposures among current cleaners and wheeze without having a cold, chronic cough and current asthma. Associations with an asthma symptom score were also studied using negative binomial regression analyses to report mean ratios. After adjusting for sex, age, nationality and smoking status, the prevalence of current asthma was non-significantly higher among current (OR 1.9; 95% CI 0.5 to 7.8) and former cleaners (OR 1.9; CI 0.6 to 5.5) than in never cleaners. Cleaners working in hospitals during the last year had a significantly increased prevalence of wheeze, current asthma and a 1.8 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.8) times higher mean asthma score. Use of hydrochloric acid was strongly associated with asthma score (mean ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6). Use of ammonia, degreasers, multiple purpose products and waxes was also associated with asthma score. Cleaning work in places with high demand for disinfection, high cleaning standards and use of cleaning products containing respiratory irritants is associated with higher risk of asthma symptoms. This suggests irritants have an important role in cleaning-related asthma.

Valorisation of waste ilmenite mud in the manufacture of sulphur polymer cement.

PubMed

Contreras, Manuel; Gázquez, Manuel Jesús; García-Díaz, Irene; Alguacil, Francisco J; López, Félix A; Bolívar, Juan Pedro

2013-10-15

This paper reports the preparation of sulphur polymer cements (SPCs) incorporating waste ilmenite mud for use in concrete construction works. The ilmenite mud raw material and the mud-containing SPCs (IMC-SPCs) were characterised physico-chemically and radiologically. The optimal IMC-SPC mixture had a sulphur/mud ratio (w/w) of 1.05 (mud dose 20 wt%); this cement showed the greatest compressive strength (64 MPa) and the lowest water absorption coefficient (0.4 g cm(-2) at 28 days). Since ilmenite mud is enriched in natural radionuclides, such as radium isotopes (2.0·10(3) Bq kg(-1)(228)Ra and 5.0·10(2) Bq kg(-1)(226)Ra), the IMC-SPCs were subjected to leaching experiments, which showed their environmental impact to be negligible. The activity concentration indices for the different radionuclides in the IMC-SPCs containing 10% and 20% ilmenite mud met the demands of international standards for materials used in the construction of non-residential buildings. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nature of the Electrochemical Properties of Sulphur Substituted LiMn2O4 Spinel Cathode Material Studied by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Bakierska, Monika; Świętosławski, Michał; Dziembaj, Roman; Molenda, Marcin

2016-01-01

In this work, nanostructured LiMn2O4 (LMO) and LiMn2O3.99S0.01 (LMOS1) spinel cathode materials were comprehensively investigated in terms of electrochemical properties. For this purpose, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements as a function of state of charge (SOC) were conducted on a representative charge and discharge cycle. The changes in the electrochemical performance of the stoichiometric and sulphur-substituted lithium manganese oxide spinels were examined, and suggested explanations for the observed dependencies were given. A strong influence of sulphur introduction into the spinel structure on the chemical stability and electrochemical characteristic was observed. It was demonstrated that the significant improvement in coulombic efficiency and capacity retention of lithium cell with LMOS1 active material arises from a more stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Based on EIS studies, the Li ion diffusion coefficients in the cathodes were estimated, and the influence of sulphur on Li+ diffusivity in the spinel structure was established. The obtained results support the assumption that sulphur substitution is an effective way to promote chemical stability and the electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 cathode material. PMID:28773819

Cleaning devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Horst W. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

Cleaning devices are described which include a vacuum cleaner nozzle with a sharp rim for directing incoming air down against the floor; a vacuum cleaner wherein electrostatically charged brushes that brush dirt off a floor, are electrically grounded to remove charges that could tend to hold dirt to the brushes; a vacuum cleaner head having slots that form a pair of counter-rotating vortices, and that includes an outlet that blows a stream of air at the floor region which lies between the vortices; a cleaning device that sweeps a group of brushes against the ground along a first direction, and then sweeps them along the same ground area but in a second direction angled from the first by an amount such as 90.degree., to sweep up particles lying in crevices extending along any direction; a device that gently cleans a surface to remove bacteria for analysis, including an inclined wall along which cleaning fluid flows onto the surface, a vacuum chamber for drawing in the cleaning fluid, and a dividing wall spaced slightly from the surface to separate the fluid source from the vacuum cleaner chamber; and a device for providing pulses of pressured air including a chamber to which pressured air is supplied, a ball that circulates around the chamber to repeatedly close an outlet, and an air source that directs air circumferentially to move the ball around the chamber.

Sulphur monoxide exposes a potential molecular disk wind from the planet-hosting disk around HD 100546

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booth, Alice S.; Walsh, Catherine; Kama, Mihkel; Loomis, Ryan A.; Maud, Luke T.; Juhász, Attila

2018-03-01

Sulphur-bearing volatiles are observed to be significantly depleted in interstellar and circumstellar regions. This missing sulphur is postulated to be mostly locked up in refractory form. With ALMA we have detected sulphur monoxide (SO), a known shock tracer, in the HD 100546 protoplanetary disk. Two rotational transitions: J = 77-66 (301.286 GHz) and J = 78-67 (304.078 GHz) are detected in their respective integrated intensity maps. The stacking of these transitions results in a clear 5σ detection in the stacked line profile. The emission is compact but is spectrally resolved and the line profile has two components. One component peaks at the source velocity and the other is blue-shifted by 5 km s-1. The kinematics and spatial distribution of the SO emission are not consistent with that expected from a purely Keplerian disk. We detect additional blue-shifted emission that we attribute to a disk wind. The disk component was simulated using LIME and a physical disk structure. The disk emission is asymmetric and best fit by a wedge of emission in the north-east region of the disk coincident with a "hot-spot" observed in the CO J = 3-2 line. The favoured hypothesis is that a possible inner disk warp (seen in CO emission) directly exposes the north-east side of the disk to heating by the central star, creating locally the conditions to launch a disk wind. Chemical models of a disk wind will help to elucidate why the wind is particularly highlighted in SO emission and whether a refractory source of sulphur is needed. An alternative explanation is that the SO is tracing an accretion shock from a circumplanetary disk associated with the proposed protoplanet embedded in the disk at 50 au. We also report a non-detection of SO in the protoplanetary disk around HD 97048.

RNA-based molecular survey of biodiversity of limestone tombstone microbiota in response to atmospheric sulphur pollution.

PubMed

Villa, F; Vasanthakumar, A; Mitchell, R; Cappitelli, F

2015-01-01

Outdoor stoneworks sustain biofilm formation and are constantly at risk of deterioration by micro-organisms. In this study, the biofilm microflora of historic limestone tombstones located in a highly polluted urban environment (Cambridge, MA) and in a less polluted location (Lexington, MA) were compared using comprehensive RNA-based molecular analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences as well as sequences of genes for different pathways of sulphur metabolism (soxB, apsA, dsrA). The metabolically active micro-organisms detected by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of 16S rRNA fragments were predominantly represented by cyanobacteria (belonging to the family Nostocaceae and to the genus Chroococcidiopsis) in both polluted and unpolluted environments. The investigation of soxB, apsA, dsrA transcripts reflected the abundance and the diversity of sulphur-oxidizing and sulphate-reducing bacteria in the Cambridge samples in comparison with the Lexington samples. The investigation revealed that in addition to phototrophic sulphur bacteria belonging to the genera Thiocapsa, Halochromatium, Allochromatium, Thiococcus and Thermochromatium, other sulphate-oxidizing prokaryotes (e.g. the genus Thiobacillus) as well as sequences of Deltaproteobacteria from the genus Desulfovibrio occurred at the polluted urban site. The interactions between the main functional groups retrieved from the limestone tombstones were discussed. The biofilm microflora inhabiting historic limestones are a multi-component open ecosystem sensitively reacting to all environmental factors including air pollutants. Little is known about specific target groups that are active in the biofilm and their physiological functions. For the first time, transcripts involved in important energy-yielding processes were investigated to reveal the metabolic capabilities of the microflora in response to atmospheric sulphur pollution. This work provides novel and important information about the ecology of limestone

Short-term temperature impact on simultaneous biological nitrogen-sulphur treatment in EGSB reactor.

PubMed

Sposob, Michal; Dinamarca, Carlos; Bakke, Rune

2016-10-01

Sulphides are present in many wastewater streams; their removal is important due to corrosiveness, toxicity and unpleasant odour, and can be carried out by anaerobic biological treatment. This study focuses on the temperature effect (25-10 °C) on an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor for sulphide removal using nitrate as electron acceptor. The reactor was run at a NO 3 - /HS - molar ratio of 0.35 and pH of 8.5-9.0. Samples were analysed by ion chromatography (NO 3 - , SO 4 2- and S 2 O 3 2- ), spectrophotometry (S 2- ) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). S 2- and NO 3 - removal was 99.74 ± 0.04 and 99.5 ± 2.9%, respectively. Sulphur (S 0 ) was found on the outer granule surface and struvite inside the granule, by SEM. Sulphide conversion to sulphur was up to 76%. Temperature transitions and levels influenced S 2 O 3 2- and SO 4 2- concentrations.

Sulphur-Containing Heterocycles as Antimycobacterial Agents: Recent Advances in Thiophene and Thiadiazole Derivatives.

PubMed

Krátký, Martin; Vinsova, Jarmila

2016-01-01

The global tuberculosis epidemic and emergence of drug resistance call for intensive research on new antimycobacterial agents. Recent development is focused mainly on heterocyclic molecules. In many cases, introduction of sulphur has improved antimicrobial activity; many drugs feature a sulphur heterocycle. Thiophene derivatives and thiadiazoles including derived ortho-condensed heterocycles have been found to have a wide range of biological activities. This review highlights the recent progress in the field with a focus on whole-cell antimycobacterial activity of the agents as well as targeting of enzymes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Some of the compounds have exhibited high activity with submicromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations including activity against drug-resistant strains and/or IC50 values for a range of enzymes as their targets (InhA, dehydroquinase, Pks13, carbonic anhydrases, DprE1). Mechanisms of action, toxicity, and structure-activity relationships are also discussed. Several compounds have exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo activities and safety profiles, thus constituting novel, promising leads.

Doping of magnetite nanoparticles facilitates clean harvesting of diatom oil as biofuel for sustainable energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Vikas; Singh, Ramesh; Thakur, Shipra; Ballabh Joshi, Khashti; Vinayak, Vandana

2018-04-01

Photosynthetic unicellular brown algae diatoms are considered as photobioreactors (PBRs) that synthesize and store oil in the form of lipid droplets and the much of the crude oil we use comes from fossil diatoms. The clean extraction of this crude oil from diatoms is difficult task. The construction of green chemical protocols for the clean separation of diatom oil from cells without killing or to harm the diatom cells is still in its primitive stage. In this report we would like to propose that facile doping of magnetite on diatoms can be used for clean oil separation in PBRs. We doped magnetite nanoparticles onto the surface of diatom Diadesmis confervaceae a diatom which oozes oil naturally. Doping magnetite onto diatoms can also facilitate easy separation of oil when cells are kept in an electromagnetic field. The cell wall of diatom besides having SiOH group has 281 amino acids of which 187–188 amino acids are conserved and are known for metal binding sites. The magnetite nanoparticles bind to the SiOH groups and metal binding sites of amino acids. The presence of appropriate amine functionalized linkers forming peptide aminosilane shells can further facilitate the binding of peptide/polypeptides which can be used in drug delivery. Besides this the magnetite doped diatoms have wide applications in removal of phosphates and chromium from waste water too.

Advanced mask cleaning for 0.20-μm technology: an integrated user-supplier approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poschenrieder, Rudolf; Hay, Bernd; Beier, Matthias; Hourd, Andrew C.; Stuemer, Harald; Gairing, Thomas M.

1998-12-01

A newly developed photomask final cleaning system, STEAG HamaTech's Advanced Single Substrate Cleaner, ASC 500, was assessed and optimized at the Siemens mask shop in Munich, Germany, under production conditions within the Esprit European Semiconductor Equipment Assessment programme (SEA). The project was carried out together with the active participation of Compugraphics Intl. Ltd. (UK), DuPont Photomasks, Inc. (Germany; Photronics-MZD, Germany). The results of the assessment are presented, focusing on the cleaning performance at the 0.25 micrometer defect level on photomasks, equipment reliability and Cost of Ownership data. A reticle free of soft defects on glass and on chrome down to the 0.25 micrometer level requires an excellent cleaning process and the use of high-end inspection tools like the KLA STARlight. In order to get a full understanding of the nature of the detected features additional investigations on the blank quality have been carried out. These investigations include the questions whether a detection is a hard or a soft defect and whether small defects on chrome are able to move on the reticle surface. Final cleaning recipes have been optimized in respect to cleaning efficiency while maintaining high throughput and low Cost of Ownership. A benchmark comparison against other final cleaning tools at the partner's maskshops showed the leading data of the ASC 500. It was found that a cleaning program which includes several substrate flips and a combination of the available cleaning methods acid- dispense, water pressure jet clean, brush and megasonic clean was best suitable to achieve these goals. In particular the use of the brush unit was shown to improve the yield while not adding damage to the plate.

Differential expression and alternative splicing of rice sulphate transporter family members regulate sulphur status during plant growth, development and stress conditions.

PubMed

Kumar, Smita; Asif, Mehar Hasan; Chakrabarty, Debasis; Tripathi, Rudra Deo; Trivedi, Prabodh Kumar

2011-06-01

Sulphur, an essential nutrient required for plant growth and development, is mainly taken up by the plants as inorganic sulphate from the soil and assimilated into the sulphur reductive pathway. The uptake and transport of sulphate in plants is carried out by transporters encoded by the sulphate transporter gene family. Plant sulphate transporters have been classified with respect to their protein sequences, kinetic properties and tissue-specific localization in Arabidopsis. Though sulphate transporter genes from few other plants have also been characterized, no detailed study with respect to the structure and expression of this family from rice has been carried out. Here, we present genome-wide identification, structural and expression analyses of the rice sulphate transporter gene family. Our analysis using microarray data and MPSS database suggests that 14 rice sulphate transporters are differentially expressed during growth and development in various tissues and during biotic and abiotic stresses. Our analysis also suggests differential accumulation of splice variants of OsSultr1;1 and OsSultr4;1 transcripts during these processes. Apart from known spliced variants, we report an unusual alternative splicing of OsSultr1;1 transcript related to sulphur supply in growth medium and during stress response. Taken together, our study suggests that differential expression and alternative splicing of members of the sulphate transporter family plays an important role in regulating cellular sulphur status required for growth and development and during stress conditions. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms operating to regulate sulphur demand by the plant.

California Clean Tech

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The California Clean Air Technology Initiative is a partnership to develop clean air technologies for the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air Basins through collaborative projects in technology research, development, demonstration, and deployment.

APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUNDWATER TRACERS AT THE SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE, CALIFORNIA, USA

EPA Science Inventory

This paper reports on boron, chloride, sulfate, δD, δ18O, and 3H concentrations in surface water and groundwater samples from the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine, California (SBMM) to examine and provide constraints on the site’s groundwater system. SBMM is an abandoned sulfur and merc...

Fouling characteristics and cleaning strategies of NF membranes for the advanced treatment of antibiotic production wastewater.

PubMed

Wang, Jianxing; Li, Kun; Yu, Dawei; Zhang, Junya; Wei, Yuansong

2017-04-01

The nanofiltration (NF) membrane fouling characteristics and cleaning strategies were investigated through a laboratory-scale NF fouling test treating membrane bioreactor (MBR) effluent and MBR-granular activated carbon (GAC) effluent of an antibiotic production wastewater by DK and NF90 membranes, respectively. Results showed that organic fouling is the main NF membrane fouling for treating both the MBR effluent and MBR-GAC effluent. Soluble microbial by-product (SMP)-like and aromatic protein-like substances were the dominant components in the foulants, whereas humic-like substances had little contribution to the NF fouling. The fouling of DK was more severe than that of NF90. However, foulants respond by UV 254 were more easily to foul NF90 membrane. It could get satisfactory effect using combined cleaning of acid (HCl, pH 2.0∼2.5) and alkali (NaOH + 0.3 wt% NaDS, pH 10.0∼10.5). The favorable cleaning strategy is "acid + alkali" for treating MBR-GAC effluent, while it is "alkali + acid" for treating MBR effluent.

Limonene and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol cleaning agent

DOEpatents

Bohnert, George W.; Carter, Richard D.; Hand, Thomas E.; Powers, Michael T.

1996-05-07

The present invention is a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and limonene or terpineol cleaning agent and method for formulating and/or using the cleaning agent. This cleaning agent effectively removes both polar and nonpolar contaminants from various electrical and mechanical parts and is readily used without surfactants, thereby reducing the need for additional cleaning operations. The cleaning agent is warm water rinsable without the use of surfactants. The cleaning agent can be azeotropic, enhancing ease of use in cleaning operations and ease of recycling.

Limonene and tetrahydrofurfurly alcohol cleaning agent

DOEpatents

Bohnert, George W.; Carter, Richard D.; Hand, Thomas E.; Powers, Michael T.

1997-10-21

The present invention is a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and limonene cleaning agent and method for formulating and/or using the cleaning agent. This cleaning agent effectively removes both polar and nonpolar contaminants from various electrical and mechanical parts and is readily used without surfactants, thereby reducing the need for additional cleaning operations. The cleaning agent is warm water rinsable without the use of surfactants. The cleaning agent can be azeotropic, enhancing ease of use in cleaning operations and ease of recycling.

Limonene and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol cleaning agent

DOEpatents

Bohnert, G.W.; Carter, R.D.; Hand, T.E.; Powers, M.T.

1997-10-21

The present invention is a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and limonene cleaning agent and method for formulating and/or using the cleaning agent. This cleaning agent effectively removes both polar and nonpolar contaminants from various electrical and mechanical parts and is readily used without surfactants, thereby reducing the need for additional cleaning operations. The cleaning agent is warm water rinsable without the use of surfactants. The cleaning agent can be azeotropic, enhancing ease of use in cleaning operations and ease of recycling.

Performance of ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation for indoor air cleaning applications.

PubMed

Hodgson, A T; Destaillats, H; Sullivan, D P; Fisk, W J

2007-08-01

Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) systems for removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air are being considered for use in office buildings. Here, we report an experimental evaluation of a UVPCO device with tungsten oxide modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the photocatalyst. The device was challenged with complex VOC mixtures. One mixture contained 27 VOCs characteristic of office buildings and another comprised 10 VOCs emitted by cleaning products, in both cases at realistic concentrations (low ppb range). VOC conversion efficiencies varied widely, usually exceeded 20%, and were as high as approximately 80% at about 0.03 s residence time. Conversion efficiency generally diminished with increased airflow rate, and followed the order: alcohols and glycol ethers > aldehydes, ketones, and terpene hydrocarbons > aromatic and alkane hydrocarbons > halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Conversion efficiencies correlated with the Henry's law constant more closely than with other physicochemical parameters. An empirical model based on the Henry's law constant and the gas-phase reaction rate with hydroxyl radical provided reasonable estimates of pseudo-first order photocatalytic reaction rates. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, formic acid and acetic acid were produced by the device due to incomplete mineralization of common VOCs. Formaldehyde outlet/inlet concentration ratios were in the range 1.9-7.2. Implementation of air cleaning technologies for both VOCs and particles in office buildings may improve indoor air quality, or enable indoor air quality levels to be maintained with reduced outdoor air supply and concomitant energy savings. One promising air cleaning technology is ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) air cleaning. For the prototype device evaluated here with realistic mixtures of VOCs, conversion efficiencies typically exceeded the minimum required to counteract predicted VOC concentration increases from a 50% reduction in

Sulphur bath and mud pack treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at the Dead Sea area.

PubMed Central

Sukenik, S; Buskila, D; Neumann, L; Kleiner-Baumgarten, A; Zimlichman, S; Horowitz, J

1990-01-01

Forty patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis in a stage of active disease were treated for two weeks at a spa hotel. The patients were divided into four groups of 10. Group I was treated with daily mud packs, group II with daily hot sulphur baths, group III with a combination of mud packs and hot sulphur baths, and group IV served as a control group. The patients were assessed by a rheumatologist who was blinded to the treatment modalities. Statistically significant improvement for a period of up to three months was observed in the three treatment groups in most of the clinical indices. Improvement in the control group was minor in comparison and not statistically significant. No significant improvement was observed in any of the laboratory variables measured. Except for three mild cases of thermal reaction there were no side effects. PMID:2180388

Clean Air Markets - Where You Live (National and State Maps)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Where You Live accesses facility and unit attribute data as well as emissions data using a series of interactive national and state maps. This module allows the user to view data for regions of interest throughout the country using an intuitive interface, while also providing a national and statewide context for data specific to one or more facilities.EPA's Clean Air Markets Division (CAMD) includes several market-based regulatory programs designed to improve air quality and ecosystems. The most well-known of these programs are EPA's Acid Rain Program and the NOx Programs, which reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)-compounds that adversely affect air quality, the environment, and public health. CAMD also plays an integral role in the development and implementation of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR).

Turbine-Driven Pipe-Cleaning Brush

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werlink, Rudy J.; Rowell, David E.

1994-01-01

Simple pipe-cleaning device includes small turbine wheel axially connected, by standoff, to circular brush. Turbine wheel turns on hub bearing attached to end of upstream cable. Turbine-and-brush assembly inserted in pipe with cable trailing upstream and brush facing downstream. Water or cleaning solution pumped through pipe. Cable held at upstream end, so it holds turbine and brush in pipe at location to be cleaned. Flow in pipe turns turbine, which turns wheel, producing desired cleaning action. In addition to brushing action, device provides even mixing of cleaning solution in pipe.

RM-CLEAN: RM spectra cleaner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heald, George

2017-08-01

RM-CLEAN reads in dirty Q and U cubes, generates rmtf based on the frequencies given in an ASCII file, and cleans the RM spectra following the algorithm given by Brentjens (2007). The output cubes contain the clean model components and the CLEANed RM spectra. The input cubes must be reordered with mode=312, and the output cubes will have the same ordering and thus must be reordered after being written to disk. RM-CLEAN runs as a MIRIAD (ascl:1106.007) task and a Python wrapper is included with the code.

30 CFR 250.259 - What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD? 250.259 Section 250.259 Mineral Resources MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE, DEPARTMENT... Information Contents of Development and Production Plans (dpp) and Development Operations Coordination...

Satellite Monitoring of Ash and Sulphur Dioxide for the mitigation of Aviation Hazards: Part II. Validation of satellite-derived Volcanic Sulphur Dioxide Levels.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koukouli, MariLiza; Balis, Dimitris; Dimopoulos, Spiros; Clarisse, Lieven; Carboni, Elisa; Hedelt, Pascal; Spinetti, Claudia; Theys, Nicolas; Tampellini, Lucia; Zehner, Claus

2014-05-01

The eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in the spring of 2010 turned the attention of both the public and the scientific community to the susceptibility of the European airspace to the outflows of large volcanic eruptions. The ash-rich plume from Eyjafjallajökull drifted towards Europe and caused major disruptions of European air traffic for several weeks affecting the everyday life of millions of people and with a strong economic impact. This unparalleled situation revealed limitations in the decision making process due to the lack of information on the tolerance to ash of commercial aircraft engines as well as limitations in the ash monitoring and prediction capabilities. The European Space Agency project Satellite Monitoring of Ash and Sulphur Dioxide for the mitigation of Aviation Hazards, was introduced to facilitate the development of an optimal End-to-End System for Volcanic Ash Plume Monitoring and Prediction. This system is based on comprehensive satellite-derived ash plume and sulphur dioxide [SO2] level estimates, as well as a widespread validation using supplementary satellite, aircraft and ground-based measurements. The validation of volcanic SO2 levels extracted from the sensors GOME-2/MetopA and IASI/MetopA are shown here with emphasis on the total column observed right before, during and after the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruptions. Co-located ground-based Brewer Spectrophotometer data extracted from the World Ozone and Ultraviolet Radiation Data Centre, WOUDC, were compared to the different satellite estimates. The findings are presented at length, alongside a comprehensive discussion of future scenarios.

[Metabolism of carbohydrates in the cells of green sulphur bacteria Chlorobium limicola Ya-2002].

PubMed

Horishnyĭ, M B; Hudz', S P; Hnatush, S O

2009-01-01

The nature of carbohydrates that accumulate in the cells of photosynthetic green sulphur bacteria of Chlorobium limicola Ya-2002 has been investigated. It is shown by infra-red spectrometry, that carbohydrates accumulated in the cells of bacteria are identical (by 90-95%) to glycogen of the bull liver. Exogenous glucose, saccharose, maltose, did not stimulate formation of glycogen. Growth of glycogen level in the cells of bacteria was observed at addition of acetate or piruvate in the conditions of bacteria cultivation in the light and in the presence CO2 and H2S in the environment. Washed cells of C. limicola Ya-2002 did not use glucose of the environment neither in the conditions of illumination nor in darkness, however acetate and piruvate are actively used in the light. During incubation of the washed cells in darkness the level of glycogen fell down approximately three times. Its amount during cells incubation in the light did not change. The decline of glycogen level in cells during their incubation in darkness was accompanied by piling up of carbonic acids in the environment acetate prevailing among them.

Cleaning without chlorinated solvents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, L. M.; Simandl, R. F.

1995-01-01

Because of health and environmental concerns, many regulations have been passed in recent years regarding the use of chlorinated solvents. The Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant has had an active program to find alternatives for these solvents used in cleaning applications for the past 7 years. During this time frame, the quantity of solvents purchased has been reduced by 92 percent. The program has been a twofold effort. Vapor degreasers used in batch cleaning operations have been replaced by ultrasonic cleaning with aqueous detergent, and other organic solvents have been identified for use in hand-wiping or specialty operations. In order to qualify these alternatives for use, experimentation was conducted on cleaning ability as well as effects on subsequent operations such as welding, painting, and bonding. Cleaning ability was determined using techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which are capable of examining monolayer levels of contamination on a surface. Solvents have been identified for removal of rust preventative oils, lapping oils, machining coolants, lubricants, greases, and mold releases. Solvents have also been evaluated for cleaning urethane foam spray guns, swelling of urethanes, and swelling of epoxies.

30 CFR 250.259 - What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD? 250.259 Section 250.259 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT... OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Plans and Information Contents of Development and Production Plans (dpp) and...

78 FR 64526 - Information Collection Activities: Sulphur Operations; Submitted for Office of Management and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-29

...) Notify BSEE of pre- 0.5 2 notifications.. 1 production test and inspection of safety system and... comments and view all related materials. We will post all comments. Email [email protected]) Submit application for 4 1 application.... 4 design and installation features of sulphur production...

Cleaning and activation of beryllium-copper electron multiplier dynodes.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pongratz, M. B.

1972-01-01

Description of a cleaning and activation procedure followed in preparing beryllium-copper dynodes for electron multipliers used in sounding-rocket experiments to detect auroral electrons. The initial degreasing step involved a 5-min bath in trichloroethylene in an ultrasonic cleaner. This was followed by an ultrasonic rinse in methanol and by a two-step acid pickling treatment to remove the oxides. Additional rinsing in water and methanol was followed by activation in a stainless-steel RF induction oven.

Afterslip Enhanced Aftershock Activity During the 2017 Earthquake Sequence Near Sulphur Peak, Idaho

DOE PAGES

Koper, Keith D.; Pankow, Kristine L.; Pechmann, James C.; ...

2018-05-29

An energetic earthquake sequence occurred during September to October 2017 near Sulphur Peak, Idaho. The normal–faulting M w 5.3 mainshock of 2 September 2017 was widely felt in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Over 1,000 aftershocks were located within the first 2 months, 29 of which had magnitudes ≥4.0 M L. High–accuracy locations derived with data from a temporary seismic array show that the sequence occurred in the upper (<10 km) crust of the Aspen Range, east of the northern section of the range–bounding, west–dipping East Bear Lake Fault. Moment tensors for 77 of the largest events show normal and strike–slipmore » faulting with a summed aftershock moment that is 1.8–2.4 times larger than the mainshock moment. Here, we propose that the unusually high productivity of the 2017 Sulphur Peak sequence can be explained by aseismic afterslip, which triggered a secondary swarm south of the coseismic rupture zone beginning ~1 day after the mainshock.« less

Sulphur Atoms from Methionines Interacting with Aromatic Residues Are Less Prone to Oxidation

PubMed Central

Aledo, Juan C.; Cantón, Francisco R.; Veredas, Francisco J.

2015-01-01

Methionine residues exhibit different degrees of susceptibility to oxidation. Although solvent accessibility is a relevant factor, oxidation at particular sites cannot be unequivocally explained by accessibility alone. To explore other possible structural determinants, we assembled different sets of oxidation-sensitive and oxidation-resistant methionines contained in human proteins. Comparisons of the proteins containing oxidized methionines with all proteins in the human proteome led to the conclusion that the former exhibit a significantly higher mean value of methionine content than the latter. Within a given protein, an examination of the sequence surrounding the non-oxidized methionine revealed a preference for neighbouring tyrosine and tryptophan residues, but not for phenylalanine residues. However, because the interaction between sulphur atoms and aromatic residues has been reported to be important for the stabilization of protein structure, we carried out an analysis of the spatial interatomic distances between methionines and aromatic residues, including phenylalanine. The results of these analyses uncovered a new determinant for methionine oxidation: the S-aromatic motif, which decreases the reactivity of the involved sulphur towards oxidants. PMID:26597773

Afterslip Enhanced Aftershock Activity During the 2017 Earthquake Sequence Near Sulphur Peak, Idaho

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koper, Keith D.; Pankow, Kristine L.; Pechmann, James C.

An energetic earthquake sequence occurred during September to October 2017 near Sulphur Peak, Idaho. The normal–faulting M w 5.3 mainshock of 2 September 2017 was widely felt in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Over 1,000 aftershocks were located within the first 2 months, 29 of which had magnitudes ≥4.0 M L. High–accuracy locations derived with data from a temporary seismic array show that the sequence occurred in the upper (<10 km) crust of the Aspen Range, east of the northern section of the range–bounding, west–dipping East Bear Lake Fault. Moment tensors for 77 of the largest events show normal and strike–slipmore » faulting with a summed aftershock moment that is 1.8–2.4 times larger than the mainshock moment. Here, we propose that the unusually high productivity of the 2017 Sulphur Peak sequence can be explained by aseismic afterslip, which triggered a secondary swarm south of the coseismic rupture zone beginning ~1 day after the mainshock.« less

Integration of advanced oxidation processes at mild conditions in wet scrubbers for odourous sulphur compounds treatment.

PubMed

Vega, Esther; Martin, Maria J; Gonzalez-Olmos, Rafael

2014-08-01

The effectiveness of different advanced oxidation processes on the treatment of a multicomponent aqueous solution containing ethyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide (0.5 mg L(-1) of each sulphur compound) was investigated with the objective to assess which one is the most suitable treatment to be coupled in wet scrubbers used in odour treatment facilities. UV/H2O2, Fenton, photo-Fenton and ozone treatments were tested at mild conditions and the oxidation efficiency obtained was compared. The oxidation tests were carried out in magnetically stirred cylindrical quartz reactors using the same molar concentration of oxidants (hydrogen peroxide or ozone). The results show that ozone and photo-Fenton are the most efficient treatments, achieving up to 95% of sulphur compounds oxidation and a mineralisation degree around 70% in 10 min. Furthermore, the total costs of the treatments taking into account the capital and operational costs were also estimated for a comparative purpose. The economic analysis revealed that the Fenton treatment is the most economical option to be integrated in a wet scrubber to remove volatile organic sulphur compounds, as long as there are no space constraints to install the required reactor volume. In the case of reactor volume limitation or retrofitting complexities, the ozone and photo-Fenton treatments should be considered as viable alternatives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 44672 - Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-30

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts... a civil penalty of $1,750,000 to resolve its violations of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act... of coke oven gas. Under the Clean Water Act, Plaintiffs allege that Shenango violated the effluent...

Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from the processing of ricotta and the control of these pathogens through cleaning and sanitization procedures.

PubMed

da Silva Fernandes, Meg; Kabuki, Dirce Yorika; Kuaye, Arnaldo Yoshiteru

2015-05-04

The biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from the processing of ricotta on stainless steel coupons was evaluated, and the effect of cleaning and sanitization procedures in the control of these biofilms was determined. The formation of biofilms was observed while varying the incubation temperature (7, 25 and 39°C) and time (0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days). At 7°C, the counts of E. faecalis and E. faecium were below 2 log10 CFU/cm(2). For the temperatures of 25 and 39°C, after 1 day, the counts of E. faecalis and E. faecium were 5.75 and 6.07 log10 CFU/cm(2), respectively, which is characteristic of biofilm formation. The tested sanitation procedures a) acid-anionic tensioactive cleaning, b) anionic tensioactive cleaning+sanitizer and c) acid-anionic tensioactive cleaning+sanitizer were effective in removing the biofilms, reducing the counts to levels below 0.4 log10 CFU/cm(2). The sanitizer biguanide was the least effective, and peracetic acid was the most effective. These studies revealed the ability of enterococci to form biofilms and the importance of the cleaning step and the type of sanitizer used in sanitation processes for the effective removal of biofilms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental taphonomy of giant sulphur bacteria: implications for the interpretation of the embryo-like Ediacaran Doushantuo fossils.

PubMed

Cunningham, J A; Thomas, C-W; Bengtson, S; Marone, F; Stampanoni, M; Turner, F R; Bailey, J V; Raff, R A; Raff, E C; Donoghue, P C J

2012-05-07

The Ediacaran Doushantuo biota has yielded fossils interpreted as eukaryotic organisms, either animal embryos or eukaryotes basal or distantly related to Metazoa. However, the fossils have been interpreted alternatively as giant sulphur bacteria similar to the extant Thiomargarita. To test this hypothesis, living and decayed Thiomargarita were compared with Doushantuo fossils and experimental taphonomic pathways were compared with modern embryos. In the fossils, as in eukaryotic cells, subcellular structures are distributed throughout cell volume; in Thiomargarita, a central vacuole encompasses approximately 98 per cent cell volume. Key features of the fossils, including putative lipid vesicles and nuclei, complex envelope ornament, and ornate outer vesicles are incompatible with living and decay morphologies observed in Thiomargarita. Microbial taphonomy of Thiomargarita also differed from that of embryos. Embryo tissues can be consumed and replaced by bacteria, forming a replica composed of a three-dimensional biofilm, a stable fabric for potential fossilization. Vacuolated Thiomargarita cells collapse easily and do not provide an internal substrate for bacteria. The findings do not support the hypothesis that giant sulphur bacteria are an appropriate interpretative model for the embryo-like Doushantuo fossils. However, sulphur bacteria may have mediated fossil mineralization and may provide a potential bacterial analogue for other macroscopic Precambrian remains.

Experimental taphonomy of giant sulphur bacteria: implications for the interpretation of the embryo-like Ediacaran Doushantuo fossils

PubMed Central

Cunningham, J. A.; Thomas, C.-W.; Bengtson, S.; Marone, F.; Stampanoni, M.; Turner, F. R.; Bailey, J. V.; Raff, R. A.; Raff, E. C.; Donoghue, P. C. J.

2012-01-01

The Ediacaran Doushantuo biota has yielded fossils interpreted as eukaryotic organisms, either animal embryos or eukaryotes basal or distantly related to Metazoa. However, the fossils have been interpreted alternatively as giant sulphur bacteria similar to the extant Thiomargarita. To test this hypothesis, living and decayed Thiomargarita were compared with Doushantuo fossils and experimental taphonomic pathways were compared with modern embryos. In the fossils, as in eukaryotic cells, subcellular structures are distributed throughout cell volume; in Thiomargarita, a central vacuole encompasses approximately 98 per cent cell volume. Key features of the fossils, including putative lipid vesicles and nuclei, complex envelope ornament, and ornate outer vesicles are incompatible with living and decay morphologies observed in Thiomargarita. Microbial taphonomy of Thiomargarita also differed from that of embryos. Embryo tissues can be consumed and replaced by bacteria, forming a replica composed of a three-dimensional biofilm, a stable fabric for potential fossilization. Vacuolated Thiomargarita cells collapse easily and do not provide an internal substrate for bacteria. The findings do not support the hypothesis that giant sulphur bacteria are an appropriate interpretative model for the embryo-like Doushantuo fossils. However, sulphur bacteria may have mediated fossil mineralization and may provide a potential bacterial analogue for other macroscopic Precambrian remains. PMID:22158954

Removal of sulphur-containing odorants from fuel gases for fuel cell-based combined heat and power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Wild, P. J.; Nyqvist, R. G.; de Bruijn, F. A.; Stobbe, E. R.

Natural gas (NG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are important potential feedstocks for the production of hydrogen for fuel cell-based (e.g. proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) or solid oxide fuel Cells (SOFC) combined heat and power (CHP) applications. To prevent detrimental effects on the (electro)catalysts in fuel cell-based combined heat and power installations (FC-CHP), sulphur removal from the feedstock is mandatory. An experimental bench-marking study of adsorbents has identified several candidates for the removal of sulphur containing odorants at low temperature. Among these adsorbents a new material has been discovered that offers an economically attractive means to remove TetraHydroThiophene (THT), the main European odorant, from natural gas at ambient temperature. The material is environmentally benign, easy to use and possesses good activity (residual sulphur levels below 20 ppbv) and capacity for the common odorant THT in natural gas. When compared to state-of-the-art metal-promoted active carbon the new material has a THT uptake capacity that is up to 10 times larger, depending on temperature and pressure. Promoted versions of the new material have shown potential for the removal of THT at higher temperatures and/or for the removal of other odorants such as mercaptans from natural gas or from LPG.

How clean is your clean room?

PubMed

Govier, J

2006-01-01

After investment in a clean room, cleanliness, sanitisation or sterility is essential to ensuring it operates at the highest standard. This article advises on the products and maintenance procedures to achieve this.

Human skin absorption of Bis-2-(chloroethyl)sulphide (sulphur mustard) in vitro.

PubMed

Chilcott, R P; Jenner, J; Carrick, W; Hotchkiss, S A; Rice, P

2000-01-01

The purpose of this study was to measure the absorption and intra-epidermal fate of 35S-radiolabelled sulphur mustard (35SM) in human breast skin in vitro. Skin (full-thickness or heat-separated epidermis) was placed into static diffusion cells and was exposed to droplets of liquid 35SM or saturated 35SM vapour. Amounts of 35SM penetrating the skin were measured from which skin absorption rates were calculated. Unbound radiolabel was washed from the surface, extracted from the skin and analysed to determine the identity of the radiolabelled species in order to measure the extent of hydrolysis of sulphur mustard. Penetration rates of liquid 35SM measured in vitro (71-294 microg cm(-2) h(-1)) were in agreement with those measured previously in vivo using human volunteers (60-240 microg cm(-2) h(-1)). Rates of liquid 35SM skin absorption under occluded, infinite dose conditions were highest through heat-separated epidermal membranes (294+/-58 microg cm(-2) h(-1)) and lowest through full-thickness skin (71+/-14 microg cm(-2) h(-1)). Fluxes of saturated 35SM vapour (110+/-75 microg cm(-2) h(-1)) through heat-separated membranes were similar to those previously measured through human forearm skin in vivo (162 microg cm(-2) h(-1)). Although hydrolysis of 35SM did occur, both on the surface and within the skin, it accounted for only a small percentage of the total applied dose (<2.7+/-1.2%). The difference in total amount of liquid 35SM penetrated between occluded and unoccluded conditions in vitro (79+/-14%) was similar to that lost as vapour from unoccluded skin in vivo (80%). A substantial reservoir of 35SM (14-36% of the applied dose) was measured within heat-separated epidermal membranes for up to 24 h which may have significant implications for the management of personnel exposed to sulphur mustard.

Determination of preservatives in cosmetics, cleaning agents and pharmaceuticals using fast liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Baranowska, Irena; Wojciechowska, Iwona; Solarz, Natalia; Krutysza, Ewa

2014-01-01

This paper reports the development of a method for simultaneously determining five preservatives in cosmetics, cleaning agents and pharmaceuticals by fast liquid chromatography. Methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate and methylparaben were separated on a Chromolith Fast Gradient reversed-phase 18e column using gradient elution with acetonitrile and a 0.1% aqueous solution of formic acid, with a run time of 3 min. The preparation of solid and liquid samples included ultrasonic extraction with methanol with recoveries ranging from 69 to 119%. The developed method was used to analyze samples of cosmetics (66 samples), cleaning agents (five samples) and pharmaceutical industry products (17 samples).

Cleaning with Bulk Nanobubbles.

PubMed

Zhu, Jie; An, Hongjie; Alheshibri, Muidh; Liu, Lvdan; Terpstra, Paul M J; Liu, Guangming; Craig, Vincent S J

2016-11-01

The electrolysis of aqueous solutions produces solutions that are supersaturated in oxygen and hydrogen gas. This results in the formation of gas bubbles, including nanobubbles ∼100 nm in size that are stable for ∼24 h. These aqueous solutions containing bubbles have been evaluated for cleaning efficacy in the removal of model contaminants bovine serum albumin and lysozyme from surfaces and in the prevention of the fouling of surfaces by these same proteins. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces were investigated. It is shown that nanobubbles can prevent the fouling of surfaces and that they can also clean already fouled surfaces. It is also argued that in practical applications where cleaning is carried out rapidly using a high degree of mechanical agitation the role of cleaning agents is not primarily in assisting the removal of soil but in suspending the soil that is removed by mechanical action and preventing it from redepositing onto surfaces. This may also be the primary mode of action of nanobubbles during cleaning.

Pediatric poisonings from household products: hydrofluoric acid and methacrylic acid.

PubMed

Perry, H E

2001-04-01

Household products continue to be a cause of poisoning morbibidity and mortality. Young children frequently are exposed to cleaning products and cosmetics in the course of exploring their environment. Most of these exposures are insignificant, but some result in death or permanent disability. This review discusses two products that have been responsible for serious injury and death in children: hydrofluoric acid and methacrylic acid. It also discusses federal initiatives designed to protect children from these and other household hazards.

Gas cleaning system and method

DOEpatents

Newby, Richard Allen

2006-06-06

A gas cleaning system for removing at least a portion of contaminants, such as halides, sulfur, particulates, mercury, and others, from a synthesis gas (syngas). The gas cleaning system may include one or more filter vessels coupled in series for removing halides, particulates, and sulfur from the syngas. The gas cleaning system may be operated by receiving gas at a first temperature and pressure and dropping the temperature of the syngas as the gas flows through the system. The gas cleaning system may be used for an application requiring clean syngas, such as, but not limited to, fuel cell power generation, IGCC power generation, and chemical synthesis.

Sulphur alters NFκB-p300 cross-talk in favour of p53-p300 to induce apoptosis in non-small cell lung carcinoma.

PubMed

Saha, Shilpi; Bhattacharjee, Pushpak; Guha, Deblina; Kajal, Kirti; Khan, Poulami; Chakraborty, Sreeparna; Mukherjee, Shravanti; Paul, Shrutarshi; Manchanda, Rajkumar; Khurana, Anil; Nayak, Debadatta; Chakrabarty, Rathin; Sa, Gaurisankar; Das, Tanya

2015-08-01

Adverse side effects of chemotherapy during cancer treatment have shifted considerable focus towards therapies that are not only targeted but are also devoid of toxic side effects. We evaluated the antitumorigenic activity of sulphur, and delineated the molecular mechanisms underlying sulphur-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. A search for the underlying mechanism revealed that the choice between the two cellular processes, NFκBp65-mediated survival and p53-mediated apoptosis, was decided by the competition for a limited pool of transcriptional coactivator protein p300 in NSCLC cells. In contrast, sulphur inhibited otherwise upregulated survival signaling in NSCLC cells by perturbing the nuclear translocation of p65NFκB, its association with p300 histone acetylase, and subsequent transcription of Bcl-2. Under such anti-survival condition, induction of p53-p300 cross-talk enhanced the transcriptional activity of p53 and intrinsic mitochondrial death cascade. Overall, the findings of this preclinical study clearly delineated the molecular mechanism underlying the apoptogenic effect of the non-toxic homeopathic remedy, sulphur, in NSCLC cells.

Benchmarks of Global Clean Energy Manufacturing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sandor, Debra; Chung, Donald; Keyser, David

The Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center (CEMAC), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), provides objective analysis and up-to-date data on global supply chains and manufacturing of clean energy technologies. Benchmarks of Global Clean Energy Manufacturing sheds light on several fundamental questions about the global clean technology manufacturing enterprise: How does clean energy technology manufacturing impact national economies? What are the economic opportunities across the manufacturing supply chain? What are the global dynamics of clean energy technology manufacturing?

BOUNDS ON SUBSURFACE MERCURY FLUX FROM THE SULPHUR BANK MERCURY MINE, LAKE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

EPA Science Inventory

The Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM) in Lake County, California has been identified as a significant source of mercury to Clear Lake. The mine was operated from the 1860s through the 1950's. Mining started with surface operations, progressed to shaft mining, and later to open p...

Identification of sulphur volatiles and GC-olfactometry aroma profiling in two fresh tomato cultivars

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ten sulphur volatiles were observed in two Florida tomato cultivars (‘Tasti-Lee’ and ‘FL 47’) harvested at three maturity stages (breaker, turning, and pink) using gas chromatography with a pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD). Eight PFPD peaks were identified using retention values from auth...

30 CFR 550.259 - What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD? 550.259 Section 550.259 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT... toxic or thermal impacts on the environment caused by the discharge of bleedwater. (b) Subsidence. An...

30 CFR 550.259 - What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What sulphur operations information must accompany the DPP or DOCD? 550.259 Section 550.259 Mineral Resources BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT... toxic or thermal impacts on the environment caused by the discharge of bleedwater. (b) Subsidence. An...

Difficult Decisions: Acid Rain.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, John A.; Slesnick, Irwin L.

1989-01-01

Discusses some of the contributing factors and chemical reactions involved in the production of acid rain, its effects, and political issues pertaining to who should pay for the clean up. Supplies questions for consideration and discussion. (RT)

Acid Rain Investigations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hugo, John C.

1992-01-01

Presents an activity in which students investigate the formation of solid ammonium chloride aerosol particles to help students better understand the concept of acid rain. Provides activity objectives, procedures, sample data, clean-up instructions, and questions and answers to help interpret the data. (MDH)

Flavoring agents present in a dentifrice can modify volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) formation in morning bad breath.

PubMed

Peruzzo, Daiane Cristina; Salvador, Sérgio Luis; Sallum, Antonio Wilson; Nogueira-Filho, Getúlio da Rocha

2008-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a flavor-containing dentifrice on the formation of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in morning bad breath. A two-step, blinded, crossover, randomized study was carried out in 50 dental students with a healthy periodontium divided into two experimental groups: flavor-containing dentifrice (test) and non-flavor-containing dentifrice (control). The volunteers received the designated dentifrice and a new toothbrush for a 3 X/day brushing regimen for 2 periods of 30 days. A seven-day washout interval was used between the periods. The assessed parameters were: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), organoleptic breath scores (ORG), VSC levels (as measured by a portable sulphide monitor) before (H1) and after (H2) cleaning of the tongue, tongue coating (TC) wet weight and BANA test from TC samples. The intra-group analysis showed a decrease in ORG, from 3 to 2, after 30 days for the test group (p < 0.05). The inter-group analysis showed lower values in ORG, H1 and H2 for the test group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the amount of TC between groups and the presence of flavor also did not interfere in the BANA results between groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that a flavor-containing dentifrice seems to prevent VSCs formation in morning bad breath regardless of the amount of TC in periodontally healthy subjects.

Acetonitrile extraction and dual-layer solid phase extraction clean-up for pesticide residue analysis in propolis.

PubMed

Oellig, Claudia

2016-05-06

Propolis is a very complex mixture of substances that is produced by honey bees and is known to be a rather challenging matrix for residue analysis. Besides resins, flavonoids and phenols, high amount of wax is co-extracted resulting in immense matrix effects. Therefore a suitable clean-up is crucial and indispensable. In this study, a reliable solid phase extraction (SPE) clean-up was developed for pesticide residue analysis in propolis. The clean-up success was quickly and easily monitored by high-performance thin-layer chromatography with different detection possibilities. The final method consists of the extraction of propolis with acetonitrile according to the QuEChERS method followed by an effective extract purification on dual-layer SPE cartridges with spherical hydrophobic polystyrene-divinylbenzene resin/primary secondary amine as sorbent and a mixture of toluene/acetone (95:5, v/v) for elution. Besides fat-soluble components like waxes, flavonoids, and terpenoids, more polar compounds like organic acids, fatty acids, sugars and anthocyanins were also removed to large extent. Method performance was assessed by recovery experiments at spiking levels of 0.5 and 1mg/kg (n=5) for fourteen pesticides that are relevant for propolis. Mean recoveries determined by HPLC-MS against solvent standards were between 40 and 101%, while calculation against matrix-matched standards provided recoveries of 79-104%. Precision of recovery, assessed by relative standard deviations, were below 9%. Thus, the developed dual-layer SPE clean-up enables the reliable pesticide residue analysis in propolis and provides a suitable alternative to time-consuming clean-up procedures proposed in literature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasonic cleaning: Fundamental theory and application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fuchs, F. John

1995-01-01

This presentation describes: the theory of ultrasonics, cavitation and implosion; the importance and application of ultrasonics in precision cleaning; explanations of ultrasonic cleaning equipment options and their application; process parameters for ultrasonic cleaning; and proper operation of ultrasonic cleaning equipment to achieve maximum results.

75 FR 54366 - BOEMRE Information Collection Activity: 1010-0086, Sulphur Operations, Extension of a Collection...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-07

... of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) to ensure that operations in the OCS... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Ocean Management, Regulation and Enforcement [Docket No. MMS-2010-OMM-0012] BOEMRE Information Collection Activity: 1010-0086, Sulphur Operations, Extension of a...

Joint analysis of deposition fluxes and atmospheric concentrations of inorganic nitrogen and sulphur compounds predicted by six chemistry transport models in the frame of the EURODELTAIII project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vivanco, M. G.; Bessagnet, B.; Cuvelier, C.; Theobald, M. R.; Tsyro, S.; Pirovano, G.; Aulinger, A.; Bieser, J.; Calori, G.; Ciarelli, G.; Manders, A.; Mircea, M.; Aksoyoglu, S.; Briganti, G.; Cappelletti, A.; Colette, A.; Couvidat, F.; D'Isidoro, M.; Kranenburg, R.; Meleux, F.; Menut, L.; Pay, M. T.; Rouïl, L.; Silibello, C.; Thunis, P.; Ung, A.

2017-02-01

In the framework of the UNECE Task Force on Measurement and Modelling (TFMM) under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), the EURODELTAIII project is evaluating how well air quality models are able to reproduce observed pollutant air concentrations and deposition fluxes in Europe. In this paper the sulphur and nitrogen deposition estimates of six state-of-the-art regional models (CAMx, CHIMERE, EMEP MSC-W, LOTOS-EUROS, MINNI and CMAQ) are evaluated and compared for four intensive EMEP measurement periods (25 Feb-26 Mar 2009; 17 Sep-15 Oct 2008; 8 Jan-4 Feb 2007 and 1-30 Jun 2006). For sulphur, this study shows the importance of including sea salt sulphate emissions for obtaining better model results; CMAQ, the only model considering these emissions in its formulation, was the only model able to reproduce the high measured values of wet deposition of sulphur at coastal sites. MINNI and LOTOS-EUROS underestimate sulphate wet deposition for all periods and have low wet deposition efficiency for sulphur. For reduced nitrogen, all the models underestimate both wet deposition and total air concentrations (ammonia plus ammonium) in the summer campaign, highlighting a potential lack of emissions (or incoming fluxes) in this period. In the rest of campaigns there is a general underestimation of wet deposition by all models (MINNI and CMAQ with the highest negative bias), with the exception of EMEP, which underestimates the least and even overestimates deposition in two campaigns. This model has higher scavenging deposition efficiency for the aerosol component, which seems to partly explain the different behaviour of the models. For oxidized nitrogen, CMAQ, CAMx and MINNI predict the lowest wet deposition and the highest total air concentrations (nitric acid plus nitrates). Comparison with observations indicates a general underestimation of wet oxidized nitrogen deposition by these models, as well as an overestimation of total air concentration for

Accurate millimetre and submillimetre rest frequencies for cis- and trans-dithioformic acid, HCSSH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prudenzano, D.; Laas, J.; Bizzocchi, L.; Lattanzi, V.; Endres, C.; Giuliano, B. M.; Spezzano, S.; Palumbo, M. E.; Caselli, P.

2018-04-01

Context. A better understanding of sulphur chemistry is needed to solve the interstellar sulphur depletion problem. A way to achieve this goal is to study new S-bearing molecules in the laboratory, obtaining accurate rest frequencies for an astronomical search. We focus on dithioformic acid, HCSSH, which is the sulphur analogue of formic acid. Aims: The aim of this study is to provide an accurate line list of the two HCSSH trans and cis isomers in their electronic ground state and a comprehensive centrifugal distortion analysis with an extension of measurements in the millimetre and submillimetre range. Methods: We studied the two isomers in the laboratory using an absorption spectrometer employing the frequency-modulation technique. The molecules were produced directly within a free-space cell by glow discharge of a gas mixture. We measured lines belonging to the electronic ground state up to 478 GHz, with a total number of 204 and 139 new rotational transitions, respectively, for trans and cis isomers. The final dataset also includes lines in the centimetre range available from literature. Results: The extension of the measurements in the mm and submm range lead to an accurate set of rotational and centrifugal distortion parameters. This allows us to predict frequencies with estimated uncertainties as low as 5 kHz at 1 mm wavelength. Hence, the new dataset provided by this study can be used for astronomical search. Frequency lists are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/612/A56