Fatty acid composition of lipids in pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) seed genotypes

Background

The process of thermal decomposition of dichloromethane (DCM) and chlorobenzene (MCB) during the combustion in an inert, bubbling fluidized bed, supported by LPG as auxiliary fuel, have been studied. The concentration profiles of C₆H₅CI, CH₂Cl₂, CO₂, CO, NO_x, COCl₂, CHCl₃, CH₃Cl, C₂H₂, C₆H₆, CH₄ in the flue gases were specified versus mean bed temperature.

Results

The role of preheating of gaseous mixture in fluidized bed prior to its ignition inside bubbles was identified as important factor for increase the degree of conversion of DCM and MCB in low bed temperature, in comparison to similar process in the tubular reactor.

Conclusions

Taking into account possible combustion mechanisms, it was identified that autoignition in bubbles rather than flame propagation between bubbles is needed to achieve complete destruction of DCM and MCB. These condition occurs above 900°C causing the degree of conversion of chlorine compounds of 92-100%.     

Application of chemometrics to identifying solid fuels and their origin

The aim of this work was to implement a chemometric analysis to detect the relationships between the analysed variables in samples of solid fuels. Efforts are being made to apply chemometrics methods in environmental issues by developing methods for the rapid assessment of solid fuels and their compliance with the required emission characteristics regulations. In the present investigation, two clustering techniques—hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA)—are used to obtain the linkage between solid fuel properties and the type of sample. These analyses allowed us to detect the relationships between the studied parameters of the investigated solid fuels. Furthermore, the usefulness of chemometrics methods for identification of the origin of biofuels is shown. These methods will enable control of the degree of contamination.      

Determination of H2S and HCl concentration limits in the fuel for anode supported SOFC operation

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an electric generator, operating based on electrochemical reaction converting gaseous fuel to electricity and heat. It is characterized by the high electrical efficiency of up to 70% with cogeneration and negligible emission of pollutants. Syngas from the biomass gasification is considered to be a possible fuel for solid oxide fuel cell systems. However, high level of contaminants such as H₂S, HCl, alkali metals, tars and particulates, in addition to possibility of carbon deposition and high temperature gradients due to internal reforming of hydrocarbons requires cleaning and conditioning of the syngas stream. The current status of the effect of contaminants on the SOFC performance has been reviewed and effects of single contaminants (H₂S, HCl) has been tested. It has been found that anode supported solid oxide fuel cell (AS-SOFC) with Ni/YSZ cermet anode can tolerate up to 1 ppm H₂S and up to 10 ppm HCl without significant performance degradation.      

Evaluation of soot particles of biomass fuels with endocrine-modulating activity in yeast-based bioassay

Exposure to indoor air pollution (IAP) from the combustion of biomass fuels is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In the work discussed in this paper we evaluated the endocrine activity of soot particles from biomass fuels by using yeast bioassay. These pollutants could have -galactosidase activity with a relative potency (RP) about 10^–7–10^–9 that of estradiol. Soot particles from wood and straw combustion only partially induced -galactosidase activity whereas others produced fully inductive activity in the yeast assay system. These pollutants did not have estrogen antagonist and progesterone agonist activity within the defined concentration range. However, these pollutants require 2–4 orders of magnitude higher IC50 to inhibit the activity of progesterone in a similar dose-response manner to mifepristone. We therefore propose that the endocrine activity of some environmental pollutants may be because of inhibition of the progesterone receptor (hPR). GC–MS results showed that substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds, substituted phenolic compounds and derivatives, aromatic carbonyl compounds, and phytosteroids in these soot particles may be mimicking endogenous hormones.     

Ethanol

Ethanol can be directly blended with gasoline, reacted with isobutylene to form the oxygenated fuel additive ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), or burned directly as a neat fuel. Blends of either ethanol or ETBE with gasoline force engines set for gasoline to run lean and can substantially reduce carbon monoxide emissions. ETBE also lowers the overall vapor pressure, thereby cutting back on smog-forming emissions. Neat ethanol further reduces smog formation since it has a low volatility, the photochemical reactivity of ethanol and its combustion products is low, and low levels of smog producing compounds are formed by ethanol combustion. Neat ethanol also offers good engine performance owing to its high heat of vaporization, high octane, and low flame temperature. Fermentation stoichiometry reveals that many feedstocks are expensive for fuels production even considering coproduct credits and ignoring conversion costs, whereas lignocellulosic feedstocks cost much less than their value. Furthermore, the quantities of lignocellulosics are projected to be ample even for neat ethanol production. Release of carbon dioxide during fermentation concentrates almost all the heat of combustion from the solid carbohydrate portion in liquid ethanol. Since the carbon dioxide released during production and use of ethanol is recycled during growth of biomass, ethanol utilization doesn’t contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and possible global warming.     

Synthesis and fluorescence properties of 7-hydroxy-3-(2-pyridyl)coumarin derivatives

Three coumarin derivatives, 7-hydroxy-3-(2-pyridyl)coumarin (HPC), 7-(4-(5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)benzyloxy)-3-(2-pyridyl)coumarin (Ox-PC), and 7-(4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)butoxy)-3-(2-pyridyl)coumarin (Cz-PC), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, FT-IR, and UV?Cvis absorption spectra. The fluorescence behaviors of the compounds in methanol solutions and solid states were investigated. HPC exhibits weak green emission, whereas Cz-PC and Ox-PC show strong blue emissions in dilute solutions.     

Effect of Experimental Variables on the Combustion Characteristics of Water-in-Diesel Emulsion Fuels

Water-in-diesel (W/D) emulsion fuels were prepared through an ultrasonic processor by using high energy emulsification method. Accordingly, the physical and chemical properties were analyzed. A decrease in viscosity was found in the emulsion fuel in contrast to the neat diesel which signifies the enhanced fluidity of the fuel. The emulsion fuel was then used to carry combustion tests in an internal combustion engine. A decrease in exhaust temperature was observed when a high surfactant to water ratio was used, which lead to minimal heat loss. As water is emulsified with diesel, effectiveness of combustion is improved rather than neat diesel fuel. It was also explored that the addition of water-in-diesel is influential in terms of reduction in exhaust gas emission such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia from the internal combustion engine. Therefore, this type of emulsion fuel would be a useful contribution in the fuel economy, but also in making it environmentally friendly since diesel fuel is now considered one of the leading fuels causing ecological contamination.     

Enzymatic conversion of cellulosic materials to sugars and alcohol

This techno-economic study deals with the production of sugars and alcohols from cellulosic materials. It covers such key subjects as: potential raw materials; the state-of-the-art on production technologies; the economics of extant processes; and finally infers implications for developing countries from the foregoing. It is clear that a large number of cellulose-, starch-, and sugarcontaining plants can be processed to produce sugars and alcohols. Sugar-containing plants such as sugarcane, sweet sorghum, and nipa palm are the best candidates for the high-yield production of alcohol fuel. Likewise, the starch-containing crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, taro, and tannia are good candidates, but require an additional step to break down starch to sugar. However, the emphasis of this report is on the major part of biomass containing cellulose and which, therefore, needs special treatment before it can be used to produce glucose and alcohols. To utilize cellulosic containing raw materials the following steps are necessary:

1. Growth, harvest, and delivery of raw materials to processing plants; or, alternatively, the collection and delivery of cellulosic “waste” products.
2. Pretreatment or conversion of the raw material by mechanical, physical, chemical, or enzymatic methods to break down the cellulose to sugars and to modify or remove unwanted side-products, usually lignin and hemicellulose.
3. Recovery and purification of sugars from reaction mixture.
4. Fermentation of sugars to alcohol and purification by distillation.
5. Treatment of process residues to reduce pollution and to recover potentially valuable side-products.

From the considerable research and development work carried out in all areas of pretreatment, it appears acid and enzymatic hydrolysis processes hold the most promise for developing countries. Though acid hydrolysis technology is more advanced, greater ultimate potential is seen in the enzymatic hydrolysis, which is, therefore, recommended for developing countries. The economics of producing alcohol from cellulosic materials is at this time not favorable. Nevertheless, it is recommended that further research and development be undertaken in this area in order to accomplish one or more commercially attractive processes for producing alcohol from fermenting cellulose. If this was accomplished, the developing countries could gain in the following manner:

? Increase self-sufficiency since alcohols can to a great part substitute for petroleum fuels.

? Achieve a better balance of trade.

? Be able to increase employment, especially in rural areas.

? Achieve a higher level of technical competence in biotechnology and related areas.

? Be in a position to expand chemical industries.

? Establish an improved agricultural base by being able to utilize alternative crops and by being able to use what was previously termed agricultural wastes.

     

Solid-phase extraction of mercury(II) with magnetic core-shell nanoparticles, followed by its determination with a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe

Magnetic Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ core shell nanoparticles containing diphenylcarbazide in the shell were utilized for solid phase extraction of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. The Hg(II) loaded nanoparticles were then separated by applying an external magnetic field. Adsorbed Hg(II) was desorbed and its concentration determined with a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe. The calibration graph for Hg(II) is linear in the 60 nM to 7.0 μM concentration range, and the detection limit is at 23 nM. The method was applied, with satisfying results, to the determination of Hg(II) in industrial waste water.

Measurement of volatile organic compounds emitted in libraries and archives: an inferential indicator of paper decay?

Background

A sampling campaign of indoor air was conducted to assess the typical concentration of indoor air pollutants in 8 National Libraries and Archives across the U.K. and Ireland. At each site, two locations were chosen that contained various objects in the collection (paper, parchment, microfilm, photographic material etc.) and one location was chosen to act as a sampling reference location (placed in a corridor or entrance hallway).

Results

Of the locations surveyed, no measurable levels of sulfur dioxide were detected and low formaldehyde vapour (< 18???g?m^-3) was measured throughout. Acetic and formic acids were measured in all locations with, for the most part, higher acetic acid levels in areas with objects compared to reference locations. A large variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was measured in all locations, in variable concentrations, however furfural was the only VOC to be identified consistently at higher concentration in locations with paper-based collections, compared to those locations without objects. To cross-reference the sampling data with VOCs emitted directly from books, further studies were conducted to assess emissions from paper using solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibres and a newly developed method of analysis; collection of VOCs onto a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer strip.

Conclusions

In this study acetic acid and furfural levels were consistently higher in concentration when measured in locations which contained paper-based items. It is therefore suggested that both acetic acid and furfural (possibly also trimethylbenzenes, ethyltoluene, decane and camphor) may be present in the indoor atmosphere as a result of cellulose degradation and together may act as an inferential non-invasive marker for the deterioration of paper. Direct VOC sampling was successfully achieved using SPME fibres and analytes found in the indoor air were also identified as emissive by-products from paper. Finally a new non-invasive, method of VOC collection using PDMS strips was shown to be an effective, economical and efficient way of examining VOC emissions directly from the pages of a book and confirmed that toluene, furfural, benzaldehyde, ethylhexanol, nonanal and decanal were the most concentrated VOCs emitted directly from paper measured in this study.     

The influence of the chelating/combustion agents on the structure and magnetic properties of zinc ferrite

The present study is reporting the influence of the chelating/combustion agents on the magnetic properties of Zn ferrite. Six chelating/combustion agents, citric acid, egg white, tartaric acid, glycine, glucose and urea, were used to obtain monophase zinc nanoferrite via a sol-gel auto-combustion method. The samples were subjected to a comparative study of structural features and magnetic properties by means of infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. Significant influence of fuel and combustion mode was observed in the magnetic behavior of as-obtained samples. Values of the structural parameters were discovered to vary as a function of fuel choice, and to obtain crystallite size between 38 and 62 nm, inversion degree between 0.239 and 0.807, lattice parameter between 8.4125 and 8.4432 ?. The optimization of sol-gel method synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles by chosing the appropriate fuel is providing structural and magnetic properties of zinc nanoferrite as potential materials to be used in biomedical applications.      

稀土催化材料的应用及研究进展

稀土元素具有未充满电子的4f轨道和镧系收缩等特征,当用作催化剂的活性组分或载体时常常表现出独特的催化性能. 稀土催化材料的研究和发展为La和Ce等高丰度轻稀土元素的高质、高效利用提供了有效的途径. 目前稀土催化材料在石油化工、化石燃料的催化燃烧、机动车尾气净化、工业废气治理和固体氧化物燃料电池等领域发挥着重要的作用. 本文综述了稀土催化材料的应用以及理论研究进展,重点讨论了稀土元素对所涉及催化剂的结构、活性和稳定性等的影响.     

Template-Free Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hollow α-FeOOH Urchin-Like Spheres and Their Conversion to α-Fe2O3 Under Low-Temperature Thermal Treatment in Air

Hollow α-FeOOH urchin-like spheres were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at 160 °C for 12 h and their thermal conversion to hollow α-Fe₂O₃ urchin-like spheres was performed at 300 °C for 2 h in air. The results from X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy analyses reveal that hollow α-FeOOH urchin-like spheres were completely transformed to hollow α-Fe₂O₃ urchin-like spheres without a significant morphological change. Also, the effect of hydrothermal treatment temperature (170–200 °C for 12 h) on the phase structure and morphology of the final product was investigated. Pure α-FeOOH, the mixture of α-FeOOH and α-Fe₂O₃, and pure α-Fe₂O₃ with different morphologies were obtained at <180, 180–190 and 200 °C, respectively. The obtained materials can be used in the photodegradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation.     

Voltammetric sensor for caffeine based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Nafion and graphene oxide

A facile, one-step and template-free method has been developed for the electrodeposition of well-dispersed platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) on a glassy carbon electrode. The effects of various inorganic anions and overpotential on the morphologies and dimensions of the final products were investigated. The resulting Pt-NPs show high electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation and are less easily poisoned by carbon monoxide.

Effects of Magnetic Nanofluid Fuel Combustion on the Performance and Emission Characteristics

Although the compression ignition engines are a significant source of power, their detrimental emissions create considerable problems to the environment as well as to humans. The objective of the present experimental investigation is to examine the effects of the magnetic nanofluid fuels on combustion performance characteristics and exhaust emissions. In this regard, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles dispersed in the diesel fuel with the nanoparticle concentrations of 0.4 and 0.8 vol% were employed for combustion in a single-cylinder, direct-injection diesel engine. After a series of experiments, it was demonstrated that the nanoparticle additives, even at very low concentrations, have considerable influence in diesel engine characteristics. Furthermore, the results indicated that the nanofluid fuel with nanoparticle concentration of 0.4 vol% shows better combustion characteristics in comparison with that of 0.8 vol%. Based on the experimental results, NO _x and SO₂ emissions dramatically reduce, while CO emissions and smoke opacity noticeably increase with increasing the dosing level of nanoparticles.     

Modified TTA method for the determination of plutonium

The spent fuel from Fast Breeder Test Reactor of various burnups from 25 to 155?GWd/te is being reprocessed in CORAL (COmpact Reprocessing of Advanced fuels in Lead shielded cell) using a modified PUREX (Plutonium Uranium Recovery by EXtraction) process. Total plutonium (Pu^{238, 239, 240, 241 & 242}) concentration in the sample is analysed by HTTA (Thenoyl Trifluoro Acetone) extraction method wherever interference from other alpha emitting nuclides (Raffinate) and bulk natural uranium (uranium products) are present "as reported by Milyukov et al. (Analytical chemistry of plutonium, 1967) and Natarajan and Subba Rao (BARC, pp. 38?C43, 2007)". This method requires the addition of corrosive reagents such as NH₂OH.HCl which is a problem in waste disposal for reduction. A salt-free reagent such as Hydroxyurea is studied as a reducing agent which has the ability to reduce both Pu(VI) and Pu(IV) to Pu(III) "as reported by Zhaowu (260(3):601?C606, 2004) and Zhaowu (262(3):707?C711, 2004)". Pu(III) thus formed can be easily oxidised to Pu(IV) by NaNO₂ for the extraction of Pu by HTTA.     

Kinetics investigation on the combustion of waste capsicum stalks in Western China using thermogravimetric analysis

The combustion kinetics of waste capsicum stalk (WCS) in Western China is investigated through thermogravimetric analysis compared with sawdust and coal, and co-combustion of WCS with coal is also investigated. Results show that the ignition characteristics of WCS is better than that of sawdust and coal, and the activation energy E of WCS-volatile combustion and WCS-char combustion are 78.55?kJ?mol^?1 and 44.59?kJ?mol^?1. However, integrating the characteristics of ignition and burnout, the combustion characteristic factor (S _N) of WCS is lower than that of sawdust. With the increasing in the heating rate, the ignition of WCS is delayed. Oxygen concentration $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ affects E and k ₀ of volatile combustion largely under rich-oxygen condition, when $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ increases from 0.2 to 0.8, E has increased threefold and k ₀ also intensively increases from 10⁶ to 10¹³?C10²². Oppositely, effect of $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ on the E and k ₀ of char combustion is little, and there is an exponential relationship $ S_{\text{N}} = 7. 1 2 8 \times 10^{ - 9} \times { \exp }(C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} /0. 3 6 8) - 6. 1 2 6 \times 10^{ - 9} $ between S _N and $ C_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $ . For the tests of co-combustion, all the experimental and weighted-average curves coincide well, and there is no remarkable synergistic effect. With the increase of mixing ratio that WCS added, E and k ₀ of volatile combustion increase, but correspondingly E and k ₀ of char combustion decrease.     

Reaction Equilibrium and Kinetics of Synthesis of Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ethers from Formaldehyde and Methanol

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers (PODE _n ) are environmentally friendly diesel fuel additives. They belong to alkyl ethers that could reduce solid particulate matter formation and emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide when added into diesel fuels. This work aimed to researching chemical equilibrium and reaction kinetics of the synthesis of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers from formaldehyde and methanol catalyzed by an ion-exchange resin at the reaction temperatures 313, 333, 343 and 353 K. In the reversible reaction, the K_{n ≥ 2}/K₂ ratio was equal to one. The reaction orders of methanol, formaldehyde, water and PODE _n were 0.2638, 0.1328, 0.1565 and 0.0048, respectively. At a 10 wt % dosage of H-SIR1 resin, the rate constants of the methylal (dimethoxymethane) formation and depolymerization were 1.04 × 10⁴ and 3.43 × 10⁶ min^–1, respectively, and the pre-exponential factor for the PODE_{n + 1} formation was 2.50 × 10³ min^–1. Activation energies for the methylal propagation and depolymerization and PODE_{n > 1} formation were 30.46, 48.40 and 27.10 kJ/mol, respectively. The results indicated that the equilibrium constants of PODE_{n > 1} formation reactions were consistent. The exothermic reaction of methylal formation was easier than the reverse reaction and more difficult than the formation of PODE_{n > 1}.     

NMR examination of fossil fuels Part I: solid samples

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy¹ is one of the most valuable experimental methods available for the analysis of the chemical structure and composition of fuel products. This article describes applications of NMR in the analysis of solid fuels. Part II will describe applications of NMR in the liquid phase.²     

Thermal decomposition of algae bloom biomass

The algae bloom biomass in the water reservoir ‘Rybnik’ is an important problem, and not only in Poland [1,2]. The algae growth in the water affects its odour, colour, taste and quality [3]. Algae bloom biomass removed from water can be treated in the following ways:

disposal in sanitary landfills

storage on special dumping grounds

fermentation

dewatering and incineration

In this paper the physicochemical composition and thermal analysis of the biomass of algae bloom dried at 378 K or in the open air are described. Thermal analytical measurements were made in an air atmosphere.