Water flush boosts performance of elemental sulfur-based denitrification packed-bed systems: Optimization and mechanisms.

Despite the promising potential of elemental sulfur-based denitrification (ESDeN) packed-bed progresses, challenges such as excessive biofilm growth and gas entrapment persist, leading to denitrification deterioration. Water flush (WF) is recognized as an effective strategy, yet its effects remain underexplored. To address this knowledge gap, this study systematically investigated WF effects on ESDeN packed-bed denitrification. Results demonstrated that controlling WF effectively regulated denitrification, achieving superior and stable rates. Compared to no WF (0.45 kgN·m-3·d-1), rates improved by 1.20 âˆ¼ 1.56 times under low-frequency (weekly WF, 0.54 kgN·m-3·d-1) and low-intensity WF (0.54 âˆ¼ 0.70 kgN·m-3·d-1). High-frequency (hours WF) and high-intensity WF (30 & 50 m/h) further amplified denitrification rates by 1.73 âˆ¼ 2.29 times. The enhanced denitrifications under low-frequency/intensity WF were mainly attributed to prolonged actual hydraulic retention time (AHRT), while high-frequency/intensity WF improved both AHRT prolonging and biofilm thinning, facilitating mass transfer. This study offers a promising avenue for fine-tuning denitrification rates via strategic WF adjustments.

[Preliminary investigation on emission of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs through flue gas from coke plants in China].

According to the Stockholm Convention, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are classified into unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants (UP-POPs), and named dioxins. Coke production as a thermal process contains organic matters, metal and chlorine, is considered to be a potential source of dioxins. Intensive studies on the emission of dioxins from coking industry are still very scarce. In order to estimate the emission properties of dioxins through coke production, isotope dilution HRGC/HRMS technique was used to determine the concentration of dioxins through flue gas during heating of coal. Three results were obtained. First, total toxic equivalents at each stationary emission source were in the range of 3.9-30.0 pg x m(-3) (at WHO-TEQ) for dioxins which was lower than other thermal processes such as municipal solid waste incineration. Second, higher chlorinated PCDD/Fs were the dominant congeners. Third, emissions of dioxins were dependent on coking pattern. Stamping coking and higher coking chamber may lead to lower emission.

[Study on dioxin emission for typical non-wood pulp making in China].

Based on the requirement of National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (NIP), six industries including pulp and paper industry have been set as the priority key sectors to implement the best available technology and best environmental practice (BAT/BEP) within a specific time for UPOPs reduction. Non-wood pulping has always played important role in virgin pulp production in China, its elemental chlorinated bleaching process has been confirmed as main source of Dioxin emission for the sector. As the signature party of Stockholm Convention and long time existing country of non-wood pulping, identification of Dioxin emission situation is significant importance to China to committee the obligation of Stockholm Convention. The Dioxin concentrations in outflow water of bamboo, straw, reed, and bagasse pulping processes (chlorination alkaline extraction hypochlorite, CEH) are 41.8 pg x L(-1), 72.7 pg x L(-1), 7.46 pg x L(-1), and 19.7 pg x L(-1) respectively, which are all around the national waste water discharge standard (30 pg x L(-1)). But relevant data will easily exceed national standard while the limitation of unit water consumption for pulp making is decreased. So the application of best available techniques/best environmental practices (BAT/BEP) is very necessary to improve relevant mills up to the above standard, and proceed the sector meeting the national and international requirements for Dioxin emission. At the same time, the text calculates emission factors on bamboo, straw, reed and bagasse pulp making process through whole process monitoring, which will provide meaningful reference for increasing relevant factors in UNEP Toolkit.