The influence of atmospheric pressure on landfill methane emissions.

Landfills are the largest source of anthropogenic methane (CH4) emissions to the atmosphere in the United States. However, few measurements of whole landfill CH4 emissions have been reported. Here, we present the results of a multi-season study of whole landfill CH4 emissions using atmospheric tracer methods at the Nashua, New Hampshire Municipal landfill in the northeastern United States. The measurement data include 12 individual emission tests, each test consisting of 5-8 plume measurements. Measured emissions were negatively correlated with surface atmospheric pressure and ranged from 7.3 to 26.5 m3 CH4 min(-1). A simple regression model of our results was used to calculate an annual emission rate of 8.4 x 10(6) m3 CH4 year(-1). These data, along with CH4 oxidation estimates based on emitted landfill gas isotopic characteristics and gas collection data, were used to estimate annual CH4 generation at this landfill. A reported gas collection rate of 7.1 x 10(6) m3 CH4 year(-1) and an estimated annual rate of CH4 oxidation by cover soils of 1.2 x 10(6) m3 CH4 year(-1) resulted in a calculated annual CH4 generation rate of 16.7 x 10(6) m3 CH4 year(-1). These results underscore the necessity of understanding a landfill's dynamic environment before assessing long-term emissions potential.

Determination of atmospheric methyl bromide by cryotrapping-gas chromatography and application to soil kinetic studies using a dynamic dilution system.

Methyl bromide (CH(3)Br) is considered to be a major source of stratospheric Br, which contributes to the destruction of ozone. It is therefore necessary to understand the natural sinks of this compound and to accurately measure ambient mixing ratios. Methodology is described for the measurement of atmospheric CH(3)Br by cryotrapping-gas chromatography and its application to soil kinetics. A 2-propanol/dry ice cryotrap was used to preconcentrate CH(3)Br in standard and air samples, with subsequent detection using a gas chromatograph equipped with an O(2)-doped electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The GC-ECD cryotrapping method had a detection limit of 0.23 pmol of CH(3)Br. This is equivalent to the amount of CH(3)Br in a 500 mL sample of ambient air at the estimated northern hemisphere atmospheric mixing ratio of 11 parts per trillion by volume (pptv). A dynamic dilution system was developed to produce mixing ratios of CH(3)Br ranging between 4 and 1000 pptv. Calibrated mixing ratios of CH(3)Br produced with the dilution system were used to determine soil uptake kinetics employing a dynamic soil incubation method.

Laboratory analysis of techniques for remote sensing of estuarine parameters using laser excitation.

The theoretical concepts underlying remote sensing of estuarine parameters using laser excitation are examined. The concepts are extended to include Mie scattering as a measure of the total suspended solids and to develop the water Raman signal as an internal standard. Experimental validation of the theory was performed using backscattered laser light from a laboratory tank to simulate a remote-sensing geometry. Artificially prepared sediments and biological cultures were employed to check specific aspects of the theory under controlled conditions. Natural samples gathered from a variety of water types were also analyzed in the tank to further enhance the simulation. The results indicate that it should be possible to remotely quantify total suspended solids, dissolved organics, attenuation coefficient, chlorophyll a, and phycoerythrin in estuarine water using laser excitation.

Atmospheric deposition of metals to forest vegetation.

Atmospheric deposition during the growing season contributes one-third or more of the estimated total flux of lead, zinc, and cadium from the forest canopy to soils beneath an oak stand in the Tennessee Valley but less than 10 percent of the flux of manganese. The ratio of the wet to dry deposition flux to the vegetation during this period ranges from 0.1 for manganese to 0.8 for lead to approximately 3 to 4 for cadmium and zinc. Interactions between metal particles deposited on dry leaf surfaces and subsequent acid precipitation can result in metal concentrations on leaves that are considerably higher than those in rain alone.

Mercury compounds reduce photosynthesis by plankton.

Concentrations of organomercurial fungicides as low as 0.1 part per billion in water reduced photosynthesis and growth in laboratory cultures of one species of marine diatom and several natural phytoplankton communities from Florida lakes. The acute toxicity of mercury compounds to phytoplankton is dependent on the chemical nature of the mercury compound and on cell concentrations.

Freshwater ferromanganese concretions: chemistry and internal structure.

Studies by optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electron probe techniques of ferromanganese concretions from three Canadian lakes reveal chemical banding of amorphous hydrated iron and manganese oxides. The average ratio of iron to manganese in concretions from these lakes varies from 0.43 to 2.56. The concentrations of cobalt, nickel, copper, and lead are one to two orders of magnitude below those reported for oceanic ferromanganese concretions.