Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particle-size fractions of urban topsoils

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons’ (PAHs) concentrations in bulk samples are commonly used to assess contamination but PAHs are unevenly distributed among particle-size fractions. Seventeen urban surface soil samples from the city of Xuzhou, China, were collected and then fractionated into five size fractions (2,000–300, 300–150, 150–75, 75–28, and <28 μm). The concentrations of 12 US EPA PAHs were measured using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry in various fractions, and the bulk soil samples and distribution patterns of PAHs in different particle-size fractions were investigated. The mean concentration of total PAHs in bulk soil samples was 1,879 ng/g. The median concentrations for all individual PAH were higher for the 75–2,000 μm fraction than for the <75 μm fraction. The distribution factors for various PAHs in <28 μm soil fraction were closely correlated (r = ?0.661, p < 0.019) to bulk soil fugacity capacity. The values of PAH isomer indicated that traffic emissions might be the major origin of PAHs in Xuzhou surface soils. Spearman correlation analysis was performed and the result suggested that soil organic carbon might be a factor controlling the concentrations of PAHs in soils.     

Generalized sequential kriging (GSK) for heterogeneous cell size: property modeling without matrices

Sequential kriging avoids the use of matrices and resolves the issue of unstable solutions. It allows for stepwise ways to get joint estimations and cosimulations that are equivalent to the simultaneous solution. The approach is proposed as the solution for geocellular modeling with variable cell size from heterogeneous structural properties (HSPs) as required for modeling with structural constraints. Rock properties are controlled by structural domains, regions, and structural geology parameters. In some cases, rock properties are cross-correlated to formation thickness, curvature of structures, and other structural attributes. Cell thickness may be proportional to formation thickness and may enter as a conditioning property in the estimation of rock property parameters for simulation. In addition, cell volume controls the upscaling of covariance structures (i.e., regularized variograms). Structural properties are priorly modeled. Perturbation response functions (PRFs) are computed for each cell vs all possible sample point locations to facilitate sequential kriging. Upscaled PRFs are modified following conditional updating after each new data value is included in the estimation of parameters. Generalized sequential kriging is expected to become the main tool for real-time spatial modeling of 3D cellular models with HSP. In addition, some new developments related to the sequential kriging algorithm are included. Sequential kriging can be used for the estimation of parameters for simulation in the so-called unstructured grids.     

Refractory organic carbon in particle-size fractions of arable soils I: distribution of refractory carbon between the size fractions

Refractory compounds are responsible for the long-term sequestration of organic matter in soil. The aim of this study is to assess the storage of refractory compounds, i.e. compounds with long turnover times, across size separates in arable soils. The contents and distribution of organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) in size fractions were examined for two contrasting treatment types from long-term agroecosystem experiments, i.e. C-depleted and fertilized plots. The soil organic carbon (SOC) pool of the C-depleted plots is considered to be relatively enriched in refractory compounds compared with the SOC in the fertilized counterparts. In two of the three long-term experiments, the relative retention of OC in separates <20 μm was considerably higher than in separates 2000–20 μm (OC contents in depleted plots compared with fertilized plots). Highest residual contents of OC were found in fractions <6 μm. In the third experiment, additionally to the very fine fractions, separates 250–20 μm retained a high proportion of OC. The behavior of N was analogous to that of OC: the highest relative residues in the depleted plots were found in fine separates. These results indicate that in the investigated arable soils, C and N compounds associated with fine separates are most stable. Refractory OC in arable soils may be largely stored in fine particle-size fractions.     

Field measurement and failure forecast during the remediation of a failed cut slope

A large number of deep cuts are formed during the construction of expressways in mountainous areas. Inadequate interpretation of ground conditions is a major contributing factor to the failure of cut slopes. This study focuses on the Hongyan landslide along the S26 expressway. Due to lack of an adequate pre-construction investigation, a landslide was triggered by small-scale excavation at the toe part of the slope. The potential slip surface was incorrectly located; consequently, two rows of stabilizing piles were not long enough to reach stable rocks. To overcome the mistake, two additional rows of piles were installed. During construction, both slope deformation and the stress of reinforced bars in piles were monitored for safety considerations. A Verhulst model-based failure forecast was also utilized to insure the stability of the slope during remedial works. Reviewing this landslide reveals a number of lessons. First, sufficient geological investigation and careful interpretation of ground conditions are mandatory prior to the design of a cut slope. Second, systematic field monitoring is strongly recommended, especially when the geology of the slope is complex and it is difficult to determine failure patterns. Third, the failure forecast can serve as a supplementary measure to insure the safety of workers and slopes. Last, it always takes some time for stabilizing piles to mobilize.     

Estimating the size of the source population from a matched sample of parts

This paper discusses the problem of estimating the size of a source population from a sample of matched, disaritculated body parts. Maximum likelihood estimation and the construction of a confidence interval are described. This problem is connected to the ecological problem of estimating the number of spectes in a sampled community.     

波速扁铲侧胀试验（SDMT）在液化判别中的应用

波速扁铲侧胀仪（SDMT）是由标准的扁铲侧胀仪（DMT）和测量剪切波速砜的地震测试模块组成。综合描述了SDMT试验方法,对SDMT和钻孔波速试验测出的剪切波速砜比较,以及SDMT的液化判别初步分析。SDMT在南京的测试应用证明了SDMT的可靠性。     

Estimating the settling velocity of bioclastic sediment using common grain‐size analysis techniques

Most techniques for estimating settling velocities of natural particles have been developed for siliciclastic sediments. Therefore, to understand how these techniques apply to bioclastic environments, measured settling velocities of bioclastic sedimentary deposits sampled from a nearshore fringing reef in Western Australia were compared with settling velocities calculated using results from several common grain‐size analysis techniques (sieve, laser diffraction and image analysis) and established models. The effects of sediment density and shape were also examined using a range of density values and three different models of settling velocity. Sediment density was found to have a significant effect on calculated settling velocity, causing a range in normalized root‐mean‐square error of up to 28%, depending upon settling velocity model and grain‐size method. Accounting for particle shape reduced errors in predicted settling velocity by 3% to 6% and removed any velocity‐dependent bias, which is particularly important for the fastest settling fractions. When shape was accounted for and measured density was used, normalized root‐mean‐square errors were 4%, 10% and 18% for laser diffraction, sieve and image analysis, respectively. The results of this study show that established models of settling velocity that account for particle shape can be used to estimate settling velocity of irregularly shaped, sand‐sized bioclastic sediments from sieve, laser diffraction, or image analysis‐derived measures of grain size with a limited amount of error. Collectively, these findings will allow for grain‐size data measured with different methods to be accurately converted to settling velocity for comparison. This will facilitate greater understanding of the hydraulic properties of bioclastic sediment which can help to increase our general knowledge of sediment dynamics in these environments.     

Application of Manifold Method (MM) to the stability problems for cut slopes along the national roads

Recently one of the most challenging problems for civil engineers is how to construct new structures/infrastructures adjacent pre-existing ones and how to evaluate the effect of the new construction on the pre-existing structures (so-called neighbouring construction). The Manifold Method (MM) is one of the discontinuum based numerical approaches to simulate the mechanical behaviour of fractured rock masses including large deformation/displacement along fractures as well as stress/strain conditions of the rock blocks/masses. In this study, the MM was used to investigate the stability of the cut slope in the highly fractured rock masses along one of the national roads in Japan, focusing on the effects of new construction on the pre-existing structures/infrastructures. The effect of reinforcement during the construction such as rock bolts, anchors, etc. was also investigated and evaluated quantitatively by numerical simulations using MM.     

Estimating groundwater storage changes in the Mississippi River basin (USA) using GRACE

Based on satellite observations of Earth’s time variable gravity field from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), it is possible to derive variations in terrestrial water storage, which includes groundwater, soil moisture, and snow. Given auxiliary information on the latter two, one can estimate groundwater storage variations. GRACE may be the only hope for groundwater depletion assessments in data-poor regions of the world. In this study, soil moisture and snow were simulated by the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and used to isolate groundwater storage anomalies from GRACE water storage data for the Mississippi River basin and its four major sub-basins. Results were evaluated using water level records from 58 wells set in the unconfined aquifers of the basin. Uncertainty in the technique was also assessed. The GRACE-GLDAS estimates compared favorably with the well based time series for the Mississippi River basin and the two sub-basins that are larger than 900,000 km². The technique performed poorly for the two sub-basins that have areas of approximately 500,000 km². Continuing enhancement of the GRACE processing methods is likely to improve the skill of the technique in the future, while also increasing the temporal resolution.     

坝体岩基-橡胶粉改性混凝土现场抗剪（断）试验研究

坝体岩基与混凝土间的抗剪（断）参数关系着大坝的设计和运行安全。利用橡胶粉能够增大混凝土内部各质点的摩擦和能量耗散的特性,结合淌水崖水库,通过现场试验,比较了普通混凝土和橡胶改性混凝土与岩基的抗剪（断）性能。结果表明：橡胶改性混凝土与岩基的抗剪断和抗剪性能均优于普通混凝土。橡胶改性混凝土与岩基的抗剪断摩擦系数为1.344,普通混凝土与基岩的抗剪断摩擦系数为0.790,抗剪断摩擦系数提高了70.1%;橡胶混凝土与岩基的凝聚力与普通混凝土基本相当。就抗剪参数而言,橡胶改性混凝土与岩基的抗剪摩擦系数为1.108,普通混凝土与基岩的抗剪摩擦系数为0.683,抗剪摩擦系数提高了62.2%;橡胶混凝土与基岩的凝聚力几乎是普通混凝土的两倍,橡胶混凝土与岩基的凝聚力为0.138 MPa,而普通混凝土的凝聚力则为0.061 MPa。分析探讨了橡胶粉能够改善混凝土与坝体岩基抗剪和抗剪断性能的机制,为提高坝体岩基-混凝土的抗剪（断）参数提供了一种有效的技术措施。     

井中与钻孔岩芯磁化率测量效果的对比分析

为了解岩(矿)石磁化率测定法(磁化率仪)在反映钻孔中岩层磁性变化规律方面的效果,对同一钻孔分别运用岩(矿)石磁化率测定法和井中磁化率测量法进行了对比分析研究。结果表明,岩(矿)石磁化率仪测定法具有成本低、速度快、灵敏度高等特点,可以作为井中磁化率测量的一部分,起到井中磁化率测量在准确确定矿层厚度、位置、矿层品位等方面的作用,避免测井设备的笨重所带来的麻烦,特别是能够弥补井中磁化率测量在有套管存在井段的严重数据不足之缺陷。     

Estimating formation conditions of ore-bearing trap intrusions (example of Noril'sk I intrusion)

Studies of vein and wallrock parageneses and geochemistry and analyses of fluids trapped in mineral inclusions in the epithermal fluorite deposits of Transbaykalia, supplemented by studies of fluorite deposition at active hot springs, provide the basis for the geochemical aspects of a genetic model. The fluorine appears to be magmatogenic, carried in the form of silicofluoride complexes in near-neutral solutions, and precipitated by calcium either released during argillization of the wallrocks or present in calcium-bearing ground water.     

地质标准物质粒度测量与表征的现代方法

地质标准物质是地质材料分析的计量标准,在分析质量监控、仪器校准和分析方法评价中发挥着重要作用。地质标准物质大多为粉体材料,而粒度是粉体材料的一项重要特性指标。长期以来,地质标准物质的粒度一直采用过筛法检测;近年来在超细标准物质研制中引入了以激光粒度仪为代表的现代粒度分析方法,并以直观的粒度分布图和简洁的特征粒度来表达分析结果,大大提升了粉体地质标准物质粒度特性的测量及表征水平。在此工作基础上,测量了正在广泛使用的典型地质标准物质的粒度分布,获得了前所未知的粒度分布信息,为这些标准物质的正确使用和取样不确定度评价提供了有益的资料。简单地介绍了检测粉体材料颗粒特性的现代方法,讨论了地质分析与粒度分析在概念上的差异,并就今后地质标准物质乃至地质分析样品的粒度检测与表征方法提出了建议。     

Permanganate oxidation of arsenic(III): Reaction stoichiometry and the characterization of solid product

Permanganate (MnO₄⁻) has widely been used as an effective oxidant for drinking water treatment systems, as well as for in situ treatment of groundwater impacted by various organic contaminants. The reaction stoichiometry of As(III) oxidation by permanganate has been assumed to be 1.5, based on the formation of solid product, which is putatively considered to be MnO₂(s). This study determined the stoichiometric ratio (SR) of the oxidation reaction with varying doses of As(III) (3-300 μM) and MnO₄⁻ (0.5 or 300 μM) under circumneutral pH conditions (pH 4.5-7.5). We also characterized the solid product that was recovered ∼1 min after the oxidation of 2.16 mM As(III) by 0.97 mM MnO₄⁻ at pH 6.9 and examined the feasibility of secondary heterogeneous As(III) oxidation by the solid product. When permanganate was in excess of As(III), the SR of As(III) to Mn(VII) was 2.07 ± 0.07, regardless of the solution pH; however, it increased to 2.49 ± 0.09 when As(III) was in excess. The solid product was analogous to vernadite, a poorly crystalline manganese oxide based on XRD analysis. The average valence of structural Mn in the solid product corresponded to +III according to the splitting interval of the Mn3s peaks (5.5 eV), determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The relative proportions of the structural Mn(IV):Mn(III):Mn(II) were quantified as 19:62:19 by fitting the Mn2p_3/2 spectrum of the solid with the five multiplet binding energy spectra for each Mn valence. Additionally, the O1s spectrum of the solid was comparable to that of Mn-oxide but not of Mn-hydroxide. These results suggest that the solid product resembled a poorly crystalline hydrous Mn-oxide such as (Mn^II_0.19Mn^III_0.62Mn^IV_0.19)₂O₃·nH₂O, in which Mn(II) and Mn(IV) were presumably produced from the disproportionation of aqueous phase Mn(III). Thermodynamic calculations also show that the formation of Mn(III) oxide is more favorable than that of Mn(IV) oxide from As(III) oxidation by permanganate under circumneutral pH conditions. Arsenic(III), when it remained in the solution after all of the permanganate was consumed, was effectively oxidized by the solid product. This secondary heterogeneous As(III) oxidation consisted of three steps: sorption to and oxidation on the solid surface and desorption of As(V) into solution, with the first step being the rate-limiting process as observed in As(III) oxidation by various Mn (oxyhydr)oxides reported elsewhere. We also discussed a potential reaction pathway of the permanganate oxidation of As(III).     

Grain size characteristics of superficial sediments of the Gulf of Tunis (NE Tunisia)

This work presents a recent grain size study characterizing superficial sediments of the whole sectors of the Gulf of Tunis which extends from Sidi Ali El Mekki to Sidi Daoued. In this study, a total of 112 samples were collected from different depths following 26 profiles perpendicular to the shore and from rivers. The determination of the proportions of coarse and fine fractions and the interpretation of the grain size results lead to dividing the Gulf of Tunis into two principal coasts: (1) the western coast situated between Sidi Ali El Mekki and Borj Cédria, which is characterized by three sedimentary facies: (a) a sandy facies along the coastline, (b) a mixed facies between Ghar El Melh and Raoued, near the Medjerda River, and between La Goulette and Ezzahra, near the Miliane River, and (c) a muddy facies between Ghar El Melh and Kalâat El Andalous and covered by fine to very fine sands, and (2) the eastern coast, which is characterized by a sandy facies and covered by medium to coarse sands. The dominant N–E and N–W waves generate longshore currents that provide sediment transport following the directions N–S, from Sidi Ali El Mekki to Kalâat El Andalous; SE–NW, from Gammarth to Raoued; NE–SW, from Sidi Bou Saïd to La Goulette and from Sidi Daoued to Bir El Jadi; SE–NW, from Hammam-Plage to Ezzahra; and SW–NE, from Port aux Princes to Rtiba.     

Crystal size distribution (CSD) in rocks and the kinetics and dynamics of crystallization

Crystal-size in crystalline rocks is a fundamental measure of growth rate and age. And if nucleation spawns crystals over a span of time, a broad range of crystal sizes is possible during crystallization. A population balance based on the number density of crystals of each size generally predicts a log-linear distribution with increasing size. The negative slope of such a distribution is a measure of the product of overall population growth rate and mean age and the zero size intercept is nucleation density. Crystal size distributions (CSDs) observed for many lavas are smooth and regular, if not actually linear, when so plotted and can be interpreted using the theory of CSDs developed in chemical engineering by Randolph and Larson (1971). Nucleation density, nucleation and growth rates, and orders of kinetic reactions can be estimated from such data, and physical processes affecting the CSD (e.g. crystal fractionation and accumulation, mixing of populations, annealing in metamorphic and plutonic rocks, and nuclei destruction) can be gauged through analytical modeling. CSD theory provides a formalism for the macroscopic study of kinetic and physical processes affecting crystallization, within which the explicit affect of chemical and physical processes on the CSD can be analytically tested. It is a means by which petrographic information can be quantitatively linked to the kinetics of crystallization, and on these grounds CSDs furnish essential information supplemental to laboratory kinetic studies. In this three part series of papers, Part I provides the general CSD theory in a geological context, while applications to igneous and metamorphic rocks are given, respectively, in Parts II and III.     

Crystal size distribution (CSD) in rocks and the kinetics and dynamics of crystallization

Crystal size distributions (CSDs) measured in metamorphic rocks yield quantitative information about crystal nucleation and growth rates, growth times, and the degree of overstepping (T) of reactions during metamorphism. CSDs are described through use of a population density function n=dN/dL, where N is the cumulative number of crystals per unit volume and L is a linear crystal size. Plots of ln (n) vs. L for olivine+pyroxene and magnetite in high-temperature (1000° C) basalt hornfelses from the Isle of Skye define linear arrays, indicating continuous nucleation and growth of crystals during metamorphism. Using the slope and intercept of these linear plots in conjunction with growth rate estimates we infer minimum mineral growth times of less than 100 years at T<10° C, and nucleation rates between 10^–4 and 10^–1/cm³/s. Garnet and magnetite in regionally metamorphosed pelitic schists from south-central Maine have CSDs which are bell-shaped. We interpret this form to be the result of two processes: 1) initial continuous nucleation and growth of crystals, and 2) later loss of small crystals due to annealing. The large crystals in regional metamorphic rocks retain the original size frequency distribution and may be used to obtain quantitative information on the original conditions of crystal nucleation and growth. The extent of annealing increases with increasing metamorphic grade and could be used to estimate the duration of annealing conditions if the value of a rate constant were known. Finally, the different forms of crystal size distributions directly reflect differences in the thermal histories of regional vs. contact metamorphosed rocks: because contact metamorphism involves high temperatures for short durations, resulting CSDs are linear and unaffected by annealing, similar to those produced by crystallization from a melt; because regional metamorphism involves prolonged cooling from high temperatures, primary linear CSDs are later modified by annealing to bell shapes.