Decoupling the host and nuclear spectra of type I AGNs using integral field spectroscopy: A test on 3C 120

We have developed a new technique to decouple the spectra of the host and the nucleus of type I AGNs using integral field spectroscopy data. The technique is a simple extension of methods widely tested in 2D imaging. We present here the results from applying the technique to data taken with INTEGRAL at the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope on the Seyfert 1 radio-galaxy 3C 120. We obtained, for the first time, a clean spectrum of the host galaxy, without contamination from the nuclear source.     

Recovery simulations of grossly polluted sediments in the Bilbao Estuary

The Bilbao Estuary is one of the most contaminated estuaries on the north coast of Spain, and vast efforts have been made to abate pollution there. In fact, the local water authority has forecast a biological recovery of the native fauna after a substantial increase in dissolved oxygen to normoxic levels. In order to assess this prediction by evaluating the extent of natural regeneration of these polluted sediments, two long-term bioassays (t=90 d) were performed. In both of them, lethal (differences in survival) and sublethal (differences in length and weight growth) effects were measured by using juvenile individuals of the autochthonous clam, Scrobicularia plana (Da Costa, 1778). The sediments tested differed in pollution levels, as measured by a set of indicators including PAHs, PCBs, heavy metals, volatile organic matter and coprostanol. All sediments were finally exposed to normoxic conditions in situ in the Bilbao Estuary (DO approximately 6.3 mg l(-1)). In the first experiment, concerning moderately polluted sediments from the Bilbao Estuary and reference sediments from the "pristine" Plentzia Estuary, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found regarding animal survival (approximately 94.5%) or growth in length or weight between the sediments tested. In the second experiment, also involving grossly polluted sediments (GPS) from the Bilbao Estuary, survival (24.5%) was statistically lower (P<0.05) than in the other sediments (approximately 93%). No significant differences were found in growth (length, weight) between animals exposed to moderately polluted or reference sediments. We interpret this dramatic difference in survival as the lethal effect on the animals tested of the GPS of the Bilbao Estuary, indicating a situation where biological recovery is not possible due to the adverse consequences of contaminants sorbed into sediments. The extensive use of this inexpensive bioassay could help to distinguish sediments in which homeostatic recovery is possible from grossly polluted "hot spots", which need costly remedial actions.     

Evolution of pore structure and hydraulic conductivity of randomly distributed soluble particle mixture

The plane strain behavior of particulate mixtures containing soluble particles was investigated by conducting both laboratory tests and numerical analysis. To perform the laboratory experiments, soluble mixtures were prepared using photoelastic disks and ice disks with diameters in the ratios (D_{ice disk}/D_{photoelastic disk}) of 0.5 and 0.7, and the evolution of the force chain and pore structure was monitored during the dissolution of the ice disks. Subsequently, numerical analysis was conducted by using the 2‐dimensional discrete element method for the soluble mixtures, and it was compared with the experimental results. Additionally, parametric studies were implemented by varying the particle size ratios between the soluble and non‐soluble particles and the volumetric fraction of the soluble particles. The results of the laboratory experiments and numerical analysis demonstrate that (1) after the dissolution of the soluble particles, the pore fabric of the specimens changed, resulting in a force chain changes, local void increases, and coordination number decreases; (2) the effects of soluble particles on the macro‐behaviors of the mixtures could be divided into 3 zones based on the particle size ratios between the soluble and non‐soluble particles and volumetric fraction of soluble particles. These zones were as follows: (Zone 1)—with a small total soluble volume, slight decrease in the in situ lateral pressure (K₀), and minor increase in the hydraulic conductivity (k); (Zone 2)—with a moderate soluble particle; the dissolution generated a honey‐comb particle structure; (Zone 3)—the total soluble volume was very large, and the high volumetric fraction of the dissolving particle collapsed the pore structure, decreasing in the in situ lateral pressure (K₀) but increasing the hydraulic conductivity (k). The horizontal stress returned to almost the original level, and the internal arching formation increased significantly with the hydraulic conductivity (k).     

Biosorption of Procion Red MX 5B by Bacillus subtilis and Its Extracellular Polysaccharide: Effect of Immobilization

Bacillus subtilis and its extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) were used in free form as well as immobilized form as biosorbent for the removal of an anionic dye Procion Red MX 5B. Low pH was favourable for biosorption. Immobilization resulted in reduced biosorption of the dye. The presence of functional groups responsible for the high adsorption capacity in free cells (FC) and EPS was confirmed by FTIR analysis. High Q_max and b values were noted in the case of FC and free EPS in contrast to immobilized cells and EPS. The kinetics data showed that the adsorption system followed pseudo‐first‐order reaction at low dye concentration. Desorption of the dye was found to be 100% in 1 N NaOH. In the case of immobilized biomass and EPS the alginate was found to be unstable under high alkaline conditions of NaOH.