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At least 397 records · Page 22

Estimating the Distribution of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter During the Southern Ocean Gas Exchange Experiment Using Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation

We diagnosed the effect of various physical processes on the distribution of mixed-layer colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and a sulfur hexauoride (SF6) tracer during the Southern Ocean Gas Exchange Experiment (SO GasEx). The biochemical upper ocean state estimate uses in situ and satellite biochemical and physical data in the study region, including CDOM (absorption coefcient and spectral slope), SF6, hydrography, and sea level anomaly. Modules for photobleaching of CDOM and surface transport of SF6 were coupled with an ocean circulation model for this purpose. The observed spatial and temporal variations in CDOM were captured by the state estimate without including any new biological source term for CDOM, assuming it to be negligible over the 26 days of the state estimate. Thermocline entrainment and photobleaching acted to diminish the mixed-layer CDOM with time scales of 18 and 16 days, respectively. Lateral advection of CDOM played a dominant role and increased the mixed-layer CDOM with a time scale of 12 days, whereas lateral diffusion of CDOM was negligible. A Lagrangian view on the CDOM variability was demonstrated by using the SF6 as a weighting function to integrate the CDOM elds. This and similar data assimilation methods can be used to provide reasonable estimates of optical properties, and other physical parameters over the short-term duration of a research cruise, and help in the tracking of tracer releases in large-scale oceanographic experiments, and in oceanographic process studies.

Del Castillo, C. E.↗

Estuarine Dissolved Organic Carbon Flux from Space: With Application to Chesapeake and Delaware Bays

This study uses a neural network model trained with in situ data, combined with satellite data and hydrodynamic model products, to compute the daily estuarine export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) at the mouths of Chesapeake Bay (CB) and Delaware Bay (DB) from 2007 to 2011. Both bays show large flux variability with highest fluxes in spring and lowest in fall as well as interannual flux variability (0.18 and 0.27 Tg C/year in 2008 and 2010 for CB; 0.04 and 0.09 Tg C/year in 2008 and 2011 for DB). Based on previous estimates of total organic carbon (TOCexp) exported by all Mid-Atlantic Bight estuaries (1.2 Tg C/year), the DOC export (CB + DB) of 0.3 Tg C/year estimated here corresponds to 25% of the TOCexp. Spatial and temporal covariations of velocity and DOC concentration provide contributions to the flux, with larger spatial influence. Differences in the discharge of fresh water into the bays (74 billion m(exp3)/year for CB and 21 billion m9exp3)/year for DB) and their geomorphologies are major drivers of the differences in DOC fluxes for these two systems. Terrestrial DOC inputs are similar to the export of DOC at the bay mouths at annual and longer time scales but diverge significantly at shorter time scales (days to months). Future efforts will expand to the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine, and its major rivers and estuaries, in combination with coupled terrestrial-estuarine-ocean biogeochemical models that include effects of climate change, such as warming and CO2 increase.

Signorini, Sergio↗

Estuarine Dissolved Organic Carbon Flux From Space: With Application to Chesapeake and Delaware Bays

This study uses a neural network model trained with in situ data, combined with satellite data and hydrodynamic model products, to compute the daily estuarine export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) at the mouths of Chesapeake Bay (CB) and Delaware Bay (DB) from 2007 to 2011. Both bays show large flux variability with highest fluxes in spring and lowest in fall as well as interannual flux variability (0.18 and 0.27 Tg C/year in 2008 and 2010 for CB; 0.04 and 0.09 Tg C/year in 2008 and 2011 for DB). Based on previous estimates of total organic carbon (TOCexp) exported by all Mid-Atlantic Bight estuaries (1.2 Tg C/year), the DOC export (CB + DB) of 0.3 Tg C/year estimated here corresponds to 25% of the TOCexp. Spatial and temporal covariations of velocity and DOC concentration provide contributions to the flux, with larger spatial influence. Differences in the discharge of fresh water into the bays (74 billion cu. m/year for CB and 21 billion cu. m/year for DB) and their geomorphologies are major drivers of the differences in DOC fluxes for these two systems. Terrestrial DOC inputs are similar to the export of DOC at the bay mouths at annual and longer time scales but diverge significantly at shorter time scales (days to months). Future efforts will expand to the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Maine, and its major rivers and estuaries, in combination with coupled terrestrial-estuarine-ocean biogeochemical models that include effects of climate change, such as warming and CO2 increase.

Estuarine DOC export↗

Evaluation of Retrieving Chlorophyll a Concentration and Colored Dissolved Organic Matter Absorption from Satellite Ocean Color Remote Sensing in the Coastal Waters of Hokkaido, Japan

Coastal ecosystems are important in biogeochemical cycles, because they provide many pathways for chemical elements and compounds to flow between the physical environment and living organisms. The spatial and temporal scales of the biotic and abiotic interactions establish the inherent dynamics of the coastal zone and the requirement for high-resolution investigations. Using match-up data collected in Hokkaido coastal waters, the study herein evaluated the performance of deriving chlorophyll (Chl) a concentration and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption (a(sub CDOM)) as a function of wavelength (λ) from satellite observations. The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Second generation GLobal Imager (SGLI), which has 250 m spatial resolution, was compared with other satellite ocean color (OC) sensors. Our results show that the standard SGLI OC4 algorithm with the 530 nm band provided the best performance for Chl a retrievals, and the end-member analysis (EMA) technique improved the estimation of a(sub CDOM)(λ) . Overall differences between in situ radiometric data and satellite retrievals suggest that additional challenges remain, especially in the ultraviolet and blue spectral domains which are useful for studying CDOM and harmful algae blooms in coastal waters. To fulfill applications wherein high-quality remote sensing data are required, the improvement of the atmospheric correction is a likely research area where additional accomplishment will be beneficial for satellite observations of optically complex coastal waters.

SGLI/GCOM-C↗

Relation between Soil Order and Sorptive Capacity for Dissolved Organic Carbon

Soils have historically been considered a temporary sink for organic C, but deeper soils may serve as longer term C sinks due to the sorption of dissolved organic C (DOC) onto Fe- and clay-rich mineral soil particles. This project provides an improved understanding and predictive capability of the physical and chemical properties of deep soils that control their sorptive capacities for DOC. Two hundred thirteen subsurface soil samples (72 series from five orders) were selected from the eastern and central United States. A characterized natural DOC source was added to the soils, and the Langmuir sorption equation was fitted to the observed data by adjusting the maximum DOC sorption capacity (Q{sub max}) and the binding coefficient (k). Different isotherm shapes were observed for Ultisols, Alfisols, and Mollisols due to statistically significant differences in the magnitude of k, while Q{sub max} was statistically invariant among these three orders. Linear regressions were performed on the entire database and as a function of soil order to correlate Langmuir fitted parameters with measured soil properties, e.g., pH, clay content, total organic C (TOC), and total Fe oxide content. Together, textural clay and Fe oxide content accounted for 35% of the variation in Q{sub max} in the database, and clay was most important for Alfisols and Ultisols. The TOC content, however, accounted for 27% of the variation in Q{sub max} in Mollisols. Soil pH accounted for 45% of the variation in k for the entire database, 41% for Mollisols, and 22% for Alfisols. Our findings demonstrate that correlations between Langmuir parameters and soil properties are different for different soil orders and that k is a more sensitive parameter for DOC sorption than is Q{sub max} for temperate soils from the central and eastern United States.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Prediction of Total Dissolved Gas (TDG) at Hydropower Dams throughout the Columbia

The network of dams throughout the Columbia River Basin (CRB) are managed for irrigation, hydropower production, flood control, navigation, and fish passage that frequently result in both voluntary and involuntary spillway releases. The entrainment of air in spillway releases and the subsequent exchange of atmospheric gasses into solution during passage through the stilling basin cause elevated levels of total dissolved gas (TDG) saturation. Physical processes that affect TDG exchange at hydropower facilities have been characterized throughout the CRB in site-specific studies and at real-time water quality monitoring stations. These data have been used to develop predictive models of TDG exchange which are site specific and account for the fate of spillway and powerhouse flows in the tailrace channel and resultant transport and exchange in route to the downstream dam. Currently, there exists a need to summarize the findings from operational and structural TDG abatement programs conducted throughout the CRB and for the development of a generalized prediction model that pools data collected at multiple projects with similar structural attributes. A generalized TDG exchange model can be tuned to specific projects and coupled with water regulation models to allow for the formulation of optimal water regulation schedules subject to water quality constraints for TDG supersaturation. It is proposed to develop a methodology for predicting TDG levels downstream of hydropower facilities with similar structural properties as a function of a set of variables that affect TDG exchange; such as tailwater depth, spill discharge and pattern, project head, and entrainment of powerhouse releases.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Rapid Field Measurement of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon Based on CO{sub 2} Analysis

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) is commonly measured in water and is an important parameter for understanding carbonate equilibrium, carbon cycling, and water-rock interaction. While accurate measurements can be made in the analytical laboratory, we have developed a rapid, portable technique that can be used to obtain accurate and precise data in the field as well.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Fiber-based adsorbents having high adsorption capacities for recovering dissolved metals and methods thereof

A fiber-based adsorbent and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber-based adsorbent includes polymer fibers with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight over known fibers to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. The polymer fibers include a circular morphology in some embodiments, having a mean diameter of less than 15 microns, optionally less than about 1 micron. In other embodiments, the polymer fibers include a non-circular morphology, optionally defining multiple gear-shaped, winged-shaped or lobe-shaped projections along the length of the polymer fibers. A method for forming the fiber-based adsorbents includes irradiating high surface area polymer fibers, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting the grafted fibers with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. High surface area fiber-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Why dissolved organic matter (DOM) enhances photodegradation of methylmercury

Methylmercury (MeHg) is known to degrade photochemically, but it remains unclear what roles naturally dissolved organic matter (DOM) and complexing organic ligands play in MeHg photodegradation. Here we investigate the rates and mechanisms of MeHg photodegradation using DOM samples with varying oxidation states and origins as well as organic ligands with known molecular structures. All DOM and organic ligands increased MeHg photodegradation under solar irradiation, but the first-order rate constants varied depending on the oxidation state of DOM and the type and concentration of the ligands. Compounds containing both thiols and aromatics (e.g., thiosalicylate and reduced DOM) increased MeHg degradation rates far greater than those containing only aromatic or thiol functional groups (e.g., salicylate or glutathione). Our results suggest that, among other factors, the synergistic effects of thiolate and aromatic moieties in DOM greatly enhance MeHg photodegradation.

demethylation↗

Foam-based adsorbents having high adsorption capacities for recovering dissolved metals and methods thereof

Foam-based adsorbents and a related method of manufacture are provided. The foam-based adsorbents include polymer foam with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. A method for forming the foam-based adsorbents includes irradiating polymer foam, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. Foam-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Predation Susceptibility of Juvenile Fall Chinook Salmon Exposed to Sudden Temperature Changes and Slightly Supersaturated Dissolved Gas

High mortality of hatchery-reared juvenile fall Chinook salmon emigrating from the Clearwater River was previously measured at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers; however, the causative mechanism of mortality is unknown. To elucidate potential mechanisms, the predation susceptibility of juvenile fall Chinook salmon was assessed during simulated passage from the Clearwater River and through the confluence of the Clearwater and Snake rivers, with and without cool water flow augmentation. Emigrant-sized juvenile salmon were acclimated to temperatures typical of the Clearwater River when cool water augmentation is discharged from Dworshak Dam (10°C to 17°C) and during temperatures that would be present without augmentation (17°C to 24°C), and were then exposed to smallmouth bass within temperatures typical of the Snake River in summer (17°C to 24°C). Slightly supersaturated total dissolved gas concentrations of 105% were also simulated to more closely approximate gas conditions of both rivers in summer. Predation susceptibility of juvenile salmon acclimated at 10°C or 17°C and exposed to predators at 17°C did not differ. However, for salmon exposed to predators at 24°C, predation susceptibility was arguably higher for juvenile salmon acclimated at 10°C (a 14°C increase) than for salmon acclimated at 17°C or 24°C (7°C and 0°C increases, respectively). These results indicate that predation susceptibility may be higher when a relatively large temperature difference exists between the Clearwater and Snake rivers; that is, when cool water flow augmentation is occurs in summer. However, further research is needed to determine if high confluence mortality measured in previous studies is related to cool water augmentation and, ultimately, whether or not this mortality has a population-level effect on the dynamics of wild Snake River fall Chinook salmon.

fall Chinook salmon↗

Powder-based adsorbents having high adsorption capacities for recovering dissolved metals and methods thereof

A powder-based adsorbent and a related method of manufacture are provided. The powder-based adsorbent includes polymer powder with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. A method for forming the powder-based adsorbent includes irradiating polymer powder, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. Powder-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fiber-based adsorbents having high adsorption capacities for recovering dissolved metals and methods thereof

A fiber-based adsorbent and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber-based adsorbent includes polymer fibers with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight over known fibers to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. The polymer fibers include a circular morphology in some embodiments, having a mean diameter of less than 15 microns, optionally less than about 1 micron. In other embodiments, the polymer fibers include a non-circular morphology, optionally defining multiple gear-shaped, winged-shaped or lobe-shaped projections along the length of the polymer fibers. A method for forming the fiber-based adsorbents includes irradiating high surface area polymer fibers, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting the grafted fibers with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. High surface area fiber-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Methods of deoxygenating metals having oxygen dissolved therein in a solid solution

A method of deoxygenating metal can include forming a mixture of: a metal having oxygen dissolved therein in a solid solution, at least one of metallic magnesium and magnesium hydride, and a magnesium-containing salt. The mixture can be heated at a deoxygenation temperature for a period of time under a hydrogen-containing atmosphere to form a deoxygenated metal. The deoxygenated metal can then be cooled. The deoxygenated metal can optionally be subjected to leaching to remove by-products, followed by washing and drying to produce a final deoxygenated metal.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effective Diffusion Coefficient of Dissolved Metal Ions during 1D Pit Growth

Transport-limited dissolution of metals in corrosion pits is associated with the product of the metal ion diffusion coefficient and total concentration of metal ions (DM+·Ctot). In one dimensional (1D) pit dissolu-tion, the concentration of ionic species varies with location in the pit; at the dissolving pit bottom, the saturation of metal ion and supporting anion is ex-pected under transport control conditions, while the metal ion is nearly depleted at the pit mouth. To describe metal ion transport through pit solution with constantly-changing concentration, an effective diffusion coefficient (Deff) is proposed in this study with consideration of the combined effects of vis-cosity, temperature and electric field inside a grow-ing 1D pit. The modeled Deff·Ctot values were calcu-lated and compared with experimental DM+·Ctot val-ues for S13Cr 1D pit dissolution in different bulk chloride concentrations at 85°C. The modeled Deff·Ctot values were very close to the experimental values, validating the modeling approach suggested in this study.

Jun, Jiheon↗

Effect of dissolved oxygen level on stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of structural steels

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a potential risk in structural steels used for heat exchanger and circulation loop in LWR. Generally, SCC susceptibility of structural steels increases with increasing the level of dissolved oxygen (DO) in circulating water, but DO tolerance below which no SCC risk is present could differ by the type of steel. To investigate the DO effect on SCC susceptibility, T23, T24 and T91 steels under static load were exposed to stagnant and circulating water at 200°C with varying DO levels. The results indicated that among the tested steels, the SCC susceptibility was highest in T91 but lowest in T23 which did not exhibit crack initiation with 100 ppb DO. T24 showed no cracking with 50 ppb DO but cracked with 100 ppb DO, implying intermediate SCC susceptibility in between T23 and T91. Based on the cracking results and hardness data, SCC susceptibility in the tested steels is considered driven by corrosion which was initiated/affected by DO in the water.

Jun, Jiheon↗

Robotic Cleaning of the Total Dissolved Solids Tanks at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station - 18337

Westinghouse is executing a contract from Arizona Public Services to provide a system capable of removing highly radioactive sediment from eight Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Tanks located at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. The scope of work covers the design, procurement, fabrication, and eventual operation of the system at the Palo Verde Site. It also includes the factory acceptance testing of the system, prior to operation at the site. Previous attempts to clean the tanks involved working inside and around the tanks for extended periods of time in a high radiation field. Spray hoses were used to wash down the sediment, and hand tools were used to scrape out the remaining sludge at the bottom. This methodology also required the lower manway to be removed. As a result, the worker radiation exposure limit was exceeded on the first of the nine tanks. As a solution to the high radiation environment of the TDS tanks, Westinghouse will provide and operate a pneumatically powered robotic crawler. This crawler traverses the bottom of the tank with a 4,000 psi high-pressure spray head affixed to the front of the crawler to blast sediment from the walls and floor of the TDS tanks. This paper will present the conceptual design of the TDS Tank cleaning system, noting the key benefits of specific components in the overall technology basis. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗