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This paper explores the digitalization of business-to-business (B2B) customer journeys, which is recognized as a top research priority, but one that has not yet received substantial academic attention. Due to their complexity, customer journeys are particularly relevant in B2B settings, and this is further emphasized through the increasing use of digital technologies. This paper identifies three key dimensions of B2B customer journeys that are influenced by digitalization. These are the digitalization of touchpoints (i.e., adding digital touchpoints and transforming or facilitating touchpoints), the change of roles in digitalized journeys (i.e., introducing new roles, activating customers, and emphasizing collectivity), and the digitalization of the overall process (i.e., extending, enhancing, and supporting the process). The research is based on an in-depth case study of a B2B firm and four customers. Insights from the research add to the customer journey literature through the exploration of digita-lized B2B customer journeys, providing guidance for academics and practitioners.

Distribution, sources, and ecological risk of 43 compounds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surficial sediments of the Persian Gulf were investigated. The sediments were sampled from 60 offshore stations during an oceanographic cruise in the winter of 2012. Gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for the PAHs determinations in sediment samples. The concentrations of 21 parent PAHs, 7 methylated PAHs, 11 oxygenated PAHs and 4 nitrated PAHs were 9.0–201.5 ng g−1 dw, 3.3–60.3 ng g−1 dw, 15.2–172.7 ng g−1 dw and 0.1–8.3 ng g−1 dw, respectively. Among 21 parental PAHs, naphthalene (29.35 ng g−1 dw), phenanthrene (4.6 ng g−1 dw), and pyrene (3.18 ng g−1 dw) were the most abundant compound. 1-acenaphthenone (43.41 ng g−1 dw) and 2-methylnaphthalene (7.15 ng g−1 dw) showed the highest concentration in the oxy- and methyl-PAHs, respectively. The concentrations of nitro-PAHs were between not detected to 4 ng g−1 dw. According to the ecological risk assessment, the calculated total toxicity of PAHs was at below the lethal level on benthic organisms in all stations in the Persian Gulf, but there is risk of toxicity for the benthic organism in the Gulf of Oman (from the Strait of Hormuz to Jask). In general, nitrogenated and oxygenated derivatives did not show a significant risk in the study area. Based on the diagnostic ratios, the mixed sources (both petrogenic and pyrogenic) and pyrogenic sources have been identified for PAHs. Biomass combustion source has been identified for the stations near flares and gas fields. Principle component analysis-multivariate linear regression analysis for source identification shows that maritime traffic, abundant flares that burn the gas in oil, gas fields and dust storms have a major impact on the production of PAHs in this area.

This paper explores how B2B firms can manage the value creation process at multi-actor touchpoints in the customer journey. We argue that B2B firms can benefit from opening up their touchpoints to multi-actor interactions between the customer, firm, partners and other customers, answering recent calls for broadening the scope of customer journeys to also include such multi-actor touchpoints. In our research we perceive the value creating process as the actors, activities and resources involved in the emergence of value through the customer journey. An ecosystem perspective is adopted to increase understanding of how firms can enhance the value creating process through the B2B customer journey. By empirically examining an industrial ecosystem, our tentative findings point towards the importance of balancing the number of touchpoints as well as designing touchpoints depending on the customer’s needs and requirements to manage the value creation process.

Oxygen blown high-temperature gasification constitutes an opportunity for chemical recycling of plastic wastes. This article summarizes the results from comparative tests of combustion and gasification of two complex plastic wastes: a plastic reject (PR) from processing recycled paper and an automotive shredder residue (ASR). Calculated gasification efficiencies corresponded to about 80% and 60%, respectively. Gasification resulted in lower yields of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) compared to direct combustion. A two-stage process, including gasification followed by syngas combustion, reduced the emissions of HCl and PCDD/F in the flue gas to <1.4% and <0.2%, respectively, compared to the levels from direct combustion of the PR feedstock. Most of the PCDD/F (>99%) was captured along with particulate matter (soot) during gasification. The contribution to the toxic concentration of PCDD/F was mainly from the PCDF congeners. Fly ash particulate matter from ASR combustion contained a significant proportion of zinc, which thus constitutes a great potential for use in zinc recycling.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are ubiquitous pollutants that are found everywhere in our environment, including air, soil and water. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations, distribution, sources and potential health risk of 43 PACs in soils collected from 25 urban parks in Stockholm City, Sweden. These PACs included 21 PAHs, 11 oxygenated PAHs, 7 methylated PAHs, and 4 azaarenes whose concentrations ranged between 190 and 54 500, 30.5-5 300, 14.9-680, and 4.17-590 ng/g soil, respectively. Fluoranthene was found at the highest levels ranging between 17.7 and 9800 ng/g, benzo[a]pyrene between 9.64 and 4600 ng/g, and the highly potent carcinogen dibenzo[a,l]pyrene up to 740 ng/g. The most abundant oxy-PAH was 6H-benzo[cd] pyren-6-one (2.09-2300 ng/g). Primary sources of PAHs were identified by use of diagnostic ratios and Positive Matrix Factorization modelling and found to be pyrogenic including vehicle emissions and combustion of biomass. Estimating the incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRS) associated with exposure to PAHs in these soils indicated that the PAH levels in some parks constitute a considerable increased risk level for adults and children (total ILCR > 1 x 10(-4)). Compared to worldwide urban parks contamination, we conclude that the PAC soil levels in parks of Stockholm City in general are low, but that some parks are more heavily contaminated and should be considered for clean-up actions to limit human health risks.

Marine macroalgae are used worldwide for human consumption, animal feed, cosmetics and agriculture. In addition to beneficial nutrients, macroalgae contain halogenated natural products (HNPs), some of which have toxic properties similar to those of well-known anthropogenic contaminants. Sixteen species of red, green and brown macroalgae were collected in 2017–2018 from coastal waters of the northern Baltic Sea, Sweden Atlantic and Norway Atlantic, and analyzed for bromoanisoles (BAs) and methoxylated bromodiphenyl ethers (MeO-BDEs). Target compounds were quantified by gas chromatography-low resolution mass spectrometry (GC-LRMS), with qualitative confirmation in selected species by GC-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). Quantified compounds were 2,4-diBA, 2,4,6-triBA, 2′-MeO-BDE68, 6-MeO-BDE47, and two tribromo-MeO-BDEs and one tetrabromo-MeO-BDE with unknown bromine substituent positions. Semiquantitative results for pentabromo-MeO-BDEs were also obtained for a few species by GC-HRMS. Three extraction methods were compared; soaking in methanol, soaking in methanol–dichloromethane, and blending with mixed solvents. Extraction yields of BAs did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) with the three methods and the two soaking methods gave equivalent yields of MeO-BDEs. Extraction efficiencies of MeO-BDEs were significantly lower using the blend method (p < 0.05). For reasons of simplicity and efficiency, the soaking methods are preferred. Concentrations varied by orders of magnitude among species: ∑2BAs 57 to 57 700 and ∑5MeO-BDEs < 10 to 476 pg g−1 wet weight (ww). Macroalgae standing out with ∑2BAs >1000 pg g−1 ww were Ascophyllum nodosum, Ceramium tenuicorne, Ceramium virgatum, Fucus radicans, Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus, Saccharina latissima, Laminaria digitata, and Acrosiphonia/Spongomorpha sp. Species A. nodosum, C. tenuicorne, Chara virgata, F. radicans and F. vesiculosus (Sweden Atlantic only) had ∑5MeO-BDEs >100 pg g−1ww. Profiles o, EcoChange

To facilitate industrial applications, as well as for environmental and health purposes, there is a need to find less hazardous solvents for processing the photoactive layer of organic solar cells. As there are vast amounts of possibilities to combine organic solvents and solutes, it is of high importance to find paths to discriminate among the solution chemistry possibilities on a theoretical basis. Using Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) offers such a path. We report on some examples of solvent blends that have been found by modelling HSP for an electron donor polymer (TQ1) and an electron acceptor polymer (N2200) to match solvent blends of less hazardous solvents than those commonly used. After the theoretical screening procedure, solubility tests were performed to determine the HSP parameters relevant for the TQ1:N2200 pair in the calculated solvent blends. Finally, thin solid films were prepared by spin-coating from the solvent blends that turned out to be good solvents to the donor-acceptor pair. Our results show that the blend film morphology prepared in this way is similar to those obtained from chloroform solutions.

The solubility of polymers depends on how well the parameters of the polymers and solvents used resemble each other. The more similar the parameters are, the more likely the polymers are to be dissolved. Hansen´s solubility parameters (HSP) tells us how dispersion forces, polar forces and hydrogen bonding influences the structure of the polymers and thereby their solubility. To be able to manufacture effective organic polymer solar cells in the future, we need more knowledge of how polymers and organic solvents interact with each other. This is an essay on how you could gather more knowledge of how primarily the polymer Poly{[N,N′-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5′-(2,2′-bithiophene)} , (N2200), but also the polymer Poly[2,3-bis-(3-octyloxyphenyl) quinoxaline-5,8-diyl-alt-thiophene-2,5-diyl], (TQ1) dissolves in different organic solvent blends. It is also a test on using the computer software Hansen´s Solubility Parameters in Practice (HSPiP), to estimate the HSP:s for the polymers and the polymer blend. The HSPiP was good at estimating the Hansen solubility parameters for the solubility test on N2200. The software´s drawing tool in the do it yourself- part (DIY) that is used to create a structure code-string (SMILES) for the polymer, did not work as well in this project. The Optimizer in HSPiP made good suggestions of organic solvent blends for N2200 and TQ1, that dissolved the polymers. o-Xylene and tetrahydronaphthalene were the solvents that dissolved N2200 in the solubility test in 24 h and 50 ֯C and among the organic solvent blends it was toluene/1-methylnaphthalene, tetrahydronaphthalene/methyl acetate, tetrahydronaphthalene/o-Xylene and tetrahydronaphthalene/2-methyltetrahydrofuran that were able to dissolve the polymers in the concentrations of 10.0 mg/ml. N2200 dissolved very well up to 10.0 mg/ml in the calculated solvent blends but on the other hand, the samples became very viscous at that concentration, Sammanfattning Löslighet hos polymerer beror på hur löslighetsparametrarna hos polymeren och det lösningsmedel man använder, liknar varandra. Ju mer löslighetsparametrarna liknar varandra, desto bättre löser sig polymeren i lösningsmedlet. Hansen´s löslighetsparametrar (HSP) talar om hur dispersionskrafter, polära krafter och vätebindningar påverkar strukturer hos polymerer och därigenom deras löslighet. För att kunna tillverka effektiva organiska polymera solceller i framtiden, behöver vi mer kunskap i hur polymerer och organiska lösningsmedel interagerar med varandra. Detta är en uppsats i hur man kan gå tillväga för att ta reda på mer om hur främst polymeren Poly{[N,N′-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5′-(2,2′-bithiophene)} , (N2200), men också polymeren Poly[2,3-bis-(3-octyloxyphenyl) quinoxaline-5,8-diyl-alt-thiophene-2,5-diyl], (TQ1) löser sig i olika blandningar av organiska lösningsmedel. Det är också ett försök till att använda dataprogrammet, Hansen´s Solubility Parameters in Practice (HSPiP), för att estimera löslighet hos polymererna och polymerblandningen. Det visade sig att HSPiP, var bra på att estimera Hansens löslighetsparametrar för löslighetstestet på N2200. Programmets ritverktyg i DIY (do it yourself/gör det själv), för att skapa SMILES-kod (kod för den ritade molekylens struktur) för polymeren, visade sig vara mindre bra. Optimeraren i HSPiP visade sig kunna föreslå organiska lösningsmedelsblandningar för N2200 och TQ1 som kunde lösa polymererna. o-Xylene och tetrahydronaftalen var de som löste N2200 i löslighetstestet på 24 h med 50 ֯C och av blandningarna var det toluen/1-methylnaftalen, tetrahydronaftalen/metylacetat, tetrahydronaftalen/o-Xylene och tetrahydronaftalene/2-metyltetrahydrofuran som kunde lösa polymererna i koncentrationer av 10.0 mg/ml. N2200 löste sig bra ända upp till 10.0 mg/ml för de beräknade lösningsmedelsblandningarna men däremot blev proverna väldigt viskösa i den koncentratio

Studies show that nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles enhance the formation of chlorinated compounds such as polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) during thermal processes. However, it is unclear whether nZVI acts as a catalyst for the formation of these compounds or contains impurities, such as PCDD/Fs, within its structure. We analyzed the presence of PCDD/Fs in nZVI particles synthesized through various production methods to elucidate this uncertainty. None of the 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners were found in the commercially-produced nZVI, but they were present in the laboratory synthesized nZVI produced through the borohydride method, particularly in particles synthesized from iron (III) chloride rather than from iron sulfate. Total PCDD/F WHO-TEQ concentrations of up to 35 pg/g were observed in nZVI particles, with hepta-and octa-chlorinated congeners being the most abundant. The reagents used in the borohydride method were also analyzed, and our findings suggest that FeCl3 effectively contains PCDD/Fs at concentrations that could explain the concentrations observed in the nZVI product. Both FeCl3 and nZVI showed a similar PCDD/F patterns with slight differences. These results suggest that PCDD/Fs might transfer from FeCl3 to nZVI during the production method, and thus, care should be taken when employing certain nZVI for environmental remediation.

Studies show that nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles enhance the formation of chlorinated compounds such as polychlorinated dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) during thermal processes. However, it is unclear whether nZVI acts as a catalyst for the formation of these compounds or contains impurities, such as PCDD/Fs, within its structure. We analyzed the presence of PCDD/Fs in nZVI particles synthesized through various production methods to elucidate this uncertainty. None of the 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners were found in the commercially-produced nZVI, but they were present in the laboratory-synthesized nZVI produced through the borohydride method, particularly in particles synthesized from iron (III) chloride rather than from iron sulfate. Total PCDD/F WHO-TEQ concentrations of up to 35 pg/g were observed in nZVI particles, with hepta- and octa-chlorinated congeners being the most abundant. The reagents used in the borohydride method were also analyzed, and our findings suggest that FeCl3 effectively contains PCDD/Fs at concentrations that could explain the concentrations observed in the nZVI product. Both FeCl3 and nZVI showed a similar PCDD/F patterns with slight differences. These results suggest that PCDD/Fs might transfer from FeCl3 to nZVI during the production method, and thus, care should be taken when employing certain nZVI for environmental remediation.

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in streamwater were measured in a remote catchment in northern Sweden and downstream to the Baltic Sea. Sampling took place at seven sites during two years and under different hydrological conditions: during the snow-free, snow-covered, and spring-flood seasons. Concentrations varied substantially between seasons and were up to 20 times higher during the spring flood compared to the preceding snow-covered period. The increase in concentrations with runoff was due to higher levels of particle-associated contaminants, while the dissolved concentrations remained stable. Particulate-contaminant concentrations were positively correlated primarily to suspended particulate matter (SPM) at sites in areas with a high land-cover fraction of sorted sediment. When upstream sampling locations were compared, a mire-dominated stream had higher concentrations and a lower retention of atmospherically deposited contaminants than a forest stream of the same catchment size. Contaminant concentrations (normalized to volume) did not increase consistently downstream despite the presence of several point sources. However, when normalized to the amount of SPM, concentrations were on average >20 times higher at the outlet in the Baltic Sea compared to the outlet from the remote catchment without point sources., Bio4Energy

The 14th International Congress on Combustion By-Products and Their Health Effects was held in UmeAyen, Sweden from June 14th to 17th, 2015. The Congress, mainly sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program and the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning, focused on the "Origin, fate and health effects of combustion-related air pollutants in the coming era of bio-based energy sources". The international delegates included academic and government researchers, engineers, scientists, policymakers and representatives of industrial partners. The Congress provided a unique forum for the discussion of scientific advances in this research area since it addressed in combination the health-related issues and the environmental implications of combustion by-products. The scientific outcomes of the Congress included the consensus opinions that: (a) there is a correlation between human exposure to particulate matter and increased cardiac and respiratory morbidity and mortality; (b) because currently available data does not support the assessment of differences in health outcomes between biomass smoke and other particulates in outdoor air, the potential human health and environmental impacts of emerging air-pollution sources must be addressed. Assessment will require the development of new approaches to characterize combustion emissions through advanced sampling and analytical methods. The Congress also concluded the need for better and more sustainable e-waste management and improved policies, usage and disposal methods for materials containing flame retardants., Bio4Energy

Surfaces of fly ashes from three Swedish MSW incinerating plants were extensively characterized to better predict their involvement in the generation of persistent organic pollutants. The ashes were then subjected to thermal treatment at 400 °C in sealed glass ampoules to track the decomposition polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD and PCDF). Temperature programmed desorption experiments in the 30–900 °C range also enabled monitoring of thermally decomposing ashes by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as thermally desorbing effluent gases by mass spectrometry. In addition, one ash was doped with 13C-labelled PCDD and PCDF to evaluate the potential of the experimental setup for elucidating the thermal desorption of the organic molecules. It was found that in ashes with high carbon content PCDD and PCDF decomposition were led pronounced, and that PCDD degraded more readily than PCDF.

The 14th International Congress on Combustion By-Products and Their Health Effects was held in Umeå, Sweden from June 14th to 17th, 2015. The Congress, mainly sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program and the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning, focused on the “Origin, fate and health effects of combustion-related air pollutants in the coming era of bio-based energy sources”. The international delegates included academic and government researchers, engineers, scientists, policymakers and representatives of industrial partners. The Congress provided a unique forum for the discussion of scientific advances in this research area since it addressed in combination the health-related issues and the environmental implications of combustion by-products. The scientific outcomes of the Congress included the consensus opinions that: (a) there is a correlation between human exposure to particulate matter and increased cardiac and respiratory morbidity and mortality; (b) because currently available data does not support the assessment of differences in health outcomes between biomass smoke and other particulates in outdoor air, the potential human health and environmental impacts of emerging air-pollution sources must be addressed. Assessment will require the development of new approaches to characterize combustion emissions through advanced sampling and analytical methods. The Congress also concluded the need for better and more sustainable e-waste management and improved policies, usage and disposal methods for materials containing flame retardants.

This study focuses on the textile implements, notably the loom weights and spindle whorls, found at fortified hilltop settlements - a specific type of hillfort in Sweden. The sites included in the study are Boberget (Östergötland), Gullborg (Östergötland), Darsgärde (Uppland) and Börsås kulle (Bohuslän). From quantitative analysis of the material, assessing the least possible production range, the study also discusses textile production and its social dimensions within the context of sites that deviate from the ordinary, primarily domestic, settlements during the Migration Period. It was possible for the sites to produce textiles of both simple and fine quality. The context of these sites as central places suggests a specialised textile craft which seems to be representative in nature.

The emissions of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and their chlorinated analogues (PCDD/Fs) during the thermal treatment of a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) TV casing were investigated. The halogenated compounds were analyzed in the original material and in the gases emitted during its treatment at temperatures between 50 degrees C and 250 degrees C. DecaBDE was the primary PBDE in the TV casing, which also contained high levels of PBDFs (ppm range). At the lower treatment temperatures, non-modified PBDEs evaporated from the samples. Conversely, at 200 degrees C or above, debromination reactions led to the formation of additional tri- through nonaBDE. The formation of new PBDD/Fs was also detected in the gas phase when the plastic was heated to 200 degrees C or 250 degrees C, with higher yields of furans than dioxins. This appreciably increased the toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels of the gas phase relative to those seen in the untreated sample. In all cases, the levels and TEQ contributions from PCDD/Fs were negligible compared to those for brominated analogues. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this presentation we show examples of levels and patterns of PBDD/Fs and BFRs that may be found in plastics related to electronic equipment. We also show examples of the quantities and types of PBDD/Fs and BFRs that are emitted as the plastics are heated at different temperatures and conditions. Emission data are shown for all from controlled lab-scale experiments, semi-controlled pilot-scale experiments to an uncontrolled accidental fire. For the latter, the levels and patterns found in the environment after the fire are also presented.

The emissions of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and their chlorinated analogues (PCDD/Fs) during the thermal treatment of a high impact polystyrene (HIPS) TV casing were investigated. The halogenated compounds were analyzed in the original material and in the gases emitted during its treatment at temperatures between 50 °C and 250 °C. DecaBDE was the primary PBDE in the TV casing, which also contained high levels of PBDFs (ppm range). At the lower treatment temperatures, non-modified PBDEs evaporated from the samples. Conversely, at 200 °C or above, debromination reactions led to the formation of additional tri- through nonaBDE. The formation of new PBDD/Fs was also detected in the gas phase when the plastic was heated to 200 °C or 250 °C, with higher yields of furans than dioxins. This appreciably increased the toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels of the gas phase relative to those seen in the untreated sample. In all cases, the levels and TEQ contributions from PCDD/Fs were negligible compared to those for brominated analogues.

The use of waste wood as an energy carrier has increased during the last decade. However, the higher levels of alkali metals and chlorine in waste wood compared to virgin biomass can promote the formation of deposits and organic pollutants. Here, the effect of fuel composition and the inhibitory effects of ammonium sulfate, (NH4)2SO4, on the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the flue gas of a lab-scale combustor was investigated. Ammonium sulfate is often used as a corrosion-preventing additive and may also inhibit formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). In addition to PCDDs and PCDFs, polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCN) and biphenyls (PCB) were also analyzed. It was found that the flue gas composition changed dramatically when (NH4)2SO4 was added: CO, SO2, and NH3 levels increased, while those of HCl decreased to almost zero. However, the additive's effects on POP formation were less pronounced. When (NH4)2SO4 was added to give an S:Cl ratio of 3, only the PCDF concentration was reduced, indicating that this ratio was not sufficient to achieve a general reduction in POP emissions. Conversely, at an S:Cl ratio of 6, significant reductions in the WHO-TEQ value and the PCDD and PCDF contents of the flue gas were observed. The effect on the PCDF concentration was especially pronounced. PCN formation seemed to be promoted by the elevated CO concentrations caused by adding (NH4)2SO4., Available online: 18 September 2013

This case study investigated PCDF and PCDD emissions from a 65 MW waste-to-energy plant to identify why an air pollution control system remodeling to accommodate increased production resulted in increased TEQ concentrations. Pre- and post-filter gases were collected simultaneously in four sample sets with varying filter temperatures and with/without activated carbon injection. Samples were analyzed to determine total PCDF and PCDD concentrations, as well as homologue profiles, and concentrations of individual congeners (some remained co-eluted). The total post filter PCDD concentrations where found to increase while the concentrations of PCDF and 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners declined. An investigation of the individual congener concentrations revealed that the increase of PCDD concentrations were due to a few congeners, suggesting a single formation route. The study also concludes that vital information about the formation could be obtained by not restricting the analysis to just the 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners.

This study investigated the degradation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in contaminated soil using low temperature treatment (200-280°C) both alone and in combination with nanosized zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles or CaO. Control soil samples and soil fortified with nZVI particles or CaO were treated at 200 and 250°C in sealed glass ampoules. Treatment of the ampouled samples at 250°C was more effective than treatment at 200°C and the reduction in PCDD/F concentration was greatest when soil was treated at 250°C with nZVI addition (indeed, treatment at 200°C in the absence of nZVI resulted in increases in total PCDD and PCDD/F concentrations). In larger-scale experiments based on the obtained results, using a rotary furnace, the greatest reduction in total PCDD/F concentration was achieved by treating soil at 280°C, and adding nZVI to the soil resulted in almost no detectable PCDD/F in the gas phase.

The use of waste wood as an energy carrier has increased during the last decade. However, elevated levels of alkali metals and chlorine in waste wood compared to virgin biomass can cause increased deposit formation and higher concentrations of organic pollutants. In this study, we investigated the effect of the ChlorOut technique on concentrations of organic pollutants. Ammonium sulfate was injected into the combustion system to inhibit formation of KCl (which causes deposits) and persistent organic pollutants, namely polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs). The results showed that concentrations of the toxic congeners of PCDD, PCDF and PCB decreased in the presence of ammonium sulfate.

This study investigated the degradation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in contaminated soil using low temperature treatment (200–280 °C) both alone and in combination with nanosized zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles or CaO. Control soil samples and soil fortified with nZVI particles or CaO were treated at 200 and 250 °C in sealed glass ampoules. Treatment of the ampouled samples at 250 °C was more effective than treatment at 200 °C and the reduction in PCDD/F concentration was greatest when soil was treated at 250 °C with nZVI addition (indeed, treatment at 200 °C in the absence of nZVI resulted in increases in total PCDD and PCDD/F concentrations). In larger-scale experiments based on the obtained results, using a rotary furnace, the greatest reduction in total PCDD/F concentration was achieved by treating soil at 280 °C, and adding nZVI to the soil resulted in almost no detectable PCDD/F in the gas phase.

The use of waste wood as an energy carrier has increased during the last decade. However, elevated levels of alkali metals and chlorine in waste wood compared to virgin biomass can cause increased deposit formation and higher concentrations of organic pollutants. In this study, we investigated the effect of the ChlorOut technique on concentrations of organic pollutants. Ammonium sulfate was injected into the combustion system to inhibit formation of KCl (which causes deposits) and persistent organic pollutants, namely polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs). The results showed that concentrations of the toxic congeners of PCDD, PCDF and PCB decreased in the presence of ammonium sulfate.

Open burning tests of municipal waste from two countries, Mexico and China, showed composition-related differences in emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs). Twenty-six burn tests were conducted, comparing results from two laboratory combustion facilities. Waste was shredded to isolate composition-specific effects from those due to random waste orientation. Emissions ranged from 5 to 780 ng toxic equivalent/kg carbon burned (ng TEQ (kg C-b)(-1)) with an average of 140 ng TEQ (kg C-b)(-1) (stdev = 170). The waste from Mexico (17 ng TEQ (kg C-b)(-1)) had a statistically lower average emission factor than waste from China (240 ng TEQ (kg C-b)(-1). This difference was attributed primarily to waste composition differences, although one time-integrated combustion quality measure, Delta CO/Delta CO2, showed statistical significance between laboratories. However, waste composition differences were far more determinant than which laboratory conducted the tests, illustrated using both statistical techniques and comparison of cross-over samples (wastes tested at both facilities). Comparison of emissions from previous waste combustion tests in Sweden and the U.S.A, showed emission factors within the range of those determined for Mexico and China waste. For laboratory-scale combustion, existing emission factors and test methodologies are generally applicable to both developed and developing countries. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

In a laboratory-scale combustion reactor, flue-gas samples were collected at two temperatures in the post-combustion zone, 700 °C and 400 °C, using two different water-cooled sampling probes. The probes were the cooled probe described in the European Standard method EN-1948:1, referred to as the original probe, and a modified probe that contained a salt/ice mixture to assist the cooling, referred to as the sub-zero probe. To determine the efficiency of the cooling probes, internal temperature measurements were recorded at 5 cm intervals inside the probes. Flue-gas samples were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Samples collected at 700 °C using the original cooling probe showed higher concentrations of PCDD/Fs compared to samples collected using the sub-zero probe. No significant differences were observed between samples collected at 400 °C. The results indicated that artifact formation of PCDD/Fs readily occurs during flue-gas sampling at high temperatures if the cooling within the probe is insufficient, as found for the original probe at 700 °C. It was also shown that this problem could be alleviated by using probes with an enhanced cooling capacity, such as the sub-zero probe. Although this may not affect samples collected for regulatory purposes in exit gases, it is of great importance for research conducted in the high-temperature region of the post-combustion zone., Available online 28 April 2012

There is growing concern about the potential for human exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which are present in commonly used articles such as electronic equipment, household furnishings, building materials, and car interiors. Some BFRs, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are additives that are not chemically bound to the plastic and therefore may be released more readily into the environment.

The polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) content of three fly ash samples with different elemental compositions from different municipal waste incinerators were analyzed before and after thermal treatment at 300°C or 500°C. Gas phase emissions during the treatments were also collected and analyzed. Substantial reductions in the total PCCD/F content of the ashes were observed after treatment at 500°C, seemingly due to degradation rather than dechlorination. Treatment at 300°C resulted in an increase in the PCDD/F content of the three ashes. Initial concentration of PCDD/F in the untreated ashes did not reflect the outcome of the treatment at the different temperatures. In addition, the composition of the ash was found to influence the rate of decomposition and formation of PCDD and PCDF during thermal treatment; the results showed that Cu, Fe, Ca and S play important roles in these processes.

Congener patterns of mono- to deca-chlorinated biphenyls (PC(1-10)B) were evaluated in (a) waste incineration flue gases collected in the post-combustion zone of a laboratory-scale fluidized-bed reactor, (b) ashes from two different MSW incineration plants, and (c) published data of eight Aroclor formulations. The congener patterns of the flue gases, ashes, and Aroclor mixtures clearly differed from each other, likely reflecting differences in formation pathways. The flue gas congener patterns were largely dominated by the least chlorinated congeners, whereas the ashes displayed more evenly distributed patterns. The most abundant congeners indicated a preference for 3,3',4,4'-oriented substitution, which may be related to de novo-type formation involving perylene. Principal component analysis confirmed that congener patterns differed among the three matrices and also distinguished flue gases collected at 200°C from those collected at 300°C and 450°C. This distinction could be partly explained by the degree of chlorination, although the substitution status of the ortho-position, and substitution in the 3,3',4,4'-positions also seemed to be influential. Injecting biphenyl into the post-combustion zone of the reactor did not alter the patterns, indicating that availability of the backbone structure is not a limiting factor for PCB formation.

Syftet med studien var att ta reda på hur gymnasieungdomar upplever utomhuspedagogiska moment i undervisningen. . Det är en kvalitativ undersökning gjord vid Bernadottegymnasiet i Stockholm. Studien baseras på deltagande observationer under drygt två fältdygn och på semi-strukturerade intervjufrågor med tolv elever, i tre fokusgrupper. Resultatet visar att elever upplever utomhuspedagogiska undervisningsmoment positivt. Eleverna anser att dessa moment utgör ett viktigt komplement till traditionell undervisning, och att utomhuspedagogik ökar både motivation och förståelse av begrepp, genom den autenticitet de erbjuder. Den positiva upplevelsen förstärks om lärsituationen upplevs som relevant och autentiskt., The aim of this study was to investigate upper secondary school pupils' attitudes to outdoor learning. It is a qualitative study done at the Bernadotte upper secondary school in Stockholm. The study is based on participant observations during two days and on semi-structured interview questions with 12 pupils in three focus groups. The results show that pupils in upper secondary school experience outdoor learning as positive. The pupils argue that those exercises constitute an important complement to traditional education and that outdoor education increases both motivation and understanding due to the authenticity it offers. This positive impression is strengthened if the educational situation is perceived as relevant and authentic.

The aim of this paper was to investigate whether or not it is possible to keep bottlenose dolphins and killer whales in captivity while maintaining good animal welfare. Today, many zoos and aquariums claim that their primary function is to conserve species and educate people about conservation and threatened species. The keeping of wild animals is justified by conservation programs and by the information spread to the zoo visitors. This does however not seem to be the case for marine mammals such as bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) and killer whales (Oricnus orca) since these species are not threatened in the wild and neither of them are listed as threatened in IUCN's Red List. Bottlenose dolphins and killer whales are entirely aquatic carnivores and are distributed in all coastal and pelagic waters from the Arctic ice in the north to the Antarctic ice in the south. They are highly social animals that living in complex social structures forming tight bonds to other individuals. Social stressors such as changes within the group, aggression, competition for resources and unstable dominance hierarchies etc, can be very stressful to cetaceans and have a negative impact on their health. It is impossible for animals kept in the same pools to affect their social grouping, being limited to the group that park management has chosen for them, and individuals that would not associate in the wild are forced to do so. Both species have shown self-awareness through mirror self-recognition tests. Animals that are self-aware can learn that different outcomes can be produced or influenced by their behavior and that they have some control over certain parts of their environment. Their self-awareness and examples of tool-use in the wild should mean that a variety of environmental enrichments could be used successfully with these animals to improve their welfare. In 2005 there were at least 199 facilities that kept cetaceans for research or public display. Their enclosures are usuall

Before wood ash can be used as a soil fertilizer, concentrations of environmentally hazardous compounds must be investigated. In this study, total and leachable concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in four ash samples and one green liquor sludge. The ash sample with the highest carbon content also contained high levels of PAHs; three of the ash samples had total concentrations exceeding the limit permitted by the Swedish Forest Agency for recycling to forest soils. The leachable concentrations were higher for the non-stabilized samples; this was probably due to colloid-facilitated transport of the contaminants in these samples. However, the leachable concentrations were overall relatively low in all the samples studied. The amounts of PAHs introduced to forest soils by additions of stabilized, recyclable ash products will be determined primarily by the rate of weathering of the ash particles and the total concentration of contaminants. Total PAH content and the particle weathering rate are more important influences on the rate of migration of PAHs from recycled wood ash into forest soils than leaching.