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There is a lack of attention and reporting in aspects of the neutral/nonionic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and corresponding treatment mechanisms. Herein, new function-oriented deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with pyridine moiety were designed for perfluorinated iodoalkanes extraction from the oil phase. The effect of hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) functional groups on the effectiveness of targets retrieval was investigated. Moreover, different structural, quantum-chemical, solvatochromic, and statistical thermodynamics parameters were conducted, calculated, and correlated to the distribution coefficients of the studied DESs. Results showed that functional groups of HBAs significantly affected the extraction effectiveness of eutectic mixtures. The pyridine ring-based DESs with the CO group possessed the highest extraction efficiencies among the studied groups. To some extent, the extraction performances of the DES were substantially affected by the electrostatic potential extrema of the donor halogen atom and pyridine analogues. For targets with relatively short alkyl chain length, the topological indices had a positive relationship with the treatment efficacy of the DESs, and the quantum-chemical parameters of these solvents had a strong negative relationship with them. For targets with long alkyl chain length, the solvatochromic parameters of DES had a great influence on the distribution coefficients and also on the selectivity of these solvents. Furthermore, the halogen and hydrogen bonds presented cooperativity, clarifying via quantum-chemistry calculations. The synergism mechanism between them is beneficial to the extraction of perfluorinated iodoalkanes. Besides shedding light on the structure–property-performance relationships of the DESs, these findings also provided novel insights into the directional design and selection of DESs.

With the development and wide application of nickel-based single-crystal superalloys, the effect of Ru on the microstructure stability and high-temperature properties of superalloys is becoming increasingly important. In this study, the effect of Ru on the evolution of the γ′ phase in Ni-Al-Ru ternary alloys during aging treatment was analyzed, using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The relationship between chemical partition behavior and γ/γ′ lattice misfit was investigated in detail. During the aging process, Ru addition suppressed the growth rate and rafting process of γ′ precipitates, while the effect of Ru on hindering γ′ phase growth was reduced when the Ru content was over 3 at%. Ru preferentially partitioned to the γ phase, and its partitioning ratio to the γ phase increased with a variation in Ru content from 1 at% to 3 at% and decreased for the NiAl6Ru alloy. Additionally, the lattice misfit of all alloys was positive and reduced with the increase in Ru content, which hindered the Ru atoms to diffuse into the γ phase and promoted the shape of γ′ precipitates to change from cubic to spherical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development and wide application of nickel-based single-crystal superalloys, the effect of Ru on the microstructure stability and high-temperature properties of superalloys is becoming increasingly important. In this study, the effect of Ru on the evolution of the γ′ phase in Ni-Al-Ru ternary alloys during aging treatment was analyzed, using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The relationship between chemical partition behavior and γ/γ′ lattice misfit was investigated in detail. During the aging process, Ru addition suppressed the growth rate and rafting process of γ′ precipitates, while the effect of Ru on hindering γ′ phase growth was reduced when the Ru content was over 3 at%. Ru preferentially partitioned to the γ phase, and its partitioning ratio to the γ phase increased with a variation in Ru content from 1 at% to 3 at% and decreased for the NiAl6Ru alloy. Additionally, the lattice misfit of all alloys was positive and reduced with the increase in Ru content, which hindered the Ru atoms to diffuse into the γ phase and promoted the shape of γ′ precipitates to change from cubic to spherical.

Abstract Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) occur by the mixture of two polymers or a polymer and an inorganic salt in water. It was shown that not only polymers but also ionic liquids in combination with inorganic cosmotrophic salts are able to build ATPS. Suitable for the formation of ionic liquid-based ATPS systems are hydrophilic water miscible ionic liquids. To understand the driving force for amino acid and peptide distribution in IL-ATPS at different pH values, the ionic liquid Ammoeng 110™ and K2HPO4 have been chosen as a test system. To quantify the concentration of amino acids and peptides in the different phases, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS) technologies were used. Therefore the peptides and amino acids have been processed with EZ:faast™-Kit from Phenomenex for an easy and reliable quantification method even in complex sample matrices. Partitioning is a surface-dependent phenomenon, investigations were focused on surface-related amino acid respectively peptide properties such as charge and hydrophobicity. Only a very low dependence between the amino acids or peptides hydrophobicity and the partition coefficient was found. Nevertheless, the presented results show that electrostatic respectively ionic interactions between the ionic liquid and the amino acids or peptides have a strong impact on their partitioning behavior.

Tailoring the partitioning behavior of solid solution strengtheners is a crucial design strategy for advanced Ni-based superalloys. The goal of this study was to maximize the enrichment of Mo, Re, Ru and W in the γ-matrix phase. To determine the composition dependency of the partitioning behavior, a set of polycrystalline superalloys with varying contents of these solid solution-strengthening elements and a W-containing single-crystalline alloy series with varying concentrations of the γ′-forming elements Ta and Ti was produced. Assessed properties include phase compositions by electron-probe micro-analysis, phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry and creep behavior. Re exhibits the most pronounced enrichment in the γ-matrix, followed by Mo, Ru and W. Due to the preference of the Al-sites in the γ′-phase in the order Ta > Ti > W > Mo > Re, the solid solution strengthening elements Mo, Re and W are displaced from the γ′-phase by increasing Ti and Ta contents. The investigated solutes do not directly influence the partitioning behavior of Ru as it prefers Ni-sites in the γ′-phase. Compressive creep experiments reveal a correlation between the content of solid solution strengtheners in the γ-phase and creep performance.

Attention has been paid to the environmental distribution and fate of nanomedicines. However, their effects on the toxicity of environmental pollutants are lack of knowledge. In this study, the negatively charged poly (ethylene glycol)- b -poly (L-lactide- co -glycolide) (mPEG-PLA) and positively charged polyethyleneimine-palmitate (PEI-PA) nanomicelles were synthesized and served as model drug carriers to study the interaction and combined toxicity with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). DDT exerted limited effect on the biointerfacial behavior of mPEG-PLA nanomicelles, whereas it significantly mitigated the attachment of PEI-PA nanomicelles on the model cell membrane as monitored by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The cytotoxicity of DDT towards NIH 3T3 cells was greatly decreased by either co-treatment or pre-treatment with the nanomicelles according to the results of real-time cell analysis (RTCA). The cell viability of NIH 3T3 exposed to DDT was increased up to 90% by the co-treatment with mPEG-PLA nanomicelles. Three possible reasons were proposed: (1) decreased amount of free DDT in the cell culture medium due to the partitioning of DDT into nanomicelles; (2) mitigated cellular uptake of nanomicelle-DDT complexes due to the complex agglomeration or electrostatic repulsion between complexes and cell membrane; (3) detoxification effect in the lysosome upon endocytosis of nanomicelle-DDT complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of feed coals and coal combustion products (CCPs) from the Shenhuo and Yihua Power Plants in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, were studied by means of proximate analysis, Power X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-AES). The environmental geochemistry of CCPs was evaluated by Al-normalized enrichment factor as well as European Standard EN-12457 leaching test. Two feed coals have the characteristics of low sulfur content, medium to high volatiles matter yields, medium moisture content, super low to medium ash yield, medium to high calorific value and low mineral content. The main crystalline facies in fly ash and slag are quartz and mullite, with a small amount of calcite, and some unburned carbon. Hematite, SrSO4 and barite also can be observed in fly ashes by SEM. Typical plerophere occurs in fine fly ash rather than the coarse fly ash. The concentration of most trace elements in CCPs falls within the lower concentration range of European fly ashes. With respect to the partitioning behavior of trace elements during coal combustion, S is highly volatile, and Mg, Na, Zn, B, Co, As, Nb, Zr, Cu and K also show certain volatility, which may to some extent emit to the atmosphere. Furthermore, leaching experiments show that leachable concentrations of most of the potentially toxic elements in CCPs are low, and the CCPs fall in the range between inert and nonhazardous landfill material regulated by the 2003/33/EC Decision.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been observed in various environmental matrices globally in recent years. In this study, the levels, spatial distribution tendencies, and partitioning characteristics of the target 12 PFAAs were investigated in water and sediment from the coastal regions of Shandong peninsula in China, and two sediment core samples were also collected to study the vertical and historical variation of PFAAs. The ranges (means) of total PFAA concentrations were 23.69-148.48 ng/L (76.11 ng/L) in the water and 1.30-11.17 ng/g (5.93 ng/g) in the surface sediment, respectively. Among the target 12 PFAAs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the dominant component in water, followed by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). PFOS, perfluoroundecanoic acid, and PFOA were the dominant components in sediment. For their spatial distribution, higher levels of PFAAs were found at the locations close to much developed cities. The PFAA concentrations showed an overall decreasing tendency with depth increase in the two sediment cores, which indicates that the extent of PFAAs pollution is aggravating trend in recent years. Results of the partition coefficient ( K ) show that the compounds with longer carbon chains ( C ≥ 7) generally had higher K values, which suggest that long-chain PFAAs are prone to be adsorbed by sediment. In addition, the Log K of PFHxA, PFOA, and PFOS were significantly and positively correlated to the salinity of the water. The results of risk assessment suggest appreciable risk of PFAAs to the local ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New pyridine ring-based DESs were design for perfluorinated iodoalkanes extraction. • The different functional groups of DESs render distinct partitioning behaviour. • Structure-property-performance relationship of these green solvents was clarified. • Cooperativity of the halogen and hydrogen bonds facilitates the extraction of targets. There is a lack of attention and reporting in aspects of the neutral/nonionic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and corresponding treatment mechanisms. Herein, new function-oriented deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with pyridine moiety were designed for perfluorinated iodoalkanes extraction from the oil phase. The effect of hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) functional groups on the effectiveness of targets retrieval was investigated. Moreover, different structural, quantum-chemical, solvatochromic, and statistical thermodynamics parameters were conducted, calculated, and correlated to the distribution coefficients of the studied DESs. Results showed that functional groups of HBAs significantly affected the extraction effectiveness of eutectic mixtures. The pyridine ring-based DESs with the C O group possessed the highest extraction efficiencies among the studied groups. To some extent, the extraction performances of the DES were substantially affected by the electrostatic potential extrema of the donor halogen atom and pyridine analogues. For targets with relatively short alkyl chain length, the topological indices had a positive relationship with the treatment efficacy of the DESs, and the quantum-chemical parameters of these solvents had a strong negative relationship with them. For targets with long alkyl chain length, the solvatochromic parameters of DES had a great influence on the distribution coefficients and also on the selectivity of these solvents. Furthermore, the halogen and hydrogen bonds presented cooperativity, clarifying via quantum-chemistry calculations. The synergism mechanism between them is beneficial to the extraction of perfluorinated iodoalkanes. Besides shedding light on the structure–property-performance relationships of the DESs, these findings also provided novel insights into the directional design and selection of DESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ni-based single crystal (SX) superalloys, the local partitioning behaviors of solute elements at γ/γ′ interface directly determine the structure and strength of the interface, which in turn have a significant effect on the mechanical properties of superalloys. As a characteristic strengthening element, Re has become indispensable in modern Ni-based SX superalloys in spite of its high cost. In order to unveil the strengthening mechanisms of Re combined with other alloying elements, the local partitioning behaviors of alloying atoms X (X Mo, W, Cr, Ta, Re) at the γ/γ′ interfaces with and without Re were investigated by first-principles calculations. An innovative quantity called layer concentration was defined and calculated to study the distributions of the alloying elements near γ/γ′ interface. The results show that Mo, W, Re and Cr are soluble in the nearest layer to the coherent plane on γ side most, while Ta is soluble in the nearest layer to the coherent plane on γ′ side most. An extra Re atom fixed at its most preferable site increases the partitioning tendencies of X to γ all, although it does not change the most preferable site of X. The presence of X also increases the layer concentration of Re in its favorable layer. Both single-alloying X and co-alloying Re-X could stabilize and strengthen the γ/γ′ interface with enhanced Griffith rupture works. Especially, for γ phase solid solution elements, Re-W co-alloying has the strongest strengthening effect on the interface, followed by Re-Re unexpectedly. Therefore, properly replacing Re with W could theoretically play an important role in improving the interfacial strength. The obtained results give an insight into the strengthening mechanism on atomic scale focusing at γ/γ′ interface area and pave a way to design high-performance low-cost Ni-based SX superalloys in future. [Display omitted] • An innovative quantity called layer concentration is defined. • Re increases the partitioning tendencies of X (X=Mo, W, Ta, Cr) to γ. • The co-alloying Re-X could stabilize the γ/γ′ interface further. • Re enhances the optimal strengthening effect of X on the phase interface. • Replacing Re with W may play an important role in interfacial strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence, spatial distribution, and partitioning behavior of 17 marine lipophilic phycotoxins (MLPs) in surface and bottom seawater, particulate organic matter (POM), and surface sediment from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) were investigated to understand current contamination and the potential risks to marine ecosystems in this region. Nine MLPs were detected, including azaspiracid1−3, gymnodimine, okadaic acid, dinophysistoxin 1−2, pectenotoxin2 (PTX2), and homoyessotoxin, with Σ 17 MLP concentrations ranging 545–12,600 pg L−1 and 619−8,800 pg L−1 in surface and bottom seawater, respectively; 0–294 ng g−1 and 0.307–300 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) in surface and bottom POM, respectively; and 3.90–982 pg g−1 dw in surface sediment. Lower Σ 17 MLP levels in the seawater were found at the mouth of the PRE, and gradually increased with increasing distance offshore. According to the calculated partition coefficient, the affinity of MLPs for the aquatic environment components was as follows (from highest to lowest): POM > seawater > sediment. Overall, the distribution and migration of MLPs in the PRE may depend on partition coefficients, the organic carbon fraction, and environmental factors. [Display omitted] • MLPs spread in various environmental matrices from the Pearl River Estuary. • MLP levels were lower closer to the coast and increased with distance offshore. • The affinity of MLPs declined in sequence of POM > seawater > sediment. • Significant correlations have been examined between MLPs and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfides, although modally of low abundance in most igneous rocks, have strong influences on the geochemical behavior of many elements including Pb, Cu, Ni, and the PGEs. In a recent paper, we demonstrated a simple relationship between the sulfide-silicate partition coefficients DMsulf/sil of such elements and the FeO content of the coexisting silicate melt (Kiseeva and Wood 2013). logDMsulf/sil A-n/2 log [FeO] where n is the valency of element M, [FeO] is the concentration of FeO in the silicate in wt%, and A is a constant that depends on temperature and pressure. Elements that closely obey the simple model are Pb, In, Sb, Cd, Co, Zn, and Cr. We show here, however, that the fitted slope n depends not only on the valency of element M, but also on how M interacts with oxygen, the dissolution of which as FeO in the sulfide increases as the FeO content of the silicate melt increases. To take account of interactions of trace element M with FeO dissolved in the sulfide we introduce an additional parameter ... (Wagner 1962), which represents the difference between the lithophile and chalcophile properties of M and those of Fe. If ... is positive, then element M is more chalcophile than Fe and if negative more lithophile. We performed experiments to investigate partitioning of lithophile Nb, Ta, Ce, and Ti between sulfide and simplified basaltic melt and find that they all exhibit, as expected, concave upward behavior on a plot of logD vs. log[FeO]. New experiments on Cu at low FeO contents confirm that it is more chalcophile than Fe, yielding a concave-downward curve of logD vs. log[FeO]. The combined results mean that nominally lithophile elements may partition more strongly into sulfide than nominally chalcophile elements at either very low or very high FeO contents of the silicate melt. For example, as the FeO content of the silicate melt declines below about 1 wt%, the partition coefficient of Cu, DCusulf/sil declines to an unusually low value (DCusulf/sil ~80), whereas those for Nb (DNbsulf/sil ~600), and rare earths (REE's) increase strongly. Under these conditions, Nb is, therefore, substantially more "chalcophile" than Cu in that it partitions much more strongly into sulfide. The implications of these observations for the Earth are that under a wide range of conditions one would expect significant partitioning of REE, Nb, Ta, Ti, and other lithophile elements into sulfides. Wohlers and Wood (2015) have, for example, shown that the partitioning of U and the REE into sulfides at low FeO content of the silicate is sufficiently pronounced that addition of a reduced sulfur-rich body to the accreting Earth could generate observable fractionation of Nd from Sm and, together with S, transfer sufficient U to the core to provide a significant energy source for the geodynamo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(a) Schematic representation of various functionalities on the surface of ZnO@SiO 2 nanoparticles. The partially hydrophobic (PH-NPs, S2), hydrophobic (HP-NPs, S3), and hydrophilic (H-NPs, S4) functionalities were developed on the surface of ZnO@SiO 2 NPs using various silanes having methyl, octyl, and amino groups, respectively. (b,c) The fluorescent NPs (S4) stayed entirely in the water phase due to the presence of –NH 2 group (hydrophilic nature), while the fluorescent NPs (S3) moved completely toward the oil phase due to the presence of octyl-group (hydrophobic nature) on their surface. However, the luminescent NPs (S2) were shifted toward the interface between two phases due to partially hydrophobic character (CH 3) on their surface. [Display omitted] • ZnO@SiO 2 NPs were synthesized via a modified sol–gel Stober protocol. • Surface functionalities were attained by co-condensation of various silanes. • Surface chemistry and partitioning behavior of ZnO@SiO 2 NPs were investigated. • ZnO@SiO 2 NPs have excellent fluorescence stability in aqueous environments. • Stability of ZnO@SiO 2 NPs was examined under harsh reservoir conditions. Fluorescent nano-tracers are being utilized for oil sensing applications in the reservoir. In this work, we developed various hydrophobic, partially hydrophobic, and hydrophilic zinc oxide encapsulated silica nanoparticles (ZnO@SiO 2 NPs) as smart nano-agents for oil sensing applications. The surface of ZnO@SiO 2 NPs was functionalized by co-condensation using various silanes in combination with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Cryogenic TEM images display the average size of ZnO QDs (S0) and ZnO@SiO 2 nanoparticles (S1) around ∼5.3 nm and ∼50 nm, respectively. The surface chemistry and partitioning behavior of photoluminescent ZnO@SiO 2 NPs were investigated before and after mixing with the model oil under normal and UV light. The chemical and photoluminescence (PL) stability of ZnO@SiO 2 NPs was monitored in harsh reservoir conditions, such as variable temperature (30–100 °C) and high salinity (0–80 g L−1) environment. The results demonstrated that the surface modification and functionalization of these nano-agents with different functional groups (methyl, octyl) improved the nano-agents' selectivity and stability after changing their hydrophilic-hydrophobic surface characters. This work is opening new research in the field of oil sensing, which promotes their potential utilization as cost-effective and efficient fluorescent tracer materials for the oil exploration industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution, partitioning behavior, and diffusion of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) within sediment–porewater system were determined in two cores obtained from the Min-Zhe coastal mud of the East China Sea (ECS). Depth profiles of apparently dissolved PAH levels exhibited greater variabilities, with their elevated levels at depth and a high abundance of two-to three-ring PAHs observed. These distribution and composition patterns were inconsistent with the corresponding sediment PAHs, indicating differences in controlling factors for PAHs present in the system. In addition to compound's hydrophobicity, low detection of heavier PAHs in porewater was possibly correlated with the sediment transport process, as indicated by a relatively high weathering ratio in southern Min-Zhe coastal mud. PAH sorption affinity to the collected core sediments exhibited a generally decreasing trend downcore, as expressed by sediment–porewater partition coefficients. This was consistent with the higher content of porewater PAHs in deep core sediment. The established sediment total organic carbon (TOC)–porewater partitioning profiles in cores were predicted with amorphous organic carbon (AOC)-, coal tar-, and TOC-based distribution models, suggesting a dominant nonlinear sorption of PAHs to AOC. Through activity determinations, PAH diffusion within porewater was elucidated, with significant upward and downward mass transfer for PAHs occurring in both cores. The upward diffusion in the core collected from northern Min-Zhe coastal mud was in significant association with sediment TOC. This suggests that sediment TOC (especially AOC)-desorption of lighter PAHs into porewater, and therefore the possibility of their participation in environmental cycling. Baseline toxicity potential and toxic unit calculations indicated a relatively low exposure risk for benthic organisms to porewater PAHs. • Profiles and dominating factors of PAH levels in sediment and porewater differed. • Sorption of PAHs to amorphous organic carbon prevailed overall sorptive process. • Porewater PAHs presented upward and downward diffusion based on activity profiles. • PAH diffusion tendency in porewater was correlated with core sediment sorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs) are frequently found concentrated in acid mine drainage (AMD). The recovery of REEs from AMD has been successfully achieved using selective chemical precipitation. However, a portion of the REEs is often lost to the precipitates of the dominant metal contaminant ions. To better understand the REE partitioning behavior and mechanisms during the precipitation process, a systematic study was performed on both natural and synthetic AMD solutions. Precipitation test results show that REE removal was noticeably elevated at pH 4.0 after adding H 2 O 2 to convert ferrous to ferric ions, causing nearly complete precipitation of iron. Solution equilibrium calculations suggested that the REE removal increase was realized through adsorption onto the surfaces of the ferric precipitates. The presence of aluminum species in the solutions reduced the adsorption of REEs on the ferric precipitates. Based on electro-kinetic test results, it was concluded that aluminum species neutralize the negative surface charge of the ferric precipitates and compete with REEs for the adsorption active sites. The presence of ferrous ions in the solutions reduced REE adsorption on the aluminum precipitates at lower pH values (e.g., 5.0) due to competitive adsorption. However, at higher pH values (e.g., 6.0), REE removal to the precipitate product increased due to the precipitation of ferrous ions. In addition to the electro-kinetic tests and solution equilibrium calculations, mineralogy characterization, specific surface area measurement, particle size analysis, and morphology analysis were also conducted to investigate and identify the partitioning mechanisms. [Display omitted] • REE partitioning behavior and mechanisms were investigated. • Ferric precipitates have a higher adsorption capacity towards REEs. • The presence of aluminum ions reduced the adsorption of REEs on ferric precipitates. • The presence of ferrous ions reduced REE adsorption on aluminum precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial trends, partitioning behavior, and potential sources of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in water-sediment system from the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) were investigated in this study. The total concentrations of 75 PCNs in water and sediment samples were 0.022–0.310 ng/L and 0.01–1.59 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The homolog patterns in the sediment and water samples were somewhat different. Di-to tetra-CNs made larger contributions in the sediment, while the mono-to tri-CNs were dominant homologs in the water. Overall, the low-chlorinated naphthalenes (mono-to tetra-CNs) were found to be the dominant homologs in the YRD water and sediment samples, and the homolog group contributions to the total PCNs concentrations decreased as the number of chlorine atoms increased. CN-5/7 and CN-24/14 were found at high concentrations in both the water and sediment. Partitioning and transfer of PCNs between water and sediment were assessed by calculating the partition coefficients and fugacity fractions. The partition coefficients showed that PCNs were not in equilibrium status in the water–sediment system, and hydrophobicity played an important role in PCNs partitioning. The fugacity fractions indicated that mono- to tri-CNs had stronger tendencies to escape from the sediment into the water, while the high-chlorinated naphthalenes close to equilibrium. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis indicated that industrial thermal processes and the use and disposal of products containing PCNs industrial products are sources of PCNs in the YRD water-sediment system. [Display omitted] • Spatial trends, partitioning behavior and sources of PCNs in YRD were investigated. • The mono-to tetra-CNs were the dominant PCNs in water and sediment. • Partitioning and transfer of PCNs were assessed by partition coefficient and fugacity fraction. • Lower chlorinated PCNs had a stronger tendency to escape from the sediment to the water. • Emissions of PCNs during industrial thermal processes were the major sources in YRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailoring the partitioning behavior of solid solution strengtheners is a crucial design strategy for advanced Ni-based superalloys. The goal of this study was to maximize the enrichment of Mo, Re, Ru and W in the γ-matrix phase. To determine the composition dependency of the partitioning behavior, a set of polycrystalline superalloys with varying contents of these solid solution-strengthening elements and a W-containing single-crystalline alloy series with varying concentrations of the γ′-forming elements Ta and Ti was produced. Assessed properties include phase compositions by electron-probe micro-analysis, phase transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry and creep behavior. Re exhibits the most pronounced enrichment in the γ-matrix, followed by Mo, Ru and W. Due to the preference of the Al-sites in the γ′-phase in the order Ta > Ti > W > Mo > Re, the solid solution strengthening elements Mo, Re and W are displaced from the γ′-phase by increasing Ti and Ta contents. The investigated solutes do not directly influence the partitioning behavior of Ru as it prefers Ni-sites in the γ′-phase. Compressive creep experiments reveal a correlation between the content of solid solution strengtheners in the γ-phase and creep performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained increasing attention due to the potential health risks that they present. Secondary sludge and biosolids are known as notable PFAS emission routes to the environment. In this study, partitioning behavior of 14 PFAS were investigated across four secondary wastewater treatment types (activated sludge, trickling filter, biological nutrient removal, and rotating biological contactor; n = 10) and three sludge stabilization methods (composting, aerobic digestion, and anaerobic digestion; n = 6). Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate how PFAS sorption to secondary sludge and biosolid was affected by various treatment methods, solid properties, and solution chemistry parameters. Insignificant differences in compound-specific partitioning coefficients (K d) were observed among the four secondary treatment methods. However, sludge stabilization resulted in significantly different partitioning behavior among biosolid samples, in which anaerobically digested biosolids generally had significantly higher K d values compared to aerobically digested and composted biosolids (anaerobic digestion > aerobic digestion > composting). Multiple linear regression models were developed to explain analyte-specific K d values across the biosolid samples and identified that solid-specific property significance was as follows: protein fraction > organic matter fraction > lipid fraction. Stabilization generally decreased the PFAS sorption capacity relative to the secondary sludge samples. Furthermore, PFAS K d increased with elevated calcium concentrations and ionic strengths and decreased with increasing pH values in sludge and biosolid samples. These findings could inform the decision-making process to reduce the release of PFAS to the environment. • Sludge stabilization significantly affected PFAS K d in biosolid. • Secondary treatment did not significantly affect PFAS K d in sludge. • Biosolids generally had significantly lower PFAS K d compared to secondary sludge. • Protein was stronger predictor of PFAS K d than organic matter or lipid fraction. • Elevated mono- and divalent cations increased PFAS K d , while high pH decreased it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhalable fine particulate matter (PM), which is rich in Pb and other pollutants from coal-fired power plants, can cause air pollution and severe health problems. To facilitate the development of efficient techniques for controlling fine particulate Pb emissions, in this study, various types of size-resolved fine PM (<10.0 μm) were collected from the outlets of fabric filter units (FFs) at an industrial circulating fluidized bed (CFB) power plant to assess the distribution and partitioning behavior of Pb. The results showed that the mass particle size distribution (PSD) of the collected fine PM followed unimodal distribution, peaking at 5.8–4.7 μm, which might be caused by the fragmentation of limestone additives and new-formed CaSO 4. However, the mass PSD of Pb for size-fractionated PM displayed different distribution pattern. Two peaks were observed in the size ranges of 5.8–4.7 μm and 1.1–0.7 μm. The mechanism of Pb enrichment in the supermicron particles was mainly controlled by the surface adsorption reaction, which could be explained by 1/d p dependence and be improved using excess active CaO produced by the injected limestone. For submicron particles, gas-film transfer or heterogenous condensation (mass transfer) might represent the deposition mechanism. Besides Pb enrichment, it was found that the submicron particles (<0.7 μm) mainly consisted of Si-rich and Si–Al phases. The emission of those fine SiO 2 -bearing particles should be limited as they can be inhaled and can damage the respiratory system. Image 1 • The mass PSD of emitted PM 10 (unimodal pattern) differs its Pb fraction (bimodal pattern). • Pb deposited onto supermicron particles was controlled by surface chemisorption. • Pb deposited onto submicron particles might be controlled by heterogenous condensation. • The injection of limestone facilitated Pb enrichment in PM via forming Ca 2 PbO 4 at 600–800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three Co–30Ni-xAl-(15-x)W–1Ta–4Ti-yCr septenary alloys were systematically studied with the aim of developing multiple-component Co–Ni-base alloys with balanced properties. The microstructural stabilities were investigated at 1000 °C and 1100 °C after long-term aging. The experimental results indicate that increasing the Cr content significantly reduces the microstructural stability and promotes the precipitation of μ phase; while increasing Al/W ratio increases the γ′ volume fraction and the γ/γ′ lattice misfit. At the same time, increasing the Cr content increases the hardness of γ′ phase and increasing Al/W ratio shows the opposite effect. The APT results reveal that such effects should be mainly attributed to the change of elemental partitioning behaviors between the γ and γ′ phases. Furthermore, increasing the Cr content and Al/W ratio predominantly enhances the oxidation resistance at 1000 °C, resulting in promising oxidation property which is comparable to commercial Ni-base superalloys Waspaloy and Udimet 720. Finally, the well balance of the microstructural stability, alloy density, γ′ phase hardness and oxidation resistance can be achieved. This study will be beneficial for the continuous efforts on the development of multi-component Co–Ni-base superalloys for industrial applications. Image 1 • A Co–Ni–Al–W–Ta–Ti–Cr alloy with a balanced property profile was developed. • The Al/W ratio affects the misfit by changing the partitioning of γ/γ′ phases. • Additional Cr results in higher K γ ' / γ A l and lower K γ ' / γ W after long-term aging. • Increasing Al/W ratio or Cr content improves the oxidation resistance at 1000 °C. • Al > 11 at.% provides continuous Al 2 O 3 layer during oxidation at 1000 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of feed coals and coal combustion products (CCPs) from the Shenhuo and Yihua Power Plants in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, were studied by means of proximate analysis, Power X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM-EDX), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-AES). The environmental geochemistry of CCPs was evaluated by Al-normalized enrichment factor as well as European Standard EN-12457 leaching test. Two feed coals have the characteristics of low sulfur content, medium to high volatiles matter yields, medium moisture content, super low to medium ash yield, medium to high calorific value and low mineral content. The main crystalline facies in fly ash and slag are quartz and mullite, with a small amount of calcite, and some unburned carbon. Hematite, SrSO4 and barite also can be observed in fly ashes by SEM. Typical plerophere occurs in fine fly ash rather than the coarse fly ash. The concentration of most trace elements in CCPs falls within the lower concentration range of European fly ashes. With respect to the partitioning behavior of trace elements during coal combustion, S is highly volatile, and Mg, Na, Zn, B, Co, As, Nb, Zr, Cu and K also show certain volatility, which may to some extent emit to the atmosphere. Furthermore, leaching experiments show that leachable concentrations of most of the potentially toxic elements in CCPs are low, and the CCPs fall in the range between inert and nonhazardous landfill material regulated by the 2003/33/EC Decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]