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The high-intensity partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in karst underground rivers rapidly releases in open-flow sections. This is an important process affecting the global karst carbon cycle. This study focuses on the diurnal variation patterns and driving factors of CO2 exchange flux at the water–air interface in the open-flow sections of typical karst underground rivers in southwestern China. The inorganic carbon in water and water–air interface exchange fluxes are observed. Three representative survey stations, i.e., the outlet of the underground river (Q1), the river sections without submerged plants (H1), and the river sections with submerged plants (H2), are selected to study the CO2 exchange process and its influencing factors. The results show that the CO2 release flux at Q1 exhibits high pressure in the daytime and low pressure in the nighttime, while H1 and H2 exhibit the opposite pattern. The photosynthesis of submerged plants significantly inhibits the carbon release flux of the river, and in the river sections where submerged plants are distributed, their biological effects have inhibited approximately 0.131 Tg C/yr of carbon emissions. This study emphasizes the significant contribution of submerged plants in restraining the release of CO2, thereby promoting carbon sequestration and storage in karst water systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of CO2 emissions at the water–air interface from inland water bodies in the global carbon cycle has been recognized and is being studied more and more. Although it is important to accurately assess CO2 emission flux in a catchment, little research has been carried out to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in CO2 emissions in view of a water continuum. Here, we systematically compared the differences and control factors of CO2 degassing across the water–air interface of a spring–river–lake continuum in the discharge area of Baotuquan Spring in July 2017, which is a typical temperate karst spring area in Jinan city, northern China, using hydrogeochemical parameters, stable carbon isotope values, and CO2 degassing flux. Affected by the pCO2 concentration gradient between the water and ambient air, the spring water showed a high CO2 degassing flux (166.19 ± 91.91 mmol/(m2 d)). After the spring outlet, the CO2 degassing flux in the spring-fed river showed a slight increase (181.05 ± 155.61 mmol/(m2 d)) due to river flow rate disturbance. The river flow rate was significantly reduced by the "blockage" of the lake, which promoted the survival and reproduction of phytoplankton and provided favorable conditions for aquatic plant photosynthesis, increasing the plankton biomass in the lake to 3383.79 × 104/L. In addition, the significant decrease in the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and the increase in the δ13CDIC values in the lake also indicated that the photosynthesis of the lake's aquatic plants resulted in a significant decrease in the pCO2 concentration, thus limiting the amount of CO2 off-gassing (90.56 ± 55.03 mmol/(m2 d)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme impedance mismatch causes sound insulation at water–air interfaces, limiting numerous cross‐media applications such as ocean‐air wireless acoustic communication. Although quarter‐wave impedance transformers can improve transmission, they are not readily available for acoustics and are restricted by the fixed phase shift at full transmission. Here, this limitation is broken through impedance‐matched hybrid metasurfaces assisted by topology optimization. Sound transmission enhancement and phase modulation across the water–air interface are achieved independently. Compared to the bare water–air interface, it is experimentally observed that the average transmitted amplitude through an impedance‐matched metasurface at the peak frequency is enhanced by ≈25.9 dB, close to the limit of the perfect transmission 30 dB. And nearly 42 dB amplitude enhancement is measured by the hybrid metasurfaces with axial focusing function. Various customized vortex beams are experimentally realized to promote applications in ocean‐air communication. The physical mechanisms of sound transmission enhancement for broadband and wide‐angle incidences are revealed. The proposed concept has potential applications in efficient transmission and free communication across dissimilar media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Extreme impedance mismatch causes sound insulation at water–air interfaces, limiting numerous cross‐media applications such as ocean‐air wireless acoustic communication. Although quarter‐wave impedance transformers can improve transmission, they are not readily available for acoustics and are restricted by the fixed phase shift at full transmission. Here, this limitation is broken through impedance‐matched hybrid metasurfaces assisted by topology optimization. Sound transmission enhancement and phase modulation across the water–air interface are achieved independently. Compared to the bare water–air interface, it is experimentally observed that the average transmitted amplitude through an impedance‐matched metasurface at the peak frequency is enhanced by ≈25.9 dB, close to the limit of the perfect transmission 30 dB. And nearly 42 dB amplitude enhancement is measured by the hybrid metasurfaces with axial focusing function. Various customized vortex beams are experimentally realized to promote applications in ocean‐air communication. The physical mechanisms of sound transmission enhancement for broadband and wide‐angle incidences are revealed. The proposed concept has potential applications in efficient transmission and free communication across dissimilar media.

The high-intensity partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in karst underground rivers rapidly releases in open-flow sections. This is an important process affecting the global karst carbon cycle. This study focuses on the diurnal variation patterns and driving factors of CO2 exchange flux at the water–air interface in the open-flow sections of typical karst underground rivers in southwestern China. The inorganic carbon in water and water–air interface exchange fluxes are observed. Three representative survey stations, i.e., the outlet of the underground river (Q1), the river sections without submerged plants (H1), and the river sections with submerged plants (H2), are selected to study the CO2 exchange process and its influencing factors. The results show that the CO2 release flux at Q1 exhibits high pressure in the daytime and low pressure in the nighttime, while H1 and H2 exhibit the opposite pattern. The photosynthesis of submerged plants significantly inhibits the carbon release flux of the river, and in the river sections where submerged plants are distributed, their biological effects have inhibited approximately 0.131 Tg C/yr of carbon emissions. This study emphasizes the significant contribution of submerged plants in restraining the release of CO2, thereby promoting carbon sequestration and storage in karst water systems.

This paper presents the results of detailed studies of the processes of droplet formation and its characteristics under conditions of artificially induction of a bag-breakup fragmentation event. A shadow imaging method was used in combination with the high-speed video filming of the side-view fragmentation process. Trajectories and ejection velocity characteristics of the formed droplets are determined by identifying particles in consecutive frames with combined use of Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). Based on the results of trajectory processing, the distributions of droplet velocities for the selected regions are obtained, and estimates of the ejection velocities at various heights are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a similar approach as Korteweg and de Vries, [19], we obtain periodic solutions expressed in terms of the Jacobi elliptic function cn, [3], for the self-focusing and defocusing one-dimensional cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equations. We will show that solitary wave solutions are recovered through a limiting process after the elliptic modulus of the Jacobi elliptic function cn that describes the periodic solutions for the self-focusing nonlinear Schrödinger model.

The significance of CO2 emissions at the water–air interface from inland water bodies in the global carbon cycle has been recognized and is being studied more and more. Although it is important to accurately assess CO2 emission flux in a catchment, little research has been carried out to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in CO2 emissions in view of a water continuum. Here, we systematically compared the differences and control factors of CO2 degassing across the water–air interface of a spring–river–lake continuum in the discharge area of Baotuquan Spring in July 2017, which is a typical temperate karst spring area in Jinan city, northern China, using hydrogeochemical parameters, stable carbon isotope values, and CO2 degassing flux. Affected by the pCO2 concentration gradient between the water and ambient air, the spring water showed a high CO2 degassing flux (166.19 ± 91.91 mmol/(m2 d)). After the spring outlet, the CO2 degassing flux in the spring-fed river showed a slight increase (181.05 ± 155.61 mmol/(m2 d)) due to river flow rate disturbance. The river flow rate was significantly reduced by the “blockage” of the lake, which promoted the survival and reproduction of phytoplankton and provided favorable conditions for aquatic plant photosynthesis, increasing the plankton biomass in the lake to 3383.79 × 104/L. In addition, the significant decrease in the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and the increase in the δ13CDIC values in the lake also indicated that the photosynthesis of the lake’s aquatic plants resulted in a significant decrease in the pCO2 concentration, thus limiting the amount of CO2 off-gassing (90.56 ± 55.03 mmol/(m2 d)).

Revealing the magnitude, dynamics, and influencing factors of CO 2 emissions across the water-air interface in karst water with high frequency is crucial for accurately assessing the carbon budget in a karst environment. Due to the limitations of observation methods, the current research is still very insufficient. To solve the above problems and clarify the main influencing factors of CO 2 emission in karst water, this study selected Dalongdong (DLD) Reservoir, located in the typical karst peak and valley area in southwest China, to carry out a multi-parameter high-frequency monitoring study from January to December 2021, and used the thin boundary model method to estimate the CO 2 flux across the water-air interface (CF). The average annual flux of DLD reservoir is 84.48 mmol·(m2·h)−1, which represents a CO 2 source overall. However, during the stratification period in August, there is a transient carbon sink due to negative CO 2 emission. The alteration of thermal stratification in water is crucial in regulating the seasonal variation of CF. Meanwhile, the diurnal variation is significantly influenced by changes in hydrochemical parameters during the thermal stratification stage. Compared to low wind speeds (<3 m/s), high wind speeds (≥3 m/s) have a greater impact on the CO 2 flux. Furthermore, high-frequency continuous data revealed that the reservoir triggered a CO 2 pulse emission during the turnover process, primarily at night, leading to unusually high CO 2 flux values. It is of great significance to monitor and reveal the process, flux, and control factors of CO 2 flux in land water at a high-frequency strategy. They will help improve the accuracy of regional or watershed carbon budgets and clarify the role of global land water in the global carbon budget. [Display omitted] • CO 2 emission flux shows seasonal and diurnal variations at hourly high resolution. • "Pulse" events are induced during the thermal stratification fading period. • CF changes are impacted by temperature, wind speed, and biogeochemical processes. • The total net CO 2 emission is about 2.43 Gg in 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a pressurized, water-filled impedance tube (WFIT) was developed to measure the reflection coefficients of sound-absorbing materials under various hydrostatic pressures. The developed WFIT was calibrated using a two-microphone, three-parameter calibration method (3PCM). The accuracy and repeatability of the measured reflection coefficients for the water–air interface in the WFIT were determined by comparing these coefficients with corresponding theoretical reflection coefficients. The WFIT was then used to measure the acoustic reflection coefficient of a porous rubber specimen on three dates, and the corresponding measurement results exhibited satisfactory repeatability. The aforementioned impedance tube was also used to measure the reflection coefficient of a porous rubber specimen under a hydrostatic pressure of 4 Patm three times on the same day, and one time each on three days, using the same experimental setup and measurement procedure. The results obtained in the aforementioned tests also exhibited satisfactory repeatability. Finally, the WFIT was used to measure the reflection coefficients of porous rubber specimens with various thicknesses under different hydrostatic pressures. The results of this study indicate that the developed WFIT calibrated with the 3PCM can achieve suitable repeatability in the measurement of the reflection coefficients of sound-absorbing materials under various hydrostatic pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of detailed studies of the processes of droplet formation and its characteristics under conditions of artificially induction of a bag-breakup fragmentation event. A shadow imaging method was used in combination with the high-speed video filming of the side-view fragmentation process. Trajectories and ejection velocity characteristics of the formed droplets are determined by identifying particles in consecutive frames with combined use of Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). Based on the results of trajectory processing, the distributions of droplet velocities for the selected regions are obtained, and estimates of the ejection velocities at various heights are proposed.

In this study, a pressurized, water-filled impedance tube (WFIT) was developed to measure the reflection coefficients of sound-absorbing materials under various hydrostatic pressures. The developed WFIT was calibrated using a two-microphone, three-parameter calibration method (3PCM). The accuracy and repeatability of the measured reflection coefficients for the water–air interface in the WFIT were determined by comparing these coefficients with corresponding theoretical reflection coefficients. The WFIT was then used to measure the acoustic reflection coefficient of a porous rubber specimen on three dates, and the corresponding measurement results exhibited satisfactory repeatability. The aforementioned impedance tube was also used to measure the reflection coefficient of a porous rubber specimen under a hydrostatic pressure of 4 Patm three times on the same day, and one time each on three days, using the same experimental setup and measurement procedure. The results obtained in the aforementioned tests also exhibited satisfactory repeatability. Finally, the WFIT was used to measure the reflection coefficients of porous rubber specimens with various thicknesses under different hydrostatic pressures. The results of this study indicate that the developed WFIT calibrated with the 3PCM can achieve suitable repeatability in the measurement of the reflection coefficients of sound-absorbing materials under various hydrostatic pressures.

It was previously shown that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is spontaneously produced in micrometer-sized water droplets (microdroplets), which are generated by atomizing bulk water using nebulization without the application of an external electric field. Here we report that H2O2 is spontaneously produced in water microdroplets formed by dropwise condensation of water vapor on low-temperature substrates. Because peroxide formation is induced by a strong electric field formed at the water-air interface of microdroplets, no catalysts or external electrical bias, as well as precursor chemicals, are necessary. Time-course observations of the H2O2 production in condensate microdroplets showed that H2O2 was generated from microdroplets with sizes typically less than ∼10 μm. The spontaneous production of H2O2 was commonly observed on various different substrates, including silicon, plastic, glass, and metal. Studies with substrates with different surface conditions showed that the nucleation and the growth processes of condensate water microdroplets govern H2O2 generation. We also found that the H2O2 production yield strongly depends on environmental conditions, including relative humidity and substrate temperature. These results show that the production of H2O2 occurs in water microdroplets formed by not only atomizing bulk water but also condensing water vapor, suggesting that spontaneous water oxidation to form H2O2 from water microdroplets is a general phenomenon. These findings provide innovative opportunities for green chemistry at heterogeneous interfaces, self-cleaning of surfaces, and safe and effective disinfection. They also may have important implications for prebiotic chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A storage tunnel system is the critical infrastructure of urban drainage systems, in which the rapid filling of water and release of trapped air can lead to the "geyser" phenomenon. This may cause serious damage, threatening both system operation and personal safety. In this paper, a detailed experimental study was carried out based on synchronous recorded video images and digital image processing technology. According to experimental observations, gas-flow geysers and surge-type geysers were analyzed deeply. The former is caused by high-speed gas flow and is accompanied by a pressure drop; the latter is caused by surge pressure and is accompanied by a pressure increase. The free surface velocity of the gas-flow geyser is mainly affected by the external pressure, the air volume, the diameter of the shaft, and the height of the water column, and the geyser phenomenon cannot occur when the air column is mainly dominated by buoyancy. Based on dimensional analysis and data fitting, this paper presents the empirical formula for the free surface velocity and the interface net velocity and puts forward the critical occurrence conditions for the gas-flow geyser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobins (HPs) are small secreted fungal proteins possibly involved in several processes such as formation of fungal aerial structures, attachment to hydrophobic surfaces, interaction with the environment and protection against the host defense system. The genome of the necrotrophic plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum contains five genes encoding for HPs (FgHyd1-5). Single and triple FgHyd mutants were produced and characterized. A reduced growth was observed when the ΔFghyd2 and the three triple mutants including the deletion of FgHyd2 were grown in complete or minimal medium. Surprisingly, the growth of these mutants was similar to wild-type when grown under ionic, osmotic or oxidative stress conditions. All the mutant strains confirmed the ability to develop conidia and perithecia, suggesting that the FgHyds are not involved in normal development of asexual and sexual structures. A reduction in the ability of hyphae to penetrate through the water-air interface was observed for the single mutants ΔFghyd2 and ΔFghyd3 as well as for the triple mutants including the deletion of FgHyd2 and FgHyd3. Besides, ΔFghyd3 and the triple mutant ΔFghyd234 were also affected in the attachment to hydrophobic surface. Indeed, wheat infection experiments showed a reduction of symptomatic spikelets for ΔFghyd2 and ΔFghyd3 and the triple mutants only when spray inoculation was performed. This result could be ascribed to the affected ability of mutants deleted of FgHyd2 and FgHyd3 to penetrate through the water-air interface and to attach to hydrophobic surfaces such as the spike tissue. This hypothesis is strengthened by a histological analysis, performed by fluorescence microscopy, showing no defects in the morphology of infection structures produced by mutant strains. Interestingly, triple hydrophobin mutants were significantly more inhibited than wild-type by the treatment with a systemic triazole fungicide, while no defects at the cell wall level were observed.

We have shown that, unlike bulk water, tiny water droplets (microdroplets) cause reduction of gold ions (1) as well as a number of organic compounds (2). Evidence has been presented that the source of electrons arises from hydroxyl anions (OH-) at or near the surface of the microdroplet (2). We report the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aqueous microdroplets and suggest that the observed H2O2 results from the recombination of hydroxyl radicals (OH) at or near the air- water interface of aqueous microdroplets sprayed into roomtemperature air. Hydrogen peroxide is a commodity chemical that has many different applications, such as chemical synthesis or as a disinfectant, in mining and metal processing, as well as pulp and textile bleaching (3). H2O2 has often been touted as a green oxidant because, upon decomposition, it generates oxygen and water (4). However, the most common industrial method (~95% worldwide) for 2O2 synthesis (5), the 2-step anthraquinone process, cannot be considered green (6) because organic wastes are generated from inefficient oxidation of the anthraquinone. Some advances in H2O2 synthesis have focused on catalytically combining 2 and 2 (7, 8). Other methods electrochemically generate H2O2 by electrolysis of O2 at the anode (9, 10), or photocatalytically generate reactive superoxo radicals (11). Recently, H2O2 was formed from a reaction between plasma and a water surface (12). However, these direct synthesis methods of H2O2 have limitations, including the use of precious metal catalysts, low yields, required 2 supply, and high energy consumption (13, 14). In what follows, we report the direct, spontaneous generation of H22 from aqueous microdroplets in the absence of applied voltage, catalyst, or any other added chemicals. We alsospeculate about the nature of the mechanism responsible for these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurements of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of 10 monoterpene alcohols, MAs: (−)-β-citronellol, geraniol, tetrahydrolinalool, linalool, (−)-menthol, (−)-terpinen-4-ol, p-cymene-8-ol, α-terpineol, isoborneol and (−)-borneol were made at T = 293 K. On the basis of the obtained results the values of the adsorption constant, the excluded area per molecule at the interface and the interaction parameter were determined by fitting the experimental data to various adsorption models. Next the adsorption free energy of studied MAs was determined and discussed in terms of the preferred orientation of studied MAs at the water–air interface and molecular structure of MAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was shown in recent experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that Schrage equation predicts evaporation and condensation rates of water in the absence of a non-condensable gas with good accuracy. However, it is not clear whether Schrage equation is still accurate or even valid for quantifying water evaporation and condensation rates in air. In this work, we carry out MD simulations to study steady-state evaporation and condensation of water at a planar water-air interface. The simulation results show that the evaporation and condensation fluxes of water in the presence of air are still in a good agreement with the predictions from Schrage equation. From Schrage equation and Stefan's law of mass diffusion, we derive an analytical expression for the effective thermal conductivity of a planar heat pipe. The analytical prediction of the dependence of effective thermal conductivity on heat pipe length and density of non-condensable gas is corroborated by our MD simulation results and recent experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Molecular fragment dynamics: fast new DPD-based mesoscopic simulation method. [•] “Coarse-grained” molecular structures represented by connected molecular fragments. [•] Aggregation of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether surfactants at the water–air interface. [•] Calculated surface tensions and CMC values in agreement with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Adsorption of the fluorocarbon surfactant is hindered in the same way by the mixture of Tritons as the critical micelle concentration. [•] Tendency to adsorption of fluorocarbon surfactants from the mixtures is higher than from pure solutions. [•] Mixtures with FSN100 and FSO100 have two different values of CMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of ternary and binary surfactant mixtures of p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl) phenoxypoly(ethylene glycols), i.e., ethoxylated tert-octylphenol with 8, 10 and 16 ethylene oxide groups, respectively called TOP8, TOP10 and TOP16, were carried out at 293 K. Based on the surface tension isotherms, the Gibbs surface excess of surfactants concentration at the water-air interface was determined and then recalculated for the Guggenheim-Adam surface excess concentration of these substrates. Next the monomer mole fractions of surfactants in the surface layer were determined and compared with those calculated on the basis of both Rosen's approach and the composition in the bulk phase. Taking into account these different values of composition of the mixed monolayer at the water-air interface, the molecular interaction parameters of surfactants, their activity coefficients and the free enthalpy of their mixing were also calculated. As follows from the measurements and calculations, among other things, by the addition of the differences between the values of the mole fraction of surfactants calculated on the basis of Rosen's approach and those determined on the basis of surface excess concentrations, the mole fraction of the solvent at the water-air interface can be determined. Graphical Abstract: Values of the monomer mole fractions of surfactants in the mixed monolayer calculated on the basis of the Rosen's approach and surface excess concentration determined from the Gibbs ( X( G)) and Guggenheim-Adam ( X( G − A)) equations.[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of the carbon cycling in Lake Taihu was developed based on the previous developed model EcoTaihu Model, which couples the hydrology, the nutrient cycling and a number of biological processes. The carbon cycling model (abbreviated CCM) has in addition to the states variables of the EcoTaihu Model, the carbon in phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, macroplant, hydrogen carbonate carbon, carbonate carbon, dissolved carbon, abiotic organic carbon in water, organic carbon in sediment, soluble organic carbon in pore water, inorganic carbon in sediments, soluble inorganic carbon in pore water and pH. The calibration and validation of the CCM showed that the model results are in good accordance with the observations (from the period February 17 to December 5, 2003). It implies that the model can be used to assess the variation of the carbon dioxide flux at the water–air interface, and to find the pH value of the lake water as function of time. According to the model, the carbon dioxide flux at the water–air interface has clear, diurnal variations. Eutrophied water is a sink for the atmospheric carbon dioxide due to the phytosynthesis during the summer. Due to the terrestrial input of carbon to the lake, Lake Taihu is, however, a source of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The total annual flux is almost equal to the terrestrial input of carbon to the lake. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report a novel strategy on the controlled assembly of gold nanoparticles (NPs) at the air–water interface by designing a concentration gradient of electrolytes utilizing volatile weak acidic electrolytes. Films of close-packed Au NPs can be facilely obtained by exposing citrate-protected gold colloids to the vapor of formic acid for several hours in an airtight desiccator at room temperature. Both the higher interfacial concentration of formic acid and the buffer effect of citrate solution play the key roles in the assembly. They engender a gradient distribution of hydrogen ions such that to trigger the interfacial assembly of gold NPs while preventing the bulk colloid from aggregation and coagulation. Comparative investigations have also been performed either using other volatile electrolytes like weaker acetic acid and stronger hydrochloric acid or adding an electrolyte directly into the colloids. The as-prepared films of gold NPs can serve as good substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This strategy has also been applied to the assembly of some other NPs like colloidal Pt at the air–water interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Surface and interfacial tension measurements have been performed at the water/air and water/hexane interface by drop profile analysis tensiometry for a series of alkyl trimethylammonium bromides with different chain lengths (C10, C12, C14 and C16). The effect of neutral phosphate buffer (10mM, pH 7) has been investigated and the results have been compared with literature data obtained for the same surfactants in the absence of salt. The use of a modified Frumkin isotherm (Ionic Compressibility) taking into account the mean activity of all ions in solution leads to a real improvement of the data interpretation, while the classical Frumkin Compressibility model yields similar results but overestimates the adsorption parameters. At the water/hexane interface, the hexane molecules are incorporated in the surfactant layer and it results a kind of competitive adsorption for the shortest chain surfactant (10 carbons). For the longest chains, the attractive interactions between the hydrophobic chains of the adsorbed surfactants are strong enough to replace the solvent molecules from the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Surface tension, density and conductivity measurements were carried out for systems containing mixtures of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxypoly(ethylene glycol), Triton X-100 (TX100). The obtained results of the surface tension measurements were compared with those calculated from the relations derived by Joos, Miller and co-workers. From the comparison it appeared that using the modified adsorption isotherm derived by Joos the adsorption behaviour of CTAB and TX100 mixture can be predicted satisfactorily; however, the values of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of these mixtures calculated on the basis of the simple relationships of Miller et al. are a little higher than those measured in contrast to many two component systems of surfactants studied earlier. On the basis of the results obtained from the measurements and calculations it was found that there is a linear relationship between the surface tension and composition of CTAB and TX100 mixtures at their low concentration; however, in the concentration range corresponding to that of the saturated monolayer at the interface a negative deviation from the linear relationship is observed. This fact and the values of the parameters of molecular interactions in the mixed monolayer suggest that there is synergism in the reduction of the surface tension of aqueous solutions of CTAB and TX100 mixture when saturation of the monolayer is achieved. The negative parameters of intermolecular interaction in the mixed micelle and calculations based on MT theory of Blankschtein indicate that there is also synergism in the micelle formation for CTAB and TX100 mixture. It was also found that the values of the standard free energy of micellization for the mixture of CTAB and TX100 are somewhat lower than for individual components and they can be predicted on the basis of Maeda equation and the mole fraction of surfactant and free enthalpy of mixing CTAB and TX100 in the micelle. Our measurements and calculations indicate that the volume both of the individual surfactants and mixture studied decreases during the micellization process; however, at the concentration of the surfactants higher than CMC an increase of this volume is observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A liquid–air interface in an inclined open-channel water flows was studied experimentally as the flow changes from “weak” to “strong” turbulence. In this regime, the interface is highly agitated by bulk eddies and waves, but not broken. The surface deformation statistics were obtained under a variety of conditions, including different inclination angles and flow rates. The parameter space is described in terms of Reynolds, Froude, and Weber numbers. The surface-normal displacements were obtained via the time series of the fluctuating flow depth with an ultrasound transducer. Independently, the in-plane changes in surface structures were acquired with a high-speed camera. These structures are seen as surface cells. By applying a newly developed image processing technique, the cell celerity was found to agree well with the mean flow velocity. This suggests that the cells appear when a turbulent surface-renewal eddy interacts with the interface. As the flow changes to strong turbulence, the turbulence–interface interactions become dominant over the wave phenomena, and the turbulent structures at the surface become more 3D (similar to those in the bulk flow), compared to quasi-2D structures in the weak turbulence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plastic debris in the marine environment are the subject of an extensive literature. According to studies dedicated to the determination of plastic litter abundance and to the characterisation of degradation and fragmentation processes, models were used to estimate the global plastic debris abundance and to simulate their transfer and distribution. Despite these efforts, there is still missing plastic in the models used as areas exist where plastic abundance is less than that estimated. In parallel, microplastics presence in the atmosphere and in remote areas was confirmed suggesting long range atmospheric transport. Potentially addressing both these issues, recent literature suggests that microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) can be transferred from the marine environment to the atmosphere via the bursting of air bubbles at the sea surface. Nevertheless, to date there is no direct evidence of this transfer. In this study, we evaluate plastic particles transfer as a function of MPs/NPs characteristics and water composition by simulating the bubble bursting phenomenon in a laboratory reactor. Size distribution of transferred particles were recorded, and their plastic nature was confirmed using electron microscopy. Results show that under tested conditions, the transfer is possible but limited to particles smaller than 1 μm. The influence of the presence of proxies of components of the sea surface microlayer in the water was evaluated showing a higher particle transfer rate in the presence of a surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and no significant effect of polysaccharides (xanthan gum and dextran). The surface state of the particles can alter their behaviour in the aqueous phase and thus their transfer to the atmosphere. The effect of bubble size was also evaluated showing a higher transfer rate with the smaller bubble size. In addition, experiments performed with grounded polyethylene (PE) samples showed higher transfer for UV-aged PE than for pristine PE. [Display omitted] • Plastic particles are transferred by bubble bursting at the water-air interface. • The transfer is limited to particles smaller than 1 μm in tested conditions. • Under tested conditions, SDS surfactant promotes particle transfer. • Hydrophilic/hydrophobic particle transfer rate varies according to water composition. • UV-aged PE particles are transferred as opposed to pristine PE particles. Plastic particles are transferred by bubble bursting at the water-air interface according to their size, surface properties, and water composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Static floating chambers (FCs) are the conventional method to measure CH 4 fluxes across the water-air interface in ponds, while thin boundary layer (TBL) modelling is increasingly used to estimate CH 4 fluxes. In this study, both FCs measurements and TBL models of gas transfer velocity were used to determine CH 4 evasion from aquaculture ponds in southeastern China. The surface water CH 4 concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 9.1 μmol L-1 with an average of 4.8 ± 0.8 μmol L-1. CH 4 flux was always positive, indicating the ponds as a persistent CH 4 source to air. Mean CH 4 flux based on different TBL models showed large variations, ranging between 19 and 316 μmol m−2 h−1. Compared against the direct measurement FCs , three TBL models developed for the open sea, flowing estuarine system and lentic ecosystem (TBL W92a , TBL RC01 , and TBL CL98 , respectively) overestimated CH 4 emission by 40–200%, while the wind tunnel-based TBL model (TBL LM86) underestimated CH 4 emission. Two TBL models developed for lakes (TBL W92b and TBL CW03) gave estimates similar to FCs. • Aquaculture ponds emit CH 4. • Large variations in diffusive CH 4 fluxes are estimated by different thin boundary layer (TBL) models. • Methane fluxes measured by chambers and match those estimated by only some TBL models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Precise measurements of the surface tension of water in air vs. humidity at 5, 10, 15, and 20°C are shown. For constant temperature, surface tension decreases linearly for increasing humidity in air. These experimental data are in good agreement with a simple model based on Newton’s laws here proposed. It is assumed that evaporating molecules of water are ejected from liquid to gas with a mean normal component of the speed of “ejection” greater than zero. A high humidity in the air reduces the net flow of evaporating water molecules lowering the effective surface tension on the drop. Therefore, just steam in air acts as an effective surfactant for the water–air interface. It can partially substitute chemical surfactants helping to reduce their environmental impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper investigates the physical processes involved in the water filling and air expelling process of a pipe with multiple air valves under water slow filling condition, and develops a fully coupledwater–air two-phase stratified numerical model for simulating the process. In this model, the Saint-Venant equations and the Vertical Average Navier–Stokes equations (VANS) are respectively applied to describe the water and air in pipe, and the air valve model is introduced into the VANS equations of air as the source term. The finite-volume method and implicit dual time-stepping method (IDTS) with two-order accuracy are simultaneously used to solve this numerical model to realize the full coupling between water and air movement. Then, the model is validated by using the experimental data of the pressure evolution in pipe and the air velocity evolution of air valves, which respectively characterize the water filling and air expelling process. The results show that the model performs well in capturing the physical processes, and a reasonable agreement is obtained between numerical and experimental results. This agreement demonstrates that the proposed model in this paper offers a practical method for simulating water filling and air expelling process in a pipe with multiple air valves under water slow filling condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was previously shown [J. K. Lee et al. , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A , 116, 19294-19298 (2019)] that hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is spontaneously produced in micrometer-sized water droplets (microdroplets), which are generated by atomizing bulk water using nebulization without the application of an external electric field. Here we report that H 2 O 2 is spontaneously produced in water microdroplets formed by dropwise condensation of water vapor on low-temperature substrates. Because peroxide formation is induced by a strong electric field formed at the water-air interface of microdroplets, no catalysts or external electrical bias, as well as precursor chemicals, are necessary. Time-course observations of the H 2 O 2 production in condensate microdroplets showed that H 2 O 2 was generated from microdroplets with sizes typically less than ∼10 µm. The spontaneous production of H 2 O 2 was commonly observed on various different substrates, including silicon, plastic, glass, and metal. Studies with substrates with different surface conditions showed that the nucleation and the growth processes of condensate water microdroplets govern H 2 O 2 generation. We also found that the H 2 O 2 production yield strongly depends on environmental conditions, including relative humidity and substrate temperature. These results show that the production of H 2 O 2 occurs in water microdroplets formed by not only atomizing bulk water but also condensing water vapor, suggesting that spontaneous water oxidation to form H 2 O 2 from water microdroplets is a general phenomenon. These findings provide innovative opportunities for green chemistry at heterogeneous interfaces, self-cleaning of surfaces, and safe and effective disinfection. They also may have important implications for prebiotic chemistry., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.

Hydrophobins (HPs) are small secreted fungal proteins possibly involved in several processes such as formation of fungal aerial structures, attachment to hydrophobic surfaces, interaction with the environment and protection against the host defense system. The genome of the necrotrophic plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum contains five genes encoding for HPs (FgHyd1-5). Single and triple FgHyd mutants were produced and characterized. A reduced growth was observed when the Δ Fghyd2 and the three triple mutants including the deletion of FgHyd2 were grown in complete or minimal medium. Surprisingly, the growth of these mutants was similar to wild-type when grown under ionic, osmotic or oxidative stress conditions. All the mutant strains confirmed the ability to develop conidia and perithecia, suggesting that the FgHyds are not involved in normal development of asexual and sexual structures. A reduction in the ability of hyphae to penetrate through the water-air interface was observed for the single mutants Δ Fghyd2 and Δ Fghyd3 as well as for the triple mutants including the deletion of FgHyd2 and FgHyd3. Besides, Δ Fghyd3 and the triple mutant Δ Fghyd234 were also affected in the attachment to hydrophobic surface. Indeed, wheat infection experiments showed a reduction of symptomatic spikelets for Δ Fghyd2 and Δ Fghyd3 and the triple mutants only when spray inoculation was performed. This result could be ascribed to the affected ability of mutants deleted of FgHyd2 and FgHyd3 to penetrate through the water-air interface and to attach to hydrophobic surfaces such as the spike tissue. This hypothesis is strengthened by a histological analysis, performed by fluorescence microscopy, showing no defects in the morphology of infection structures produced by mutant strains. Interestingly, triple hydrophobin mutants were significantly more inhibited than wild-type by the treatment with a systemic triazole fungicide, while no defects at the cell wall level were observed.