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Agonistic behavior is a problem of animal welfare in commercial turkey fattening. In this study, possible influences of the barn layout and the climate of the barn on the behavior of fattening turkeys on a commercial farm were investigated. The study was conducted on a turkey farm with two comparable barns. A modified ventilation system was installed in the trial barn to improve the removal of NH3 and CO2. The drinkers were rearranged to increase the animals' free floor area. In each barn, 3600 male turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were housed. Videos were recorded continuously from housing until removal for three consecutive fattening periods. NH3 and CO2 values were recorded. Turkeys showed increased activity (p < 0.001) and comfort behavior in the trial barn during late fattening (p = 0.002). Agonistic behavior increased during late fattening, particularly around the drinkers (p < 0.001). NH3 levels differed at the beginning of fattening. The study shows that extending the resting area contributes to increased activity and comfort behavior. The rearrangement of drinkers showed no positive effects on agonistic behavior, as the distance between individual drinkers was too small. Due to behavioral differences being most evident in late fattening, no conclusions can be drawn concerning the influence of CO2 and NH3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agonistic behavior is a problem of animal welfare in commercial turkey fattening. In this study, possible influences of the barn layout and the climate of the barn on the behavior of fattening turkeys on a commercial farm were investigated. The study was conducted on a turkey farm with two comparable barns. A modified ventilation system was installed in the trial barn to improve the removal of NH3 and CO2. The drinkers were rearranged to increase the animals’ free floor area. In each barn, 3600 male turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were housed. Videos were recorded continuously from housing until removal for three consecutive fattening periods. NH3 and CO2 values were recorded. Turkeys showed increased activity (p < 0.001) and comfort behavior in the trial barn during late fattening (p = 0.002). Agonistic behavior increased during late fattening, particularly around the drinkers (p < 0.001). NH3 levels differed at the beginning of fattening. The study shows that extending the resting area contributes to increased activity and comfort behavior. The rearrangement of drinkers showed no positive effects on agonistic behavior, as the distance between individual drinkers was too small. Due to behavioral differences being most evident in late fattening, no conclusions can be drawn concerning the influence of CO2 and NH3.

This paper presents the results of a simulation study on the selection of an energy-optimal refrigeration system based on natural refrigerants as a function of outdoor climate parameters as a decision variable in a supermarket application. Simulations were conducted for twelve locations. Three new original refrigeration systems were presented: Cascade R744/R717 which is an advanced booster extended with an ammonia condensing system (CASC_1); Cascade R744/R717 with CO2 pump-fed MT and pressure-fed LT evaporators (CASC_2); and the R717 booster with CO2 pump-fed MT and LT evaporators (CB_NH3). As a reference system, a CO2 booster system with multi-ejectors and flooded evaporators (CB_EJ) was adopted. The CB_EJ system has been confirmed to be energy optimal for cold and temperate climates (Cfb, Dfa and cooler). In warm temperate climates (Csa, BSk, Cfa and similar), the energy consumption of CB_NH3 was the lowest. CASC_2 and CB_NH3 are energy optimal for hot climates (BWh, Af, Aw). The CB_NH3 system always outperforms CASC_2 by 2.5–3.8%. For a tropical climate (Bhubaneswar—Aw), the annual electricity demand of the optimal CB_NH3 system is lower by 18.8%, 10.2%, and 2.7% relative to CB_EJ, CASC_1, and CASC_2, respectively. The COP of the CASC_1 (outdoor temperature 40 °C) is higher by 50%, 2.7%, and 4.7% compared with the CB_EJ, CB_NH3 and CASC_2 systems, respectively. The application of CASC_1 system, relative to CB_EJ, is reasonable only for hot climates and decreases by 7.2% the annual electricity demand for Bhubaneswar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sustainable application practices, which do not demand incorporation into the soil, is necessary to encourage slurry use in conservation agriculture (CA). Incorporation is the most common practice to reduce nitrogen losses from the applied slurry. However, in CA, soil disturbance must be avoided. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate strategies to reduce gaseous emissions from dairy slurry applied to stubble-covered soil without incorporation. We evaluated (1) effects on ammonia (NH3) emissions of pretreatment by acidification (ADS), irrigation (IR) and placement under the stubble (US); and (2) effects of ADS, IR, US and delayed fertilization (RDS T16) on greenhouse gases (GHG). The results of the evaluated strategies were compared to raw slurry (RDS) and ammonium sulphate (MS). Additionally, in experiment 2, the results were compared to ammonium sulphate (MB) and slurry injection (IN), both in bare soil. ADS, US and IR decreased NH3 emissions by 66%, 60% and 32.5%, respectively, with total N emissions NH3 emissions accounting for more than 79% of N losses in slurry-based treatments. Late application reduced N2O emissions by 48%. GHG emissions from ADS, US and IR were similar to those from MS, MB and IN. ADS, US and IR are the most suitable strategies for slurry application in CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a simulation study on the selection of an energy-optimal refrigeration system based on natural refrigerants as a function of outdoor climate parameters as a decision variable in a supermarket application. Simulations were conducted for twelve locations. Three new original refrigeration systems were presented: Cascade R744/R717 which is an advanced booster extended with an ammonia condensing system (CASC_1); Cascade R744/R717 with CO2 pump-fed MT and pressure-fed LT evaporators (CASC_2); and the R717 booster with CO2 pump-fed MT and LT evaporators (CB_NH3). As a reference system, a CO2 booster system with multi-ejectors and flooded evaporators (CB_EJ) was adopted. The CB_EJ system has been confirmed to be energy optimal for cold and temperate climates (Cfb, Dfa and cooler). In warm temperate climates (Csa, BSk, Cfa and similar), the energy consumption of CB_NH3 was the lowest. CASC_2 and CB_NH3 are energy optimal for hot climates (BWh, Af, Aw). The CB_NH3 system always outperforms CASC_2 by 2.5–3.8%. For a tropical climate (Bhubaneswar—Aw), the annual electricity demand of the optimal CB_NH3 system is lower by 18.8%, 10.2%, and 2.7% relative to CB_EJ, CASC_1, and CASC_2, respectively. The COP of the CASC_1 (outdoor temperature 40 °C) is higher by 50%, 2.7%, and 4.7% compared with the CB_EJ, CB_NH3 and CASC_2 systems, respectively. The application of CASC_1 system, relative to CB_EJ, is reasonable only for hot climates and decreases by 7.2% the annual electricity demand for Bhubaneswar.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are included in the group of promoted transport fuel alternatives in Europe. Most studies on emissions factors are based on old technology CNG and LPG fueled vehicles. Furthermore, there are not many data at low ambient temperatures, on-road driving, or unregulated pollutants, such as ammonia (NH3). In this study we measured the emissions of one Euro 6b CNG light commercial vehicle, one Euro 6b and one Euro 6d-Temp bi-fuel LPG passenger car, one Euro 6d-Temp bi-fuel CNG passenger car, and four Euro 6d-Temp CNG passenger cars. Tests included on-road testing and worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycles (WLTC) in the laboratory with cold and hot engine, at 23 °C and −7 °C. The results showed 10–23% CO2 savings in gas modality compared to gasoline, lower CO and particle number emissions, and relatively similar total and non-methane hydrocarbons and NOx emissions. The ammonia emissions were high for all vehicles and fuels; higher than gasoline and diesel vehicles. The results also showed that, following the introduction of the real-driving emissions regulation, even though not applicable to the examined vehicles, Euro 6d-Temp vehicles had lower emissions compared to the Euro 6b vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cooling system is described by a vector. • Climate as a decision variable in refrigerant selection. • Energy demand was calculated for humid continental and Meditarranean climate. • An indirect expansion ammonia system and three R744 booster systems were compared. • Ammonia indirect expansion system uses 1.4–30.4% less energy annualy (Rome). The article presents an original solution to the problem of selecting an energy-optimal refrigeration system for a typical supermarket application. In this optimization problem carbon dioxide (CO 2) and ammonia (NH 3) have been assumed as natural refrigerants and the objective function is the minimum of the annual electricity demand. In the presented methodology, the refrigeration system is described by a vector whose coordinates are constant parameters and decision variables. A set of acceptable variants was determined using system analysis and matrix calculus as a tool, based on the limiting conditions. The following systems were determined as acceptable variants: classical CO 2 booster (1′ generation), 2′ generation CO 2 booster - with auxiliary compressors for parallel compression of flash gas from the liquid receiver, a 3′ generation CO 2 booster - with multiejectors in cooperation with parallel compression and flooded evaporators, and an indirect expansion (IX) system with ammonia. The objective function was determined from simulation models of the operation of the acceptable systems throughout the year. For the humid continental climate (Poznan, Poland) the energy-optimal variant is the 3′ generation booster system, in relation to which the annual electricity demand for the 1′ and 2′ generation CO 2 booster and the ammonia indirect expansion system is higher by 33.4%, 29.0% and 12.9%, respectively. For the Mediterranean climate (Rome, Italy) the energy-optimal system is the indirect expansion ammonia system, in relation to which the annual electricity demand for 1′, 2′ and 3′ generation CO 2 booster is higher by 30.4%, 23.1% and 1.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The development of sustainable application practices, which do not demand incorporation into the soil, is necessary to encourage slurry use in conservation agriculture (CA). Incorporation is the most common practice to reduce nitrogen losses from the applied slurry. However, in CA, soil disturbance must be avoided. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate strategies to reduce gaseous emissions from dairy slurry applied to stubble-covered soil without incorporation. We evaluated (1) effects on ammonia (NH3) emissions of pretreatment by acidification (ADS), irrigation (IR) and placement under the stubble (US); and (2) effects of ADS, IR, US and delayed fertilization (RDS T16) on greenhouse gases (GHG). The results of the evaluated strategies were compared to raw slurry (RDS) and ammonium sulphate (MS). Additionally, in experiment 2, the results were compared to ammonium sulphate (MB) and slurry injection (IN), both in bare soil. ADS, US and IR decreased NH3 emissions by 66%, 60% and 32.5%, respectively, with total N emissions NH3 emissions accounting for more than 79% of N losses in slurry-based treatments. Late application reduced N2O emissions by 48%. GHG emissions from ADS, US and IR were similar to those from MS, MB and IN. ADS, US and IR are the most suitable strategies for slurry application in CA.

[Display omitted] • Dissociations of feedstock molecules Methane and Ammonia are observed on TiS 2. • Possibility of TiS 2 monolayer emerging as sorbent for CO 2 , while decomposing CH 4. • Influence of defect on adsorption characteristics of CH 4 , NH 3 , and CO 2 on TiS 2. • Both T and H-phase of TiS 2 monolayer to envisage the dissociative adsorption. • Stabilities for pristine and vacancy-induced defects in T and H-phase of TiS 2. In this work we have investigated the dissociation of hydrogen rich CH 4 and NH 3 molecules along with CO 2 on the surface of pristine and various defect induced TiS 2 monolayer. The aim is to see whether the monolayer surfaces are able to produce H 2 by decomposing the feedstock adsorbates and also to examine whether it can be a sorbent for CO 2. We have tried to explore a monolayer surface which can simultaneously act as a catalyst to dissociate CH 4 , as well as to adsorb CO 2 which is the only harmful by-product in steam reforming method for hydrogen production from CH 4. The hydrogen generation has been predicted from the nature of gas adsorption, and the adsorption energies have been estimated to see whether it falls under chemisorption or physisorption range. Both S and Ti vacancy defects have been studied and the first-principles electronic structure calculation helps to envisage the charge redistribution of the three adsorbates on both pristine and defective TiS 2 surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical vapor compression and multi-effect evaporation have been widely used in achieving zero discharge of desulfurization wastewater as they are energy-saving and efficient technologies. Solubilized weak ions, such as CO32-, SO32-, and NH4+, in the desulfurization wastewater are partly converted into CO2, SO2, and NH3, respectively, during the vacuum evaporation process, thus affecting the heat exchange and compressor performance. In this study, the migration and coupling mechanism of CO2, SO2, and NH3 desorption in desulfurized wastewater under vacuum evaporation were analyzed. The effects of temperature, pressure, reaction time, and other factors on the migration process were discussed. The hydrolysis and electrolytic equilibrium constants of the related ions were obtained for temperatures between 70 and 90 °C. The results demonstrate the relationship between the desorption capacities of CO2, SO2, and NH3 and the hydrolysis constants of their respective ions. The desorption of CO2 and NH3 increased significantly when CO32− and NH4+ coexisted, whereas the SO2 desorption capacity remained low under the same experimental conditions. The experimental results indicate that the desorption of CO2, SO2, and NH3 is controlled by chemical reactions and can be described by first-order reaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant portion of the production and consumption of trace gases (e.g. CO2, CH4, N2O, NH3, etc.) by world ecosystems occurs in areas without sufficient infrastructure or easily available grid power to run traditional closed‐path flux stations. Open‐path analyzer design allows such measurements with power consumption 10–150 times below present closed‐path technologies, helping to considerably expand the global coverage and improve the estimates of gas emissions and budgets, informing the remote sensing and modeling communities and policy decisions, all the way to IPCC reports. Broad‐band nondispersive infrared devices have been used for open‐path CO2 and H2O measurements since the late 1970s, but since recently, a growing number of new narrow‐band laser‐based instruments are being rapidly developed. The new design comes with its own challenges, specifically: (a) mirror contamination, and (b) uncontrolled air temperature, pressure and humidity, affecting both the gas density and the laser spectroscopy of the measurements. While the contamination can be addressed via automated cleaning, and density effects can be addressed via the Webb‐Pearman‐Leuning approach, the spectroscopic effects of the in situ temperature, pressure and humidity fluctuations on laser‐measured densities remain a standing methodological question. Here we propose a concept accounting for such effects in the same manner as Webb et al. proposed to account for respective density effects. Derivations are provided for a general case of flux of any gas, examined using a specific example of CH4 fluxes from a commercially available analyzer, and then tested using "zero‐flux" experiment. The proposed approach helps reduce errors in open‐path, enclosed, and temperature‐ or pressure‐uncontrolled closed‐path laser‐based flux measurements due to the spectroscopic effects from few percents to multiple folds, leading to methodological advancement and geographical expansion of the use of such systems providing reliable and consistent results for process‐level studies, remote sensing and Earth modeling applications, and GHG policy decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient air quality in livestock buildings is one of the most important factors affecting environmental pollution and global warming. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) are among the most hazardous gases in terms of human and animal health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hourly, daily and seasonal variations in the levels of hazardous gases, such as CO2, CH4, NH3 and H2S in a solid-floor confinement sheep barn; as well as the effect of climatic parameters, temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and air flow (AF) on animal welfare. The correlation between hazardous gases and climatic factors in the barn was also determined. The study was carried out on a sheep farm between July 2012 and June 2013 in Konya (Turkey) where few data are currently available on this subject. Climatic data were measured at intervals of five minutes at different points during this study, while hazardous gases were measured at the same intervals during the experimental periods (10 days for each season). All data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's method was used to reveal intergroup differences. Cross-bilateral correlation between all data and different time periods was examined. There were significant differences between hourly and daily mean values of CO2, NH3, T, RH and AF. CO2 and NH3 levels showed a significant correlation with T and RH. Unfortunately, H2S and CH4 were below the level of detection in the study. Reducing the formation of these harmful gases, which have negative effects on animal production and cause environmental pollution, will be carried out with new sheep barn designs that take into account ambient air quality appropriate for animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • For alloys 310S and 800H/HT; N penetrated the surface scales and formed internal Cr nitrides. • For alloys 310S and 800H/HT; the nitride formation lowered the Cr activity and inhibited the internal Cr permeation. • For alloys 310S and 800H/HT; Na 2 SO 4 and NaCl reacted with Cr 2 O 3 to form chromate and elemental S and Cl. • For alloys 310S and 800H/HT; Cl attacked the alloy interiors in a developed stage of corrosion. • For alloy 600; no internal nitrides or major sodium chromate formation were found. Abstract Mechanisms of alloy degradation in a fireside N-S-O-C-H-Cl-Na-K atmosphere at 880 °C were elucidated using SEM-EDS, chemical equilibrium calculations, and XRD. Alloys 310S, 800H/HT, and 600 were studied after 0, 8000, and 16,000 h exposure in a boiler co-firing biomass waste. For 310S and 800H/HT it was shown that nitrogen formed internal Cr nitrides lowering the Cr activity and inhibiting internal alloy Cr permeation, and that NaCl and Na 2 SO 4 reacted with Cr oxide to form chromate and to accelerate the S and the Cl pickup. Alloy 600 showed no nitride or major chromate formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a project’s integrated logistics dry port as an example, the advantages and disadvantages of several commonly used refrigerants and their systems are compared and analyzed from safety, environmental protection and energy saving. The technical principles of the NH3 / CO2 refrigerant cooling system are briefly described, and the introduction is also introduced. The refrigeration system selection, equipment configuration and automatic control system scheme of the project refrigerator were provided, which can provide a reference for the selection of the refrigeration scheme of the cold chain project in the future.

In intelligent agriculture, the development of gas sensing technology has practical significance. In a bid to achieve fast, accurate and effective detection of noxious gases NH 3 , H 2 S and CO 2 from breeding farms, Ti 3 C 2 O 2 , an excellent gas sensing material in the MXene family, was investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The optimal configuration of Pt atomic catalyst doped Ti 3 C 2 O 2 sheet was obtained via the analysis of binding energy (−1.796 eV) and charge transfer (0.373 e). The adsorption energy, charge transfer, deformation charge density (DCD), density of states (DOS), average electrostatic potential, and work function of NH 3 , H 2 S and CO 2 adsorbed on Ti 3 C 2 O 2 and Pt-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 sheet were further scrutinized. From comparative analysis against Ti 3 C 2 O 2 , Pt-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 possesses excellent adsorption capacity, electron density rearrangement and electrostatic binding ability for the adsorption of NH 3 , H 2 S and CO 2 , among which the adsorption energy for NH 3 is the largest (−2.593 eV). The results verify that Pt-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 is a potential material for gas sensors, providing guidance for expanding the gas sensing application of MXene materials. [Display omitted] • The most stable structure of the Pt doped Ti 3 C 2 O 2 sheet was firstly constructed via DFT. • The Ti 3 C 2 O 2 sheet is not suitable for the NH 3 , H 2 S and CO 2 gas sensor material. • The Pt-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 sheet can be exploited as a potential NH 3 H 2 S and CO 2 gas sensing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Con la finalidad de conocer el efecto de la zeolita en la volatilización del dióxido de carbono (CO2) y amoniaco (NH3), se estableció un ensayo de incubación durante 20 días en condiciones controladas de humedad y temperatura, para lo cual se realizaron mezclas entre residuos orgánicos de aves y cantidades de zeolita utilizando un diseño factorial 24, teniendo un total de 8 tratamientos donde se evaluaron cada día las emisiones de CO2 y NH3. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis de varianza y a una prueba de Tukey. Los resultados mostraron que la zeolita ayuda a la disminución de emisiones de NH3, y no afectó la actividad microbiana presente, se concluye que la zeolita atrapó el ion amonio en su estructura y no permitió su transformación a NH3.

Abstract Post-combustion capture plants are widely studied because they represent a feasible solution to limit the CO 2 emissions from existing plant. They can be applied to power plants and to industrial plants. The captured CO 2 is transported to dedicated sites to be sequestrated. In this study, the captured CO 2 from a coal-fired power plant is exploited to extract the geothermal energy for subsequent electric production. The system of wells consists of one of injection in a geothermal source of about 200-300 °C and one of production from which the CO 2 exits at high pressure and high temperature. It is expanded in a turbine to extract part of the energy and it is cooled to be sent to the storage site. The cooling process exchanges heat with an Organic Rankine Cycle to convert the heat to electric power. The ORC plants are tested with five different substances: R245fa, HCFO, hexane, pentane, and Isobutane. The better performances are obtained with the latter two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe environmental pollution in many countries is caused by indiscriminate discharge of large quantities of food waste (FW), fat oil and grease (FOG) and sewage sludge (SS) to the environment. There are many possible treatment routes, but anaerobic digestion (AD) is now well accepted for treating several kinds of organic wastes. But AD of FW alone presents some operational challenges because of substrates and variability. Anaerobic co-digestion of two or more substrates is better than single substrate digestion. This can use a plant’s unused capacity, in line with the trend to renewable energy. Co-digestion technology, although well established in many European countries, is still in its infancy in Ireland. There are problems with different regulatory arrangements. They should be resolved. The paper reviews anaerobic co-digestion technology is reviewed, with special focus on possible application in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have applied various concentrations of aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride separately to poultry litter to reduce environmental pollution and increase chicken productivity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of using a blend of these 2 chemicals under 5 different treatments: control (no addition), 50+50, 25+50, 50+25, and 25+25 g/kg of litter, which consisted of fresh chicken manure (1 kg) and sawdust (4 kg) thoroughly mixed in a 70 x 47 x 43 cm box. NH3 and CO2 volatilizations, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and moisture content of the poultry litter were assessed weekly up to 6 wk and in the case of total and watersoluble nutrients they were assessed after 1 and 42 d. The control treatment had higher NH3 and CO2 volatilizations than the treated litter throughout the experiment. EC and pH showed an inverse relationship, whereby the control treatment had high pH and low EC values and the treated litter had low pH and high EC values. After 42 d, nitrogen levels were significantly reduced in the control treatment, whereas the 50 + 50 g/kg treatment had the highest content. Conversely, water-soluble phosphorus levels were much lower in the treated poultry litter after 1 and 42 d. A higher ferric chloride concentration (25 + 50 g/kg) in the blend was more effective than a higher aluminum sulfate concentration (50 + 25 g/kg). These findings demonstrate that a combination of aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride may be a useful amendment for reducing NH3 and CO2 volatilizations, pH, and moisture content of poultry litter, which will help in improving poultry productivity, pollution control, and poultry litter fertilizer usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Techniques to reduce the emission of air pollutants from livestock production are demanded. In this study, the effect of an additive (calcium superphosphate) on gas emissions from rabbit manure was investigated and compared with a control where no additive was used. Calcium superphosphate was applied at a rate of 100 g/m2 per week in a manure pit during 2 cycles of growing rabbits. Manure samples were collected weekly and then chemically and microbiologically analysed. Gas emissions (ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) were determined in 2 open flux chambers. No differences were observed in gas emissions between the treated and control samples except for ammonia emissions, which were reduced by 33% when the additive was applied (P

The mineralization process of different commercial organic fertilizers was investigated in controlled laboratory conditions. The soil was mixed with the following organic fertilizers: Emos CAP®, Organ CAP®, Sic Stal® and urea (as a control) at the rate of 300 mg N/kg dry soil. Emos CAP® is made of cattle and poultry manure, meat, bone meal and dried blood, Organ CAP® is a product made of leather and skins, while Sic Stal® contains cow and horse manure. During the incubation the concentration of NO3--N, NH4+-N, microbial biomass and carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions were determined. All fertilizers showed a peak of NH4+-N after 7 days from the beginning of the test. The decomposition of Sic Stal® caused a rapid rise of CO2 production associated to the growth of microbial biomass while Emos CAP® promoted a release of N2O in the first 16 days. In conclusion, all the commercial organic fertilizers tested can be considered fertilizers with a fast release of N, among them Emos CAP® and Sic Stal® allow a rapid N supply to plants while Organ CAP® could be used when the N request of plants is not immediate.

This paper reports a straightforward and inexpensive method for the fabrication of gas sensing devices based on graphene oxide (GO) synthesized by a modified Hummer's method and decorated with strontium titanate perovskite (SrTiO 3). The active layers developed were employed for the detection of hazardous gases such as NO 2 , CO 2 , and NH 3. The physical and chemical properties were also analyzed using various experimental techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. Repeated response and recovery cycles were applied in the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) , carbon dioxide (CO 2) , and ammonia (NH 3). Accordingly, the gas sensing study reveals that decorated GO exhibits a high response towards NO 2 at an operating temperature of 100 °C with good sensitivity (up to 4-fold higher than that of pristine GO) and highly improved selectivity. Additionally, the effect of ambient humidity was tested for NO 2 , demonstrating that GO/SrTiO 3 sensors show a good immunity to humidity cross-sensitivity. Lastly, a gas sensing mechanism was schematically proposed and discussed. These findings prove that the functionalization of GO with SrTiO 3 can overcome the limitations of GO-based sensors by enhancing their adsorption capability of gas molecules and their sensitivity towards target gases. • Graphene oxide was loaded with nanoparticles of strontium titanate via impregnation. • The manomaterial is used for detecting harmful gases at ppb- ppm levels under dry or humid conditions. • Loaded graphene oxide shows a 4-fold higher response to NO 2 than bare graphene oxide. • The gas sensing mechanism of the hybrid nanomaterial for nitrogen dioxide is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se preparó circonia por el método sol-gel usando H2SO4, HNO3 o HCl como catalizadores de hidrólisis. Los materiales resultantes se caracterizaron por DRX, BET, FTIR, desorción de CO2 con temperatura programada (TPDCO 2) y desorción de amoníaco con temperatura programada (TPD-NH3). Los espectros FTIR de las muestras preparadas con H2SO4 muestran bandas típicas de sulfatos, lo cual se confirmó mediante TGA. Adicionalmente, en algunos materiales seleccionados se incorporaron diferentes proporciones de Mg mediante co-gelación. La carga de magnesio de los materiales modificados se determinó por análisis elemental. Los materiales se ensayaron como catalizadores en la síntesis directa de carbonato de dimetilo (DMC) a partir de metanol y CO2. La incorporación de Mg incrementó la capacidad de adsorción de CO2 entre 100 y 200 ºC. No obstante, las conversiones de metanol obtenidas con estas muestras fueron menores a las de las muestras de circonia sin modificar.

Little is known about gaseous carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) emissions from traditional terrace agriculture in irrigated high mountain agroecosystems of the subtropics. In an effort towards filling this knowledge gap measurements of carbon dioxide (CO_2), methane (CH_4), ammonia (NH_3) and dinitrous oxide (N_2O) were taken with a mobile photoacoustic infrared multi-gas monitor on manure-filled PE-fibre storage bags and on flood-irrigated untilled and tilled fields in three mountain oases of the northen Omani Al Jabal al Akhdar mountains. During typical 9-11 day irrigation cycles of March, August and September 2006 soil volumetric moisture contents of fields dominated by fodder wheat, barley, oats and pomegranate ranged from 46-23%. While manure incorporation after application effectively reduced gaseous N losses, prolonged storage of manure in heaps or in PE-fibre bags caused large losses of C and N. Given the large irrigation-related turnover of organic C, sustainable agricultural productivity of oasis agriculture in Oman seems to require the integration of livestock which allows for several applications of manure per year at individual rates of 20 t dry matter ha^−1.

The impact of ship emission reductions can be maximised by considering climate, health and environmental effects simultaneously and using solutions fitting into existing marine engines and infrastructure. Several options available enable selecting optimum solutions for different ships, routes and regions. Carbon-neutral fuels, including low-carbon and carbon-negative fuels, from biogenic or non-biogenic origin (biomass, waste, renewable hydrogen) could resemble current marine fuels (diesel-type, methane and methanol). The carbon-neutrality of fuels depends on their Well-to-Wake (WtW) emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) including carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), and nitrous oxide emissions (N 2 O). Additionally, non-gaseous black carbon (BC) emissions have high global warming potential (GWP). Exhaust emissions which are harmful to health or the environment need to be equally removed using emission control achieved by fuel, engine or exhaust aftertreatment technologies. Harmful emission species include nitrogen oxides (NO x), sulphur oxides (SO x), ammonia (NH 3), formaldehyde, particle mass (PM) and number emissions (PN). Particles may carry polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, which cause serious adverse health issues. Carbon-neutral fuels are typically sulphur-free enabling negligible SO x emissions and efficient exhaust aftertreatment technologies, such as particle filtration. The combinations of carbon-neutral drop-in fuels and efficient emission control technologies would enable (near-)zero-emission shipping and these could be adaptable in the short- to mid-term. Substantial savings in external costs on society caused by ship emissions give arguments for regulations, policies and investments needed to support this development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vapor-liquid equilibrium in NH3-CO2-H2O system at high pressures has been studied. The UNIQUAC-NRF model for this system was extended by using the Goppert 4 maurer reported datas. Since the system contains molecules and ionic species the binary interaction parameters considered, where those are of molecule-molecule, molecule-ion and ion-ion types. These interaction parameters are taken as constant values in UNIQUAC-NRF, which are not accurate. In this work the mentioned parameters have been considered as function of temperature in quadratic form. By applying an optimization mathematical program to the UNIQUAC-NRF model and experimental data reported by Goppert and Maurer the model parameters were obtained in term of temperature. The results of this model with the new parameters show good agreement with experimental data.

Using CCUS new technology of phosphor gypsum, ammonia combined mineralizing CO2 in tail gas of natural gas purification plant, and based on estimation of physical parameters and model establishment, the process conditions for making use of the phosphorus gypsum mineralization of CO2 were optimized with process simulation method. It proposed the optimized reaction temperature was 60 ℃, and the reaction time was 100 minutes. Compared the simulation results of optimized process conditions with the existing technology conditions, it was concluded that the exhaust gas of CO2, NH3, phosphor gypsum emissions were reduced by more than 3% compared with the existing process emissions. Aimed at the optimization goal of reducing the energy consumption, the heat exchange network design of whole process can reduce the energy consumption of hot utility by 15% and that of cold utility by 5.6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to its low regeneration energy demands relative to MEA, ammonia is one of the most attractive solvents for post-combustion CO2 capture processes. Nevertheless, additionally to a lower kinetic constant, a high ammonia slip takes place when the absorption process is performed in a packed column. In this study, the feasibility of an ammonia based CO2 capture process using hollow fiber membrane contactors is investigated. CO2 absorption experiments in ammonia have been performed with porous polypropylene membranes (Oxyphan) and with two different dense skin composite hollow fibers: tailor made (Teflon AF2400) and commercial (TPX). It is shown that microporous membranes do not offer stable performances, due to salt precipitation and pore blocking. Contrarily however, dense skin membranes show stable and attracting performances, whatever the operating conditions: reduced ammonia slip and intensified CO2 mass transfer are obtained compared to packed column. The potentialities of dense skin membrane contactors, particularly based on fluorinated polymers, are discussed with regard to both increased CO2 mass transfer performances and mitigation of ammonia volatilization compared to conventional gas/liquid contactors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The analysis of the process of gas and vapour permeation through dense polymers is of primary importance for packaging, controlled release and membrane separation processes. A significant amount of polymer permeability data has already been reported, especially for permanent gases, such as N2, O2, H2, CH4 and CO2, although a very small amount of data is available for ammonia (NH3). In this case, the experimental results show the faster permeation of NH3 in comparison to CO2, which is in agreement with the solution diffusion model predictions. NH3 is smaller and more condensable than CO2. In this study, the solubility, diffusion coefficient and permeability of NH3, CO2 and N2 in ten different polymers were investigated between 5 and 50°C. A reverse NH3/CO2 permeation selectivity is occasionally observed for dense fluorinated polymers (PTFE, FEP, Hyflon AD and Teflon AF). This unusual behaviour is interpreted in the light of the diffusion and sorption coefficients obtained from time lag experiments which tend surprisingly to show in fluorinated polymers: a NH3/CO2 solubility selectivity systematically lower than expected by the usual correlations and, in some cases, lower diffusion coefficients for NH3 than for CO2. This peculiar result is interpreted from the differences between NH3 and CO2 interactions with fluorine atoms, similarly to the differential solubility phenomena of these two species which have previously been clearly established in fluorinated liquids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of house lighting, forced molting, manure removal, and flock replacement on air pollutant concentrations and emissions from high-rise tunnel-ventilated layer houses were evaluated Air pollutants included ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM, including PM10, PM2.5, and total suspended particulate, TSP). Emission rates were determined based on ventilation rates and pollutant concentrations, which were monitored for two years. House lighting schedules, molting, manure removal, and flock replacement activities were documented by the producer Hen activity was monitored continuously using commercial motion detectors and was observed to be much higher during light periods as compared with dark periods. The TSP and PM10 emissions during light periods were about five times greater than during dark periods, whereas NH3 and CO2 emissions during light periods were about 20% higher The NH3 and CO2 concentrations and emission rates decreased during molting and then increased afterward. Ammonia emission was directly proportional to hen body weight and feed consumption. Compared with NH3, CO2 concentrations and emissions showed more variations during molting. During manure pit cleanouts, NH3 and CO2 emissions decreased from 0.62 to 0.21 g d-1 hen-1 and from 78 to 64 g d-1 hen-1 respectively. After the manure pits were emptied, NH3 and CO2 emissions increased steadily during the first 3 to 7 d of manure accumulation and then remained relatively constant. Manure pit cleanout activities caused high PM emission. Particulate matter emission decreased gradually after the pits were cleaned No significant changes in egg production, mortality, water consumption, or feed consumption were observed during manure removals. When compared with occupied houses, empty house emission rates of PM10, TSP, and NH3 each decreased by more than 90%, and CO2 decreased by more than 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The use of aqueous ammonia is a promising option to capture carbon dioxide from power plants thanks to the potential low heat requirement during the carbon dioxide desorption compared to monoethanolamine (MEA) based process. The patented Chilled Ammonia Process developed by Alstom absorbs carbon dioxide at low temperature (2–10°C). The low temperature limits the vaporization of ammonia in the absorber and entails precipitation of ammonium carbonate compounds, thereby allowing high loadings of CO2. The process has thereby good perspectives. However, a scientific understanding and evaluation of the process is necessary. In this work, the performance of the carbon dioxide capture process using aqueous ammonia has been analyzed by process simulation. The Extended UNIQUAC thermodynamic model available for the CO2–NH3–H2O system has been implemented in the commercial simulator Aspen Plus® 1 [1] Aspen Plus is a registered trademark of Aspen Technology Inc. by using a newly developed user model interface (). It allows for making equilibrium calculations using the advanced thermodynamic model together with the features of the commercial simulator. The present work deals with the results from the process simulation study. Two process configurations have been tested and a thorough sensitivity analysis of the main process parameters has been performed in order to analyze their effects on the heat and electricity requirement. This work confirms the high potential of the process. The heat requirement is found to be in the same range as the values reported recently for advanced amine processes. Assuming that cold cooling water is available, the electricity consumption remains limited. Hence the Chilled Ammonia Process is a promising option for post combustion carbon dioxide capture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the undertaken examinations was to determine the effectiveness of phytoremediation as an environment-friendly method of limiting emission of carbon dioxide, ammonia and level of dusting in the air removed from a henhouse. The ventilation system entered air from the henhouse into the experimental greenhouse planted with Canna and Miscanthus plants. Measurements (at the entry and exit of the greenhouse) conducted in September, October and November demonstrated an average reduction in the carbon dioxide level about 10% (about 30% a day), of ammonia level nearly 40% and average reduction of dusting level about 14.2%. Dust sedimentation process was disrupted by natural convection of the air heated by sun rays entering the greenhouse. A very positive influence of air pollutants was observed in respect of the experimental plants development, as compared to the control group cultivated in standard greenhouse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The largest global source of atmospheric ammonia is animal wastewater. Previous models to predict the release of ammonia from animal wastewater have focused on undisturbed conditions. However in animal facilities the surface of wastewater is constantly disturbed due to liquid addition and wastewater management. This paper presents a gas emission-pH-film model (GE-pH-film model) that describes the dynamics of ammonia release from swine wastewater after surface liquid disturbances, considering volatilization of dissolved carbon dioxide, surface pH changes, bubble-enhanced ammonia volatilization and surface film formation. The GE-pH-film model improved the accuracy of estimated ammonia release during the first 10 h after liquid disturbance, from an averaged error of 82% (gas emission model) to 25% (GE-pH-film model). Neglecting the bubble-enhanced NH3 volatilization and the surface film formation (i.e. GE-pH model), led to an averaged error on NH3 release of 43%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An experimental study of evaporation heat transfer coefficients for single circular small tubes was conducted for the flow of C3H8, NH3, and CO2 under various flow conditions. The test matrix encompasses the entire quality range from 0.0 to 1.0, mass fluxes from 50 to 600kgm−2 s−1, heat fluxes from 5 to 70kWm−2, and saturation temperatures from 0 to 10°C. The test section was made of circular stainless steel tubes with inner diameters of 1.5mm and 3.0mm, and a length of 2000mm in a horizontal orientation. The test section was uniformly heated by applying electric power directly to the tubes. The effects of mass flux, heat flux, saturation temperature, and inner tube diameter on the heat transfer coefficient are reported. Among the working refrigerants considered in this study, CO2 has the highest heat transfer coefficient. Laminar flow was observed in the evaporative small tubes, and was considered in the modification of boiling heat transfer coefficients and pressure drop correlations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide by aqueous ammonia solvent has been studied by applying a newly built wetted wall column. The absorption rate in aqueous ammonia was measured at temperatures from 279 to 304K for 1 to 10wt% aqueous ammonia with loadings varying from 0 to 0.8molCO2/molNH3. The absorption rate in 30wt% aqueous mono-ethanolamine (MEA) was measured at 294 and 314K with loadings varying from 0 to 0.4 as comparison. It was found that at 304K, the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide by 10wt% NH3 solvent was comparable to the rates for 30wt% MEA at 294 and 314K (a typical absorption temperature for this process). The absorption rate using ammonia was however significantly lower at temperatures of 294K and lower as applied in the Chilled Ammonia Process. However, at these low temperatures, the rate of absorption in ammonia has only a small temperature dependency. The rate of absorption decreases strongly with decreasing ammonia concentrations and increasing CO2 loadings. The rate of absorption of carbon dioxide by aqueous ammonia solvent was modeled using the measurements of the unloaded solutions and the zwitter-ion mechanism. The model could successfully predict the experimental measurements of the absorption rate of CO2 in loaded ammonia solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Treatment of liquid manure can result in the production of ammonia, nitrous oxide and methane. Earthworms mix and transform nitrogen and carbon without consuming additional energy. The objective of this paper is to analyse whether earthworms modify the emissions of NH3, N2O, CH4 and CO2 during vermifiltration of pig slurry. The experiment used mesocosms of around 50L, made from a vermifilter treating the diluted manure of a swine house. Three levels of slurry were added to the mesocosms, with or without earthworms, during one month, in triplicate. Earthworm abundance and gas emissions were measured three and five times, respectively. There was a decrease in emissions of ammonia and nitrous oxide and a sink of methane in treatments with earthworms. We suggest that earthworm abundance can be used as a bioindicator of low energy input, and low greenhouse gas and ammonia output in systems using fresh slurry with water recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overviewing the European carbon (C), greenhouse gas (GHG), and non-GHG fluxes, gross primary productivity (GPP) is about 9.3 Pg yr−1, and fossil fuel imports are 1.6 Pg yr−1. GPP is about 1.25% of solar radiation, containing about 360 × 1018 J energy – five times the energy content of annual fossil fuel use. Net primary production (NPP) is 50%, terrestrial net biome productivity, NBP, 3%, and the net GHG balance, NGB, 0.3% of GPP. Human harvest uses 20% of NPP or 10% of GPP, or alternatively 1‰ of solar radiation after accounting for the inherent cost of agriculture and forestry, for production of pesticides and fertilizer, the return of organic fertilizer, and for the C equivalent cost of GHG emissions. C equivalents are defined on a global warming potential with a 100-year time horizon. The equivalent of about 2.4% of the mineral fertilizer input is emitted as N2O. Agricultural emissions to the atmosphere are about 40% of total methane, 60% of total NO-N, 70% of total N2O-N, and 95% of total NH3-N emissions of Europe. European soils are a net C sink (114 Tg yr−1), but considering the emissions of GHGs, soils are a source of about 26 Tg CO2 C-equivalent yr−1. Forest, grassland and sediment C sinks are offset by GHG emissions from croplands, peatlands and inland waters. Non-GHGs (NH3, NO x) interact significantly with the GHG and the C cycle through ammonium nitrate aerosols and dry deposition. Wet deposition of nitrogen (N) supports about 50% of forest timber growth. Land use change is regionally important. The absolute flux values total about 50 Tg C yr−1. Nevertheless, for the European trace-gas balance, land-use intensity is more important than land-use change. This study shows that emissions of GHGs and non-GHGs significantly distort the C cycle and eliminate apparent C sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The chilled ammonia process absorbs the CO2 at low temperature (2–10°C). The heat of absorption of carbon dioxide by ammonia is significantly lower than for amines. In addition, degradation problems can be avoided and a high carbon dioxide capacity is achieved. Hence, this process shows good perspectives for decreasing the heat requirement. However, a scientific understanding of the processes is required. The thermodynamic properties of the NH3–CO2–H2O system were described using the extended UNIQUAC electrolyte model developed by Thomsen and Rasmussen in a temperature range from 0 to 110°C and pressure up to 100bars. The results show that solid phases consisting of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate are formed in the absorber. The heat requirements in the absorber and in the desorber have been studied. The enthalpy calculations show that a heat requirement for the desorber lower than 2GJ/ton CO2 can be reached. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The chilled ammonia process absorbs the CO2 at low temperature (2–10 ∘C). The heat of absorption of carbon dioxide by ammonia is significantly lower than for amines. In addition, degradation problems can be avoided and a high carbon dioxide capacity is achieved. Hence, this process shows good perspectives for decreasing the energy requirement. However, a scientific understanding of the processes is required. The properties of the NH3- CO2- H2O system were described using the Extended UNIQUAC electrolyte model developed by Thomsen and Rasmussen in a temperature range from 0 to 110 ∘C and pressure up to 100 bars . The results show that solid phases consisting of ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate are formed in the absorber. The energy requirements in the absorber and in the desorber have been studied. The enthalpy calculations show that an energy requirement for the desorber lower than 2 GJ/ton CO2 can be reached. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Structures of several premixed ethylene–oxygen–argon rich flat flames burning at 50mbar have been established by using molecular beam mass spectrometry in order to investigate the effect of CO2, or NH3, or H2O addition on species concentration profiles. The aim of this study is to examine the eventual changes of profiles of detected hydrocarbon intermediates which could be considered as soot precursors (C2H2, C4H2, C5H4, C5H6, C6H2, C6H4, C6H6, C7H8, C6H6O, C8H6, C8H8, C9H8 and C10H8). The comparative study has been achieved on four flames with an equivalence ratio (f) of 2.50: one without any additive (F2.50), one with 15% of CO2 replacing the same quantity of argon (F2.50C), one with 3.3% of NH3 in partial replacement of argon (F2.50N) and one with 13% of H2O in replacement of the same quantity of argon (F2.50H). The four flat flames have similar final flame temperatures (1800K). CO2, or NH3, or H2O addition to the fresh gas inlet causes a shift downstream of the flame front and thus flame inhibition. Endothermic processes CO2 +H=CO+OH and H2O+H=H2 +OH are responsible of the reduction of the hydrocarbon intermediates in the CO2 and H2O added flames through the supplementary formation of hydroxyl radicals. It has been demonstrated that such processes begin to play at the end of the flame front and becomes more efficient in the burnt gases region. The replacement of some Ar by NH3 is responsible only for a slight decrease of the maximum mole fraction of C2H2, but NH3 becomes much more efficient for C4H2 and C5 to C10 species. Moreover, the efficiency of NH3 as a reducing agent of C5 to C10 intermediates is larger than that of CO2 and H2O for equal quantities added. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A catalyst for NOx storage/reduction was prepared to improve the activity of Ba–Pt/?-Al2O3 by replacing Ba with a mixture of Ba and Mg. The catalyst was prepared by impregnating Pt and then co-impregnating Ba and Mg (Mg:Ba molar ratio = 1) on commercial ?-Al2O3. The tests have been carried out in the presence of CO2 at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C in order to understand the role of both the feed and various alkaline-earth metals. The storage capacity of the two catalysts was different like the mechanism in the reduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]