Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Remediation technologies'

In metal machining processes, the regulation of heat generation and lubrication at the contact point are achieved by application of a fluid referred to as metalworking fluid (MWF). This has the combined features of the cooling properties of water and lubricity of oil. MWFs inevitably become operationally exhausted with age and intensive use, which leads to compromised properties, thereby necessitating their safe disposal. Disposal of this waste through a biological route is an increasingly attractive option, since it is effective with relatively low energy demands when compared to current physical and chemical options. However, biological treatment is challenging since MWF are chemically complex, including the addition of toxic biocides which are added specifically to retard microbial deterioration whilst the fluids are operational. This makes bacterial treatment exceptionally challenging and has stimulated the search and need to assess technologies which complement biological treatment. In this study the remediation, specifically of the recalcitrant component of a semi-synthetic MWF, employing a novel hybrid treatment approach consisting of both bacteriological and chemical treatment, was investigated. Three chemical pre-treatment methods (Fenton’s oxidation, nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI) oxidation and ozonation) of the recalcitrant components followed by bacterial degradation were examined. The synergistic interaction of Fenton’s-biological oxidation and nZVI-biodegradation led to an overall COD reduction of 92% and 95.5% respectively, whereas pre-treatment with ozone reduced the total pollution load by 70% after a post-biological step. An enhancement in biodegradability was observed after each of the chemical treatments, thus facilitating the overall treatment process. The findings from this study established that the use of non-pathogenic microorganisms to remediate organic materials present in MWF wastewater is a favourable alternative to energy demanding physical and chemical treatment options. However, optimal performance of this biological process may require chemical enhancement, particularly for those components that are resistant to biological transformation.

There is an increasing demand for the provision of cleaner safer water. In the last 5 years, the global water supply industry has spent > £57 billion on purification treatments. With an increasing population and energy costs, investment is predicted to increase over the next 10 years. Moreover, the industry is attempting to move towards more efficient and sustainable processes for the treatment of a wide range of contaminants. This project focuses on two novel sustainable technologies for remediation of common waste water contaminants: photoelectrocatalysis (pathogens and 2,4-DCP) and biosorption (heavy metals - HMs). The application of semiconductor photocatalysis in waste water treatment has been intensively investigated over the past decade. These studies mainly involve nano dimensional titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst using ultra-violet light as an energy source. However, practical applications are still limited by its poor visible light activity. In this study a photoelectrocatalytic batch cell (PECB) and photoelectrocatalytic fuel cell with a flow through configuration (PECFC) containing a visible light active tungsten trioxide (W03) photocatalyst have been optimised and assessed for contaminant remediation. The potential for the PECB to disinfect a surrogate human pathogen, the lux-marked E. coli HE 101 pUCD607, is investigated in Chapter 3. Disinfection experiments indicated that a > 99 % decrease in CFU/rnl occurred within 15 min. Although, this experiment showed that bacterial disinfection can be achieved by light alone (photolysis), the results indicated that disinfection rates were enhanced considerably by using the immobilised thin film W03 photoelectrocatalyst. This alternative catalyst was further assessed in a flow through PECFC system. The combination of the visible light enhanced W03 and the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology to remediation of 2,4-DCP in waste waters is investigated in Chapter 4. Degradation of 2,4-DCP was monitored over a period of 24 hrs. A total decrease of 74 % in 2,4-DCP concentration was observed, from which ea. 54 % were accountable to photoelectrocatalytic degradation processes and 20 % due to losses by adsorption or volatilisation. This decreased further to > 98 % removal over 6 days. A combination of chemical (HPLC) and bacterial biosensor (lux-marked Escherichia coli HB101 pUCD607) toxicity responses confirmed degradation of the parent compound with a concomitant increase in toxicity due to formation of intermediates, respectively. The reduction in 2,4-DCP concentration was observed to follow first order kinetics assuming a perfect flow model for the PECFC. However, more work is required to improve sustain ability of this technique as reduced efficiency of the PECFC occurred with prolonged use of the MEA (potentially due to occlusion of the catalytic sites), leading to loss of membrane conductivity. A major constraint with PECFC is the presence of eo-contaminants such as HMs that limit the efficiency of the MEA. Therefore, Chapter 5 assesses the efficacy and mechanisms for a sustainable biosorbent (distillery spent grain - DSG) to remove HMs from contaminated waters. A batch system was employed to determine the sorption of five different HMs from aqueous solution to DSG. Adsorption occurred up to a saturation point of 11.8, 14.1, 11.2, 38.1 and 14.6 mg of Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn / g DSG, respectively. Adsorption for all HMs conformed to the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating heterogeneity of the DSG surface. The sorption of HM followed the pseudo- second-order kinetic model, indicating that the rate-controlling step in the process was chemical interaction between the HM ions and the functional groups on the DSG surface. An increased sorption efficiency of the DSG occurred with increased storage time as decomposition of the organic matrix resulted in increased number of active sorption sites. However, deterioration in the aesthetic quality of the DSG meant that a balance was required between optimum performance and ease of handling in the application of this material; an optimum storage period of 3 months has been proposed. The batch equilibrium sorption experiments estimated sorption under optimal conditions where there was no limiting rate of interaction between HM and DSG active sites. A leaching set up more reminiscent of a 'real life' in-stream remediation scenario is assessed in Chapter 6. Successful sorption of all five HMs was observed but this was significantly reduced compared to batch equlibia. Moreover, an assessment of the effect of competing ions (NaCl) on HM sorption efficiency of the DSG indicated that increasing the ionic strength of the HM solution generally resulted in a decrease in HM sorption capacity of DSG at lower initial HM concentrations but the opposite effect was observed at the highest initial HM concentration. Sequential extractions, carried out on the BM-laden DSG after leaching experiments indicated that all five HMs studied were strongly bound within the organic matrix of the DSG as < 10 % of the sorbed HMs were loosely bound on labile or exchangeable sites. A preliminary investigation of DSG as a potential sorbent for 2,4-DCP is described in Chapter 7. For two concentrations (16.3 and 40.75 mg/l) , 66.0-68.9- % and 39.6-44.3 % of the 2,4-DCP was removed in batch and leaching experimental set-ups, respectively. The W03 photoelectrocatalytic fuel cells (batch PECB and continuous flow PECFC) and waste-derived biosorbent investigated during the course of this study are both promising emerging technologies for sustainable waste water treatment technologies. Moreover, there is potential for both technologies to act as complementary systems in a treatment train with the DSG deployed upstream of the PECFC (Chapter 8). This DSG- PECFC arrangement could potentially improve the efficiency of the PECFC to degrade organic contaminants, as the DSG will sorb both HM and organic pollutants, thereby reducing the contaminant concentration load stream entering the PECFC. This proposed set-up could in principle be adapted for application in-line of existing waste water treatment systems.

Wastewater treatment is not a new concept as water bodies around the world have been polluted since the dawn of industrialisation. With the increase in human activities, including domestic, industrial, and commercial practices, water pollution levels continue to rise due to aqueous contaminants. In addition, rapid industrialisation and recent human progress have given rise to a new form of pollution - emerging contaminants (ECs) - which are highly resistant to biodegradation and can travel across the world. While traditional wastewater treatment methods, such as adsorption, can combat these chemicals, their production of sludge is a major drawback that leads to secondary contaminants. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as a prominent choice among other wastewater remediation technologies owing to their ability to convert emerging organic pollutants to less toxic compounds through complete oxidation, such as mineral salts, CO2, and H2O. AOPs rely on the generation of reactive radicals to attack pollutants, however, the performance of AOPs for environmental remediation depends on the availability of a suitable catalytic material that can provide sufficient active sites for completing the redox reactions and can be efficiently recovered and reused. Recently, graphene and its derivatives, such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have demonstrated high efficiencies for the catalytic oxidation of aqueous pollutants, thanks to their extremely large specific surface area, superior interfacial charge transfer properties, and excellent functional chemistry. The self-assembly of rGO into three-dimensional (3D) macrostructures further enhances its catalytic properties, making it a promising candidate for large-scale operations. Taking advantage of 3D graphene-based materials, this thesis presents novel remediation technologies for wastewater treatment. Macroscopic graphene-based materials were fabricated and modified through various techniques, such as structural manipulation, heteroatom doping and integration with other carbonaceous materials, to enhance their catalytic activity in AOPs. Different facile techniques such as coagulation and cross-linking, freeze-casting and annealing, and hydrothermal and hydraulic pressing were employed to fabricate 3D macrostructures. The physical and chemical properties of the prepared materials were characterised using advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, among others. The catalytic activity of the prepared materials was evaluated by applying them in AOPs using peroxygens (peroxymonosulfate - PMS and peroxydisulfate - PS) to remove 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from wastewater. The primary performance indicator in this thesis was the extent of modification, where optimal modification conditions were identified to maintain the best catalytic properties. The influence of various reaction parameters on the reaction kinetics was investigated, and electron paramagnetic resonance coupled with selective radical quenching was used to identify the radical and free radical species generated during the AOPs. The mineralisation ability of the prepared materials was evaluated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the prepared macroscopic graphene-based materials exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the removal of ECs from wastewater using AOPs. This PhD study provides a fundamental basis for the development of efficient and sustainable graphene-based materials for real-world applications in wastewater treatment.

Industrial processing of ores and minerals may result in naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) becoming concentrated in wastes and installations. These radioactive materials are a potential health hazard, therefore, waste needs to be disposed of responsibly. This consigns the industry to costly disposal initiatives under the current directives. This study, scale deposits were collected from a decommissioned phosphoric acid processing plant, in order to determine the nature and concentration of NORM retained in process installations. The scale samples predominantly comprise the following: fluorides (e.g. ralstonite); calcium sulphate, and an assemblage of mixed fluorides and phosphates (e.g. iron fluoride hydrate, calcium phosphate).

This thesis evaluated the feasibility and performance of electrode‐based technologies for managing environmental contaminants. Specifically, research presented here focuses on the use of electrodes for in situ sediment remediation, and for the selective removal of bromide from brines produced in hydraulic fracturing. Sediment capping is an in situ remediation strategy to contain contaminants. Compared to traditional sand and sorbent‐amended caps, reactive caps capable of transforming contaminants may improve the remediation efficiency. However, few materials that can provide long‐term contaminant degradation are available for use in sediment caps. An electrode‐based reactive cap using carbon electrodes as the reactive capping material is proposed in this study to stimulate abiotic and biotic contaminant degradation in situ. A thorough understanding of factors affecting cap performance is essential to apply such reactive caps in the field. The primary objectives of study presented here for reactive sediment capping are to demonstrate the ability of an electrode‐based reactive cap to degrade sediment contaminants, to identify factors affecting contaminant degradation, and to investigate the impact of powered electrodes on contaminant biodegradation. Preliminary results in this study demonstrated a laboratory scale simulated sand cap containing carbon electrodes connected to a DC power supply induced and maintained redox gradient in Anacostia River sediment for more than 100 days. Hydrogen and oxygen were produced by water electrolysis at the electrode surfaces and may serve as electron donor and acceptor for potential contaminant degradation. The hydrogen production rate was proportional to the applied voltage between 2.5 and 5 V, and not greatly affected by pH or the presence of metal cations. Increasing ionic strength and addition of natural organic matter promoted hydrogen production. Complete nitrobenzene (NB) degradation was achieved in batch reactors with graphite electrodes. NB was stoichiomtrically reduced to aniline (AN) at the cathode with nitrosobenzene (NSB) as an intermediate, followed by rapid oxidization of AN at the anode. The reduction rate of NB and NSB were enhanced by increasing the applied voltage between the electrodes from 2V to 3.5V, but diminishing returns were observed above 3.5 V. NB and NSB reduction rate constants were faster at lower initial NB concentrations. Humic acid and simulated Anacostia River sediment porewater both affected the degradation rate, but only to a limited extent (~factor of 3). The effect of powered electrodes on contaminant biodegradation rates was investigated in sediment slurry using 2,4‐dichlorophenol (DCP) as a probe compound. DCP was reductively transformed to 4‐chlorophenol in sediment slurry with powered or unpowered electrodes. Graphite felt electrodes did not change DCP removal rates in nutrient‐amended sediment slurry and carbon paper electrodes decreased DCP removal rate in unamended sediment slurry. The observed negative effect of powered electrodes on DCP biodegradation rate may be caused by hydrogen production and increase of sediment pH near the cathode, since an increase of either hydrogen concentration or pH was found to depress the dechlorination rate in unamended sediment slurries without electrodes. Another application of electrode‐based contaminant removal technology evaluated in this study is selective bromide removal from mining brine produced in hydraulic fracturing of shale gas. Such brine (referred as “flowback” and “produced” water) has raised a number of environmental and human health issues. An important health concern associated with the brine is its high bromide concentration (~1g/L). If the brine is discharged to receiving waters that serve as drinking water sources, the bromide in it can lead to the formation of carcinogenic brominated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during water treatment. However, the co‐existence of other ions in the mining brine, especially chloride as high as 30‐200 g/L, makes selective bromide removal technically challenging.

Contaminated sites in low prioritized regions demand remediation technologies that are cost- and energy-effective and locally adapted. Parameters such as the time frame during which bioremediation degradation needs to occur may not be as restraining as in urban environments. This licentiate project aims to explore opportunities and constraints for appropriate soil remediation based on organic by-products in tropical developing countries and sparsely populated areas in industrial countries. Ecological Engineering and the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development were explored as planning tools to steer bioremediation methods towards sustainability. The use of the five concepts of Ecological Engineering within the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development can steer bioremediation in low prioritized regions towards sustainability. Pilot-scale and laboratory experiments were undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of such bioremediation methods. Experiments carried out at the experiment station in Chontales, Nicaragua showed some promising results, but also revealed problems associated with the clay rich soils, which are typical for tropical regions. Treatment of diesel contaminated ultisol with 6 mL whey kg-1 dw in a pilot-scale experiment considerably increased the degradation rate of diesel constituents, but no effects on the degradation rates were observed after treatment with compost tea or pyroligneous acid.The soil columns study suggests that despite a favorable particle size distribution for microbial transport, the sandy loam retained a greater fraction of the microorganisms present in the ACT in the top 10 cm than the clay loam, presumably because the lower bulk density and higher SOM in the clay loam aided transport and growth of microorganisms.

Since the end of the Cold War, the combined influence of audiovisual media, modern urban conflicts and asymmetric enemies has generated a new kind of military live training simulation to prepare soldiers for future combats. These novel hybrid exercise battlefields are situated in artificially constructed urban spaces and integrate real physical training with techniques and imagery inspired by the fields of cinema and media. This thesis critically examines this convergence of entertainment practices and images in military training and the resulting, potentially negative, impacts on the execution of warfare and perception of urban spaces and populations. The thesis begins by tracing the evolution of terrain representations in wargames – from black and white squares, painted landscape elements and actual maps, to virtual environments, miniature houses and real-scale architectures. The historical relationship between the film industry and military training is analysed in order to explore the emergence of cinematic components in simulated combat training landscapes that brought the flat world of wargames to its real third dimension. The mock urban training space is then investigated as a “meta-cinematic city” – a city created through cinematic tools, including set and sound design, which portrays a cinematic city (a city as represented through a filmic medium). This analysis focuses on how cinematic elements, such as creative geographies and architectural sequences, are created in order to train for the subversion of traditional conceptions of urban spaces and architectural elements in urban combats. Furthermore, the examination reveals how the sensory qualities of moving image technologies are employed to generate a multi-sensory “hyperrealism” and “hyperimmersion” to train physical and emotional reactions and engrain military responses to combat stimuli. The analysis furthermore excavates both the conscious and unconscious remediation of media imagery and practices in the creation of the artificial “human terrain”. The mise-en-scène of the enemy population is investigated in order to uncover how the simulation of “foreign” and “alien” identities is increasingly based on the media coverage of these population groups. The analysis critically considers how the resulting role-play reproduces self-perpetuating stereotypes that pre-shape the soldiers’ perception of populations. Lastly, the thesis explores how artificial media cycles are generated as part of the combat training to prepare soldiers’ self-representation and communication skills under unpredictable, straining circumstances and to effectively communicate the army’s message to the world. This section especially focuses on the growing military “weaponisation” of the media, which has now begun to market the military training itself as an entertainment attraction to worldwide audiences – thus closing the circle between entertainment and military practices and subsuming the population in the war preparation. With entertainment and marketing imagery, technologies and concepts now at the core of military preparation, stereotypes of population groups and urban spaces and a “de-realization”, “gamification” and “sanitisation” of warfare are increasingly carried over into real conflicts, thus affecting critical decisions as a result of entertainment-based conditioning. Furthermore, to ensure public support, the general population is turned into an indispensable part of military training through participatory video games, social media and training centre visits and consequently becomes increasingly complicit in the merging of entertainment and military practices and subject to the same remediated preconceptions.

In 2015 we celebrated the 750th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s birth. In light of the popularity of Dante’s imagery, channelled through a variety of the arts and across national contexts for more than seven centuries, this study explores practices of adaptation and remediation of Dante’s Inferno through the cinematic screen in 2005-2015 as well as its relationship with digital technologies. Despite our understanding of Dante and the screen being enriched by the contribution of several scholars such as Antonella Braida, Luisa Calé, Dennis Looney and Nick Havely, amongst others, very little has been written about the aesthetic, social and political impact of digital technologies on cinematic adaptations of the infernal imagery. In order to fill this gap in knowledge, this study investigates the remediate power of digital technology by simultaneously exploring its involvement and its impact. This includes an examination of film production, conservation, circulation and reception. In order to do so, I scrutinise the following three key case studies: Milano Film’s Inferno (ITA,1911), Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salò – 120 Days of Sodom (ITA, 1975) and David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis (CAN, FR, ITA, POR, 2012). This multi-disciplinary approach offers a theoretical revision of the theory of adaptation, shifting from the enduring centrality of the ‘reference text’ to a more intermedial awareness of the pivotal role played by the cinematic screen. This enables an exploration of the cultural, political and social impact of Dante’s inspired infernal imagery in the 21st century.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2013.<br>Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.<br>Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-181).<br>Scaling or crystallization fouling of unwanted salts is one of the most challenging and expensive problems encountered in different applications such as heat exchangers and thermal water treatment technologies. Formation of dihydrated calcium sulfate scale, also known as gypsum, on a heated copper plate is studied in lab. The copper plate, held at a given temperature, is immersed in a supersaturated solution of calcium sulfate prepared at a given concentration. The flow conditions are governed by natural convection. A parametric study, in which surface temperature and the degree of supersaturation are varied, is set up and a scale inception time curve is plotted. No scale is observed at a supersaturation index smaller or equal to 1.4. Both higher temperatures and higher concentrations result in faster scale induction; however, the effect of temperature is more significant at lower degrees of supersaturation. SEM images of scale samples show needle-like crystals, the thinnest of which formed at a supersaturation index of 2.0. The classical nucleation theory of Mullin provides an excellent fit for the results. Interfacial energies calculated out of this model are in the reported ranges.<br>by Mohamad H. Mirhi.<br>S.M.

This thesis presents the achievements pursued during the doctoral course. The work was carried out in the context of the project ERiCSol (Energia RInnovabile e Combustili SOLari), as part of the University of Trento strategic plan for the years 2017-2021. The project was conceived to establish an interdepartmental area to promote the challenge of developing scientific research and technological innovation to increase the competitiveness of Trento at national and international level in the areas of energy and environment. Among all the goals of the project, this work dedicates special attention to 1) development of novel materials for solar photocatalytic reactions and 2) use of renewable energy to push forward applications in water remediation. To accomplish these goals, the research brings a full collection of experimental activities regarding the employment of solar concentration for the environment industry and therefore this document is organized in 9 chapters. In chapter 1, it is presented the introduction outlining the overview of the environment industry, the employment of solar light as energy source and the general and specific objectives. Chapter 2 presents a literature review regarding the last 30 years of applications correlating the use of solar light towards wastewater purification. The chapter reviews the engineering features of solar collectors, photocatalyst materials employed and the panorama of the pollutants investigated up to the present date in solar photocatalysis, presenting comparisons between models and real wastewater approaches. Chapter 3 details the experimental techniques and characterizations employed to sustain the investigation proposed in the thesis. The first part of the chapter explains the features of parabolic dish solar concentrator designed and manufactured by the IdEA group at the physics department of the university of Trento. After, it is presented the pulsed laser deposition, a thin films fabrication technique employed to produce the photocatalysts used on water purification experiments. The second part of the chapter presents the description of the characterization techniques used to reveal the fabricated photocatalyst materials properties. Based on the review on the fundamentals of solar photocatalysis and the experimental techniques, chapters 4 and 5 present a discussion in the field of novel photocatalytic materials capable to operate under concentrated sunlight irradiation. Chapter 4 in special presents the investigation regarding the fabrication of tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin film coatings, bringing the novelty of using pulsed laser deposition as the fabrication method and the evaluation of this material in photocatalysis for the degradation of methylene blue dye model pollutant. Chapter 5 instead, presents the development on Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, bringing an innovative point of view on a “green-synthesis” approach and the material immobilization in film for heterogeneous photocatalysis routes. Chapters 6 and 7 discuss solar photocatalysis aiming to shift applications from model pollutants to real wastewater remediation conditions. Important comparisons are performed and discussed regarding the advantages and existing drawbacks. To fulfill this purpose, chapter 6 presents an application case of solar photocatalysis to the degradation of a surfactant-rich industrial wastewater whereas chapter 7 presents the approach focused on the remediation of organic lead contaminants present on a local water well site in the city of Trento. The last experimental approach of concentrated solar light is presented on chapter 8, dedicated to the application of concentrated sunlight towards waste biomass valorization. Conversely to the application on water previously described, this chapter presents the activity on designing, fabricating and coupling a hydrothermal reactor with concentrated sunlight using it as the driving force to promote degradation of grape seeds evolving into hydrochars with possible valorization of the carbonized material. Lastly, chapter 9 presents the conclusions and suggestions, this item expresses the final considerations on the results of the experimental investigations, advantages and limitations observed, and suggests possible actions for future works.

This thesis presents the achievements pursued during the doctoral course. The work was carried out in the context of the project ERiCSol (Energia RInnovabile e Combustili SOLari), as part of the University of Trento strategic plan for the years 2017-2021. The project was conceived to establish an interdepartmental area to promote the challenge of developing scientific research and technological innovation to increase the competitiveness of Trento at national and international level in the areas of energy and environment. Among all the goals of the project, this work dedicates special attention to 1) development of novel materials for solar photocatalytic reactions and 2) use of renewable energy to push forward applications in water remediation. To accomplish these goals, the research brings a full collection of experimental activities regarding the employment of solar concentration for the environment industry and therefore this document is organized in 9 chapters. In chapter 1, it is presented the introduction outlining the overview of the environment industry, the employment of solar light as energy source and the general and specific objectives. Chapter 2 presents a literature review regarding the last 30 years of applications correlating the use of solar light towards wastewater purification. The chapter reviews the engineering features of solar collectors, photocatalyst materials employed and the panorama of the pollutants investigated up to the present date in solar photocatalysis, presenting comparisons between models and real wastewater approaches. Chapter 3 details the experimental techniques and characterizations employed to sustain the investigation proposed in the thesis. The first part of the chapter explains the features of parabolic dish solar concentrator designed and manufactured by the IdEA group at the physics department of the university of Trento. After, it is presented the pulsed laser deposition, a thin films fabrication technique employed to produce the photocatalysts used on water purification experiments. The second part of the chapter presents the description of the characterization techniques used to reveal the fabricated photocatalyst materials properties. Based on the review on the fundamentals of solar photocatalysis and the experimental techniques, chapters 4 and 5 present a discussion in the field of novel photocatalytic materials capable to operate under concentrated sunlight irradiation. Chapter 4 in special presents the investigation regarding the fabrication of tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin film coatings, bringing the novelty of using pulsed laser deposition as the fabrication method and the evaluation of this material in photocatalysis for the degradation of methylene blue dye model pollutant. Chapter 5 instead, presents the development on Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, bringing an innovative point of view on a “green-synthesis” approach and the material immobilization in film for heterogeneous photocatalysis routes. Chapters 6 and 7 discuss solar photocatalysis aiming to shift applications from model pollutants to real wastewater remediation conditions. Important comparisons are performed and discussed regarding the advantages and existing drawbacks. To fulfill this purpose, chapter 6 presents an application case of solar photocatalysis to the degradation of a surfactant-rich industrial wastewater whereas chapter 7 presents the approach focused on the remediation of organic lead contaminants present on a local water well site in the city of Trento. The last experimental approach of concentrated solar light is presented on chapter 8, dedicated to the application of concentrated sunlight towards waste biomass valorization. Conversely to the application on water previously described, this chapter presents the activity on designing, fabricating and coupling a hydrothermal reactor with concentrated sunlight using it as the driving force to promote degradation of grape seeds evolving into hydrochars with possible valorization of the carbonized material. Lastly, chapter 9 presents the conclusions and suggestions, this item expresses the final considerations on the results of the experimental investigations, advantages and limitations observed, and suggests possible actions for future works.

Of the many toxic chemicals released into the Hanford vadose zone over the decades of nuclear weapons production, uranium has emerged as a contaminant of significant interest. The ammonia gas injection remediation method has been identified as a promising approach towards mitigating the risks to the ecosystem by limiting the mobility of the radionuclide in the vadose zone. The remediation method was replicated using synthetic porewater solutions with a range of constituent concentrations equal to that of the Hanford 200 Area vadose zone. The uranium-bearing products of the remediation method were characterized using kinetic phosphorescence analysis for aqueous uranium, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron microprobe for imaging and elemental analysis, and a sequential extraction procedure modified for the sample precipitates. Evaluation revealed that the resultant uranium-bearing solids likely took the form of uranium-silicates and uranium carbonates, with the latter being precipitated primarily in mid-to-high bicarbonate samples.

Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. is a hydrophyte particularly resistant to harsh conditions, e.g. drought, high salinity, contaminants, such as heavy metals and toxic molecules, and high nutrients concentrations. These resistances render the plant suitable for water depuration, where its particular metabolism is exploited to remove pollutants and excessive nutrients from the environment. In constructed wetlands, this principle is applied to phyto-purify wastewater with various origins, such as industrial, agricultural and household, with the aim to improve its quality to an extent which would render its reuse possible. In the framework of a pre-existing project of Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DiSTAl), this work integrates the knowledge and data relative to an Emilia Romagna (IT) constructed wetland plant, in order to expand the knowledge about this particular facility and of the system in general. By assaying antioxidants, both non- enzymatic and enzymatic, chlorophylls content and net photosynthetic rates, and by measuring the elemental composition of the specimens, the health status and the elemental uptake of the wetland plants sampled in different areas were investigated. The results were compared amongst the examined specimens with the aim to detect areas where there may be a higher stress due to a different wastewater composition, potentially varying along the constructed route. In addition, different parameters regarding the extraction and assay protocols were investigated, in order to optimise the procedure and to select the best conditions to perform the analyses, as well as to integrate information missing in literature or found as contradictory.

Comment rendre compte des transformations opérées dans le champ culturel par les technologies numériques ? Au-delà des grands récits technicistes, quelle entrée choisir pour observer les mutations induites par le numérique dans les rapports qu'entretiennent les publics avec les objets culturels ? Sur quels terrains se placer pour tenter de saisir les transformations issues de l'émergence d'une technologie hybride et protéiforme, sans pour autant faire de l'informatique une pratique culturelle " comme les autres " ou verser dans le déterminisme médiatique ?En pointant les doutes et les hésitations ayant marqué ce travail de thèse, en les examinant et en les contextualisant diachroniquement, il s'est agi de contribuer à l'analyse de la réception et des dynamiques culturelles en lien avec les technologies numériques. Cette réflexion, construite sur une longue durée, s'est attachée à l'exploration d'usages du numérique qui, en leur temps, semblaient devoir s'imposer comme radicalement " modernes ". Ainsi, en trois temps et trois focales nous avons choisi d'étudier des objets apparemment hétéroclites mais qui devaient témoigner des profonds changements culturels engagés par l'émergence des technologies de l'information et de la communication. Ce cheminement nous a conduit à étudier des pratiques aux statuts sociaux et scientifiques divers, depuis les lectures en bibliothèques jusqu'aux jeux vidéo en passant par les écritures intimes sur les sites de rencontres ou les blogs. Cette méthodologie nous a finalement conduit à isoler un élément transversal aux objets étudiés, et dont le déploiement est favorisé par les technologies numériques : l'essor des capacités réflexives des publics de la culture.

Contexte. La schizophrénie (SCZ) est associée à des troubles cognitifs qui entravent les capacités fonctionnelles des patients. En particulier, les déficits des fonctions exécutives handicapent la réalisation des Activités de la Vie Quotidienne (AVQ), et altèrent l’adhésion au traitement. Des Assistants Technologiques pour la Cognition (ATC), initialement conçus pour les maladies neurologiques, pourraient être utilisés comme outils de remediation cognitive pour compléter les traitements conventionnels dans la SCZ.Objectifs. Notre objectif clinique était d’améliorer l'autonomie et l'adhésion au traitement de patients SCZ grâce à deux ATC : Mobus et DoPill. Notre objectif technologique était de vérifier que ces ATC étaient adaptés aux besoins et aux capacités des patients SCZ.Méthodes. Des personnes ayant un diagnostic de SCZ selon les critères du DSM-IV ont testé Mobus au cours de trois études. Il s’agit d’un logiciel installé dans des smart phone qui offre un rappel des AVQ. De plus, l’utilsateur a la possibilité d’exprimer son vécu quotidien (symptômes, émotions...). Dans la troisième étude, un autre ATC a été testé : le DoPill. Ce pilulier intelligent avertit l’utilisateur lorsqu’il est temps de prendre son médicament. Des capteurs détectent la prise médicamenteuse. Les informations sur la réalisation des AVQ, le vécu des patients et l’adhésion au traitement, enregistrées de manière écologique par Mobus et DoPill, sont accessibles aux aidants à distance via Internet.Résultats. Nos trois études ont permis d’optimiser Mobus et DoPill. De plus, Mobus aurait amélioré certaines capacités de planification des utilisateurs, et DoPill aurait facilité l’adhésion au traitement. Cependant, ces résultats doivent être reproduits car leur significativité est faible.Conclusion. Le développement d’ATC ne peut se faire qu'en étroite collaboration entre le patient, son aidant et le programmeur, par étapes successives permettant d'améliorer le produit afin qu'il réponde au mieux aux besoins des utilisateurs. Cette collaboration est nécessaire sur le plan technique, mais aussi éthique. En effet, il ne s'agit pas d'isoler le patient dans un environnement technologique impersonnel, mais bien de l’accompagner quotidiennement dans sa réinsertion sociale<br>Background. Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ) lead to a negative functional outcome. Especially, executive deficits are associated with difficulties in achieving Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and treatment adherence. Assistive Technologies for Cognition (ATC), first concieved for neurological disease, could be used as tools of cognitive remediation in SCZ, to complete the action of antipsychotics.Objective. Our clinical aim was to enhance the autonomy and adherence of SCZ people with the use of two ATCs: Mobus and DoPill. Our technological aim was to investigate whether SCZ patients would be able to use such ATCs.Methods. Outpatients diagnosed with SCZ according to DSM-IV criteria tested Mobus in three studies. This application, implemented in smart phones, provides ADL recall. In addition, patients can report self-experiences anywhere at anytime. In the third study, another ATC, the DoPill, was tested. This smart pill dispenser alerts the patient when it’s time to take medication. Sensors detect when pills are taken out. Information about ADL’s execution, self-experiences and adherence, are ecologically registered by Mobus and DoPill and remotely available for caregivers via Internet.Results. Our three studies allowed to improve Mobus and DoPill in order to make them the most suitable to the needs of SCZ people. Furthermore, Mobus enhanced some planning skills of the participants, whose adherence as well progressed with the use of DoPill. Nevertheless, these findings have to be reproduced, as we found only weak significance. Conclusion. A close collaboration between the patient, the caregiver and the programmer is essential for developing ATC. This teamwork is necessary for technical issues, but also for ethical concerns. Indeed, ATC are not meant to isolate people by replacing the human element of relatives and caregivers by a machine. On the contrary, they offer a sense of security and are aimed at accompanying the patient in his/her social rehabilitation

Contexte. La schizophrénie (SCZ) est associée à des troubles cognitifs qui entravent les capacités fonctionnelles des patients. En particulier, les déficits des fonctions exécutives handicapent la réalisation des Activités de la Vie Quotidienne (AVQ), et altèrent l’adhésion au traitement. Des Assistants Technologiques pour la Cognition (ATC), initialement conçus pour les maladies neurologiques, pourraient être utilisés comme outils de remediation cognitive pour compléter les traitements conventionnels dans la SCZ.Objectifs. Notre objectif clinique était d’améliorer l'autonomie et l'adhésion au traitement de patients SCZ grâce à deux ATC : Mobus et DoPill. Notre objectif technologique était de vérifier que ces ATC étaient adaptés aux besoins et aux capacités des patients SCZ.Méthodes. Des personnes ayant un diagnostic de SCZ selon les critères du DSM-IV ont testé Mobus au cours de trois études. Il s’agit d’un logiciel installé dans des smart phone qui offre un rappel des AVQ. De plus, l’utilsateur a la possibilité d’exprimer son vécu quotidien (symptômes, émotions...). Dans la troisième étude, un autre ATC a été testé : le DoPill. Ce pilulier intelligent avertit l’utilisateur lorsqu’il est temps de prendre son médicament. Des capteurs détectent la prise médicamenteuse. Les informations sur la réalisation des AVQ, le vécu des patients et l’adhésion au traitement, enregistrées de manière écologique par Mobus et DoPill, sont accessibles aux aidants à distance via Internet.Résultats. Nos trois études ont permis d’optimiser Mobus et DoPill. De plus, Mobus aurait amélioré certaines capacités de planification des utilisateurs, et DoPill aurait facilité l’adhésion au traitement. Cependant, ces résultats doivent être reproduits car leur significativité est faible.Conclusion. Le développement d’ATC ne peut se faire qu'en étroite collaboration entre le patient, son aidant et le programmeur, par étapes successives permettant d'améliorer le produit afin qu'il réponde au mieux aux besoins des utilisateurs. Cette collaboration est nécessaire sur le plan technique, mais aussi éthique. En effet, il ne s'agit pas d'isoler le patient dans un environnement technologique impersonnel, mais bien de l’accompagner quotidiennement dans sa réinsertion sociale<br>Background. Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia (SCZ) lead to a negative functional outcome. Especially, executive deficits are associated with difficulties in achieving Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and treatment adherence. Assistive Technologies for Cognition (ATC), first concieved for neurological disease, could be used as tools of cognitive remediation in SCZ, to complete the action of antipsychotics.Objective. Our clinical aim was to enhance the autonomy and adherence of SCZ people with the use of two ATCs: Mobus and DoPill. Our technological aim was to investigate whether SCZ patients would be able to use such ATCs.Methods. Outpatients diagnosed with SCZ according to DSM-IV criteria tested Mobus in three studies. This application, implemented in smart phones, provides ADL recall. In addition, patients can report self-experiences anywhere at anytime. In the third study, another ATC, the DoPill, was tested. This smart pill dispenser alerts the patient when it’s time to take medication. Sensors detect when pills are taken out. Information about ADL’s execution, self-experiences and adherence, are ecologically registered by Mobus and DoPill and remotely available for caregivers via Internet.Results. Our three studies allowed to improve Mobus and DoPill in order to make them the most suitable to the needs of SCZ people. Furthermore, Mobus enhanced some planning skills of the participants, whose adherence as well progressed with the use of DoPill. Nevertheless, these findings have to be reproduced, as we found only weak significance. Conclusion. A close collaboration between the patient, the caregiver and the programmer is essential for developing ATC. This teamwork is necessary for technical issues, but also for ethical concerns. Indeed, ATC are not meant to isolate people by replacing the human element of relatives and caregivers by a machine. On the contrary, they offer a sense of security and are aimed at accompanying the patient in his/her social rehabilitation

Les déficits de la mémoire de travail en schizophrénie constituent des cibles préférentielles de par leur fréquence, leur lien avec le pronostic fonctionnel et leur implication dans tous les aspects de la vie quotidienne. Ces déficits sont présents dès l'entrée dans la maladie et ils sont peu améliorés par les psychotropes et les psychothérapies. La remédiation cognitive est amenée à occuper une place de plus en plus formelle dans le traitement de la schizophrénie, du fait d'une efficacité démontrée et de l'absence d'autres moyens thérapeutiques susceptibles d'améliorer les déficits visés. Les nouvelles technologies ont un impact de plus en plus important sur le développement de méthodes de prévention et de rééducation. L'utilisation des interfaces tactiles dans les domaines médicaux et paramédicaux se développe pour des raisons à la fois d'utilisabilité, d'efficacité et d'habitude liées à l'appartenance à une nouvelle génération. Face aux données nouvelles des neurosciences et aux développements des technologies innovantes, il nous a semblé important de poser la problématique suivante : l'usage de la technologie tactile pourrait-il contribuer au processus de remédiation de la mémoire de travail visuo-spatiale en schizophrénie ? Une étude longitudinale d'une durée de 4 mois a été réalisée auprès de 20 personnes ayant une schizophrénie (DSM-IV-TR), hospitalisées en long séjour à l'Hôpital Psychiatrique de la Croix (Beyrouth-Liban). L'échantillon de l'étude a été divisé en deux groupes équivalents (10 sujets par groupe) et homogènes (âge, performance, niveau d'éducation). Le premier groupe (groupe Contrôle) a été pris en charge par un programme utilisant l'activité classique comme moyen de remédiation. Le deuxième groupe (groupe Expérimental) a suivi le programme utilisant une tablette tactile de type iPad comme outil de remédiation. Les épreuves expérimentales de cette étude longitudinale ont été réalisées, en présence du thérapeute, en 16 séances de prise en charge : 12 séances hebdomadaires de remédiation et 4 séances mensuelles d'évaluation. La technique utilisée dans le programme de remédiation cognitive a pour objectif de rééduquer la mémoire de travail visuo-spatiale par une pratique et un entrainement intensifs via des activités thérapeutiques spécifiques. Par conséquent, deux activités ont été utilisées dans chaque séance : Memory Cartes et Rappel d'images, qui ont été présentées sous forme tactile (iPad) et non tactile (matériel en bois et carton) selon le programme de remédiation de chaque groupe. Enfin, un questionnaire d'appréciation a été présenté à la fin de chaque séance afin de recueillir des données globales quant à l'intérêt, à la motivation des patients et l'acceptabilité des outils de remédiation. Les évaluations cognitives mensuelles ont consisté en une batterie de tests neuropsychologiques (MEM-III, WAIS-IV, Memtrax) recouvrant les composantes de la mémoire de travail et l'attention visuelle sélective. Une évaluation « à distance » a également été réalisée 5 mois après le programme de la remédiation afin d'apprécier le maintien des capacités mnésiques à long terme. Les résultats statistiques obtenus par le biais d'ANOVAs et d'une Analyse en Composantes Principales sont prometteurs en termes d'amélioration des fonctions cognitives : la remédiation cognitive par l'interface tactile permet d'améliorer la mémoire de travail visuo-spatiale chez les personnes ayant une schizophrénie. Ces résultats amènent à considérer la nécessité d'intégrer les nouvelles technologies tactiles dans les programmes de remédiation cognitive en schizophrénie<br>The working memory deficits in schizophrenia form the preferred target regardless of their frequency, their relation with the functional prognosis and their involvement in all the aspects of everyday life. The cognitive remediation aims at occupying an important place in the treatment of schizophrenia, due to its proven efficiency as well as to the lack of other therapeutic means suspected of improving the targeted deficits. New technologies have a gradually important impact on the development of the methods of prevention and reeducation. Touch technology is remarkably evolving nowadays creating a new usage context, especially in the medical and paramedical domains. The use of innovative technologies in the medical and paramedical fields turns out to grow for reasons of usability, efficiency and habit related to the fact of belonging to a new generation. In this perspective, our research aims toward using new interactive technologies especially the touch interfaces in the cognitive remediation. Reflecting on the subject and following the ergonomic process will concern the modalities of integrating the touch interfaces in the process of the remediation of the visuo-spatial working memory within the schizophrenia. It is now to evaluate the usage of the new touch technologies and precisely the touch pads accused of improving the functioning of the visuo-spatial working memory through memory exercises, which is supposed to lead to a major contribution to the cognitive remediation techniques. The longitudinal study has been conducted with 20 individuals suffering from schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR), hospitalized for a long time at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (Beirut - Lebanon). This study specimen was divided into two equivalent (10 male subjects per group) and homogeneous (age, performance, level of education) groups. The first group (Classic Group) followed a program using classical activity as a remediation mean. Whereas the second (Touch Group), followed a program having touch pad as a remediation tool. Experimental tests along this longitudinal study of 4 months were conducted in 16 sessions of regaining control. Each patient participated in 4 evaluation sessions. The technique used in cognitive remediation program aims to reeducate the visuo-spatial working memory through intensive practice and training via specific therapeutic activities. In consequence, two activities were used in each session: Memory Cards and images Recall. They were presented through touch and non-touch forms according to the re-educational program of each group. Then, evaluation sessions were offered every month to measure patients' progress during the treatment. Finally, a Remote evaluation was realized after 5 months of the end of the remediation to assess the maintenance of the long-term mnesic abilities. Some promising results were obtained concerning the improvements of cognitive functions. The cognitive remediation through a touch pad allows better performance of visuo-spatial working memory of schizophrenic people. These results lead us to consider the necessity of integrating new touch technology in remediation programs to treat cognitive disorders associated with schizophrenia

NOWADAYS, a number of studies keep on demonstrating the existence of a strong relation between high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and the prevalence of human morbidity and mortality. Large particles can be filtered in the nose or in the throat, while fine particles (about10 micrometer) can settle in the bronchi and lungs, leading to more serious consequences. According to Karagulian et al. the major sources of urban air pollution are traffic (25%), combustion and agriculture (22%), domestic fuel burning (20%), natural dust (18%) and industrial activities (15%).As a consequence, the detailed study of dispersion phenomena within the urban canopy becomes a target of great interest. To this end, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be successfully employed to predict turbulence and dispersion patterns, accounting for a detailed characterization of the pollutant sources, complex obstacles and atmospheric stability classes.Despite being intrinsically different phenomena, turbulence and dispersion are closely related. It is universally accepted that, to reach accurate prediction of the concentration field, it is necessary to properly reproduce the turbulence one. For this reason, the present PhD thesis is split into two main Sections: one focused on turbulence modelling and the subsequent, centered on the dispersion modelling.Thanks to its good compromise between accuracy of results and calculation time, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) still represents a valid alternative to more resource-demanding methods. However, focusing on the models’ performance in urban studies, Large Eddy Simulation (LES) generally outperforms RANS results, even if the former is at least one order of magnitude more expensive. Stemming from this consideration, the aim of this work is to propose a variety of approaches meant to solve some of the major limitations linked to standard RANS simulation and to further improve its accuracy in disturbed flow fields, without renouncing to its intrinsic feasibility. The proposed models are suitable for the urban context, being capable of automatically switching from a formulation proper for undisturbed flow fields to one suitable for disturbed areas. For neutral homogeneous atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), a comprehensive approach is adopted, solving the issue of the erroneous stream-wise gradients affecting the turbulent profiles and able to correctly represent the various roughness elements. Around obstacles, more performing closures are employed. The transition between the two treatments is achieved through the definition of a Building Influence Area (BIA). The finalgoal is to offer more affordable alternatives to LES simulations without sacrificing a good grade of accuracy.Focusing on the dispersion modelling framework, there exists a number of parameters which have to be properly specified. In particular, the definition of the turbulent Schmidt number Sct, expressing the ratio of turbulent viscosity to turbulent mass diffusivity, is imperative. Despite its relevance, the literature does not report a clear guideline on the definition of this quantity. Nevertheless, the importance of Sct with respect to dispersion is undoubted and further demonstrated in the works of different authors. For atmospheric boundary layer flows, typical constant values range between 0.2 and 1.3. As a matter of fact, the local variability of Sct is supported by experimental evidence and by direct numerical simulations (DNS). These observations further suggest that the turbulent Schmidt number should be prescribed as a dynamic variable. Following these observations a variable turbulent Schmidt number formulation is proposed in this work. The latter stems from the same hypothesis of the variable formulation developed by Gorlé et al. Moreover, the relevant uncertain model parameters are optimized through uncertainty quantification (UQ). This formulation further increased the accuracy of the predictions, and was successfully verified by Di Bernardino et al. However, the turbulent Schmidt number resulting from this formulation is still intrinsically linked to the turbulence model employed, i.e. to the Cμ coefficient. To overcome this constraint, the nature and the dependencies of Sct were further analyzed through correlation studies and employing principal component analysis (PCA) on data obtained through the proposed ABL RANS model. Subsequently, the same data-driven technique was employed based on the high-fidelity outcomes of a delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (dDES) to derive a generalized turbulentSchmidt number formulation. The latter can be employed within a wide range of turbulence models, without limiting its variability.<br>Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur et technologie<br>info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Les transformateurs de puissance sont des équipements coûteux dont un point faible est la dégradation du papier Kraft isolant qu’ils contiennent. Ces travaux étudient la dégradation cinétique de deux papiers électrotechniques, dans des essais de vieillissement en conditions accélérées dans une huile minérale : un papier standard et un papier amélioré, Thermally Upgraded (TU), contenant un additif. La dégradation du papier standard, mesurée via l’évolution du degré de polymérisation viscosimétrique (DPv) de la cellulose, suit un modèle cinétique d’ordre zéro et l’énergie d’activation mesurée est proche de celle avancée pour l’hydrolyse acide de la cellulose dans la littérature. Le papier TU présente en revanche un comportement différent, l’ajout de l’additif ralentissant sa dégradation et aucun modèle testé n’a permis de modéliser correctement les données expérimentales. Une étude plus approfondie sur le mécanisme d’action de cet additif a permis de confirmer et compléter les hypothèses de la littérature. Par ailleurs, des caractérisations mécaniques des papiers vieillis ont mis en évidence une corrélation entre le DPv de la cellulose et la résistance au double-plis du papier. Une autre étude a porté sur le rôle de la lignine sur la dégradation du papier : un effet protecteur pour la cellulose a été discuté et il a été montré que le vieillissement de la lignine conduisait aussi à la production de méthanol dans l’huile (marqueur de dégradation du papier utilisé dans les transformateurs). Enfin, une nouvelle solution de protection, l’ajout d’aminoalkylalkoxysilanes en surface du papier a montré des résultats encourageants notamment en termes de conservation des propriétés mécaniques du papier<br>Power transformers are expensive devices and the degradation of the cellulosic insulation paper contributes to limiting the transformer life expectancy. This work studies the kinetic degradation of two electrotechnical papers during accelerated ageing trials in mineral oil: one standard paper and one Thermally Upgraded paper (TU) containing an additive. The degradation of the standard paper, measured via the cellulose viscometric degree of polymerisation (DPv), follows a first order kinetic model and the calculated activation energy is close to activation energy reported for the acid hydrolysis of cellulose in the literature. The TU paper behaves differently since the additive slows the paper degradation, and none of the tested kinetics models succeed to model experimental data. A deeper study of the additive reaction mechanism confirms and completes the hypotheses presented in the literature. Moreover, some mechanical characterizations of aged papers highlight a correlation between the cellulose DPv and the double fold resistance of the paper. Thereafter, it has been discussed that the presence of lignin in paper presents a protective effect on cellulose and it has been shown that it leads to the production of methanol (used as a marker of paper degradation to monitor power transformers). Finally, a new protective solution, the addition of aminoalkylalkoxysilanes on the paper surface, gave encouraging results, particularly in terms of paper mechanical strength properties preservation

Ce travail de recherche consiste en une réflexion sur le statut de ce corps performatif contemporain, sur le procédé esthétique de remédiation et sur la « démocratisation » qu’il subit dans les performances live actuelles. Pour comprendre les raisons et les effets de ce phénomène, il a fallu analyser l’événement théâtral tout d’abord de façon systémique et relationnelle, puis analytique, en essayant de reconstruire avant tout un réseau de détails interdépendants et connectés au sujet et au contexte, plutôt que de partir d’une diégèse de chaque spectacle. Quatre exemples artistiques internationaux contemporains – sélectionnés pour leur importance et leur hétérogénéité – représentatifs d’une interaction particulière entre le performeur et les nouvelles technologies, ont été analysés. La réflexion a portée sur la manière dont cette interaction créait chez les acteurs et les spectateurs – lorsque cette distinction subsiste – une perception de l’espace et du temps complètement nouvelle selon trois modalités relationnelles et expressives que nous pourrions définir comme : « présent ici et maintenant » (proximité immédiate), « présent à distance » et « absent/virtuel ». Dans les expériences prises ici en considération, le corps contemporain, bien loin de ce qu’il représentait à l’origine, n’est plus élément représentatif de l’identité, d’une seule identité : il est privé de sa subjectivité et ramené à une sorte de « degré zéro » de sa nature ; il devient liquide, ouvert, fragmenté. Dans ces performances, et plus particulièrement dans celles qui ont pour point de départ la danse, c’est le corps comme objet, ses caractéristiques matérielles qui sont mises au premier plan, si bien que la manipulation de la corporéité ou la dislocation de l’agent en-dehors du corps semblent annuler la notion de « présence ». Il serait plus correct – et c’est le défi de notre réflexion – d’analyser la reconfiguration de cette présence à la lumière d’une vérité médiatisée, un effet de réalité qui pousse à considérer comme réel ce qui nous est montré à travers un support, filmé, reproduit de façon digitale, reconstruit à travers la lumière et le son<br>In the present analysis four contemporary international artistic examples will be analysed, chosen for their significance and at the same time their heterogeneity, representative of a peculiar interaction of the performer with the technological medium. It has been shown that this interaction produces in actors and spectators – where this distinction still subsists – a perception of space and time that is quite new ; in keeping with three relational and expressive modes that we could anticipate here as : “present in the here and now” (immediate proximity), “present at a distance” and “absent/virtual”. Again in the experiences considered here, the contemporary body, far from what it represented at the origins, is no longer representative of identity, of a single identity : it is deprived of its subjectivity and reduced to a kind of “degree zero” of its nature. It becomes liquid, open, fragmented. In these performances, and in particular those that start from dance, the object and material characteristics of the bodies are brought into the foreground ; so that the manipulation of the body or the displacement of the agent outside the body would seem to efface the notion of “presence”. Rather it would be more correct – and this is the challenge of this investigation – to evaluate the reconfiguration of this presence in the light of a mediated truth, an effect of reality that leads us to regard as real what is shown to us on a support, filmed, reproduced digitally, reconstructed through light or sound. The present research therefore consists in an investigation of the status of this contemporary performative body, of the aesthetic process of remediation and of the “democratisation” that it undergoes in current live performances. To understand the reasons for and effects of this phenomenon, it was necessary to conduct an analysis of the theatrical event in a systemic and relational rather than an analytical way, seeking to reconstruct a network of details connected to and interdependent of the subject and the context, before presenting a diegesis of individual spectacles<br>Si sono qui prese in esame quattro esperienze performative internazionali contemporanee - scelte per la loro rilevanza e nello stesso tempo per la loro eterogeneità - rappresentative di una peculiare interazione del performer con il mezzo tecnologico. Si è evidenziato così come quest’interazione produca in attori e spettatori – ove sussista ancora questa distinzione – una percezione dello spazio e del tempo affatto nuova ; secondo tre modalità relazionali ed espressive che potremmo qui anticipare come : “presente nel qui e ora” (prossimità immediata), “presente a distanza” e “assente/virtuale”. Sempre nelle esperienze qui considerate, il corpo contemporaneo, lontano da ciò che poteva rappresentare in partenza, non è più elemento significativo dell’identità, di una sola identità : viene privato della propria soggettività e condotto a una specie di “grado zero” della propria natura ; appare così frammentato, aperto, liquido. In queste performance, e in particolare in quelle che partono dalla danza, sono le caratteristiche oggettuali e materiali dei corpi a essere messe in primo piano ; cosicché la manipolazione della corporeità o la dislocazione dell’agente al di fuori del corpo sembrerebbero annullare la consueta nozione di “presenza”. Più corretto invece – e questa è la sfida di questa indagine – ci è sembrato valutare la riconfigurazione di questa presenza alla luce di una verità mediata, quell’effetto di realtà che induce a ritenere reale ciò che ci viene mostrato su un supporto, filmato, riprodotto digitalmente, ricostruito attraverso la luce o il suono. La presente ricerca consiste quindi nell’esplorazione dello status di questo corpo performativo contemporaneo, del processo estetico di rimediazione e di “democratizzazione” che esso subisce nelle performance live attuali : per comprendere le ragioni e gli effetti del quale si è reso necessario lo svolgimento di un’analisi dell’evento teatrale sistemica e relazionale, prima che analitica ; cercando di ricostruire una rete di particolari connessi e interdipendenti al soggetto e al contesto, anziché limitarci a una semplice diegesi dei singoli spettacoli

Si sono qui prese in esame quattro esperienze performative internazionali contemporanee - scelte per la loro rilevanza e nello stesso tempo per la loro eterogeneità - rappresentative di una peculiare interazione del performer con il mezzo tecnologico. Si è evidenziato così come quest’interazione produca in attori e spettatori – ove sussista ancora questa distinzione – una percezione dello spazio e del tempo affatto nuova; secondo tre modalità relazionali ed espressive che potremmo qui anticipare come: “presente nel qui e ora” (prossimità immediata), “presente a distanza” e “assente/virtuale”. Sempre nelle esperienze qui considerate, il corpo contemporaneo, lontano da ciò che poteva rappresentare in partenza, non è più elemento significativo dell’identità, di una sola identità: viene privato della propria soggettività e condotto a una specie di “grado zero” della propria natura; appare così frammentato, aperto, liquido. In queste performance, e in particolare in quelle che partono dalla danza, sono le caratteristiche oggettuali e materiali dei corpi a essere messe in primo piano; cosicché la manipolazione della corporeità o la dislocazione dell’agente al di fuori del corpo sembrerebbero annullare la consueta nozione di “presenza”. Più corretto invece – e questa è la sfida di questa indagine – ci è sembrato valutare la riconfigurazione di questa presenza alla luce di una verità mediata, quell’effetto di realtà che induce a ritenere reale ciò che ci viene mostrato su un supporto, filmato, riprodotto digitalmente, ricostruito attraverso la luce o il suono. La presente ricerca consiste quindi nell’esplorazione dello status di questo corpo performativo contemporaneo, del processo estetico di rimediazione e di “democratizzazione” che esso subisce nelle performance live attuali: per comprendere le ragioni e gli effetti del quale si è reso necessario lo svolgimento di un’analisi dell’evento teatrale sistemica e relazionale, prima che analitica; cercando di ricostruire una rete di particolari connessi e interdipendenti al soggetto e al contesto, anziché limitarci a una semplice diegesi dei singoli spettacoli.<br>In the present analysis four contemporary international artistic examples will be analysed, chosen for their significance and at the same time their heterogeneity, representative of a peculiar interaction of the performer with the technological medium. It has been shown that this interaction produces in actors and spectators – where this distinction still subsists – a perception of space and time that is quite new; in keeping with three relational and expressive modes that we could anticipate here as: “present in the here and now” (immediate proximity), “present at a distance” and “absent/virtual”. Again in the experiences considered here, the contemporary body, far from what it represented at the origins, is no longer representative of identity, of a single identity: it is deprived of its subjectivity and reduced to a kind of “degree zero” of its nature. It becomes liquid, open, fragmented. In these performances, and in particular those that start from dance, the object and material characteristics of the bodies are brought into the foreground; so that the manipulation of the body or the displacement of the agent outside the body would seem to efface the notion of “presence”. Rather it would be more correct – and this is the challenge of this investigation – to evaluate the reconfiguration of this presence in the light of a mediated truth, an effect of reality that leads us to regard as real what is shown to us on a support, filmed, reproduced digitally, reconstructed through light or sound. The present research therefore consists in an investigation of the status of this contemporary performative body, of the aesthetic process of remediation and of the “democratisation” that it undergoes in current live performances. To understand the reasons for and effects of this phenomenon, it was necessary to conduct an analysis of the theatrical event in a systemic and relational rather than an analytical way, seeking to reconstruct a network of details connected to and interdependent of the subject and the context, before presenting a diegesis of individual spectacles.<br>Ce travail de recherche consiste en une réflexion sur le statut de ce corps performatif contemporain, sur le procédé esthétique de remédiation et sur la « démocratisation » qu’il subit dans les performances live actuelles. Pour comprendre les raisons et les effets de ce phénomène, il a fallu analyser l’événement théâtral tout d’abord de façon systémique et relationnelle, puis analytique, en essayant de reconstruire avant tout un réseau de détails interdépendants et connectés au sujet et au contexte, plutôt que de partir d’une diégèse de chaque spectacle. Quatre exemples artistiques internationaux contemporains – sélectionnés pour leur importance et leur hétérogénéité – représentatifs d’une interaction particulière entre le performeur et les nouvelles technologies, ont été analysés. La réflexion a portée sur la manière dont cette interaction créait chez les acteurs et les spectateurs – lorsque cette distinction subsiste – une perception de l’espace et du temps complètement nouvelle selon trois modalités relationnelles et expressives que nous pourrions définir comme : « présent ici et maintenant » (proximité immédiate), « présent à distance » et « absent/virtuel ». Dans les expériences prises ici en considération, le corps contemporain, bien loin de ce qu’il représentait à l’origine, n’est plus élément représentatif de l’identité, d’une seule identité : il est privé de sa subjectivité et ramené à une sorte de « degré zéro » de sa nature ; il devient liquide, ouvert, fragmenté. Dans ces performances, et plus particulièrement dans celles qui ont pour point de départ la danse, c’est le corps comme objet, ses caractéristiques matérielles qui sont mises au premier plan, si bien que la manipulation de la corporéité ou la dislocation de l’agent en-dehors du corps semblent annuler la notion de « présence ». Il serait plus correct – et c’est le défi de notre réflexion – d’analyser la reconfiguration de cette présence à la lumière d’une vérité médiatisée, un effet de réalité qui pousse à considérer comme réel ce qui nous est montré à travers un support, filmé, reproduit de façon digitale, reconstruit à travers la lumière et le son.

碩士<br>朝陽科技大學<br>環境工程與管理系碩士班<br>100<br>Lead is the common pollutant in soil, which is mainly from the lead accumulator manufacturing, smelting, cartridge and metal casting procedures. Characteristics of soil polluted by different pollution sources and lead compounds may vary. This study conducted an analysis on the soil characteristics and lead bonding states of soil polluted by different pollution sources. The results showed that, the exchangeable was negatively correlated with pH (r = -0.580, P < 0.01), carbonate bound was negatively correlated with organic matter (r = -0.328, P < 0.01), and Fe-Mn oxides bound (r = 0.450, P < 0.01) and residual (r = 0.637, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with CEC. Factors affecting the lead speciation state included pH, CEC, and organic matter. The second part of this study focused on two remediation technologies, which are soil washing and phytoremediation in lead-polluted soil. HCl, HNO3, AlCl3, FeCl3, CaCl2, MgCl2, and EDTA-4Na were used as the cleaning agent for soil washing to discuss on the removal effect of the 7 cleaning agent on the lead content and bonding states in soil. Phytoremediation site was a lead-polluted place. Absorption accumulation ability of native plant at site on lead was analyzed, and Bidens pilosa, Amaranthus viridis as well as Helianthus annuus were treated as the plant for phytoremediation to discuss their absorption accumulation ability of lead in soil. The results of soil washing showed that, for the soil with lead under carbonate bound and Fe-Mn oxides bound, HCl and HNO3 were able to remove the lead for 70% or above. For the soil with lead under exchangeable, HCl and HNO3 were able to remove the lead for 80% or above. With regard to the ability to remove all the speciation, the removal ability of HCl and HNO3 on carbonate bound and Fe-Mn oxides bound was 80% or above; that of AlCl3 and FeCl3 on carbonate bound was 66~96%; that of EDTA-4Na on exchangeable and carbonate bound was 70% or above and on Fe-Mn oxides bound was 58~96%. The results on phytoremediation showed that, the absorption volume of the aboveground part of native plant, such as Ludwigia octovalvis, Bidens pilosa, Eleusine indica, Physalis angulata L., Solanum nigrum L., Sphenoclea zeylanica Gaertn, Amaranthus viridis, at site on the lead was 100 mg kg-1 or above. The aboveground part of Bidens pilosa had the highest absorption volume on lead, and was able to transfer the lead from the underground part to the aboveground part. The plant had a high survival rate, which was easy to be planted and had the potential to be the plant for phytoremediation.

碩士<br>朝陽科技大學<br>環境工程與管理系碩士班<br>97<br>Chlorophenols are a type of organic compound difficult to decompose in the natural environment. Pentachlorophenol, among which, is a hydrophobic ionizable organic pollutant. Once the environment is polluted by adsorption in the soil, it affects the groundwater sources, causing soil and groundwater pollution. Supercritical carbon dioxide has the characteristics of being inactive, non-toxic, safe, relatively low in price, and easy to obtain. Therefore, the main objective of this research was using the green technology of supercritical fluid with methanol modifier to extract the pentachlorophenol pollutant in groundwater. The best extraction efficiency was then determined, followed by chemical oxidation experiments to destroy pentachlorophenol. First, pentachlorophenol was added to non-contaminated groundwater to make unsaturated, saturated and oversaturated groundwater samples, of which, the groundwater pH value is neutral with its electrical conductivity and oxidation reduction potential similar to common groundwater. Therefore, it can be used as a reference for general groundwater remediation. While conducting supercritical fluid extraction, in order to determine the optimal conditions and individual efficiencies, this study investigated different temperatures, pressure and the addition ratio of methanol modifier. During the extraction for unsaturated, saturated and oversaturated pentachlorophenol in groundwater, the extraction efficiency was found above 96% without adding modifier. However, the extraction efficiency was determined above 97% when 2.5% and 5% v/v methanol modifier was introduced. In the chemical experiment, this research applied the Fenton oxidation reaction, Persulfate oxidation reaction and TiO2 photocatalysis with UV light to removal the pentachlorophenol pollutant in groundwater. In the Fenton oxidation reaction, hydrogen peroxide solution of 206 mM and ferrous iron of 14.4 mM were prepared for the reaction. As for the persulfate oxidation reaction, sodium persulfate solution of 16.8 mM and ferrous iron of 14.4 mM were prepared for the reaction, the removal efficiencies were determined above 94% for both chemical oxidation reactions. Using the two chemical oxidation methods accompanied by appropriate chemical reagents, optimal removal efficiency can be achieved. In the TiO2 photocatalyst reaction, addition of 0.1% TiO2 provided the best pentachlorophenol removal efficiency in the UV light. However, when adding higher concentration of TiO2, due to the shadowing effect, the removal efficiency of pentachlorophenol was reduced. After using the supercritical fluid to extract pentachlorophenol from the groundwater followed the chemical oxidation experiment, the amount of chemical reagents can be reduced and so will the environmental secondary pollution.

碩士<br>朝陽科技大學<br>環境工程與管理系碩士班<br>97<br>Chlorophenol compounds are difficult to break down naturally in the environment. This study was to use Fenton oxidation, TiO2 photocatalytic degradation, biological surfactants cyclodextrins washing, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction to remove or destroy pentachlorophenol in soils, it has reached in the environment PCP reduction purposes. Soil samples used in this study were obtained from the central region of Taiwan, and were the common red and alluvial soils. The characteristics of soils was analyzed and discussed, herein the contaminated soil was prepared by spiking PCP in soil. The result of Fenton oxidation indicated that H2O2 concentration 206 mM and Fe2+ concentration 57.6 mM were the optimal concentrations for the red soil experiment, the removal efficiency of PCP reached to 75%, however the concentration of H2O2 required to upgrade to 825 mM for alluvial soil in order to obtain 70% removal efficiency. Using 1 mM Cyclodextrin solution to wash PCP from soil, the removal efficiency was 60% for red soil while reach to 80% for alluvial soil. Various temperature, pressure and modifier ratio were conducted in supercritical carbon dioxide extraction experiments. The extraction efficiency reached to 60% in the condition of 100 bar and 70˚C for both soils, moreover the extraction efficiency increased about 10% while 5% (v/v) methanol modifier was introduced, however the extraction efficiency decreased when 10% modifier was overdosed. The extracted PCP was concentrated in the methanol with 2 mL volume, was then examined with Fenton reaction. The data showed the PCP was completely destructed by using significantly lower amount of Fenton’s reagent compared to directly addition of Fenton’s reagent to soil. Keywords: Supercritical fluid extraction, Soil, Pentachlorophenol, Fenton oxidation, Cyclodextrin.

I sedimenti marini sono identificati come il recettore finale per molti inquinanti pericolosi prodotti dalle attività antropiche, sostanze che pongono importanti preoccupazioni per la salute umana e per l’ambiente. Di conseguenza, la bonifica dei sedimenti contaminati comporta una grande quantità di preoccupazioni scientifiche e pubbliche in tutto il mondo, rappresentando un’enorme sfida sia sotto il profilo tecnico che tecnologico. In questo contesto, la presente tesi è finalizzata alla valutazione di due trattamenti sostenibili per il risanamento dei sedimenti marini contaminati del bacino del Mar Piccolo di Taranto (Italia meridionale). Taranto è una delle città più inquinate dell’Europa ed è stata inserita nell’elenco dei Siti di Interesse Nazionale (SIN), per i quali la bonifica è identificata come una priorità Nazionale. Il Mar Piccolo è un bacino costiero superficiale semichiuso (superficie totale di 20.72 km2) con caratteristiche lagunari, caratterizzato da una limitata circolazione e dalla presenza di sorgenti sottomarine, che immettono acqua dolce nel bacino. Tutti questi fattori contribuiscono a creare un ecosistema marino ricco e unico, tipico degli ambienti di transizione, rendendo il bacino una delle aree più importanti per l’allevamento di mitili in Europa. Sono state condotte indagini sperimentali, in scala di laboratorio, su sedimenti contaminati da metalli pesanti, IPA e PCB, al fine di esplorare la sostenibilità delle seguenti tecnologie di bonifica: in situ reactive capping reattivo e ex situ stabilizzazione/solidificazione (i.e. S/S). Per valutare gli impatti del capping reattivo sulla migrazione dei contaminanti, sono stati condotti esperimenti in scala di laboratorio con colonne di sedimento. Inoltre, sono stati effettuati dei test geo-meccanici sui sedimenti inquinati migliorati con materiali assorbenti, al fine di studiare gli effetti di un mix in situ sul comportamento dei sedimenti. I risultati migliorano la comprensione dei processi chimici all’interno dei sedimenti marini e dovrebbero contribuire allo sviluppo di tecnologie di capping attive e sostenibili. Per quanto riguarda la tecnologia ex situ, è stata valutata la lisciviazione dei sedimenti trattati con tecniche S/S a base di leganti tradizionali (cioè cemento Portland e calce) e additivi verdi (cioè carbone attivo e biochar). Sulle migliori miscele è stata condotta una caratterizzazione geotecnica, finalizzata a indagare le prestazioni meccaniche nel tempo di maturazione. I risultati suggeriscono che le miscele progettate, per appropriati tempi di polimerizzazione, potrebbero consentire di riutilizzare i sedimenti migliorando le loro caratteristiche geotecniche e rendendole accettabili dal punto di vista ambientale in base ai criteri di fine rifiuti. La ricerca ha beneficiato della circostanza che il Mar Piccolo rappresenta un "laboratorio naturale" e un caso emblematico nel panorama mondiale dei siti inquinati. Ne consegue che, pur partendo da un caso studio, lo studio ha offerto la possibilità di analizzare e testare geomateriali naturali alterati dalla presenza di diverse fonti di contaminazione (ad esempio: salinità dell'acqua, materia organica, inquinanti organici e metalli pesanti).<br>Marine sediments are identified as an ultimate receptor for many hazardous pollutants produced by the human activities that pose major concerns for human health and the environment. As a result, the definition of the remediation strategies of contam-inated sediments has given rise to great scientific and public concern throughout the world, since it represents a huge actual challenge from both a technical and technolog-ical point of view. In this context, the present thesis aims to the assessment of two sustainable treatments for the remediation of contaminated marine sediments of the Mar Piccolo basin, located at north of Taranto, (South Italy). Taranto is one of the most polluted towns in Europe and it has been included into the list of polluted Sites of National Inter-est (SIN), for which the environmental remediation has been identified as a National priority. The Mar Piccolo is a semi-enclosed shallow coastal basin (total surface of 20.72 km2) with lagoon features, characterized by restricted water circulation and tidal range and by the presence of submarine springs, which discharge fresh water into the basin. All these factors contribute to create a rich and unique marine ecosystem, typical of the transition environments, and make the basin one of the most important area for mussel farming in Europe. Experimental laboratory investigation has been carried out on sediments con-taminated by heavy metals, PAHs and PCBs, to explore the sustainability of two se-lected remediation technologies: i) in situ reactive capping and ii) ex situ stabilization/solidification (i.e. S/S). Laboratory-scale experiments with sediment columns have been carried in order to assess the impact of reactive capping on contaminant migra-tion. Lastly, geomechanical laboratory tests were carried out on the polluted sediments improved with absorbent materials, in order to study the effects of in situ mix on sedi-ment behaviour. The experimental results contribute to both improve the understanding of chemo-mechanical processes within marine sediments and support the develop-ment of sustainable remediation technologies. Concerning the ex situ alternatives, leaching tests of S/S treated sediments with both traditional binders (i.e. Portland cement and lime) and green additives (i.e. active carbon and biochar) has been carried out. Most efficient mixtures have undergone a geotechnical characterization, aimed at investigating the mechanical performances in the curing time. The results suggest that appropriate mix designs and curing times could allow us for the reuse of sediments by both improving their geotechnical charac-teristics and making them environmentally acceptable in accordance to end-of-waste criteria. The research benefited from the circumstance that the Mar Piccolo represents a “natural laboratory” and an emblematic case in the worldwide panorama of polluted sites. It follows that, although starting from a case history, the study offered the possi-bility to analyses and tests natural geomaterials altered by the presence of different sources of contamination (i.e. water salinity, organic matter, organic pollutants and heavy metals).

In questo lavoro di ricerca è stata valutata l'influenza dell’ elettrogenesi sulla degradazione degli IPA e sulla disintossicazione operata da consorzi batterici, uno specializzato e un endogeno, in ambiente acquatico. I bioreattori e le MFCs a camera singola, con catodo ad aria, sono stati riempiti con pool microbico (107-108 UCF/mL) inoculato in una soluzione salina Winogradsky da 400 mL contenente nessun'altra fonte di carbonio ma solamente IPA: naftalene (80 ppm), del fenantrene (40 ppm), del pirene (40ppm), benzo (a) pirene (20 ppm). I valori di Power Density (PD) e Current Density (CD) così come il tasso di degradazione di IPA sono stati misurate nel corso del trattamento. La tossicità ambientata è stata valutata mediante test ecotossicologici con Raphidocelis subcapitata. I risultati hanno mostrato un significativo variabilità nei valori di PD e CD, con PD più alto di 380 mW/m3 e 25 mA/m3 dopo all’ incirca un mese di trattamento, inoltre la concentrazione complessiva di IPA è diminuita del 90 in MFC inoculato con batteri (MFC2). I test ecotossicologici hanno dimostrato per le MFC con consorzio un abbassamento del livello di tossicità rispetto agli altri campioni. L’elettrogenesi ha accelerato il metabolismo microbico portando a un miglioramento delle attività degradative e detossificanti dei batteri.Inoltre, in questo lavoro, è stato condotto un esperimento di bonifica mediante celle a combustibile microbico (MFC) su sei campioni di sedimenti marini raccolti nel Golfo di Pozzuoli (area Bagnoli), in Campania (Italia). Questi campioni contenevano elevate concentrazioni di inquinanti, a causa di un'attività di scarico di acciaierie, ora dismessa, durata oltre 80 anni. Le analisi chimiche dei campioni hanno rivelato la presenza di tutti e 16 gli idrocarburi aromatici policiclici (IPA) elencati tra gli "inquinanti prioritari" dai sedimenti US-Environmental Protection Agency, con concentrazione che va da un massimo di 30 ppm (fluorantene) a 0,21 ppm (acenaphthene). Dopo un mese di trattamento, è stata riscontrata una notevole degradazione degli IPA, un abbassamento del livello di tossicità e, inoltre, una buona la produzione di energia con il valori più alti di PD e CD pari a 20 mW/m2 and 118 mA/m2. Confermando, su scala di laboratorio, il potenziale della tecnologia MFC nella bonifica dei sedimenti marini inquinati dagli IPA.

碩士<br>國立臺灣大學<br>環境工程學研究所<br>100<br>The increasing incidents of soil and groundwater contamination caused by abandon factories in recent years had resulted in environmental impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. Most contamination incidents were due to improper use of chlorinated organic solvents in chemical, electronics and plastic factories. The Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has been actively sought responsibility of the land owner or land management to conduct soil and groundwater contamination improvement and remediation to allow the underground environment returns to its original function. This research based on the pilot test results of the case study sites and utilized the IMPACT 2002+ modules of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software, SimaPro 7.2 to evaluate environmental impact during Midpoint and Endpoint of contamination remediation among the four groundwater contamination remediation technologies including, Pump and Treat, Groundwater Circulation Wells (GCW), Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination and In-situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO). The scope of the assessment includes the estimation of material and energy consumption of each groundwater contamination remediation technologies being applied alone. And the functional unit was set as decreasing the concentration of trichloroethylene (TCE) to below the second category of the Taiwan Groundwater Pollution Control Standards (0.05mg/L/). Characterization results of the implementation stage of the sites remediation illustrated that that Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination technology caused the greatest impact on human health, ecological system quality, climate change and resources hazard. ISCO is of less impact and followed by Pump and Treat. GCW would cause the least impact on environment. Standardization results and individual point results indicated that Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination technology has the highest ranking of impact on each impact hazard types, followed but ISCO, third would be Pump and Treat and the forth was GCW and which was similar to the characterization results. The result implies that the more material was applied during groundwater well installations the greater impact would be caused to the environment. Based on characterization results after completion of remediation, ISCO poses the greatest impact to the environment than Pump and Treat. The third ranking was GCW followed by the Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination technology. The standardization and characterization results indicated ISCO caused the greatest impact, followed by Pump and Treat and GCW. The Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination caused the least impact, however, the ecological impact of Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination was similar to GCW. This LCA of groundwater remediation technologies is limited to the estimation made based on pilot test results of each case study sites and the site specific characteristics. Hence, it would not be enough to represent environmental impact of such remediation technology being applied on other remediation sites.

碩士<br>國立高雄第一科技大學<br>資訊管理所<br>92<br>The pollution of soil and groundwater resulting from leak of petroleum products has been one of the main issues of environment protection in Taiwan. Recently, a variety of remediation technologies for petroleum contaminated sites have been developed from advanced countries, and of which can be classified into two categories, on-situ and off-site. Deciding appropriate remediation technology is a knowledge-intensive task and the lack of comprehensive domain knowledge usually leads to budget overrunning. In this study, we develop a Web-enabled fuzzy expert system for decision making in the selection of cost-effective remediation technologies for petroleum contaminated sites. We conduct a protocol analysis in order to identify the key decision factors from senior experts and decision process, which is organized as problem behavior graph. In the following, the graph is refined as decision tables showing the matching principals of screening technologies under various site conditions. The resulting tables are transformed into fuzzy knowledge rules in the expert system. The proposed system is implemented by Java component technology and Matlab fuzzy toolbox. From the result of system validation and verification, it is shown that the system really helps the decision maker, according to cost and effectiveness, for selecting the right remediation technologies on petroleum contaminated sites.

Mercury -contaminated sediments often act as a sink of mercury and produce methyl-mercury, an acute neurotoxin which readily bio accumulates, due to the presence of bacterial communities hosted by the sediment. One common remediation approach to manage methyl-mercury is to amend the sediment by capping or directly mixing with a sorbent. This thesis aims to assess the capabilities of some calcium-based sorbent to act in that capacity. Laboratory experiments were implemented to simulate mercury fate and behavior in geochemical conditions that capping would likely create. Well-mixed slurries showed that gypsum materials were disparate and their behavior was similar from sand to organocaly. Mercury sorption capacities of these gypsums were poor with a sorption coefficient approximately equal to 300 L/kg. Reduction of methylmercury was minimal and even increased in two of the three materials. Therefore, the three gypsums, which tend to be more cohesive when wetted, doesn’t constitute a viable material for sediment capping.<br>text

碩士<br>國立雲林科技大學<br>環境與安全衛生工程系<br>107<br>In the past, there were diversified domestic related researches in the groundwater pollution remediation technology for petrochemical industry, and there were lots of successful experiences from physical to chemical and to bioremediation. The commonly found remediation methods included soil vapor extraction method, dual phase extraction system, groundwater circulation well remediation technology, reinforced bioremediation method and in-situ chemical oxidation method. However, whether the remediation goal can be successfully reached will depend on if the engineering technology adopted is correct or not. Given the setup conceptual site model, groundwater monitoring data and literature collection and Modified Delphi Method, this study screened, evaluated and summarized opinions from experts and scholars, and proposes remediation methods for aromatic-contaminated groundwater site. It can be used as reference for remediation method selection of similar contaminated site of subsequent petrochemical industry. From the final consensus results of 10 experts and scholars acquired from Modified Delphi Method second questionnaire survey, it showed that if only remediation engineering condition was considered and other objective factors conditions were not considered, groundwater circulation well remediation technology was the soil and groundwater pollution remediation method most suitable for the site address of this research case as recognized by most experts and scholars. However, if factors were considered (for example, the present pollution situation of site, hydrogeological condition and remediation budget), then groundwater circulation well remediation technology and dual extraction system technology and groundwater extraction handling will be the most suitable remediation project. Most experts and scholars thought that more suitable remediation projects for the site of this research case were in the following orders: groundwater circulation well remediation technology, dual extraction system and groundwater extraction handling, and expert and scholar does not suggest to apply reinforced bioremediation method to the site of this research case.

The diploma thesis Digitization and the Internet - Disruptive Technologies of Television Broadcasting discusses the changes in television forms. Emphasis is placed on the transformation of the market in the form of digitization, which subsequently also led to the intensive distribution of data within the Internet environment. The introductory part of the thesis is arched with theoretical support from the sides of economic and media approaches to the process of change. Their central motif deals with innovation or remediation. A closer description of the technologies themselves and their properties is not omitted either. Thanks to a closer description of the technologies themselves and their properties, it is possible to define the existence of imaginary boundaries of television. The second part of the work focuses specifically on the Czech landscape. It deals with the current state of legislation and the non-linear functions that the Internet has brought to television screens. At the practical level, the thesis focuses on alternative forms of television distribution in the Internet environment. The aim is to present the typical features and innovative elements of the disrupting technology of television broadcasting, which were defined in the theoretical part, on the example of the selected VOD...

INTRODUCTION The purification of arsenic contaminated waters constitutes a serious environmental challenge, since most of the available chemical and physical methods are dedicated to the selective removal of As(V), and are inefficient with regard to As(III). One innovative solution to problems linked with the low effectiveness of As(III) removal may be an application of arsenite oxidation bacteria (AOB) in technological processes. The activity of AOB contributes to the reduction of arsenic toxicity as well as may facilitate removing of As from contaminated water via the physical and chemical remediation methods. A good example of an arsenite-oxidizer is Ensifer (formerly Sinorhizobium) sp. M14. This strain carries the self-transmissible plasmid pSinA, which encodes proteins involved in resistance to arsenic, and for oxidation of As(III) to As(V). pSinA is a broad host range replicon that can be transferred to various representatives of Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, in which it confers the ability to As(III) oxidation by the host cells, and increases their resistance to arsenic. Adsorption is the one of the most effective, low-cost and environmentally friendly, physico-chemical method for arsenic removal from contaminated waters. The efficiency of the adsorption method is determinate by the quality of the adsorbent, which should be characterized by high adsorption properties with regard to arsenic, short residence time as well as high chemical, physical and biological stability. Many laboratory studies have shown that natural and commonly occurring bog iron ores (BIOs) meet these requirements. They are known for their physical sorption (non-specific) and chemisorption (specific) abilities of many metals and metalloids, including arsenic, forming stable compounds with them. AIM The aim of the study performed in the frame of the PhD dissertation was (i) determination of the bioremediation potential of Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 strain representing AOB and (ii) investigation of the possibilities of the arsenate adsorption (as a result of the biooxidation processes) on the bog iron ores. The performed studies constituted the base to the development the versatile, low-cost and environmentally friendly biological method dedicated to arsenic removal from contaminated waters. RESULTS Analysis of the Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 genome Research article no.1: Genomic and biotechnological characterization of the heavy-metal resistant, arsenic-oxidizing bacterium Ensifer sp. M14. 2018. Genes 9, 379. The first stage of this study involved the obtaining of the draft genome sequence and genome-guided characterization of Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 in the context of its application in environmental studies [diCenzo et al., 2018]. The specific goals involved (i) phylogenetic analysis of the M14 strain, (ii) comparative genomic analysis of the M14 strain with other AOB, (iii) identification of prophage loci and putative antibiotic resistance genes in the M14 genome as well as (iv) in silico metabolic reconstruction and constraint-based modeling. It was shown, that Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 genome consists one chromosome (about 4.4 Mb in size), two additional large replicons (chromids or large megaplasmids - at least 1.6 Mb and 0.6 Mb in size), and the two previously reported smaller megaplasmids pSinA and pSinB (109 kb and 300 kb, respectively) [Drewniak et al., 2013; Romaniuk et al., 2017]. The M14 genome contains 6874 protein coding sequences, including hundreds not found in related strains. Based on the analysis of the sequence of the fragment 16S rRNA described in the previous papers [Drewniak et al. 2008, Drewniak et al. 2013], this strain has been classified to the Sinorhizobium genus. Detailed taxonomic analysis carried out in the frame of the doctoral thesis allowed to reclassify this strain as Ensifer, thus it was proposed to change the strain's name to Ensifer sp. M14. It was shown, that nearly all unique genes that are associated with metal resistance and arsenic oxidation are localized within the pSinA and pSinB megaplasmids. Growth simulations using Flux Balance Analysis suggested, that the M14 strain has a broad metabolic capacity, with a predicted ability to catabolize 72 carbon sources, including 25 sugars, 24 aminoacids, 7 alcohols, and 16 organic acids. Genome and antibiotic sensitivity analyses further suggested that the use of Ensifer sp. M14 in biotechnology does not pose serious biosafety risks. Kinetics of arsenite oxidation by Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 strain Research article no.2: Kinetics of arsenite oxidation by Sinorhizobium sp. M14 under changing environmental conditions. 2017. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 119: 476-485. In the second step, the growth rate of the M14 strain and arsenite oxidation efficiency in various chemical and physical conditions were investigated [Debiec et al., 2017a]. Cultures of microorganisms were performed in both batch and continuous conditions in which influence of the pH, temperature, arsenic concentration, hydraulic retention time (HRT) as well as oxygen and growth supplement concentration on the growth rate and arsenite oxidation efficiency were investigated. Analysis of the results from batch cultures showed, that the M14 strain was able to efficient arsenite oxidation in the wide spectrum of physical and chemical conditions (oxidation rate under environmental-like conditions - 0.533 mg/L/h), while increasing the temperature of the culture increases the activity of bacteria and can stimulate this process (up to 1.171 mg/L/h). The collected data also indicate, that the more intensive bacterial growth the higher efficiency of the arsenite oxidation process. Experiments performed in the continuous conditions showed, that the arsenite oxidation by the M14 strain is closely related with the HRT in the flow reactor. The longer HRT, the higher efficiency of the As(III) biooxidation. Moreover, the increasing of the oxygen, as well as yeast extract concentration (used as a growth supplement), caused additional increasing of the microorganisms activity. It was shown, that for a 5 mg/L of As(III), the minimum HRT for the M14 strain was 10 hours (As(V) concentration in culture was between 32% and 75% of the total arsenic content), while the most efficient oxidation of arsenite during 48 hours HRT was observed (87-89% As(V)). From the point of view of the later environmental studies including the increase of the scale of experiments and due to the lower concentration of arsenic in natural water than in the medium tested in the laboratory, it was found that the optimal HRT in environmental research will be 24 hours. For a 24-hour HRT in a laboratory scale, the As(V) content in the culture was 74-77%. Bog iron ores adsorption properties Research article no.3: Granulated bog iron ores as sorbents in passive (bio)remediation systems for arsenic removal. 2018. Frontiers in Chemistry 6: 54. The third step involved investigation of bog iron ores (BIOs) adsorption properties with regard to arsenic [Debiec et al., 2018]. The specific aims concerned (i) determination of the maximal adsorption capacity of BIOs in batch conditions, (ii) investigation of their actual adsorption efficiency in dynamic experiments, (iii) investigation of the chemical stability of BIOs and (iv) estimation of the possibility to re-use of loaded with arsenic BIOs to adsorption of other heavy metals (i.e. zinc). Batch sorption experiments were performed with the use of synthetic arsenic and zinc solutions, while in the dynamic sorption experiments variety of “naturally” arsenic-contaminated waters (Zloty Stok) were used, including: groundwater, surface water and settling pond water containing, approx. 0.3, 2.3 and 5.3 mg As/L, respectively. Batch sorption experiments showed, that in the presence of low concentrations of arsenic (below 50 mg/L), the sorption capacity was definitely lower than at higher concentration of impurities (above 50 mg/L). A similar relationship was noted in the case of the dynamic sorption experiments. The sorption capacity of BIOs with regard to arsenic was 0.0013 mg/g, 0.0085 mg/g and 0.0364 mg/g for contents 0.3, 2.3 and 5.3 mg As/L, respectively. It was also shown, that the sorption capacity tested under batch conditions was much higher than the one tested in flow systems. For the 5 mg/L of arsenic concentration, the batch sorption efficiency was 0.105 mg/g, while the dynamic sorption efficiency for a similar content of this element (5.3 mg/L) was more than three times lower (0.0364 mg/g). Desorption experiments showed the high chemical stability of BIOs and confirmed that As-loaded BIOs may be re-used as an adsorbent for zinc. Most of the available literature data focus on the study of the sorption properties of sorbents in the presence of high concentrations of pollutants that do not naturally occur in the environment. In this paper, the sorption efficiency using natural waters contaminated with arsenic was investigated. These studies allowed to investigate the actual sorption capacity of BIOs with regard to arsenic under environmental conditions and to determine the actual application potential of this adsorbent. Bioweathering of bog iron ores Research article no.4: The influence of thermal treatment on bioweathering and arsenic sorption capacity of a natural iron (oxyhydr)oxide-based adsorbent. 2017. Chemosphere 188: 99-109. The next step was related with the investigation of the biological stability of BIOs [Debiec et al., 2017b]. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of organic matter removal by thermal transformation (roasting) on the bioavailability of BIOs and their arsenic sorption capacity. For this purpose, the influence of bacterial growth and activity on untreated and treated BIOs, unloaded and loaded with arsenic, was studied. In these studies chemolithoautotrophic Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 strain as well as heterotrophic strain Pseudomonas sp. OS29R were cultured in the presence of previously prepared samples of BIOs. The performed experiments showed, that microorganisms are able to colonize BIOs, while the organic matter removal from the sorbent limits their growth. Moreover, it was shown, that in the presence of As(III)-loaded BIOs, chemolithoautotrophic bacterial activity is higher since that microbes may use arsenite as an electron donor. Microbes may also contribute to BIOs destabilization through iron and adsorbed arsenic release, however, due to the high stability of BIOs, the concentration of the desorbed elements was negligible. Despite the significant activity of microorganisms in the presence of BIOs, the desorption of both As and Fe in all experimental variants did not exceed 2% of the total content of elements in the deposit. The thermal treatment of the deposit decreased its bioavailability, and additionally, limited desorption of both arsenic and iron. Based on these results, it can be concluded, that both untreated and treated BIOs are excellent sorbents of arsenic, and thermal treatment of the deposit may prove to be beneficial for applications where microbial growth is especially intensive. Verification of the technology assumptions in the pilot-scale installation Research article no.1: Genomic and biotechnological characterization of the heavy-metal resistant, arsenic-oxidizing bacterium Ensifer sp. M14. 2018. Genes 9, 379. The final step involved the verification of the laboratory-scale experiments concern both AOB activity and adsorption efficiency of BIOs in the environmental studies. For this purpose, a novel two-stage installation for remediation of arsenic-contaminated waters was developed [diCenzo et al., 2018]. It consisted of a microbiological module, where the M14 strain oxidized As(III) to As(V) ions, followed by an adsorption module for As(V) removal using granulated bog iron ores. During a 40-day pilot-scale test in an abandoned gold mine in Zloty Stok (Poland), water leaving the microbiological module (flow rate 0.2 m3/day) generally contained approx. 2.5 mg/L of As, and dramatic decreases in total arsenic concentrations were observed after passage through the adsorption module. It was shown, that similarly as in the laboratory-scale experiments, the efficiency of arsenite biooxidation in the bioreactor was positively correlated with the quantity of microorganisms. In turn, adsorption module studies showed that the use of a series column system allowed for the significant reduction of arsenic in water, which after the treatment was below 0.1 mg/L for 12 days of the experiment. This value is an acceptable limit of arsenic in waters intended for technological purposes. CONCLUSIONS The most important results obtained in this PhD thesis were: (i) deciphering of the draft genome sequence of the Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) sp. M14 and demonstrating of the absence of contraindications for the use of this strain in environmental technologies, (ii) revealing of the growth rate and kinetics of arsenite oxidation, and demonstrating of high efficiency of oxidation of As(III) compounds by the M14 strain, (iii) confirmation of the high sorption properties and significant chemical and biological stability of bog iron ores, (iv) development of technological guidelines for the use of the M14 strain and bog iron ores in environmental technologies, (v) verification of the obtained results concerning of the AOBs activity and adsorption of arsenates in a pilot-scale installation tested under actual environmental conditions and (iv) reduction of arsenic concentration in water up to the acceptable limit of arsenic in technological waters. To summarize, both arsenic oxidation by the M14 strain and adsorption of arsenates on bog iron ores surface have a high application potential and can be use in technologies dedicated to removing of arsenic from contaminated waters. The results obtained in the frame of the proposed doctoral thesis may be a starting point for further basic and applied research on the development of a universal, low-cost and environmentally friendly (bio)technology dedicated to the purification of arsenic contaminated waters.