Article
Energy & Fuels
Yanli Wu, Wenrui Chang, Marcos Millan, Yanhong Hao
Summary: A model for mercury transformations in a flue gas treatment process was established in this study. Concentrations, mass flow rates, and emission factors of mercury, NOX, PM, and SO2 were investigated in a coal-fired power plant. The mercury removal efficiency of different units, such as the SCR unit, ESP, and WFGD, were also analyzed. The proposed flue gas treatment process model is considered a feasible approach for quantitative evaluation of multi-pollutants emissions at plant level.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lipeng Han, Yi Zhao, Runlong Hao
Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of arsenic emissions and distribution in a typical Chinese coal-fired power plant renovated with ultra-low emission techniques. The results show that arsenic is mainly emitted in fly ash and can be efficiently absorbed and removed by air pollution control devices. Low-low temperature electrostatic precipitator, wet flue gas desulfurization, and selective catalytic reduction play important roles in reducing arsenic emissions. Overall, the ultra-low emission control technique has a significant effect on reducing arsenic emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quan Tang, Liru Chang, Fang He, Chunhui Miao, Liugen Zheng, Dawei Ma, Runfang Wang, Biao Fu
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and emission characteristics of chromium in a Chinese coal-fired power plant before and after ultra-low emission (ULE) retrofitting. The results showed that the ULE retrofitting was beneficial in reducing chromium emissions. However, attention should be paid to the subsequent processing of solid combustion byproducts, particularly the wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) sludge.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cong Chen, Ao Shen, Yufeng Duan, Jialin Meng, Bin Hu, Houzhang Tan, Renhui Ruan, Xiaoshuo Liu, Meng Liu
Summary: Coal is the primary energy source in China, but the emissions from coal-fired power plants have caused severe environmental problems. In recent years, China has implemented strict regulations to limit air pollutant emissions from these plants. A field sampling test of a 660 MW ultra-low emission coal-fired power plant showed that electrostatic precipitators and wet electrostatic precipitators had high mass removal efficiency for particulate matters, primarily PM2.5. Additionally, analysis of trace elements showed that manganese content was independent of particle size, while chromium, arsenic, and lead were mainly enriched in fine ash particles.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fangqi Liu, Dunxi Yu, Jingkun Han, Jianqun Wu, Xin Yu, Xun Gong
Summary: This study investigated the PM evolution in an ultra-low emission CFPP. The results showed that PM generally decreased along with flue gas steam, but PM1 increased at SCR outlet and GGH outlet. The proportion of WSIs in PM increased with the increase of flue gas steam, with SO42-and Ca2+ being the main components. ESP had high removal efficiency for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, and PM reduced by more than 50% after WFGD and WESP. PM emissions met ultra-low emission requirements, with average emission factors of 8.73, 15.90, and 21.04 g/t_fuel for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ke Li, Qingyi Li, Haidong Fan, Yihang Wang, Shuchao Chang, Chunhui Zhao
Summary: Static, segmentation, and dynamic models were developed for soft sensing of SO2 emissions using real operational data. The results showed that static models were not suitable for complex desulfurization systems with time-delay processes. Segmentation models and dynamic models improved the prediction accuracy. The dynamic Neural Network model achieved the most accurate regression result among all the models.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yonglong Yang, Chenghang Zheng, Qiufeng Su, Yifan Wang, Yan Lu, Yang Zhang, Yue Zhu
Summary: This paper investigates the removal and emission characteristics of SOx (SO2 and SO3) in wet limestone-gypsum flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) based on data collected from 95 ultra-low emission coal-fired power units. The study shows that the overall removal efficiency of single absorber is above 97.5%, with the SO3 removal efficiency between 31% and 70%. Installation of inner structures in the spray absorber shows a more obvious correlation between inlet SO2 concentration and SOx removal efficiency.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yujia Wu, Zhenyao Xu, Xinlei Huang, Siqi Liu, Minghui Tang, Shengyong Lu
Summary: This study samples and examines PAHs and CPM from a 300 MW ultralow emission coal-fired power plant, and finds that air pollution control devices have different removal effects on PAHs with different phases and ring numbers. By replacing the fuel and using absorbent injection combined with electrostatic precipitator, the emission concentration of PAHs can be effectively reduced.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Deming Han, Qingru Wu, Shuxiao Wang, Liwen Xu, Lei Duan, Minneng Wen, Guoliang Li, Zhijian Li, Yi Tang, Kaiyun Liu
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and emissions of trace elements in coal-fired power plants after ultra-low emission retrofitting using field experiments, literature surveys, and model calculations. The removal efficiencies of volatile Hg and semi-volatile As/Pb were remarkably improved by the retrofitting, while non-volatile elements were slightly affected. The concentrations of trace elements in the emitted gas were low but accounted for a high proportion of the gas phase. The study suggests revising emission limits to control intense trace element pollution in China.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hui Yan, Daotong Chong, Zhu Wang, Ming Liu, Yongliang Zhao, Junjie Yan
Summary: A revised control strategy for a solar-aided coal-fired power plant is proposed to enhance energy conversion and stability. Experimental results show that the strategy improves power stability and reduces energy fluctuations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quan Tang, Huiming Zhang, Xiaohu Zhao, Chunhui Miao, Pengpeng Yang, Zhongkang Zhou, Qiaozhen Ji, Lai Chen
Summary: The study reveals significant differences in the distribution of Cr in solid wastes, with the highest bioaccessibility found in gypsum and sludge. After incorporating bioaccessibility, the carcinogenic risk of Cr in solid wastes remains within acceptable limits for adults and children.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenyao Xu, Yujia Wu, Siqi Liu, Minghui Tang, Shengyong Lu
Summary: This study investigates the emissions of filterable particulate matter (FPM) and condensable particulate matter (CPM) from a coal-fired power plant. The results show that the concentration of CPM increases when coal is mixed with sludge. Most air pollutant control devices have a positive effect on the removal of FPM and CPM, except for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) denitration device. The low-low temperature electrostatic precipitator has the highest removal efficiency for both FPM and CPM. The organic fraction in CPM is mainly composed of hydrocarbons and organosilicon.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Boeun Kim, Jae-Goo Lee, Joungho Park, Hyojin Lee, Kyung Hwan Ryu
Summary: In line with global efforts to reduce emissions, the integration of coal-fired power generation plants with carbon capture technologies has been investigated. This study presents a comparative assessment of post-combustion CO2 capture and oxy-combustion retrofitted to a low-rank coal-based power plant from the viewpoints of economics and sustainability. The results show that oxy-combustion is more economically and environmentally attractive than post-combustion CO2 capture for low-rank coal-based power plants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hongtao Liu, Rongrong Zhai, Kumar Patchigolla, Peter Turner, Yongping Yang
Summary: Integrating solar tower and parabolic trough technology into coal-fired power generation can significantly reduce coal consumption, especially in high radiation conditions. The method is insensitive to forecast errors but sensitive to system configurations.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiyong Li, Zhuangzhuang Ren, Chengjing Cao, Chen Liu, Zhen Zhai, Jixiang Liu, Ziyi Zhan, Changtao Huang, Lan Chen, Hongdan Yuan
Summary: China has implemented the ultra-low emission (ULE) transformation in coal-fired power plants, but specific data for individual generation units is still lacking. A five-year online data collection campaign was conducted on a 660 MW unit to investigate the continuous emission reductions of dust, NOx, and SO2, as well as the efficiency of pollutant removal. The study found that after the ULE implementation in 2014, pollutant emissions showed a decreasing trend and met the ULE standards in 2016. However, emissions increased again in 2017, indicating the need for comprehensive consideration of emission reductions and the high cost of the ULE policy. The study also updated the emission factors expressed in kg h-1 and g MWh-1, which decreased significantly in 2015 compared to 2014.
AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)