- Email: [email protected]
The chemistry of acid rain: sources and atmospheric processes
279
investment, cheaper control of emissions, flexibility of demand and the use of low grade coals. This book presents an excellent account of the past, present and future value of coal as a source of energy and important by-products. Not all countries possess reserves of coal, but those that do generally have large reserves; even in the United Kingdom, whose Industrial Revolution was based upon coal and where mining was very intensive, new reserves are still being discovered. Today, it is generally accepted that eventually reserves of oil and gas will dwindle and in the long term an economy is required which will be based upon a renewable and an ~nexhaustible source of energy, but for the forseeable future this can be provided by coal. This book contains chapters on all aspects of coal, from its formation, utilisation, and future uses. Information is provided, in a very readable form, which can be clearly understood by those with little scientific knowledge. However, as the coverage of subject matter is so great it is inevitable that some sections tend to gloss over interesting topics and some statements may be too general to be of much value. Nevertheless, for those who seek an account of coal which is comprehensive this book can be highly recommended. While the author has a broad-based knowledge of coal there are gaps and some statements hardly seem to reflect realities; for example, "relatively simple analytical methods to determine oxygen in coal are not available.., the most commonly used method today.., bombarding the coal with neutrons..."; "almost every element, except for the highly unstable radioactive ones, is present in coal..", while in reality coal is a major source of airborne radioactivity.
Plymouth (United Kingdom)
E.I. Hamilton
The Chemistry of Acid Rain: Sources and Atmospheric Processes, edited by R.W. Johnson and G.E. Gordon, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1987, 337 pp. Price: U.S. and Canada, $59.95; export, $71.95. This book consists of 27 papers presented at the 191st meeting of the ACS, New York, April 13-18, 1986. The following aspects of acidic deposition ("acid rain") are discussed: general features (four papers), receptor models (two papers), cloud chemistry and physics (three papers), kinetics (six papers), wet and dry deposition (two papers). Most of the papers are concerned with situations in N. America. Attention is focussed upon a consideration of recent advances, the understanding of source terms and chemical processes with particular reference to key species. After a decade of study and the availability of various models there are still many major unknown factors which limit the usefulness of models in relation to legislation and regulation of emissions. At the level of continental and sub-continental dispersion source-receptor relationships are difficult to understand, especially in relation to meteorological
280
variability and how to apportion the components of acidity between dry, rain, fog and dew with geography. There is a need to establish unified networks in order to examine trend analyses for annual and seasonal data. On the international scene one of the major issues is global transfer of acidic matter. The Western Atlantic Ocean Experiment (WATOX) is described, which is concerned with the transfer of components in an eastwards direction from N. America; the authors conclude that the amounts reaching Europe are small when compared with those derived from other sources. A similar study is described for Japan, namely the transfer from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean. Receptor models are described for specific sites; there are problems with some of the simple models, possibly related to a lack of fundamental knowledge for the vertical concentration profiles and the type of species which are collected for analysis. Sufficient information is lacking for the chemistry of clouds, such as the rate of formation of aqueous acidic phases and the importance of the oxidation of sulphur dioxide by hydrogen peroxide and ozone within clouds. Air-borne techniques are available to examine the differentiation of products within and below clouds. As far as kinetics are concerned interest is expressed in the catalytic effect of semiconductor particles (e.g. sand grains, iron oxides) on photo-catalytic production of species on surfaces. OH-dimethyl sulphide is a major contributor to reduced species of sulphur compounds and is derived from the oceans and transported to the atmosphere where it becomes oxidised. Bisulphite and sulphite compounds, through catalytic processes, can become oxidised by metallic ions (eg Fe 3÷ , Mn 2÷) in rainwater and thus contribute to acidity through the production of hydroxyl ions. Data for use in models can be improved through use of simulation systems, especially for rates of transformations of reactants. Problems exist in the monitoring of dry deposition; the use of inferential methods indicates the dominance of gaseous inputs over sub-micron particulate deposition. Despite improvements in the measurements of elements in rain water, some elements, such as Pb, Cd, Co, B and Cr, need improving; some of the problems arise because of the particular methods of analysis used, e.g. INAA and ICP. Little or no correlation exists between low molecular weight organic and inorganic concentrations in precipitation, but a good correlation is observed for formate and acetate, which is probably related to scavenging of gas-phase-produced precursors. The use of a tunable diodide laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS) in mobile airborne laboratories has high specificity and good sensitivity for NO, NO2, HNO3, NH3, H202 and HCHO, and can rapidly measure two gases simultaneously at very low concentrations. The importance of airborne measurements is reviewed and the requirements for the future are highlighted. The final two chapters in this i~ook consider factors affecting NOx production and acid clusters, an important topic which also considers molecular clusters, the smallest size range of an aerosol particle size distribution formed at sites of nucleation from the gas phase.
281
This book contains a body of data which describes the components of acidic deposition; it is well presented (camera-ready copy) and adequately illustrated. On balance this book reviews modern approaches to the topic and indicates what is required in the future. While clearly of value to the specialist, it does contain a considerable amount of data of more general interest. The area of source identification could have received more attention, but on balance the topics are presented in a manner to be of interest to a wide readership.
Plymouth (United Kingdom)
E.I. Hamilton
European Community's Atlas of Groundwater Resources, Verlag Th. Sch~ifer GmbH, Hannover, 1982. Price: DM 196.00 (General Survey); DM 986.00 (complete edition n nine volumes). Today, conservation and preservation of the quality of groundwater resources is an important issue. Reliable information is required on the extent of groundwater resources at national and local levels, in water management and for use by planning authorities and decision makers. Interest centres upon a variety of topics, such as localised abstraction by industry and in some regions infill by saline water; contamination by agricultural practices which can be very extensive; contamination of groundwater from landfill sites and as a consequence of localised releases of contaminants or pollutants. This is a unique publication and consists of three parts: The General Survey, The National Surveys and Country by Country Maps for an inventory of aquifers, the hydrology of aquifers, groundwater abstraction and the potential additional groundwater resources. The General Survey is written in English and the nine National Surveys in the relevant national language. By close cooperation between Member States the presentation, approaches and methods specific to each has been standardised. An objective of the study is to review existing information in order to estimate available resources and their potential development in relation to the amounts of groundwater present, and to identify areas where additional abstraction is possible. A further objective is to provide a set of maps, on a scale of 1:500 000, in order to summarise the hydrogeology and the groundwater resources of each country. The General Survey provides an overview for the European Community and the detailed surveys are presented in the National Surveys. The National Surveys contain very detailed accounts of groundwater resources and detailed maps for particular regions, tables containing data and an explanatory text. The coloured maps, covering each country, measure 42 x 68 cm and are contained in a stiff folder which is not very substantial. For the U.K. edition the size of these very well illustrated maps could have been reduced without loss of clarity. These volumes mark an important advance in groundwater evaluation and will be an important tool in Community groundwater management.
Plymouth (United Kingdom)
E.I. Hamilton
investment, cheaper control of emissions, flexibility of demand and the use of low grade coals. This book presents an excellent account of the past, present and future value of coal as a source of energy and important by-products. Not all countries possess reserves of coal, but those that do generally have large reserves; even in the United Kingdom, whose Industrial Revolution was based upon coal and where mining was very intensive, new reserves are still being discovered. Today, it is generally accepted that eventually reserves of oil and gas will dwindle and in the long term an economy is required which will be based upon a renewable and an ~nexhaustible source of energy, but for the forseeable future this can be provided by coal. This book contains chapters on all aspects of coal, from its formation, utilisation, and future uses. Information is provided, in a very readable form, which can be clearly understood by those with little scientific knowledge. However, as the coverage of subject matter is so great it is inevitable that some sections tend to gloss over interesting topics and some statements may be too general to be of much value. Nevertheless, for those who seek an account of coal which is comprehensive this book can be highly recommended. While the author has a broad-based knowledge of coal there are gaps and some statements hardly seem to reflect realities; for example, "relatively simple analytical methods to determine oxygen in coal are not available.., the most commonly used method today.., bombarding the coal with neutrons..."; "almost every element, except for the highly unstable radioactive ones, is present in coal..", while in reality coal is a major source of airborne radioactivity.
Plymouth (United Kingdom)
E.I. Hamilton
The Chemistry of Acid Rain: Sources and Atmospheric Processes, edited by R.W. Johnson and G.E. Gordon, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 1987, 337 pp. Price: U.S. and Canada, $59.95; export, $71.95. This book consists of 27 papers presented at the 191st meeting of the ACS, New York, April 13-18, 1986. The following aspects of acidic deposition ("acid rain") are discussed: general features (four papers), receptor models (two papers), cloud chemistry and physics (three papers), kinetics (six papers), wet and dry deposition (two papers). Most of the papers are concerned with situations in N. America. Attention is focussed upon a consideration of recent advances, the understanding of source terms and chemical processes with particular reference to key species. After a decade of study and the availability of various models there are still many major unknown factors which limit the usefulness of models in relation to legislation and regulation of emissions. At the level of continental and sub-continental dispersion source-receptor relationships are difficult to understand, especially in relation to meteorological
280
variability and how to apportion the components of acidity between dry, rain, fog and dew with geography. There is a need to establish unified networks in order to examine trend analyses for annual and seasonal data. On the international scene one of the major issues is global transfer of acidic matter. The Western Atlantic Ocean Experiment (WATOX) is described, which is concerned with the transfer of components in an eastwards direction from N. America; the authors conclude that the amounts reaching Europe are small when compared with those derived from other sources. A similar study is described for Japan, namely the transfer from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean. Receptor models are described for specific sites; there are problems with some of the simple models, possibly related to a lack of fundamental knowledge for the vertical concentration profiles and the type of species which are collected for analysis. Sufficient information is lacking for the chemistry of clouds, such as the rate of formation of aqueous acidic phases and the importance of the oxidation of sulphur dioxide by hydrogen peroxide and ozone within clouds. Air-borne techniques are available to examine the differentiation of products within and below clouds. As far as kinetics are concerned interest is expressed in the catalytic effect of semiconductor particles (e.g. sand grains, iron oxides) on photo-catalytic production of species on surfaces. OH-dimethyl sulphide is a major contributor to reduced species of sulphur compounds and is derived from the oceans and transported to the atmosphere where it becomes oxidised. Bisulphite and sulphite compounds, through catalytic processes, can become oxidised by metallic ions (eg Fe 3÷ , Mn 2÷) in rainwater and thus contribute to acidity through the production of hydroxyl ions. Data for use in models can be improved through use of simulation systems, especially for rates of transformations of reactants. Problems exist in the monitoring of dry deposition; the use of inferential methods indicates the dominance of gaseous inputs over sub-micron particulate deposition. Despite improvements in the measurements of elements in rain water, some elements, such as Pb, Cd, Co, B and Cr, need improving; some of the problems arise because of the particular methods of analysis used, e.g. INAA and ICP. Little or no correlation exists between low molecular weight organic and inorganic concentrations in precipitation, but a good correlation is observed for formate and acetate, which is probably related to scavenging of gas-phase-produced precursors. The use of a tunable diodide laser absorption spectrometer (TDLAS) in mobile airborne laboratories has high specificity and good sensitivity for NO, NO2, HNO3, NH3, H202 and HCHO, and can rapidly measure two gases simultaneously at very low concentrations. The importance of airborne measurements is reviewed and the requirements for the future are highlighted. The final two chapters in this i~ook consider factors affecting NOx production and acid clusters, an important topic which also considers molecular clusters, the smallest size range of an aerosol particle size distribution formed at sites of nucleation from the gas phase.
281
This book contains a body of data which describes the components of acidic deposition; it is well presented (camera-ready copy) and adequately illustrated. On balance this book reviews modern approaches to the topic and indicates what is required in the future. While clearly of value to the specialist, it does contain a considerable amount of data of more general interest. The area of source identification could have received more attention, but on balance the topics are presented in a manner to be of interest to a wide readership.
Plymouth (United Kingdom)
E.I. Hamilton
European Community's Atlas of Groundwater Resources, Verlag Th. Sch~ifer GmbH, Hannover, 1982. Price: DM 196.00 (General Survey); DM 986.00 (complete edition n nine volumes). Today, conservation and preservation of the quality of groundwater resources is an important issue. Reliable information is required on the extent of groundwater resources at national and local levels, in water management and for use by planning authorities and decision makers. Interest centres upon a variety of topics, such as localised abstraction by industry and in some regions infill by saline water; contamination by agricultural practices which can be very extensive; contamination of groundwater from landfill sites and as a consequence of localised releases of contaminants or pollutants. This is a unique publication and consists of three parts: The General Survey, The National Surveys and Country by Country Maps for an inventory of aquifers, the hydrology of aquifers, groundwater abstraction and the potential additional groundwater resources. The General Survey is written in English and the nine National Surveys in the relevant national language. By close cooperation between Member States the presentation, approaches and methods specific to each has been standardised. An objective of the study is to review existing information in order to estimate available resources and their potential development in relation to the amounts of groundwater present, and to identify areas where additional abstraction is possible. A further objective is to provide a set of maps, on a scale of 1:500 000, in order to summarise the hydrogeology and the groundwater resources of each country. The General Survey provides an overview for the European Community and the detailed surveys are presented in the National Surveys. The National Surveys contain very detailed accounts of groundwater resources and detailed maps for particular regions, tables containing data and an explanatory text. The coloured maps, covering each country, measure 42 x 68 cm and are contained in a stiff folder which is not very substantial. For the U.K. edition the size of these very well illustrated maps could have been reduced without loss of clarity. These volumes mark an important advance in groundwater evaluation and will be an important tool in Community groundwater management.
Plymouth (United Kingdom)
E.I. Hamilton