The thesis provides a background on crystallisation, the effects of applied fields and summarises the techniques used for characterisation and analysis. The study of applied magnetic fields was carried out on three crystallising systems (a) sucrose, (b) lactose and (c) cocoa butter. Both sucrose and lactose were crystallised from aqueous solutions in incubators at 50°C in applied magnetic fields and the resulting crystals compared to the those obtained under zero field conditions. The results for the sucrose study where the magnetic treatment was carried out under static, dynamic pumped and dynamic syphoned conditions domonstrated that changes in phase, crystallinity, morphology and microcrystallinity were a result of the applied magnetic fields and additional strongly bound water was found to be present within the sucrose crystals most likely to be sucrose hydrates. The resulting sucrose crystals were dependant on the type of field applied, the purity of the sucrose solution and the residence time within the applied field. The lactose study under static conditions provided similar results concluding that applied fields resulted in a more controlled crystallisation resulting in increased crystal size, increased crystallinity and changes in morphology. Crystallisation of cocoa butter from the melt, under normal production conditions in applied fields, resulted in changes in morphology and the time taken to reach optimum tempering which were dependant on the type of applied field and the residence time in the applied field.

This research aimed to delineate the contamination plume, coming from a leak in the fuel station dealer, penetrating crystalline aquifer in the Rio Grande do Sul state southern Brazil. Determined with the use of a steam THERMO GASTECH Analyzer, model Innova SV, were measured in situ concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soils. For the identification of hydrocarbons in free phase (portion of supernatant contaminants in groundwater). Was employed a digital level meter model HSIFD-30, which allowed the detection of fluids (contaminants) in free phase using probe that measures the water and oily fluid interface. The heterotrophic bacteria count and identification of the groundwater, to verify the existence of autochthonous microbiota with ability to degrade hydrocarbons derived from oil. As a result, were mapped and determined the concentrations of TPH plume contamination in form of VOCs every 0.5 m deep, reaching up to 3.5 m in deep. The largest concentrations of VOCs, occurred in the depths of 2.5; 3.0 and 3.5 m, where concentrations were above 10.000 ppm, even to register 100% LEL, limit of detection equipment. As the free phase, mapped a plume of contamination supernatant in groundwater with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 5 mm. Both vapour and free phase plumes, already surpassed the physical limits of the enterprise reaching existing residential and commercial areas to the North direction. The existence of microorganisms were identified species-degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp., Burkholderia glandioli, Pseudomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. both species considered by several authors such as hydrocarbon degrading. The identification of the contaminated area and the study of the interactions of these compounds with the medium are of the utmost importance to the development of strategies and technologies aimed at their recovery. / Esta pesquisa teve como finalidade delimitar uma pluma de contaminação, oriunda de um vazamento em posto revendedor de combustível, penetrando aquífero cristalino no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Determinaram-se com o emprego de um analisador de vapor THERMO GASTECH, modelo Innova SV, as concentrações in situ de Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis (COV) existentes no solo. Para a identificação de hidrocarbonetos em fase livre, (porção de contaminantes sobrenadante na água subterrânea), empregou-se um medidor de nível digital modelo HSIFD-30, que permitiu a detecção de fluidos (contaminantes) em fase livre usando-se sonda, que mede a interface água e fluidos oleosos. Realizou-se a contagem e identificação de bactérias heterotróficas na água subterrânea, isso para verificar a existência ou não de microbiota autóctone com capacidade para degradar hidrocarbonetos derivados de petróleo. Como resultado, conseguiu-se mapear e determinar as concentrações das plumas de TPH em forma de COV a cada 0,5 m de profundidade, atingindo-se até 3,5 m. As maiores concentrações de COV, ocorreram nas profundidades de 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5 m, onde se registraram concentrações acima de 10.000 ppm, chegando inclusive a se registrar 100% LEL, limite máximo de detecção do equipamento. Quanto à fase livre, mapeou-se uma pluma de contaminação sobrenadante na água subterrânea com espessuras que variaram de 2 a 5 mm. Ambas as plumas, fase vapor e fase livre, já ultrapassaram os limites físicos do empreendimento atingindo áreas residenciais e comerciais existentes ao norte. Quanto à existência de microrganismos degradadores, foram identificadas as espécies Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp., Burkholderia glandioli, Pseudomonas sp. e Acinetobacter sp. ambas espécies consideradas por vários autores como degradadoras de hidrocarbonetos. A identificação da área contaminada e o estudo das interações destes compostos com o meio é de extrema importância para a definição de estratégias e tecnologias visando sua recuperação.

Yes / Discourse analysis is becoming an increasingly common approach in planning and environmental policy research. This paper asserts that the generic treatment of discourse analysis obscures distinct approaches where `discourses¿ can combine different elements of text, systems of thought, and action. Textually-oriented approaches have been more prevalent over the 1990s but this paper explores a different approach, grounded in the theory of Michel Foucault, which broadens discourse to embrace social action. Comparing and contrasting two studies which have utilised this approach, the paper suggests that there is considerable room for variation concerning the subjects of study, the institutional scale of analyses, the methods of investigation, and process of analysis. Nevertheless, this paper identifies certain core elements of a Foucauldian discourse analytic approach. The paper concludes that this emerging approach to discourse analysis promises considerable insights if applied more widely in planning and environmental research.

This thesis provides a background on the effects of applied and magnetic fields on crystallisation, and summarises the analytical techniques employed for characterisation and analysis. The study of applied fields was carried out on the crystallisation of one main system-solid nonadecane. This was then studied further to establish the effects of a solvent and a mixed solid system on the crystallisation of nonadecane. The systems studied were the crystallisations of: static and dynamic nonadecane, static and dynamic nonadecane in heptane, static and dynamic nonadecane and heneicosane, static and dynamic nonadecane and heneicosane in heptane and static and dynamic nonadecane and crude oil. The results of these studies showed that the magnetic and applied fields can affect electrostatic forces in molecular solids. It also showed that even the weakest of these forces, Van der Waals forces are affected by applied and magnetic fields.

The understanding of environmental change and how it is influenced by innovation processes and advances in science and technology is multifaceted given the inherent uncertainty of the pace and direction of technology change, but also given the limits to anticipate future environmental effects of new technology. The doctoral thesis is organised in two parts. The covering essay constitutes the first part and is aimed at introducing the scope of the research; outlining theoretical perspectives and central concepts and positioning the research to other research studies. Reprints of the six papers included in the thesis comprise the second part of the thesis. The first aim of this doctoral thesis is to contribute to an increased understanding of the conditions for environmental policy and planning through innovation, science policy and technological change. Particular attention is paid to the institutional frameworks for policy processes, public-private interactive policy and strategic planning with futures studies. The second aim is to explore and analyse approaches applied for assessing the output, impact and structure of science in the area of strategic environmental research. This includes an examination of research assessment criteria and an analysis of knowledge networks in strategic environmental research, characterised by socio-economic expectations of generating innovations that benefit the environment through the industrial application of science. Four types of environmental planning are studied using a combined qualitative and quantitative research approach. These are corporate environmental planning, public environmental planning, strategic long-term planning, and strategic science planning targeting advances in science and technology to attain environmental objectives. The findings of the study show that institutional frameworks of science and technology policy affecting environmental planning are found in organisational forms, such as science parks, but also in institutions understood as values and norms of the science system. With an increased focus on assessment of research as well as future technology, the findings of the study also contributes by examining approaches applied for assessing the output, structure and impact of research, using bibliometrics and social network analysis in the area of strategic environmental research. / QC 20101027

<p>The understanding of environmental change and how it is influenced by innovation processes and advances in science and technology is multifaceted given the inherent uncertainty of the pace and direction of technology change, but also given the limits to anticipate future environmental effects of new technology.</p><p>The doctoral thesis is organised in two parts. The covering essay constitutes the first part and is aimed at introducing the scope of the research; outlining theoretical perspectives and central concepts and positioning the research to other research studies. Reprints of the six papers included in the thesis comprise the second part of the thesis.</p><p>The first aim of this doctoral thesis is to contribute to an increased understanding of the conditions for environmental policy and planning through innovation, science policy and technological change. Particular attention is paid to the institutional frameworks for policy processes, public-private interactive policy and strategic planning with futures studies. The second aim is to explore and analyse approaches applied for assessing the output, impact and structure of science in the area of strategic environmental research. This includes an examination of research assessment criteria and an analysis of knowledge networks in strategic environmental research, characterised by socio-economic expectations of generating innovations that benefit the environment through the industrial application of science. Four types of environmental planning are studied using a combined qualitative and quantitative research approach. These are corporate environmental planning, public environmental planning, strategic long-term planning, and strategic science planning targeting advances in science and technology to attain environmental objectives.</p><p>The findings of the study show that institutional frameworks of science and technology policy affecting environmental planning are found in organisational forms, such as science parks, but also in institutions understood as values and norms of the science system. With an increased focus on assessment of research as well as future technology, the findings of the study also contributes by examining approaches applied for assessing the output, structure and impact of research, using bibliometrics and social network analysis in the area of strategic environmental research.</p>

Challenges at hazardous waste and contaminated sites are persistent, complex, and multifactorial, and unfortunately the progress in implementing solutions is slow. This delay can be attributed to the lack of collaboration, information transfer to the end-user, and partnership building among academia, government and the affected community. As a solution, Environmental Research Translation (ERT), a framework that is rooted in existing participatory models, and encompasses many of the key principles from informal science education and community-based participatory research is proposed. The ERT framework lead to a community-academic partnership called: Gardenroots: The Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona Garden Project. Vegetable gardening in contaminated soils presents a health hazard. A controlled greenhouse study was conducted in parallel with a co-created citizen science program to characterize the uptake of arsenic by homegrown vegetables near the Iron King Mine and Humboldt Smelter Superfund Site in Arizona. Community members, after training, collected soil, water and vegetable samples from their household garden. The greenhouse and home garden arsenic soil concentrations ranged from 2.35 to 533 mg kg⁻¹. In the greenhouse experiment four vegetables were grown in three different soil treatments and a total of 63 home garden produce samples were obtained from 19 properties neighboring the site. All vegetables accumulated arsenic, ranging from 0.01 - 23.0 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight. Bioconcentration factors were determined and arsenic uptake decreased in the order: Asteraceae > Brassicaceae >> Amaranthaceae > Cucurbitaceae > Liliaceae > Solanaceae > Fabaceae. Concentrations of arsenic measured in potable water, soils and vegetable samples were used in conjunction with reported US intake rates to calculate daily dose, excess cancer risk and Hazard Quotient for arsenic. Relative arsenic intake dose decreased in order: potable water > garden soils > well washed homegrown vegetables, and on average, each accounted for 79, 14 and 7%, of a residential gardener's daily arsenic intake dose. The IELCR ranges for vegetables, garden soils and potable water were 10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁴, 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴; and 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻², respectively. The ERT framework improved environmental health research, information transfer, and risk communication efforts. Incorporating the community in the scientific process lead to individual learning and community-level outcomes.

Les hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HAP), sont des molécules toxiques, voire cancérigènes principalement issues de la combustion incomplète de matière carbonée. De nombreux outils ont été développés afin d’identifier leurs origines et leur devenir. Cependant, ces derniers ne permettent pas toujours de parvenir à une identification précise des sources d’émissions. Une méthode prenant en compte les variations des rapports isotopiques δ 13C et δ 2H dans 16 composés a été développée et comparée à celle des ratios moléculaires. Le développement du protocole a consisté en la préparation puis la validation d’une méthode d’extraction sélective par type de matrice (eau/sédiment) et d’une méthode de purification permettant d’obtenir pour chaque molécule une résolution adaptée à leur analyse isotopique. Cette méthode a été appliquée sur divers produits de combustion franciliens ainsi que sur des échantillons de dépôts atmosphériques, d’eau et de sédiments de rivière. La mesure du δ13C et du δ2H a permis de confirmer la présence de sources locales et de caractériser les variations saisonnières de ratios. L’originalité de ce travail de recherche réside dans l’utilisation du δ2H spécifique à chaque molécule et non sur un mélange de composés. Les résultats permettent d’envisager de nouvelles perspectives sur l’utilisation des mesures isotopiques. Cette thèse représente un premier élément de réponse sur la problématique de l’emploi d’outils de traçage de molécules dans des environnements complexes. / Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of toxic and carcinogenic organic compounds formed by petrogenic and incomplete pyrolytic processes. Although emission reductions were observed over the past 20 years, PAH contamination is still an environmental concern as these compounds are the main contaminants in the Seine watershed. Many tools were developed to identify their origins and fate. However, these methods do not always allow accurate identification of emission sources. A method integrating the variations of the isotopic ratios of δ13C and δ2H among 16 compounds was developed and compared to those of the molecular diagnostic ratio techniques. The development of the protocol consisted of the preparation and the validation of a selective extraction method by matrix type (water / sediment) and a purification step to obtain for each molecule, a resolution adapted to its isotopic analysis. That method applied to various combustion products in the Ile-de-France region, such as samples of atmospheric deposition, water and river sediments. The measurement of δ13C and δ2H signatures confirmed the presence of local sources and helped to characterize the seasonal variations of the ratios. The originality of this research work is the use of δ2H on individual PAH instead of bulk compounds. The results allow considering new perspectives for the use of isotopic measurements.

ABSTRACT Karst regions of the world that receive relatively similar amounts of precipitation display a wide variety of landscapes. It has been suggested (Groves and Meiman, 2005) that climates exhibiting larger discrete storm events have more dissolving power and consequently higher rates of conduit growth than climates with more uniform precipitation distributions. To study this concept, a computer program “Cave Growth” was developed that modeled the growth of a cross-section of a cave passage under dynamic flow and chemical conditions. A series of 46 simulation datasets were created to represent different climatic conditions. These simulations had the same total annual discharge, but demonstrated a range of flow distributions quantified by use of a gamma distribution index, along with two special theoretical cases. After simulating a year of conduit growth for each of the various flow distributions in a series of model runs, and repeating these sets of simulations for three different passage cross-section geometries, it was evident that the annual temporal distribution of flow did indeed impact the amount of cave growth. However, an increase in the “storminess” of the climate did not simply equate to more dissolution and thus conduit growth. Rather, the quantity and duration of surface contact between water and the conduit walls combined with dissolution rates to affect the total growth. The amount of wetted perimeter (contact between fluid and passage floor/walls) generated by specific conduit to capacity were shown to be very effective at growing the cave. Above this level, the dissolving power of additional water was essentially wasted. This investigation suggests that the maximum amount of passage flow levels depended upon the shape of the passage. Flow conditions that filled the growth occurs under flow conditions that result in the most wetted perimeter for the longest period of time at the highest dissolution rate.

During the 1990's an increased debate concerning a new way of funding, organising and doing research is discernible. Characteristic elements in this are: collaboration between university and industry, context of application, user orientation and interdisciplinarity. A parallel development related to the environmental issues can also be distinguished, where the discourse of sustainable development has become the dominating political vision. How these changing contexts affect and influence a funding agency is analysed in this thesis. The source for the analysis is the Foundation of strategic environmental research, Mistra. Mistra was established in 1994 aiming at a renewal of Swedish environmental research, in which contributing to the vision of sustainable development is a central goal. Other characteristic objectives in Mistra are: solution orientation, user involvement, interdisciplinarity, and contributing to the competitiveness of Sweden. The main purpose of the thesis is to analyse ideas and notions about science and knowledge concerning the environmental problematic as viewed in Mistra. A specific interest is also directed to views and notions of the role of science in contemporary society. The main conclusion concerns awareness of epistemological issues in Mistra regarding different forms of knowledge and ways of doing research. This is especially apparent in the discussion related to evaluation of research, interdisciplinary, social sciences and user involvement. Moreover, I stress that this tendency also could be recognized in theories of knowledge production. Understanding Mistra as an example of contemporary knowledge production the post-positivist notions of knowledge, which is particularly argued for in theory of Mode 2, is therefore questioned. Consequently, issues of prerequisites and conditions of the occurrence of reflexivity and post-positivist epistemological thoughts are stressed and epistemological notions mirrored in contemporary knowledge production are discussed using the two concepts of unreflected ambivalence.