N-Nitrosamines are an emerging group of disinfection byproducts characterized by high carcinogenic risks at ng/L levels and by their frequent detection in water and wastewater treatment systems in the U.S. and other parts of the world. The overall goal of this research is to achieve a better understanding of the roles of common nitrosamine precursors in leading to N-nitrosamine formation in water and wastewater treatment systems. The specific objectives of this research are: (a) To probe the mechanisms of nitrosamine formation from commonly employed water treatment polymers, particularly polyDADMACs, during ozonation, (b) To evaluate the role of dithiocarbamate compounds as nitrosamine precursors in reaction with common water disinfection oxidants, and (c) To investigate the potential enhancement effect of activated carbons (AC) to promote transformation of amines to nitrosamines and identify the involved reaction mechanism. Results of this research show that, upon ozonation, polyDADMACs may yield N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at levels up to two orders of magnitude higher than current advisory guidelines for NDMA. Radical pathways may be responsible for the degradation of the quaternary ammonium ring groups in polyDADMACs to release of dimethylamine (DMA). Detection of significant amounts of nitrite after ozonation of polyDADMACs and DMA suggests the potential role of nitrosation pathway in NDMA formation. Study results also reveal dithiocarbamates as potent nitrosamine precursors with significant nitrosamine yields upon ozonation and monochloramination. Identification and quantification of reaction products suggest nitrosation and chlorinated-UDMH oxidation as primary reaction mechanisms in nitrosamine formation from ozonation and monochloramination of dithiocarbamates compounds, respectively. This research also demonstrates that many commercial AC materials may catalyze transformation of secondary amines to yield trace levels of N-nitrosamines under ambient aerobic conditions. This is a novel discovery with far-reaching implications because of the widespread usage of AC materials in numerous analytical and environmental applications. The study results show that the properties of AC materials and reaction conditions play a crucial role in the catalyzed nitrosamine formation and should be carefully selected to minimize analytical errors and undesirable nitrosamine formation in water samples. Overall, the mechanistic information obtained in this research will be useful for the water industry and research communities to develop more effective strategies to control undesirable nitrosamine formation in water and wastewater treatment systems and thus better protect the public health.

Thesis (M. of Environmental Science)--Miami University, Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains [1], iii, 66 p. : ill. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis advisor: John Raeburn Thesis advisor: Laura Rigal. Includes bibliographic references (p. 363-382).

Two relatively new EPA policies encourage the inclusion of pollution prevention in regulatory enforcement settlements. The advantages to a firm include reduction or elimination of environmental problems at the source (thus decreasing reliance on end-of-pipe controls), enhanced prospects for future compliance, and a potential for a reduction in the assessed penalty. We discuss the factors that influence both EPA and firms to include pollution prevention in enforcement settlements, characterize the process in a few exemplary cases, and recommend ways to enhance and expand these activities. The research presented focused on case study analysis of 10 recent EPA-negotiated enforcement settlements that included chemical substitutions, process changes, or closed-loop recycling

No description available.

abstract: ABSTRACT Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a non-governmental organization of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which promotes a sustainable built environment with its rating systems. One of the building segments which it considers is healthcare, where it is a challenge to identify the most cost-effective variety of complex equipments, to meet the demand for 24/7 health care and diagnosis, and implement various energy efficient strategies in inpatient hospitals. According to their “End Use Monitoring” study, Hospital Energy Alliances (HEA), an initiative of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), reducing plug load reduces hospital energy consumption. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the extent to which realistic changes to the building envelope, together with HVAC and operation schedules would allow LEED credits to be earned in the DOE–hospital prototype. The scope of this research is to specifically investigate the inpatient block where patient stays longer. However, to obtain LEED credits the percentage cost saving should be considered along with the end use monitoring. Several steps have been taken to identify the optimal set of the end use results by adopting the Whole Building Energy Simulation option of the LEED Energy & Atmosphere (EA) pre– requisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance. The initial step includes evaluating certain LEED criteria consistent with ASHRAE Standard 90.1–2007 with the constraint that hospital prototype is to be upgraded from Standard 2004 to Standard 2007. The simulation method stipulates energy conservation measures as well as utility costing to enhance the LEED credits. A series of simulations with different values of Light Power Density, Sizing Factors, Chiller Coefficient of Performance, Boiler Efficiency, Plug Loads and utility cost were run for a variety of end uses with the extreme climatic condition of Phoenix. These assessments are then compared and used as a framework for a proposed interactive design decision approach. As a result, a total of 19.4% energy savings and 20% utility cost savings were achieved by the building simulation tool, which refer to 5 and 7 LEED credits respectively. The study develops a proper framework for future evaluations intended to achieve more LEED points. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Built Environment 2012

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / O estudo foi desenvolvido na Ãrea de ProteÃÃo Ambiental (APA) de Balbino, Unidade de ConservaÃÃo de Uso SustentÃvel que compreende uma Ãrea geogrÃfica 250 ha, localizada no litoral do municÃpio de Cascavel. Contextualizaram-se as condiÃÃes do municÃpio e caracterizou-se o contexto socioambiental da comunidade de Balbino. Assim, com base na anÃlise da dinÃmica da APA e dos aspectos que interferem em suas paisagens, foram propostos alguns subsÃdios que propiciassem o ordenamento territorial de acordo com os recursos naturais e econÃmicos disponÃveis na Ãrea, apresentando o zoneamento ambiental como principal subsÃdio. O estudo foi fundamentado na Teoria GeossistÃmica, o que possibilitou uma anÃlise integrada dos elementos ambientais, biolÃgicos e sociais da Ãrea. Para o levantamento de dados, teve-se a contribuiÃÃo de informaÃÃes adquiridas em trabalhos de campo, das entrevistas com lideranÃas local e com os moradores e de oficinas direcionadas a crianÃas e a adolescentes. Com os dados obtidos, realizou-se o diagnÃstico socioambiental da Ãrea de estudo, em que se verificaram as formas de uso e ocupaÃÃo das paisagens, as problemÃticas e as potencialidades. Dessa maneira, direcionaram-se propostas de uso tanto para o contexto social como o ambiental da APA de Balbino. Espera-se que a pesquisa contribua para o gerenciamento da APA e a realizaÃÃo do zoneamento ambiental pelos ÃrgÃos pÃblicos ambientais / This study was developed in the Environmental Protected Area (EPA) of Balbino, Unit of Sustainable Conservation, which has a geographical area of 250 ha, located at municipality of Cascavel coast It was contextualized all the conditions of the town and the context was characterized socio environmental of the Balbinosâs community Thus, based on the dynamics analysis of EPA, and the aspects that interfere in the landscapes ,some subsidizes have been proposed that enable the land management according to the economics and natural resources available in that area, presenting the environmental zoning as the main subsidize. This study was based on Geosystemic Theory making possible an integrated analysis of the environmental elements, biological and social in that area. To collect data, information contribution was made by the fieldwork, interviews with residents and local leaderships and workshops for children and teenagers. From the survey, a socio environmental diagnostic was prepared including the land use and occupation of the landscapes, with problems and such as problems and potentialities. Thus, some proposals were made to social environmental context to EPA of Balbino. In this way ,intends to understand the contributions of this survey to management of EPA and realization of zoning environmental through the environmental public organizations.

The member states of European Union (EU) and a group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states are currently negotiating for new trading agreements compatible with World Trade Organization‘s (WTO) rules. Whereas both the EU and the ACP states are in agreement that the new trading arrangements must be WTO compatible, there is no consensus on the format of the new trading agreements. The EU has insisted that the new trading arrangements should be in the form of free trade agreements, established under Article XXIV of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Unlike the previous EU – ACP trade agreements which were non – reciprocal, Article XXIV requires that the new trading agreements should be reciprocal. Consequently the EU has gone ahead to negotiate for reciprocal Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with some of the ACP states. Some ACP countries which are opposed to reciprocity have proposed that the new trading arrangements should be established under the provisions of Enabling Clause. Others have suggested that EU should attempt to apply for a WTO waiver. The Cotonou Agreement, under which the new trading agreements are being negotiated, provides that in case of those countries which are not ready to negotiate for EPAs, the EU should examine alternative possibilities, in order to provide these countries with a new framework for trade which is equivalent to their existing situation and in conformity with WTO rules. So far no alternative trading arrangements have been proposed. Although some ACP countries have agreed to negotiate for Economic Partnership Agreements under article XXIV of GAAT, there is no consensus on the interpretation of key provisions of Article XXIV. Under Article XXIV, the parties are required to remove substantially all trade barriers between themselves within reasonable time. The meaning of the phrases 'substantially all' and 'reasonable time‘ has remained controversial with each party giving an interpretation that favours its interests. Lack of consensus on the meaning of these phrases has hindered the conclusion of negotiations for EPAs. In a nutshell, the question of WTO compatibility presents the biggest hurdle to the conclusion of the new trading arrangements between the EU and the ACP group. This paper is an evaluation of the options available to the ACP countries to conclude WTO compatible trading arrangements with the EU. Chapter one of this paper is an introductory chapter which offers an overview of the entire paper. Chapter two sets out in details the historical background of the economic relationship between the EU and the ACP states. This chapter illustrates the historical background from which the new trading agreements have evolved to help the reader understand certain key features of the current economic partnership agreements. Chapter three looks at the GATT/WTO provisions relevant to the establishment of WTO compatible trading arrangements between EU and ACP countries. Particular emphasis is placed on Article XXIV, the Enabling Clause and the WTO waiver. Chapter four is the main chapter in which the paper explores the possibilities of concluding WTO compatible trading agreements under Article XXIV, Enabling clause and the WTO waiver. Chapter five draws the conclusions of this paper. / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Centre for Human Rights / unrestricted

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第18346号 / 農博第2071号 / 新制||農||1024(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H26||N4853(農学部図書室) / 31204 / 京都大学大学院農学研究科応用生命科学専攻 / (主査)教授 栗原 達夫, 教授 植田 充美, 教授 小川 順 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第20771号 / 農博第2254号 / 新制||農||1055(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H29||N5091(農学部図書室) / 京都大学大学院農学研究科生物資源経済学専攻 / (主査)教授 梅津 千恵子, 教授 伊藤 順一, 准教授 浅見 淳之 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DGAM