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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 20 September 2019

Yijun Hou, Dongdong Wang and Guoqi Dong

The purpose of this paper is to take the early Permian no.6 coal seam in Jungar coalfield of North China as an example, this paper studied the net primary productivity (NPP) level…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to take the early Permian no.6 coal seam in Jungar coalfield of North China as an example, this paper studied the net primary productivity (NPP) level of the early Permian peatland and its relationship with the atmospheric environment at that time, analyzed the influence of the atmospheric environment, and discussed its control factors.

Design/methodology/approach

First, geophysical logging signals were used for a spectrum analysis to obtain the Milankovitch cycle parameters in the no. 6 coal seam, including the eccentricity (95 ka); obliquity (35.6 ka); and precession (21.2 ka). These were then used to calculate the accumulation rate of the residual carbon in the no. 6 coal seam, which was determined to be between 49.44 and 50.57 gC/(m2 · a). The carbon loss could be calculated according to the density and residual carbon content of the no. 6 coal seam. Then, the total carbon accumulation rate of the peatland was further derived as being between 64.91 and 66.40 gC/(m2 · a). Also, the NPP of the peatland was determined to be between 129.82 and 132.8 gC/(m2 · a).

Finding

The result showed that the NPP of the early Permian peatland area was lower than that of the Holocene at the same latitude, and also lower than that of the later Permian of South China.

Originality/value

This study’s comprehensive analysis indicated that the temperature and humidity conditions, along with the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, were the main control factors of the NPP of the early Permian peatland. Also, wildfires were found to play a role.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2005

William H. Schlesinger

A variety of gases, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), add to the radiative forcing of Earth's atmosphere, meaning that…

Abstract

A variety of gases, including water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), add to the radiative forcing of Earth's atmosphere, meaning that they absorb certain wavelengths of infrared radiation (heat) that is leaving the Earth and thus raise the temperature of its atmosphere. Since glass has the same effect on the loss of heat from a greenhouse, these gases are known as “greenhouse” gases. It is fortunate that these gases are found in the atmosphere; without its natural greenhouse effect, Earth's temperature would be below the freezing point, and all waters on its surface would be ice. However, for the past 100 years or so, the concentrations of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the atmosphere have been rising as a result of human activities. An increase in the radiative forcing of Earth's atmosphere is destined to cause global warming, superimposed on the natural climate cycles that have characterized Earth's history.

Details

Perspectives on Climate Change: Science, Economics, Politics, Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-271-9

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2008

Khalil Abu Rabia, Elaine Solowey and Stefan Leu

The purpose of the paper is to show that land degradation and desertification are threatening the livelihood of more than a billion dryland inhabitants. The paper aims to present…

1006

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show that land degradation and desertification are threatening the livelihood of more than a billion dryland inhabitants. The paper aims to present traditional and novel approaches for sustainable agricultural exploitation of the arid drylands in Southern Israel and similar climatic zones, and their potential for rehabilitating degraded drylands and increasing agricultural productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the current agricultural activities on the Abu Rabia farm as well as developing experimental approaches and discusses the expected impact on ecological, economic and social sustainability.

Findings

The farm investigated consists of about 120 hectares of semi‐desert land 30 km east of Beer Sheva, divided about 50:50 between rocky hill country and plains with deep loess soil. The area receives an average 200 mm of rain per year. The land is used for raising livestock (about 120 head of sheep and goats), wheat cultivation on high quality soil, and agroforestry, mainly olive cultivation in terraces designed to collect runoff water of seasonal streams. These activities provide a basic income and cover a significant amount of the families' food requirements, but can not provide a full income for a family head in a developed country like Israel. Improving the quality of the grazing land by silvipasture, further investments into high value dryland tree crops and simultaneous production of wood for industry and energy can dramatically increase the farm's income, its resilience to drought and ecological sustainability.

Practical implications

This analysis demonstrates the potential of dryland agroforestry for sustainable development while solving a number of economic and social problems of poor dryland inhabitants, and it contributes to fighting desertification and global warming.

Originality/value

This case study demonstrates that sustainable dryland exploitation by agroforestry can establish significant agricultural production potentials on marginal lands often considered worthless. Because of the establishment of significant and permanent carbon sinks, carbon trading may be mobilized to cover the required investments creating a classical win‐win situation.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 January 2017

Douglas Warner, John Tzilivakis, Andrew Green and Kathleen Lewis

This paper aims to assess agri-environment (AE) scheme options on cultivated agricultural land in England for their impact on agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It…

4852

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess agri-environment (AE) scheme options on cultivated agricultural land in England for their impact on agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It considers both absolute emissions reduction and reduction incorporating yield decrease and potential production displacement. Similarities with Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) introduced in 2015 as part of the post-2014 Common Agricultural Policy reform, and their potential impact, are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

A life-cycle analysis approach derives GHG emissions for 18 key representative options. Meta-modelling is used to account for spatial environmental variables (annual precipitation, soil type and erosion risk), supplementing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change methodology.

Findings

Most options achieve an absolute reduction in GHG emissions compared to an existing arable crop baseline but at the expense of removing land from production, risking production displacement. Soil and water protection options designed to reduce soil erosion and nitrate leaching decrease GHG emissions without loss of crop yield. Undersown spring cereals support decreased inputs and emissions per unit of crop yield. The most valuable AE options identified are included in the proposed EFAs, although lower priority is afforded to some.

Practical implications

Recommendations are made where applicable to modify option management prescriptions and to further reduce GHG emissions.

Originality/value

This research is relevant and of value to land managers and policy makers. A dichotomous key summarises AE option prioritisation and supports GHG mitigation on cultivated land in England. The results are also applicable to other European countries.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2012

Jiayuan Hu, Shunan Cao, Li Yin, Qinqin Liang and Jianli Xie

Some power plants in China that adopt reverse osmosis (RO) product water as their fresh water source face serious metal corrosion of their water distribution system. The corrosion…

Abstract

Purpose

Some power plants in China that adopt reverse osmosis (RO) product water as their fresh water source face serious metal corrosion of their water distribution system. The corrosion process of carbon steel in RO product water is still not clear and there is no suitable anti‐corrosion method for the power plant to employ. The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in RO product water, determine the factors leading to the high corrosion rate of carbon steel, and then suggest appropriate anti‐corrosion measures.

Design/methodology/approach

By measuring polarization curves and AC impedance values of the corrosion system and analyzing corrosion products using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), the corrosion behavior of Q235A carbon steel in the RO product water derived from seawater was studied.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the corrosion process of carbon steel in RO product water is controlled by the diffusion process of oxygen, and the corrosion products contain γ‐FeOOH, Fe3O4 and small amounts of α‐FeOOH. Although rust formed had a double layer structure, the outer rust layer, which contained γ‐FeOOH and a little α‐FeOOH, was thin. The inner rust layer, containing Fe3O4, was the main component of the rust layer. Due to the weak acidity of RO product water, γ‐FeOOH can be transformed to Fe3O4 very quickly and Fe3O4 will accumulate on the metal surface. Because of the electrical conductivity and fractured surface of the Fe3O4 layer, the corrosion product layer cannot inhibit the corrosion process by hindering the diffusion process of oxygen, and hence the corrosion rate of carbon steel is always high.

Originality/value

The paper describes the first systematic research to be carried out on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in RO product water. It was found that the generation and accumulation of Fe3O4 on the metal surface was the primary reason leading to the high corrosion rate of carbon steel, and anti‐corrosion measures can be chosen following the following rules: deoxygenation, raising of the pH of the solution, or addition of corrosion inhibitors to the solution.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 59 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2021

Haobo Yu, Zimo Li, Yeyin Xia, Yameng Qi, Yingchao Li, Qiaoping Liu and Changfeng Chen

This paper aims to investigate the anti-biocorrosion performance and mechanism of the Cu-bearing carbon steel in the environment containing sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB).

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the anti-biocorrosion performance and mechanism of the Cu-bearing carbon steel in the environment containing sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB).

Design/methodology/approach

The biocorrosion behavior of specimens with Cu concentration of 0 Wt.%, 0.1 Wt.%, 0.3 Wt.% and 0.6 Wt.% were investigated by immersion test in SRB solution. By examining the prepared cross-section of the biofilm using focused ion beam microscopy, SRB distribution, bacterial morphology, biofilm structure and composition were determined. The ion selectivity of the biofilm was also obtained by membrane potential measurement. Moreover, the anti-biocorrosion performance of the Cu-bearing carbon steel pipeline was tested in a shale gas field in Chongqing, China.

Findings

Both the results of the laboratory test and shale gas field test indicate that Cu-bearing carbon steel possesses obvious resistance to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The SRB, corrosion rate and pitting depth decreased dramatically with Cu concentration in the substrate. The local acidification caused by hydrolyze of ferric ion coming from SRB metabolism and furtherly aggravated by anion selectivity biofilm promoted the pitting corrosion. Anti-biocorrosion of Cu-bearing carbon steel was attributed to the accumulation of Cu compounds in the biofilm and the weaker anion selectivity of the biofilm. This research results provide an approach to the development of economical antibacterial metallic material.

Originality/value

MIC occurs extensively and has become one of the most frequent reasons for corrosion-induced failure in the oil and gas industry. In this study, Cu-bearing carbon steel was obtained by Cu addition in carbon steel and possessed excellent anti-biocorrosion property both in the laboratory and shale gas field. This study provides an approach to the development of an economical antibacterial carbon steel pipeline to resist MIC.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 68 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2019

Girendra Kumar, Ashok Kumar and H.N. Bar

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of mean stress and stress amplitude on the asymmetric cyclic deformation behavior of SA333 Gr-6 C-Mn steel. Such type of loading…

63

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of mean stress and stress amplitude on the asymmetric cyclic deformation behavior of SA333 Gr-6 C-Mn steel. Such type of loading may arise during the service period because of the load fluctuations, thermal gradients and sudden loading like seismic events. Tests were also carried out at different temperatures to understand the effect of it on sensitiveness of the materials deformation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Cylindrical specimen of 8-mm gauge diameter and 15-mm gauge length was fabricated from the pipe section along its axis. Stress controlled ratcheting tests were carried out by using triangular waveform for cyclic loading. The strain accumulations were measured using 12.5-mm gauge length extensometer. Ratcheting tests were carried out at fixed stress amplitude of 400 MPa and mean stress varying from 0 to 75 MPa, whereas at the fixed mean stress of 100 MPa and stress amplitude varies from 300 to 400 MPa at 300°C. To study the effect of temperature on ratcheting behavior, tests were carried out at a load of 100 MPa mean stress and 350 MPa stress amplitude, with a varying temperature between room temperature and 350°C. The stress rate of 115 MPas-1 was kept constant for all the tests.

Findings

Increase in mean stress and stress amplitude, ratcheting strain and plastic strain amplitude increases, whereas ratcheting life decreases. With an increase in temperature, ratcheting life increases and strain accumulation decreases up to 300°C, whereas on further increase in temperature, strain accumulation increases with reduction in ratcheting life. Minimum ratcheting rate was observed at 250°C and 300°C. The dynamic strain aging (DSA) phenomena lead to the hardening of the material. The investigated steel shows DSA temperature regime lies between 250°C and 300°C. The failure modes at 250°C and 300°C temperature was transgranular, whereas at 350°C complete ductile.

Research limitations/implications

The stress rate and loading condition may vary to study the ratcheting behavior.

Practical implications

From this study, the critical cyclic load may be determined. The DSA temperature regime of this material is determined at this stress rate. This could help to evaluate the cyclic deformation behavior of the material with temperature changes.

Originality/value

In this investigation, the DSA temperature regime has been determined where maximum ratcheting life, minimum strain accumulation and ratcheting rate were observed. The critical load where the minimum life of the material occurred at elevated temperature is 100 MPa mean stress and 400 MPa stress amplitude.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Responsible Investment Around the World: Finance after the Great Reset
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-851-0

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2005

Henry Shue

I have applied the phrase “the date of the technological transition” to the year in human history in which the accumulated atmospheric total of all GHGs ceases to grow.5 Carbon

Abstract

I have applied the phrase “the date of the technological transition” to the year in human history in which the accumulated atmospheric total of all GHGs ceases to grow.5 Carbon dioxide from the combustion of fossil fuel is only one GHG, of course, but increases in carbon dioxide have made by far the greatest contribution to the swelling of the total. Perhaps quantities of some other GHGs would even need to continue to grow, perhaps not – this is a murkier realm. But if emissions of carbon dioxide were reduced sufficiently, quantities of other GHGs could, if necessary, increase while total annual emissions of all GHGs declined because carbon dioxide is such a large part of current annual emissions of all GHGs and of annual increases in emissions of all GHGs. Reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide could “make room” for any necessary increases in other GHG emissions.

Details

Perspectives on Climate Change: Science, Economics, Politics, Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76231-271-9

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2019

Qiang Hou and Jiayi Sun

The authors consider a dynamic emission-reduction technology investment decision-making problem for an emission-dependent dyadic supply chain consists of a manufacturer and a…

Abstract

Purpose

The authors consider a dynamic emission-reduction technology investment decision-making problem for an emission-dependent dyadic supply chain consists of a manufacturer and a retailer under subsidy policy for carbon emission reduction. The consumers are assumed to prefer to low-carbon products and formulate a supply chain optimal control problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt differential game to analyze investment strategies of cost subsidy coefficient with respect to vertical incentive of a manufacturer and a retailer. A comparison analysis under four different decision-making situations, including decentralized decision-making, centralized decision-making, maximizing social welfare, is obtained.

Findings

The results show that the economic benefit and environmental pressure have a win–win performance in centralized decision-making. In four different game models, equilibrium strategies, profits and social welfare show changing diversity and have a consistent development trend as time goes on.

Research limitations/implications

The authors estimate the demand function is a linear function in this paper. According to the consumers’ preference to low-carbon products, consumer’s awareness meets the law of diminishing marginal utility like advertising goodwill accumulation. The carbon-sensitive coefficient might be a quadratic expression, which will complicate the problem and be consistent with reality.

Practical implications

It captures that there is a necessity to strengthen cooperation and exchange of carbon emission technology among the enterprises by simulation of different decision-makings when government granted cost subsidy.

Social implications

The results provide significant guidelines for the supply chain to make decision-makings of emission-reduction technology investment and relevant government departments to determine emission subsidies costs.

Originality/value

An endogenous subsidies coefficient is produced by the social welfare function. Distinguished from previous study, it also considered the influences of carbon emission trade policy and consumer preference.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 49 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000