Apparatus for studying the effect of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during a tidal process and method of use

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of environmental chemistry, in particular to a device for studying the effect of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants in the tidal process and a use method thereof. The device provided by the present application is provided with a deposition area at the bottom of the reactor, which can simulate the resuspension process of sediments under the disturbance of tidal flow in the actual estuary environment, deeply explore the migration and transformation of pollutants in the water-sediment interface, simulate the reaction process of pollutants in the bottom mud under the influence of light at different water depths, and simultaneously realize the simulation of the behavior of pollutants in different media in the estuary environment and the influence of light factors on the degradation reaction process of pollutants. Moreover, the device provided by the present application integrates the tidal simulation system and the light system, simulates the light change and tidal disturbance process in the complex estuary environment, and makes it closer to the real natural conditions; and solves the defects that only a single influencing factor is set in the existing tidal simulation device and the controllable light condition is lacking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of environmental chemistry, specifically to an apparatus and method for studying the effects of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes. Background Technology

[0002] Estuaries serve as direct exchange channels between oceans and inland waters. Estuarine tidal processes are among the most important dynamic processes in the estuarine environment, influencing the migration and transformation of pollutants at different temporal and spatial scales. Sunlight plays a crucial role in the adsorption and degradation of pollutants, directly or indirectly affecting their speciation and biogeochemical cycles through changes in irradiance intensity and photochemical reactions.

[0003] Current research on pollutant migration and transformation in simulated estuarine environments is limited. Known studies include those on mangrove wetlands under simulated estuarine tidal influences (CN202021983588.4) and material cycling during simulated tidal dynamics (CN115078237A). Research on light factors remains lacking. Therefore, studying the effects of different light conditions on pollutant degradation and transformation during estuarine tidal processes is a crucial component in exploring the biogeochemical cycles of pollutants in estuaries and lays an experimental foundation for clarifying their degradation products and pathways.

[0004] Currently, laboratory photoreaction experiments involve placing test tubes or beakers containing solutions of the organic pollutants under study into a photoreactor for photodegradation. However, this type of experiment cannot reproduce the dynamic process of tidal cycles, leading to discrepancies between observed results and actual conditions, thus affecting the accuracy of the results. Furthermore, most photoreactors cannot create a stable and controllable temperature environment. Since the distribution coefficient and degradation rate of pollutants differ at different temperatures, this inevitably impacts the experiment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an apparatus and method for studying the impact of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, applicable to simulating the migration and transformation of pollutants during tidal processes influenced by light factors.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] An apparatus for studying the influence of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, the apparatus comprising: a test chamber, a reactor, a light source, a water storage tank, and a temperature control system;

[0008] The reactor and the light source are located inside the test chamber, while the water storage tank and the temperature control system are located outside the test chamber.

[0009] Add overlying water to the reactor, and then add the pollutant to be tested to the overlying water; or...

[0010] Sediment and overlying water are added to the reactor, and the pollutant to be tested is added to the sediment.

[0011] The reactor wall is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and multiple circulating outlets. The inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the reactor. The multiple circulating outlets are located at different heights of the reactor and are arranged above the outlet at certain intervals. A switch is provided on each circulating outlet.

[0012] The water storage tank is used to provide the reactor with artificial seawater simulating high tide, or to store water flowing out of the reactor simulating low tide; the water storage tank is connected to the reactor's inlet, outlet, and one of the multiple circulating outlets via pipes.

[0013] A temperature sensor is installed inside the test chamber; the temperature control system is used to regulate the temperature inside the test chamber; the temperature inside the test chamber is regulated and controlled by the temperature sensor and the temperature control system.

[0014] The outlet is connected to the water storage tank via a pipe; the inlet is connected to the outlet of the circulation pump, the inlet direction of the circulation pump is provided with a three-way valve, the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to one of the multiple circulation outlets via a pipe, and the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the water storage tank via a pipe, and a switch is provided at the outlet of the water storage tank.

[0015] The circulating pump is located outside the test chamber, and the water storage tank is located below the reactor. The liquid level in the water storage tank is lower than the liquid level in the reactor. The water storage tank is made of opaque polytetrafluoroethylene material. The volume of the water storage tank should be larger than the volume of the reactor.

[0016] The test chamber includes a chamber door, on which a glass observation window is provided;

[0017] The test chamber has an insulation layer on its walls.

[0018] Furthermore, the light source includes any one of LED lamps, xenon lamps, and mercury lamps; the light source is located at the top center of the test chamber.

[0019] Furthermore, the power range of the xenon lamp is 300W-600W, the power range of the LED lamp is 300W-450W, and the power range of the mercury lamp is 300W-450W.

[0020] Furthermore, the reactor is a cylindrical shape with an open top; the reactor is made of polytetrafluoroethylene;

[0021] Furthermore, the internal length, width, and height of the test chamber are 700~1000mm, 700~1000mm, and 800~1200mm respectively (unit: millimeters); the inner diameter of the reactor is 8~20cm, and the height is 30~60cm.

[0022] A method of using an apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, the method comprising:

[0023] Prepare a sufficient amount of overlying water under light-protected conditions, and add the pollutant to be tested to the overlying water; or,

[0024] Prepare sufficient sediment and overlying water under light-protected conditions, and add the pollutant to be tested to the sediment;

[0025] Assemble the device and adjust the temperature of the test chamber to the target temperature using a temperature control system;

[0026] Turn on the light source to simulate illumination, and adjust the angle of the light source so that the simulated sunlight shines directly above the reactor;

[0027] Add sufficient top water to the water storage tank, open the outlet switch of the water storage tank, turn on the circulation pump, and slowly inject the water in the water storage tank into the reactor to simulate the tide process.

[0028] After the simulated high tide is completed, close the outlet switch of the water storage tank, open the switch of the circulation outlet at a certain height, adjust the flow rate of the circulation pump, and select an appropriate flow rate to enter the simulated tidal disturbance stage; after the set time is reached, open the outlet valve to make the water level in the reactor slowly drop to simulate the low tide process.

[0029] Beneficial technical effects of the present invention:

[0030] (1) The device provided by the present invention simulates the changes in light and the tidal disturbance process in the complex estuary environment by integrating the tidal simulation system and the lighting system, making it closer to the real natural conditions; it solves the drawback of existing tidal simulation devices that only set a single influencing factor and lack the influence of controllable lighting conditions.

[0031] (2) The device provided by the present invention is equipped with a light system and a temperature control system to eliminate the degradation reaction error caused by changes in ambient temperature and light.

[0032] (3) The device provided by the present invention adds a sedimentation zone at the bottom of the reactor, which can simulate the resuspension process of sediments under the tidal disturbance of the actual estuary environment, and explore the migration and transformation of pollutants at the water-mud interface. It can also simulate the reaction process of pollutants in the bottom sediment under the influence of light at different water depths, and realize the simulation of the behavior of pollutants in different media in the estuary environment and the influence of light factors on the degradation reaction process of pollutants. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the apparatus used to study the impact of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the device structure used in this embodiment of the invention to study the impact of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the test chamber in the apparatus used to study the impact of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, as described in this embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Test chamber; 1-1. Light source interface; 1-2. Observation window; 1-3. Through hole; 2. Light source; 3. Reactor; 4. Water inlet; 5. Water outlet; 6. Water storage tank; 7. Circulation pump; 8. Temperature control system; 9. Circulation outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0038] Conversely, this invention encompasses any substitutions, modifications, equivalent methods, and solutions made within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, to provide a better understanding of the invention, certain specific details are described in detail below. However, those skilled in the art will fully understand the invention even without these detailed descriptions.

[0039] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The present invention provides an embodiment of an apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, such as... Figure 1-3 As shown, the device includes: a test chamber, a reactor, a light source, a water storage tank, and a temperature control system;

[0040] The reactor and the light source are located inside the test chamber, while the water storage tank and the temperature control system are located outside the test chamber.

[0041] Add overlying water to the reactor, and then add the pollutant to be tested to the overlying water; or...

[0042] Sediment and overlying water are added to the reactor, and the pollutant to be tested is added to the sediment.

[0043] The reactor wall is provided with an inlet, an outlet and multiple circulating outlets. The inlet and the outlet are located on opposite sides of the reactor. The multiple circulating outlets are located at different heights of the reactor and are arranged above the outlet at certain intervals.

[0044] The water storage tank is used to provide the reactor with artificial seawater simulating high tide, or to store water flowing out of the reactor simulating low tide; the water storage tank is connected to the reactor's inlet, outlet, and one of the multiple circulating outlets via pipes.

[0045] The temperature sensor is located inside the test chamber; the temperature control system is used to regulate the temperature inside the test chamber; the temperature inside the test chamber is regulated and controlled by the temperature sensor and the temperature control system.

[0046] In this embodiment, the light source includes any one of LED lamps, xenon lamps, and mercury lamps; the light source is located at the top center of the test chamber.

[0047] In this embodiment, the power range of the xenon lamp used is 300W-600W, the power range of the LED lamp used is 300W-450W, and the power range of the mercury lamp used is 300W-450W.

[0048] In this embodiment, the outlet is connected to the water storage tank via a pipe; the inlet is connected to the outlet of the circulation pump, the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to one of the multiple circulation outlets via a pipe, and the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the water storage tank via a pipe. A switch is installed at the outlet of the water storage tank. Specifically, the outlet is 3-10cm (preferably 5cm) from the bottom of the reactor, and the inlet is 5-8cm (preferably 7cm) from the bottom.

[0049] In this embodiment, the circulating pump is located outside the test chamber, and the water storage tank is located below the reactor. The liquid level in the water storage tank is lower than the liquid level in the reactor. The water storage tank is made of opaque polytetrafluoroethylene material. The volume of the water storage tank should be larger than the volume of the reactor.

[0050] In this embodiment, the reactor is a cylindrical shape with an open top; the reactor is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0051] In this embodiment, the test chamber includes a chamber door with a glass observation window; the chamber walls are provided with an insulation layer. Specifically, the test chamber comprises three layers: an inner layer, a middle insulation layer, and an outer layer; the side walls of the test chamber have through holes to allow the reactor pipes to extend outside the test chamber and to facilitate the passage of air circulation pipes between the temperature control system and the test chamber.

[0052] In this embodiment, the internal dimensions of the test chamber are 700-1000mm (length), 700-1000mm (width), and 800-1200mm (height), respectively (unit: millimeters); the inner diameter of the reactor is 8-20cm, and the height is 30-60cm. Preferably, the internal dimensions of the test chamber are 700×800×900mm (unit: millimeters); the inner diameter of the reactor is 8cm, and the height is 45cm.

[0053] This invention also provides an embodiment of a method for using an apparatus to study the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes. Several specific embodiments are as follows:

[0054] Example 1: In the apparatus used in this example, the internal dimensions of the test chamber are 700×800×900mm, with a glass observation window on the front. The light source is located at the top center of the test chamber, using a 350W xenon lamp to simulate sunlight. Specifically, the reactor has an inner diameter of 8cm, a height of 45cm, an outlet 5cm from the bottom, and an inlet 7cm from the bottom. Three circulating outlets are located above the outlets, with heights of 15cm, 25cm, and 40cm respectively. A temperature sensor is installed inside the test chamber and connected to the temperature control system to control the internal temperature.

[0055] Connect the reactor, water tank, and circulation pump using pipes. Connect the reactor outlet pipe to the water tank. The circulation pump outlet is connected to the reactor inlet; the inlet is equipped with a T-junction, one connection to the circulation outlet at 40cm and the other to the outlet at the bottom of the water tank. A peristaltic pump can be used. The water tank and circulation pump are located outside the test chamber; the pipes exit the test chamber through a side wall through-hole. The through-hole should not be too large; it should be large enough for the pipes to pass through. Turn off all switches.

[0056] Prepare sufficient overburden water and simulated sediment. Wash and dry sand, clay, etc., and mix them thoroughly in a certain proportion to make a simulated sediment. Spread the simulated sediment in the reactor to a thickness of about 4 cm, with the top lower than the bottom of the outlet and inlet. Slowly inject the overburden water into the reactor, trying to avoid the sediment from being rolled up. The height of the overburden water in the reactor should exceed the circulating outlet.

[0057] During simulated high tide, the outlet switch of the water storage tank is opened, and the other switches are closed. Water from the water storage tank slowly enters the reactor through a circulation pump.

[0058] Once the water level in the reactor is 1.5 cm higher than the circulating outlet, the outlet valve of the storage tank is closed, and the valve of the circulating outlet at 40 cm is opened. Water enters the reactor from the bottom and exits from the top, circulating through the circulation pump to enter the simulated tidal disturbance stage. The tidal circulation pump has multiple speed settings to adjust different water flow rates for simulating the tidal circulation disturbance process.

[0059] During simulated low tide, the circulation pump stops, the outlet switch is opened, and water flows into the storage tank through the outlet under the action of gravity.

[0060] Example 2: Using the above-mentioned apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, an experiment simulating the environmental behavior of estuarine antibiotics under sunlight conditions was conducted. The process is as follows:

[0061] Connect the apparatus and adjust the temperature of the test chamber to 20℃ using the temperature control system. Prepare sufficient top coat water, using a pre-prepared 500 ng / L sulfadiazine solution. Keep the entire process away from light.

[0062] A 300W xenon lamp was used to simulate sunlight. 1.2L of topsoil water was added to the water tank, the outlet valve of the water tank was opened, and the circulation pump was turned on to slowly inject water from the tank into the reactor. After completion, the outlet valve of the water tank was closed, and the valve of the circulation outlet at 25cm was opened. The flow rate of the circulation pump was adjusted to a suitable speed to enter the simulated tidal disturbance stage. Simultaneously, the light source was turned on, and the illumination angle was adjusted so that the simulated sunlight shone directly from above.

[0063] Experimental cycle setup: One experiment consists of two cycles, with 12 hours constituting one cycle.

[0064] One simulated high tide, cyclic disturbance, and low tide process. The duration of a single high tide / low tide is 0.5 hours. After the simulated high tide reaches the preset water level, it enters the cyclic disturbance stage, which lasts for 11 hours. After the expected time is reached, the outlet valve is opened to simulate low tide.

[0065] After 24 hours of illumination, the illumination was stopped, and the water sample after the reaction was taken out and stored in the dark.

[0066] The concentration of sulfadiazine in water samples after 24 hours of illumination was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to study the environmental behavior of antibiotics in simulated estuarine tidal processes under simulated sunlight.

[0067] Example 3: Using the device described in this invention to study antimicrobial activity in estuaries under different lighting conditions

[0068] The experiment on the influence of environmental behavior proceeded as follows:

[0069] Prepare sufficient water for the top layer, using a pre-prepared 500 ng / L sulfadiazine solution. Protect the entire process from light.

[0070] Connect the apparatus as shown in the attached diagram, adjust the test chamber temperature to 22℃, inject the top layer of water, and slowly inject the circulating pump into the reactor. After completion, close the outlet switch of the water storage tank, open the switch of the circulating water outlet at 25cm, adjust the flow rate of the circulating pump, and select a suitable flow rate to enter the simulated tidal disturbance stage. Turn on the light source and adjust the angle of the light source.

[0071] Experimental cycle setup: One experiment consists of two cycles, with 6 hours constituting one cycle.

[0072] One simulated high tide, cyclic disturbance, and low tide process. The duration of a single high tide / low tide is 0.5 hours. After the simulated high tide reaches the preset water level, it enters the cyclic disturbance stage, which lasts for 5 hours. After the expected time is reached, the outlet valve is opened to simulate low tide.

[0073] After 12 hours of illumination, the illumination was stopped, and the water sample after the reaction was taken out and stored in the dark.

[0074] The above experimental steps were repeated using xenon lamps (300W, 450W, 600W), LED lamps (300W, 450W), and mercury lamps (300W, 450W) of different wattages as light sources.

[0075] The concentration of sulfadiazine in water samples before and after the reaction was determined by solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to study the effect of different light conditions on the degradation process of antibiotics in estuaries.

[0076] Example 4: Using the apparatus described in this invention, an experiment was conducted to simulate the migration and transformation process of antibiotics at the water-mud interface under sunlight conditions and the effect of different water depths on the degradation process of antibiotics in estuarine sediments. The process is as follows:

[0077] Prepare sufficient overlying water and simulated sediment. The overlying water should be artificial seawater with a salinity of 32‰. Mix the simulated sediment thoroughly with sulfadiazine at a ratio of 5 μg / g sulfadiazine / dry sediment. Keep the entire process dark. Weigh 500g of the simulated sediment containing sulfadiazine and spread it evenly in the reactor to a height of approximately 5cm. The top of the simulated sediment should be slightly lower than the bottom of the outlet. Keep the entire process dark.

[0078] Connect the device as shown in the attached diagram, adjust the test chamber temperature to 20℃, and use a 300W xenon lamp to simulate sunlight. Inject the overlying water and turn on the circulation pump to slowly inject the overlying water into the reactor. After completion, turn on the outlet switch of the water storage tank, open the circulation outlet switch, adjust the circulation pump flow rate, and select a suitable flow rate to enter the simulated tidal disturbance stage. Turn on the light source and adjust the light source angle.

[0079] Experimental cycle settings: One experiment consists of two cycles, with 6 hours constituting one cycle, including one simulated high tide, cyclic disturbance, and low tide process. The duration of a single high tide / low tide is 0.5 hours. After the simulated high tide reaches the preset water level, it enters the cyclic disturbance stage, which lasts for 5 hours. After the expected time is reached, the outlet valve is opened to simulate low tide.

[0080] After 12 hours of illumination, the illumination was stopped, and the water sample after the reaction was taken out and stored in the dark.

[0081] The experiment was conducted by using the switches of the circulating water outlets at 15cm, 25cm, and 40cm in sequence.

[0082] The concentrations of sulfadiazine in water samples and sediment before and after the reaction were determined by solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to investigate the effects of different water depths under simulated sunlight conditions on the degradation process of antibiotics in estuarine sediments and the migration and transformation process of antibiotics at the water-sediment interface.

[0083] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for studying the influence of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, characterized in that, The device includes: a test chamber, a reactor, a light source, a water storage tank, and a temperature control system; The reactor and the light source are located inside the test chamber, while the water storage tank and the temperature control system are located outside the test chamber. Add overlying water to the reactor, and then add the pollutant to be tested to the overlying water; or... Sediment and overlying water are added to the reactor, and the pollutant to be tested is added to the sediment. The reactor wall is provided with an inlet, an outlet, and multiple circulating outlets. The inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the reactor. The multiple circulating outlets are located at different heights of the reactor and are arranged above the outlet at certain intervals. A switch is provided on each circulating outlet. The water storage tank is used to provide the reactor with artificial seawater simulating high tide, or to store water flowing out of the reactor simulating low tide; the water storage tank is connected to the reactor's inlet, outlet, and one of the multiple circulating outlets via pipes. A temperature sensor is installed inside the test chamber; the temperature control system is used to regulate the temperature inside the test chamber; the temperature inside the test chamber is regulated and controlled by the temperature sensor and the temperature control system. The outlet is connected to the water storage tank via a pipe; the inlet is connected to the outlet of the circulation pump, the inlet direction of the circulation pump is provided with a three-way valve, the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to one of the multiple circulation outlets via a pipe, and the inlet of the circulation pump is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the water storage tank via a pipe, and a switch is provided at the outlet of the water storage tank. The circulating pump is located outside the test chamber, and the water storage tank is located below the reactor. The liquid level in the water storage tank is lower than the liquid level in the reactor. The water storage tank is made of opaque polytetrafluoroethylene material. The volume of the water storage tank should be larger than the volume of the reactor. The test chamber includes a chamber door, on which a glass observation window is provided; The test chamber has an insulation layer on its walls.

2. The apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source includes any one of LED lamps, xenon lamps, and mercury lamps; the light source is located at the top center of the test chamber.

3. The apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power range of the xenon lamp is 300W-600W, the power range of the LED lamp is 300W-450W, and the power range of the mercury lamp is 300W-450W.

4. The apparatus for studying the influence of light on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor is a cylindrical shape with an open top; the reactor is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

5. The apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal dimensions of the test chamber are 700~1000mm (length), 700~1000mm (width), and 800~1200mm (height), respectively (unit: millimeters); the inner diameter of the reactor is 8~20cm, and the height is 30~60cm.

6. A method of using an apparatus for studying the influence of light factors on the environmental behavior of pollutants during tidal processes, comprising the apparatus described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method of use includes: Prepare a sufficient amount of overlying water under light-protected conditions, and add the pollutant to be tested to the overlying water; or, Prepare sufficient sediment and overlying water under light-protected conditions, and add the pollutant to be tested to the sediment; Assemble the device and adjust the temperature of the test chamber to the target temperature using a temperature control system; Turn on the light source to simulate illumination, and adjust the angle of the light source so that the simulated sunlight shines directly above the reactor; Add sufficient top water to the water storage tank, open the outlet switch of the water storage tank, turn on the circulation pump, and slowly inject the water in the water storage tank into the reactor to simulate the tide process. After the simulated high tide is completed, close the outlet switch of the water storage tank, open the switch of the circulation outlet at a certain height, adjust the flow rate of the circulation pump, and select an appropriate flow rate to enter the simulated tidal disturbance stage; after the set time is reached, open the outlet valve to make the water level in the reactor slowly drop to simulate the low tide process.

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