Journal and Proceedings of
The Royal Society of New South Wales
Volume 130 Parts 3 and 4 [Issued December 1997]
CONTENTS
| AUTHORS & TITLES | PAGES |
| Wicker, C.L., Hayes, W.J., Khoo, C.S. and Bhathal, R.S., Heavy metals in ceiling dust of some Sydney Houses | 65-78 |
| Willis, P.M.A. and Molnar, R.E., Identification of large reptilian teeth from Plio-Pleistocene deposits of Australia | 79-92 |
| Murphy, A.B., Destruction of Ozone-depleting Substances in a Thermal Plasma | 93-108 |
| Theses Abstracts [Not on this page, but reproduced here] |
|
| Christen, E.W., The feasability of using mole drainage to control waterlogging in irrigated agriculture | 109-110 |
| Dawes, M.J., Dying in prison: a study of deaths in correctional custody in South Australia 1980-1993 | 111 |
| Farr, Cynthia J.M., The interface between syntax and discourse in Korafe, a Papuan language of Papua New Guinea | 112 |
| George, C.R.P., The early development of clinical dialysis: the importance of symbolism in successful scientific endeavours | 113-114 |
| Hayes, Warwick J., Chemical relationships in waters and sediments of some urban streams, with particular reference to heavy metals and phosphorus | 115-116 |
| Robinson, J.B., Soil acidification in the Hunter Valley | 117-118 |
pp.65-78
Heavy Metal in Ceiling Dust of Some Sydney Houses, New South Wales, Australia
C.L. Whicker, W.J. Hayes, C.S. Khoo and R.S. Bhathal
Abstract. The levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd) in ceiling dusts from buildings insouth-western Sydney wee determined. Concentrations ranged from 165 to 2490 μg g-1 and 97 to 3664 μg g-1 for lead, copper and zinc respectively. Despite high variability, the levels regularly exceeded the recommended guidelines for identification of contaminated soils. Cadmium was not detected in any sample. Lead was significantly higher in older buildings (>15 years) located in heavily developed areas. This difference was expected for copper and zinc as well, however, large variabilities made these comparisons less distinct. All sites displayed remarkably similar particle size distribution. The patterns of metal loading were also similar, with metal levels rising as particulate size decreased. The final particle matter (< 106 μm) was noticeably metal enriched, especially in lead. Given that the fines may account for more than half of the ceiling dust mass, the atmosphere is thus a significant contributor of particulate matter and associated heavy metals to domestic environments in this region.
pp.79-92
Willis, P.M.A. and Molnar, R.E., Identification of large reptilian teeth from Plio-Pleistocene deposits of Australia
Abstract. Problems of identifying isolated reptilian teeth from Australian Plio-Pleistocene sites are discussed. There are problems of association because few crocodilian taxa are known from specimens with teeth in situ. The full range of variation in tooth form for these taxa is poorly understood. An attempt to assign certain tooth morphologies to known taxa has meant some arbitrary decisions but it is hoped that future material may clarify areas of uncertainty. Proposed indentification of isolated reptilian teeth is facilitated by a dichotomous key, written descriptions and figured specimens.
pp.93-108
Destruction of Ozone-depleting Substances in a Thermal Plasma
A.B. Murphy
Abstract. The destruction of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) using the PLASCON™ thermal plasma technology is discussed. An introduction to thermal plasmas is presented, and their application to waste destruction is reviewed. The PLASCON process is then described, and some examples of the experimental and theoretical research that has contributed to its successful commercialisation are presented. An important observation is that significant quantities of CFC-13 (CF3Cl), itself and ODS, are formed during the destruction of an input ODS. A numerical model of the fluid dynamic and chemical kinetic processes occurring in PLASCON h as been used to elucidate the mechanism for the CFC-13 formations. The predictions of the model are in fair agreement with measurements of exhaust gas composition, and with laser-scattering measurements of temperatures in the reaction tube.