[en] A tightness control device is presented, aimed more especially for nuclear reactor pools; it is based on a sampling chamber applied onto the surface of the pool walls, equipped with a piston which displacement, induced by an eventual leak, is measured by a displacement transducer. 1 ref., 5 figs

[en] In the French context, a comparative study is made between PWR line and heavy water line (Candu type). Following criteria have been taken into account: kWh cost, technology, industrial environment required, uranium supply, safety. As a conclusion, the study considers that heavy water line, as it is easy to implement and uranium-saving and because of its good operating results, should be a valuable waiting line before fast breeder reactors implementation

No abstract available

[en] Feed pumps, extraction pumps and drain accelerating pumps for water pumping station equipment of the twenty 900 MW PWR power plants of the french nuclear program are described. The main feature of this water station consists in suppressing the usual water supplying tank of thermal power plants

[en] Estuaries in the tropical Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC) in Australia are under increasing pressure from catchment water development, potentially affecting productivity. We examined the potential effect of changes in freshwater inputs on the primary productivity of three estuaries (Flinders, Gilbert and Mitchell Rivers). The addition of nutrients stimulated mudflat primary production in all estuaries at multiple sampling times, suggesting chronic nutrient limitation. All three estuaries were productive with the Flinders estuary being the most productive of the three estuaries, compared to the Gilbert and Mitchell estuaries. This is despite the fact that the Flinders estuary has the shortest period of freshwater flow and more variable flows from year-to-year compared with the other estuaries. This makes the Flinders highly vulnerable to excessive water development. This study suggests that water extraction which significantly reduces freshwater inputs and associated nutrients has the potential to impact on productivity within these estuaries.

[en] Impurities enter the secondary loop of the PWR through both makeup water from lake or well and cooling-water leaks in the condenser. These impurities can be carried to the steam generator, where they cause corrosion deposits to form. Corrosion products in steam are swept further through the system and become concentrated at the point in the low-pressure turbine where steam begins to condense. Several plants have effectively reduced impurities, and therefore corrosion, by installing a demineralizer for the makeup water, a resin-bed system to clean condensed steam from the condenser, and a deaerator to remove oxygen from the water and so lower the risk of system metal oxidation. 5 references, 1 figure

[en] Highlights: • Highest sedimentary metal concentrations in Australian central east coast estuaries • Extensive low-lying areas of catchments reclaimed by infilling of wetlands. • Sedimentary metals mix in urban- and groundwater-influenced lagoons statistically distinct. • Elevated metal levels possibly related to groundwater influx. • Metal enrichment is high and ecological risk moderate and metal levels maybe declining. The environmental status of three Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoons (ICOLLs) (Manly, Curl Curl and Dee Why Lagoons) in northern Sydney (Australia) were assessed using sedimentary metals. Results identified the highest sedimentary metal enrichment in the Australian central east coast estuaries, with only a moderate ecological risk. A comparison with surficial sediment concentrations from 1996 to 2008 indicated declining metal concentrations, which is largely supported by subsurface metals data. Extensive low-lying areas of the catchments were historically reclaimed by infilling wetlands, which may have resulted in contaminated groundwater influx to the lagoons. An analysis of the sedimentary metals mix in lagoons surrounded by extensive infilling and estuaries with minor reclamation were statistically distinct. ICOLLs are environmentally sensitive due to large catchment/estuary ratios and restricted access to the ocean. A full set of baseline data is provided to support future monitoring of anthropogenic impacts on the system.

[en] Two neotropical estuaries affected by different anthropogenic factors were studied. We report levels of metals and metalloids in water and sediment as well as their influence on genetic, biochemical and morphological biomarkers in the native fish Centropomus parallelus. Biomarkers reflected the fish health status. Multivariate statistics indicated both spatial and temporal changes in both water and sediment, which are linked to the elemental composition and health status of inhabitant fish, showing the biggest influence of surface water, followed by sediments and interstitial water. Bioaccumulation in fish muscle was useful to identify elements that were below detection limits in water, pointing out the risk of consuming fish exceeding allowance limits for some elements (As and Hg in this case). Multivariate statistics, including physical, chemical and biological issues, presents a suitable tool, integrating data from different origin allocated in the same estuary, which could be useful for future studies on estuarine systems. -- Highlights: •C. parallelus is a suitable bioindicator for assessing environmental quality in estuaries. •Biomarkers matched water quality pointing out different pollution scenarios. •Chemometrics allows extrapolating results from field and laboratory. •Chemometrics helps integrating biology and chemistry. -- Chemometrics allows matching pollution with bioaccumulation of metals and biomarkers responses in the fish Centropomus parallelus evidencing differences in estuaries quality

[en] The invention relates to a method for storing up thermal energy, in particular in pressurized water nuclear power stations, through heating storage water accumulated under pressure in a tank, according to the main patent. The method is characterized by the step of storing pressurized hot water within a water sheet which is located deep enough for exerting a pressure sufficient for maintaining the stored water in the liquid state. That method affords a very economical storage capacity

[en] N. Mirlean, L. Calliari, and K. Johannesson examined the REE paired La/Eu and Gd/Yb ratios in the region of Patos Lagoon estuary/Brazil and related coastal waters. They concluded that “the mud deposition events at the beach were most likely associated with dredging processes in the estuary especially where overflow is the source of fluid mud on the beach shoreface”. In this response to that study, we reflect on several discrepancies in their methods, results and conclusions. In this work, we demonstrate that the approach adopted by the authors does not provide evidence that the selected REE ratios measured on muddy deposits on the beach were derived from dredged activities, particularly regarding overflow. On the contrary, based on their results, the REE ratios presented in the suspended sediments collected in the navigation channel are most likely associated to natural sediments.