Semi-flexible copolyimides with various alkyl chain lengths (BTDA-ODNCnMPD PIS) were newly synthesized in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone from benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4'-oxydiphenylene diamine, and 3.5-diaminobenzoyl n-alkanoates. The films were rubbed with varying rubbing densities, and on the rubbed surface the alignment behavior of a nematic liquid-crystal (LC) was examined. LCs were always aligned along the rubbing direction either homogeneously or homeotropically, depending on the side chain length as well as the rubbing density. The results inform that flexible n-alkyl side groups in the copolyimide play a critical role to align LCs on the surface, and their role is strongly dependent on its length. In addition, thermal, optical, and dielectric properties were investigated.

Seven years of performance data from a free surface flow constructed wetland system receiving agricultural runoff were used to determine treatment performance and to develop regression and wetland design models. Removal rates by the wetland were 21-43.6% for 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ), 49.0-58.1% for total phosphorous (TP), 24.1-46.0% for total nitrogen (TN), and 57.6-77.8% for total suspended solids (TSS). First-order area-based rate constant (k 20 ) values for BOD 5 were 15.48 m/year in the early stage of observation and decreased to 12.00 m/year for the stable period. Similar results were found for TP, for which k 20 values were 18.72 m/year in the early stage and 14.92 m/year for the stable period. For TN, k 20 values in the early stage (21.32 m/year) were slightly lower than those for the stable period (38.02 m/year). Finally, TSS had values of 132.4 and 172.6 m/year in the early and stable periods, respectively. The low k 20 for BOD 5 was not important for nonpoint source pollution control in the constructed wetland because these kinds of wetlands mainly focus on nitrogen and phosphorus retention. The wetland area and outlet concentration could be approximately predicted using the first-order kinetic model, but the maturity and hydraulic loading rate should be considered for more accurate prediction.

The seasonal performance of four differently configured constructed wetland systems was compared for the treatment efficiency of nonpoint source pollution. Dead plants in the constructed wetlands increased the nitrogen removal rate during winter by providing organic carbon, which is essential for the denitrification process. However, when the wetlands released phosphorus from the dead plants, the removal rate of phosphorus decreased. After seven growing seasons, plant coverage was nearly 100%, and the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration was lowered to 1.3-5.4 mg/L. Open-water sections were then constructed inside the wetlands, which resulted in enhanced DO concentrations as well as improved treatment efficiency of nutrients and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Overall, performance of the constructed wetland was improved BOD, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus with the establishment of open water sections in the constructed wetland system.