Amphibole Research Articles

Characterization of Serpentine Soils from Eastern and Southern Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria)

This work aims to characterize serpentine soils in Bulgaria and examine the biogeochemistry of pedogenic Ni and its relation to Ni available forms. Soils were collected from serpentine soils of the Eastern and Southern Rhodopes (Bulgaria). The chemical composition of serpentine soils is similar to serpentine soils from the Balkan Peninsula and is characterized by high contents of Ni (919.9–2397.2 mg.kg–1). The soils had a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction (pH 6.4 to 7.6) and a medium to high organic matter content. Of the primary minerals, those of the serpentine group (antigorite and lizardite), the talc group (willemseite), the amphibole group (riebeckite), the feldspar group (albite) and quartz are mainly present in the soil samples. The secondary minerals present in the samples include calcite and dolomite, and also representatives of the clay minerals, clinochlore and montmorillonite. The contents of free iron oxides (Fed), amorphous iron oxides (Feo), well-crystallized iron oxides (Fecr) (Fed-Feo) and activity index (Feo/Fed) showed significant differences (p<0.05) among soils from different locations. In the soils from Dobromirtsi, Parvenets, and Golyamo Kamenyane Ni bound to Fe oxides were evenly distributed between the well-crystallized and amorphous phases. In the soils from Kardzhali, Chernichevo and Dyulitsa more than half of the Ni bound to Fe oxides were bound to or occluded in amorphous Fe oxides, while in the soils from Kazak were bound to well-crystallized Fe oxides. Pedogenesis, weathering intensity, and Fe geochemistry influence Ni availability in serpentine soils.

Microscopy in the Study of Asbestos-Containing Joint Compound and Patching Products, Including Spackling

Drywall (wallboard, plasterboard, gypsum board) became the common construction material for interior walls in buildings in the later 1940s. Joint compound (mud, spackling, taping compound, joint treatment material) and patching products such as spackle or spackling were used to seal the seams between the boards and cover cracks and nail indentations. Most joint compounds from the 1940s into the later 1970s contained chrysotile asbestos in various formulations. Analyses by microscopy determined the chrysotile asbestos content of samples of Bondex, Georgia-Pacific, and Reardon products to be 1–5%, 3–8%, and 1–2% asbestos, respectively. Information compiled from several sources, including corporate responses to the U.S. EPA Asbestos Information Act of 1988 and other documents, suggest that asbestos-containing joint compounds and patching products from the 1930s into the late 1970s contained chrysotile in the range of 0.5% to 23%, with one company having a few formulations with asbestos levels as high as 45.2%. Although there were no documents showing that amphibole asbestos was intentionally added to joint compounds, there is some evidence of amphibole asbestos fibers in certain joint compound products, probably as accessory minerals with added chrysotile, talc, or limestone. No amphibole asbestos fibers were found in a Georgia-Pacific joint compound product tested using the acid/base digestion preparation procedure. During simulation testing, the asbestos level in the breathing zone of a worker during the mixing of Bondex Joint Compound ranged from 6.9 to 12 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air (F/cc) (phase contrast microscopy modified by transmission light microscopy). The level was below detection during application. During sanding, the asbestos level in the breathing zone of the worker ranged from 1.9 to 5.5 asbestos F/cc. The simulations showed results that were within the ranges reported in the scientific literature for airborne asbestos levels caused by dry mixing and sanding of asbestos-containing joint compound. The sale of joint compound and spackling sold for consumer use with intentionally added asbestos was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1977.

Critical reappraisal of Balangero chrysotile and mesothelioma risk

BackgroundBalangero, 40 km northwest of Torino in the Piedmonte Region, was home to the largest and most active chrysotile mine in Europe operating from 1916 - 1990 and employed over 300 men at any one time. The chrysotile was thought to be pure. Despite this some claim it has been responsible for causing numerous mesotheliomas. This report refutes this claim on the grounds that it is not pure but potentially contaminated by tremolite asbestos. In addition there are numerous alternate sources of naturally occurring and commercially available amphibole asbestos in the region.MethodsGeological studies illustrate the presence of naturally occurring tremolite and various analyses have shown naturally occurring and commercially used amphibole its presence in animal and human tissue. The diagnostic criteria used to study pleural disease in the Balangero cohort were examined on a case by case basis.ResultsSeveral authors have searched available registries for post-mortem information and listed possible mesothelioma cases. Cross matching these searches has been attempted and the strength of their diagnoses examined.ConclusionThere is good evidence that crocidolite, amosite and tremolite are responsible for the alleged mesothelioma cases at Balangero. Myriad sources of naturally occurring and commercial amphibole asbestos exist in the region to account for the alleged cases. Regrettably, necessary information is incomplete and insufficient for the cohort which calls the diagnostic accuracy of the cases into question. The problem is further compounded by confusion surrounding job titles and raises the question if any of cases actually ever occurred in ‘miners’ per se.

Natural and anthropogenic sources of atmospheric air pollution by asbestos fibers

Introduction. Deposits of various types of asbestos are widespread in the earth’s crust. In these areas there may be a possibility of the atmospheric air pollution by asbestos fibers, especially in the case of industrial development of these deposits or active use by the resident population. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of air pollution by amphibole asbestos fibers in the areas of disused flooded quarries in Sverdlovsk region. Materials and methods. 5 samples of atmospheric air, water and soil were taken and analyzed at the territories in Sverdlovsk region where magnesio-arfvedsonite and anthophyllite were extracted in the past years. Results. An extremely high content of free fibers of magnesio-arfvedsonite and anthophyllite (up to 20% of the total weight of the samples) was discovered in the soil samples. The concentrations of asbestos fibers in the water averaged 67∙10 6 f/L and 79∙10 6 f/L, respectively. The average concentrations of respirable amphibole asbestos fibers were 0.06 f/ml and 0.05 f/ml, respectively. Limitations. The paper presents the results of a pilot study of air pollution by fibrous particles, based on which it is not possible to give a full description of the situation, taking into account all possible types of anthropogenic activity in the surveyed areas in different seasons of the year. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate an increased risk of air pollution and water environment contamination by free amphibole asbestos fibers due to their leaching and weathering from rocks, as a result of which disused flooded quarries should be considered as natural and anthropogenic sources of pollution. It is necessary to conduct regular monitoring of the environmental situation at these facilities, as well as to develop measures to prevent the exposure of amphibole asbestos fibers on the population.

Nanoscale transformations of amphiboles within human alveolar epithelial cells

Amphibole asbestos is related to lung fibrosis and several types of lung tumors. The disease-triggering mechanisms still challenge our diagnostic capabilities and are still far from being fully understood. The literature focuses primarily on the role and formation of asbestos bodies in lung tissues, but there is a distinct lack of studies on amphibole particles that have been internalized by alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). These internalized particles may directly interact with the cell nucleus and the organelles, exerting a synergistic action with asbestos bodies (AB) from a different location. Here we document the near-atomic- to nano-scale transformations induced by, and taking place within, AECs of three distinct amphiboles (anthophyllite, grunerite, “amosite”) with different Fe-content and morphologic features. We show that: (i) an Fe-rich layer is formed on the internalized particles, (ii) particle grain boundaries are transformed abiotically by the internal chemical environment of AECs and/or by a biologically induced mineralization mechanism, (iii) the Fe-rich material produced on the particle surface does not contain large amounts of P, in stark contrast to extracellular ABs, and (iv) the iron in the Fe-rich layer is derived from the particle itself. Internalized particles and ABs follow two distinct formation mechanisms reaching different physicochemical end-states.

Nucleation of Naturally Occurring Calcic Amphibole Asbestos

Nucleation of Naturally Occurring Calcic Amphibole Asbestos

Surface and Bulk Modifications of Fibrous Erionite in Mimicked Gamble’s Solution at Acidic pH

This study aimed at investigating both the surface and bulk modifications occurring on fibrous erionite during leaching in a mimicked Gamble’s solution (MGS) at pH of 4.5 and T = 37 °C, up to one month of incubation. Samples were characterized by a multi-analytical approach: field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed to investigate the morphological changes of both pristine and reacted fibres, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentration of the released cations; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was exploited for highlighting possible modifications of surface chemistry; X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were applied aiming to get information on the structural state of the fibres following the incubation. ICP results integrated with those obtained by both bulk- and surface-chemical characterization highlighted that erionite binds Na especially in the first 24 h of sample incubation in the MGS, following ion exchange with the extra framework cations, in particular Ca. Moreover, our new results show that the Na binding process caused structural modifications with the migration of Na toward the Ca2 site and redistribution of the cations within the erionite cage. TEM investigation pointed out that the interaction between erionite and MGS results in the formation of a new surface amorphous layer with an irregular lobate pattern on an earlier surface weathered layer. However, the silicate framework is not weakened by incubation in the MGS at acidic pH. In addition, on the basis of the Si release normalized to the mineral surface area, fibrous erionite resulted significantly more biodurable than amphibole asbestos. Notably, considering the primary role played by biodurability in inducing pathogenicity, this result certainly supports in vivo observations showing that erionite is much more tumorigenic than asbestos. Moreover, the ions released by erionite when immersed in MGS may trigger biological effects, such as those on lipid packing and membrane permeability. On this basis, we expect a regulatory definition that would provide protection from this carcinogenic fibre.

Sailors and the Risk of Asbestos-Related Cancer.

Sailors have long been known to experience high rates of injury, disease, and premature death. Many studies have shown asbestos-related diseases among shipyard workers, but few have examined the epidemiology of asbestos-related disease and death among asbestos-exposed sailors serving on ships at sea. Chrysotile and amphibole asbestos were used extensively in ship construction for insulation, joiner bulkhead systems, pipe coverings, boilers, machinery parts, bulkhead panels, and many other uses, and asbestos-containing ships are still in service. Sailors are at high risk of exposure to shipboard asbestos, because unlike shipyard workers and other occupationally exposed groups, sailors both work and live at their worksite, making asbestos standards and permissible exposure limits (PELs). based on an 8-h workday inadequate to protect their health elevated risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers have been observed among sailors through epidemiologic studies. We review these studies here.

A Critique of Helsinki Criteria for Using Lung Fiber Levels to Determine Causation in Mesothelioma Cases.

Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and the chief known cause of mesothelioma. In 1997, a group of experts developed the Helsinki Criteria, which established criteria for attribution of mesothelioma to asbestos. The criteria include two methods for causation attribution: 1) a history of significant occupational, domestic, or environmental exposure and/or 2) pathologic evidence of exposure to asbestos. In 2014, the Helsinki Criteria were updated, and these attribution criteria were not changed. However, since the Helsinki Criteria were first released in 1997, some pathologists, cell biologists, and others have claimed that a history of exposure cannot establish causation unless the lung asbestos fiber burden exceeds “the background range for the laboratory in question to attribute mesothelioma cases to exposure to asbestos.” This practice ignores the impact on fiber burden of clearance/translocation over time, which in part is why the Helsinki Criteria concluded that a history of exposure to asbestos was independently sufficient to attribute causation to asbestos.After reviewing the Helsinki Criteria, we conclude that their methodology is fatally flawed because a quantitative assessment of a background lung tissue fiber level cannot be established. The flaws of the Helsinki Criteria are both technical and substantive. The 1995 paper that served as the scientific basis for establishing background levels used inconsistent methods to determine exposures in controls and cases. In addition, historic controls cannot be used to establish background fiber levels for current cases because ambient exposures to asbestos have decreased over time and control cases pre-date current cases by decades. The use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) compounded the non-compatibility problem; the applied SEM cannot distinguish talc from anthophyllite because it cannot perform selected area electron diffraction, which is a crucial identifier in ATEM for distinguishing the difference between serpentine asbestos, amphibole asbestos, and talc.

Surface and bulk modifications of amphibole asbestos in mimicked gamble's solution at acidic PH

This study aimed at investigating the surface modifications occurring on amphibole asbestos (crocidolite and tremolite) during leaching in a mimicked Gamble’s solution at pH of 4.5 and T = 37 °C, from 1 h up to 720 h. Results showed that the fibre dissolution starts with the release of cations prevalently allocated at the various M- and (eventually) A-sites of the amphibole structure (incongruent dissolution). The amount of released silicon, normalized to fibre surface area, highlighted a leaching faster for the crocidolite sample, about twenty times higher than that of tremolite. Besides, the fast alteration of crocidolite promotes the occurrence of Fe centres in proximity of the fibre surface, or possibly even exposed, particularly in the form of Fe(II), of which the bulk is enriched with respect to the oxidized surface. Conversely, for tremolite fibres the very slow fibre dissolution prevents the underlying cations of the bulk to be exposed on the mineral surface, and the iron oxidation, faster than the leaching process, significantly depletes the surface Fe(II) centres initially present. Results of this work may contribute to unravel possible correlations between surface properties of amphibole asbestos and its long-term toxicity.

Asbestos Detection with Fluorescence Microscopy Images and Deep Learning.

Fluorescent probes can be used to detect various types of asbestos (serpentine and amphibole groups); however, the fiber counting using our previously developed software was not accurate for samples with low fiber concentration. Machine learning-based techniques (e.g., deep learning) for image analysis, particularly Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), have been widely applied to many areas. The objectives of this study were to (1) create a database of a wide-range asbestos concentration (0–50 fibers/liter) fluorescence microscopy (FM) images in the laboratory; and (2) determine the applicability of the state-of-the-art object detection CNN model, YOLOv4, to accurately detect asbestos. We captured the fluorescence microscopy images containing asbestos and labeled the individual asbestos in the images. We trained the YOLOv4 model with the labeled images using one GTX 1660 Ti Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Our results demonstrated the exceptional capacity of the YOLOv4 model to learn the fluorescent asbestos morphologies. The mean average precision at a threshold of 0.5 (mAP@0.5) was 96.1% ± 0.4%, using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fiber counting Method 7400 as a reference method. Compared to our previous counting software (Intec/HU), the YOLOv4 achieved higher accuracy (0.997 vs. 0.979), particularly much higher precision (0.898 vs. 0.418), recall (0.898 vs. 0.780) and F-1 score (0.898 vs. 0.544). In addition, the YOLOv4 performed much better for low fiber concentration samples (<15 fibers/liter) compared to Intec/HU. Therefore, the FM method coupled with YOLOv4 is remarkable in detecting asbestos fibers and differentiating them from other non-asbestos particles.

Final results from a 90-day quantitative inhalation toxicology study evaluating the dose-response and fate in the lung and pleura of chrysotile-containing brake dust compared to TiO2, chrysotile, crocidolite or amosite asbestos: Histopathological examination, confocal microscopy and collagen quantification of the lung and pleural cavity

The final results from this multi-dose, 90-day inhalation toxicology study in the rat with life-time post-exposure observation have shown a significant fundamental difference in pathological response and tumorgenicity between brake dust generated from brake pads manufactured with chrysotile or from chrysotile alone in comparison to the amphiboles, crocidolite and amosite asbestos.The groups exposed to brake dust showed no significant pathological or tumorigenic response in the respiratory track compared to the air control group at exposure concentrations and deposited doses well above those at which humans have been exposed. Slight alveolar/interstitial macrophage accumulation of particles was noted. Wagner grades were 1–2 (1 = control group), similar to the TiO2 particle control group.Chrysotile was not biopersistent, exhibiting in the lung a deterioration of its matrix which results in breakage into particles and short fibers which can be cleared by alveolar macrophages and which can continue to dissolve. Particle-laden macrophage accumulation was observed, leading to a very-slight interstitial inflammatory response (Wagner grade 1–3). There was no peribronchiolar inflammation, occasional very-slight interstitial fibrosis (Wagner grade 4), and no exposure-related tumorigenic response.The pathological response of crocidolite and amosite compared to the brake dust and chrysotile was clearly differentiated by the histopathology and the confocal analysis. Crocidolite and amosite induced persistent inflammation, microgranulomas, persistent fibrosis (Wagner grades 4), and a dose-related lung tumor response. Confocal microscopy quantified extensive inflammatory response and collagen development in the lung, visceral and parietal pleura as well as pleural adhesions.These results provide a clear foundation for differentiating the innocuous effects of brake dust exposure from the adverse effects following amphibole asbestos exposure.

The Generation of Arc Andesites and Dacites in the Lower Crust of a Cordilleran Arc, Fiordland, New Zealand

Abstract We present microbeam major- and trace-element data from 14 monzodiorites collected from the Malaspina Pluton (Fiordland, New Zealand) with the goal of evaluating processes involved in the production of andesites in lower arc crust. We focus on relict igneous assemblages consisting of plagioclase and amphibole with lesser amounts of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, biotite and quartz. These relict igneous assemblages are heterogeneously preserved in the lower crust within sheeted intrusions that display hypersolidus fabrics defined by alignment of unstrained plagioclase and amphibole. Trace-element data from relict igneous amphiboles in these rocks reveal two distinct groups: one relatively enriched in high field strength element concentrations and one relatively depleted. The enriched amphibole group has Zr values in the range of ∼25–110 ppm, Nb values of ∼5–32 ppm, and Th values up to 2·4 ppm. The depleted group, in contrast, shows Zr values &amp;lt;35 ppm and Nb values &amp;lt;0·25 ppm, and Th is generally below the level of detection. Amphibole crystallization temperatures calculated from major elements range from ∼960 to 830 °C for all samples in the pluton; however, we do not observe significant differences in the range of crystallization temperatures between enriched (∼960–840 °C) and depleted groups (∼940–830 °C). Bulk-rock Sr and Nd isotopes are also remarkably homogeneous and show no apparent difference between enriched (εNdi = 0·1 to –0·1; 87Sr/86Sri = 0·70420–0·70413) and depleted groups (εNdi = 0·3 to –0·4; 87Sr/86Sri = 0·70424–0·70411). Calculated amphibole-equilibrium melt compositions using chemometric equations indicate that melts were highly fractionated (molar Mg# &amp;lt;50), andesitic to dacitic in composition, and were much more evolved than bulk lower continental crust or primitive basalts and andesites predicted to have formed from hydrous melting of mantle-wedge peridotite beneath an arc. We suggest that melts originated from a common, isotopically homogeneous source beneath the Malaspina Pluton, and differences between enriched and depleted trace-element groups reflect varying contributions from subducted sediment-derived melt and sediment-derived fluid, respectively. Our data demonstrate that andesites and dacites were the dominant melts that intruded the lower crust, and their compositions mirror middle and upper bulk-continental crust estimates. Continental crust-like geochemical signatures were acquired in the source region from interaction between hydrous mantle-wedge melts and recycled subducted sediment rather than assimilation and/or remelting of pre-existing lower continental crust.

Integration of Evidence on Community Cancer Risks from Elongate Mineral Particles in Silver Bay, Minnesota.

The potential for cancer‐related risks to community members from ambient exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMPs) in taconite processing has not been formally evaluated. We evaluated 926 ambient air samples including 12,928 EMPs (particle structures with length‐to‐width ratio ≥3:1) collected over 26 years near a taconite processing facility in Silver Bay, Minnesota. Eighty‐two percent of EMPs were ≤3 μm in length and 97% of EMPs had an average aspect ratio <20:1. A total of 935 (7.3%) EMPs had length >5 μm and AR ≥3:1. Average ambient concentration of NIOSH countable amphibole EMPs over all years was 0.000387 EMPs per cubic centimeter (EMP/cm3). Of 12,765 nonchrysotile EMPs, the number of amphiboles with length and width dimensions that correlate best with asbestos‐related carcinogenicity ranged from four (0.03%) to 13 (0.1%) and the associated ambient amphibole air concentrations ranged from 0.000003 to 0.000007 EMP/cm3. After 65 years of taconite processing in Silver Bay, evidence of an increased risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer in community members who did not work in the taconite industry is lacking. The absence of an increased risk of asbestos‐related cancer in the Silver Bay community is coherent with supporting evidence from epidemiological and toxicological studies, as well as ambient exposure data and lake sediment data collected in Minnesota Iron Range communities. Collectively, the data provide consistent evidence that nonasbestiform amphibole minerals lack the carcinogenic potential exhibited by amphibole asbestos.

PETROLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ON THE ORIGIN OF PYROXENITE DYKES IN THE LITHOSPHERIC MANTLE OF THE CHESHMEH-BID OPHIOLITIC MASSIF, SOUTHERN IRAN

The Cheshmeh-Bid ophiolitic massif in the Khajeh-Jamali district (Southern Iran) is dominated by harzburgite-dunite tectonites locally intruded by orthopyroxenite dikes. These latter are composed of dominant coarse orthopyroxene with minor olivine, Cr-spinel, clinopyroxene and amphibole. Estimated equilibrium temperatures for Mg-hornblende and edenitic amphibole reveal a late stage magmatic origin. The Cheshmeh-Bid orthopyroxenites are characterized by very low Al2O3, CaO, Na2O and TiO2 abundances coupled to relatively high MgO and SiO2 contents. They display U-shaped REE patterns, selective LILE enrichment and positive Pb and Sr anomalies. The host harzburgites are highly refractory mantle residues resulting from fluid-assisted melting. Field observations and mineral assemblages suggest that the pyroxenites formed by melt injection along fractures within rather cold ambient harzburgites and chromitites at moderate pressure (P > 1 GPa). Based on bulk-rock compositions and mineral chemistry, we infer that the Cheshmeh-Bid orthopyroxenites originated from the intrusion and crystallization of hydrous Si-rich, low-Ca melts with a boninite signature in a suprasubduction environment. Fine-grained neoblastic domains developed in the pyroxenites in response to subsolidus ductile deformation and recrystallization, which were most likely related to the exhumation of the Cheshmeh-Bid ophiolite massif.

Crystal structure determination of a lifelong biopersistent asbestos fibre using single-crystal synchrotron X-ray micro-diffraction.

The six natural silicates known as asbestos may induce fatal lung diseases via inhalation, with a latency period of decades. The five amphibole asbestos species are assumed to be biopersistent in the lungs, and for this reason they are considered much more toxic than serpentine asbestos (chrysotile). Here, we refined the atomic structure of an amosite amphibole asbestos fibre that had remained in a human lung for ∼40 years, in order to verify the stability in vivo. The subject was originally exposed to a blend of chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite, which remained in his parietal pleura for ∼40 years. We found a few relicts of chrysotile fibres that were amorphous and magnesium depleted. Amphibole fibres that were recovered were undamaged and suitable for synchrotron X-ray micro-diffraction experiments. Our crystal structure refinement from a recovered amosite fibre demonstrates that the original atomic distribution in the crystal is intact and, consequently, that the atomic structure of amphibole asbestos fibres remains stable in the lungs for a lifetime; during which time they can cause chronic inflammation and other adverse effects that are responsible for carcinogenesis. The amosite fibres are not iron depleted proving that the iron pool for the formation of the asbestos bodies is biological (haemoglobin/plasma derived) and that it does not come from the asbestos fibres themselves.

A Critical Evaluation of Optimizing the Potential for Ore Recovery from Mine Waste Using Multi-Elemental, Geochemical and Petrographic Analysis (MEGPA)

The growing world demand for metals necessitates the economic extraction of metals from ores of lesser grades and scheduled waste with potential for metal recovery. In which case, efficient skilled-beneficiation is required to achieve such demand. This research paper examines the potential of ore recovery from magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE waste rock in an open pit mine operation. The waste material contains a marginal cut-off grade between the ore and what has been scheduled to be produced as waste throughout its life of mine (LOM). The waste material has the potential for metal recovery to extend the LOM. The main aim was to investigate the appropriateness of the potential for metal recovery using the already generated waste as a baseline model for subsequent waste production. To achieve this aim, the primary objective was to use Multi-elemental, Geochemical and Petrographic Analysis (MEGPA) on carefully selected waste rock samples. While the specific objectives were to examine the liberation of metals and establish optimal cut-off grade based on suitable size fractions for ore recovery. Multi-elemental, geochemical and Petrographic Analysis were carried out on selected size fractions using various instruments such as Scanning Electron Microscope Energy Disperse X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), reflected and transmitted microscopes. Categorization of results shown the predominant bulk mineral abundance to be tremolite, a member of the amphibole group of silicate minerals with composition Ca2Si8O22·(OH)2. Moreover, the result revealed that the economic Ni and Cu sulphides are hosted in pentlandite and chalcopyrite within the waste samples. Liberation of mineral and recovery of metal are in the finer fractions size below 1.5 mm, and that optimum metal recovery is at ≤1 mm. It was concluded from the study that, there is potential for metal recovery from mines waste in finer fractions below 1.5 mm without posing significant metalliferous acid mine drainage (AMD) risk to the mining environment. It is recommended that further study about the influence on the metallurgical processing of the waste at the selected optimum fractions size, and energy requirement for screening the sample is carried out. Since the PSD (particle size distribution) is critical to both the physical separation processes of the waste and the prediction of metalliferous AMD risk, other methods like advanced UAV 3D photogrammetry and digital image processing method could be used to test for both underestimation and overestimation of PSD. This is important as the amount of mineral liberation, metal recovery and sulphur generation are PSD dependent.

Characteristics and significance of aegirine and arfvedsonite in Boziguoer Nb-Ta-Zr-Rb-REE deposit related to alkaline granite, Xinjiang

碱性造岩矿物能够记录碱性岩源区特征、岩浆演化以及晚期成矿的重要信息，是开展碱性岩成岩成矿研究的有效手段。波孜果尔碱性花岗岩型铌-钽-锆-铷-稀土矿床位于塔里木北缘-中亚南天山晚古生代造山带，是塔里木地块北缘铌成矿带中典型的碱性岩型矿床。本文通过对含矿岩体中的霓石和钠铁闪石开展矿物学研究，结合全岩成分揭示波孜果尔稀有-稀土金属矿床含矿岩体的岩石类型、演化特征、构造背景及成矿条件。研究发现，含矿碱性岩体由霓石钠铁闪石碱长花岗岩、霓石钠铁闪石石英碱长正长岩、霓石钠铁闪石碱长正长岩组成。不同岩相岩石均表现出相似的稀土和微量元素配分模式，以富集轻稀土元素和高场强元素，亏损大离子亲石元素和重稀土元素为特征，具有显著的负Eu异常，指示三种岩石类型是同源岩浆演化的产物。含矿岩体中的辉石为霓石-霓辉石，角闪石为钠铁闪石。霓石和钠铁闪石稀土和微量元素配分模式相似且含量都较低，富集重稀土、亏损轻稀土，具有显著的负Eu异常，并富集Zr、Hf等高场强元素，亏损Ba、Sr等大离子亲石元素。霓石和钠铁闪石微量元素特征指示三个岩相单元的演化程度由低到高依次为霓石钠铁闪石碱长花岗岩→霓石钠铁闪石石英碱长正长岩→霓石钠铁闪石碱长正长岩，且结晶分异作用控制了岩体的形成。同时，早期霓石钠铁闪石碱长花岗岩的钠铁闪石呈现Ce正异常，晚期岩相中则无异常，指示演化的早期阶段氧逸度较高，随着磁铁矿等氧化物的结晶熔体趋于还原。波孜果尔含矿岩体成矿元素除Rb外分布并不均匀，表现为演化早期的岩相富集Nb，而演化晚期的岩相更富集稀土和Zr。进一步研究发现，塔里木北缘碱性岩带发育的铌、稀土、钽、锆、铷、铀等稀有稀土金属矿化与地幔柱引起的幔源岩浆底侵有关，其构造背景可能为地幔柱对造山带的叠置。;Alkaline minerals can record the important information of source area characteristics, magmatic evolution and late mineralization of alkaline rocks, which is an effective means for the study of diagenesis and mineralization of alkaline rocks. Boziguoer Nb-Ta-Zr-Rb-REE deposit is a typical deposit related to alkaline rocks, which is located in the Late Paleozoic orogenic belt of the southern Tianshan-the northern margin of Tarim block. Based on mineralogical study of aegirine and arfvedsonite in the ore-bearing intrusion, combining with its whole rock compositions, this paper reveals the rock types, evolution characteristics, tectonic setting and metallogenic conditions of the intrusion in the Boziguer rare-earth metal deposit. The rock types of ore-bearing intrusion are aegirine arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite, aegirine arfvedsonite quartz alkali feldspar syenite and aegirine arfvedsonite alkali feldspar syenite. All of the three types of rocks show similar REE and trace element distributions, with enriched LREE and HFSE, depleted HREE and LILE, and a significant negative Eu anomaly, indicating that they are the products of homologous magmatic evolution. The pyroxene group minerals are aegirine, and the amphibole group minerals are arfvedsonite. Aegirine and arfvedsonite show similar distribution patterns of trace and rare earth elements, which are characterized by enriched HREE and depleted LREE with a significant Eu negative anomaly. They all show enrichment in HFSE (Zr, Hf), depletion in LILE, such as Ba and Sr. Trace element and REE distributions of these minerals indicate that the degree of their evolution from low to high is: aegirine arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite→aegirine arfvedsonite quartz alkali feldspar syenite→aegirine arfvedsonite alkali feldspar syenite, showing the formation of the intrusion is controlled by crystallization and differentiation. The arfvedsonite of aegirine arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite shows a positive anomaly of Ce, indicating a high oxygen fugacity environment at the early stages of its evolution. The crystallization of magnetite in the early lithofacies make the evolution environment of the melt tend to be reduced. The Rb in all rock types is equally distributed, and the rocks of early evolution stage is more enriched in Nb, while that of the late-stage more enriched in REE and Zr. The mineralization of rare earth metals such as Nb, REE, Ta, Zr, Rb and U developed in the alkaline rock belt in the northern margin of Tarim basin is related to the mantle magma underplating caused by mantle plume, and its tectonic setting may be the superposition of mantle plume to orogenic belt.

Discrepancies of asbestos body and fiber content between formalin-fixed and corresponding paraffin embedded lung tissue

Background Formalin-fixed lung tissue and paraffin blocks containing peripheral lung tissue obtained from subjects with an occupational asbestos exposure are both regarded to be suitable to determine asbestos load. Because sample preparation of paraffin blocks requires a more intense treatment than formalin-fixed tissue, we tested whether asbestos analysis of formalin-fixed lung tissue and paraffin blocks obtained from the same patients deliver comparable results. Materials and methods We determined numbers of asbestos bodies (AB) and amphibole asbestos fibers (AF) in formalin-fixed lung tissue and corresponding paraffin blocks from 36 patients. For AB counts, samples were digested in sodium hypochlorite. For AF analysis, tissue was freeze-dried and then ashed. Results were reported as numbers of AB and AF per gram dry lung tissue. Results Both AB counts as well as AF counts were lower in paraffin blocks than formalin-fixed lung tissue. Compared to formalin-fixed tissue, the limit of detection was higher for paraffin blocks, rendering more results from paraffin blocks not interpretable than from formalin-fixed tissue (8 samples versus 1 for AB and 15 samples versus 4 for AF). Discussion and conclusion Asbestos analysis of paraffin blocks may lead to underestimation of asbestos exposure. This should be considered when assessing occupational asbestos exposure through lung dust analysis in medico-legal evaluation.

Characterization and assessment of the potential toxicity/pathogenicity of Russian commercial chrysotile

AbstractToday, cancer is one of the main health issues faced in the workplace, with asbestos an important carcinogen in the occupational environment. Among the asbestos minerals, chrysotile is the main species of socio-economic and industrial relevance. Although chrysotile asbestos is classified as a “carcinogenic substance” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), this fiber is still mined and used in Russia. The effective health hazard posed by the Russian commercial chrysotile has not been quantitatively assessed to date. In this work, the potential toxicity/pathogenicity of Russian chrysotile was quantitatively determined using the fiber potential toxicity index (FPTI) model. This model was applied to a representative commercial chrysotile from the Orenburg region, Russia, whose morphometric, crystal-chemical, surface activity, and biodurability related parameters were determined. We have quantitatively assessed that the toxicity/pathogenicity potential of Russian chrysotile (FPTI = 2.4) is lower than that of amphibole asbestos species but higher than the threshold limit set for “safe” mineral fibers (FPTI = 2.0), although it does not contain impurities of amphibole asbestos. Differences with other chrysotile samples were discussed, and it was found that the investigated Russian commercial chrysotile shares several features with the Italian Balangero chrysotile, indicating that widespread concern on commercial Russian chrysotile is justified.