Average Element Concentrations Research Articles

Geochronology and Geochemistry of Paleoproterozoic Mafic Rocks in Northern Liaoning and Their Geological Significance

Petrological, geochronological, and geochemical analyses of mafic rocks in northern Liaoning were conducted to constrain the formation age of the Proterozoic strata, and to further study the source characteristics, genesis, and tectonic setting. The mafic rocks in northern Liaoning primarily consist of basalt, diabase, gabbro, and amphibolite. Results of zircon U-Pb chronology reveal four stages of mafic magma activities in northern Liaoning: the first stage of basalt (2209 ± 12 Ma), the second stage of diabase (2154 ± 15 Ma), the third stage of gabbro (2063 ± 7 Ma), and the fourth stage of magmatic protolith of amphibolite (2018 ± 13 Ma). Combined with the unconformity overlying Neoproterozoic granite, the formation age of the Proterozoic strata in northern Liaoning was found to be Paleoproterozoic rather than Middle Neoproterozoic by the geochronology of these mafic rocks. A chronological framework of mafic magmatic activities in the eastern segment of the North China Craton (NCC) is proposed. The mafic rocks in northern Liaoning exhibit compositional ranges of 46.39–50.33 wt% for SiO2, 2.95–5.08 wt% for total alkalis (K2O + Na2O), 6.17–7.50 wt% for MgO, and 43.32–52.02 for the Mg number. TiO2 contents lie between 1.61 and 2.39 wt%, and those of MnO between 0.17 and 0.21 wt%. The first basalt and the fourth amphibolite show low total rare earth element contents. Normalized against primitive mantle, they are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K), depleted in high field strength elements (Th, U, Nb, Ta, Zr, Ti), and exhibit negative anomalies in Sr and P, as well as slight positive anomalies in Zr and Hf. The second diabase and the third gabbro have similar average total rare earth element contents. The diabase shows slight negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.72–0.88), enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (Ba), depletion in Rb, and slight positive anomalies in high field strength elements (Th, U, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti), with negative anomalies in K, Sr, and P. The gabbro is enriched in large ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, K), depleted in high field strength elements (Th, U, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf), and exhibits positive anomalies in Eu (Eu/Eu* = 1.31–1.37). The contents of Cr, Co, and Ni of these four stages of mafic rocks are higher than those of N-MORB. The characteristics of trace element ratios indicate that the mafic rocks belong to the calc-alkaline series and originate from the transitional mantle. During the process of magma ascent and emplacement, it is contaminated by continental crustal materials. There are residual hornblende and spinel in the magma source of the first basalt. The other three magma sources contain residual garnet and spinel. The third gabbro was formed in an island arc environment, and the other three stages of mafic rocks originated from the Dupal OIB and were formed in an oceanic island environment. The discovery of mafic rocks in northern Liaoning suggests that the Longgang Block underwent oceanic subduction and extinction in both the north and south in the Paleoproterozoic, indicating the possibility of being in two different tectonic domains.

Evolution of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Atmospheric Precipitation and Its Significant Impacts on the Environment in Beijing

Atmospheric precipitation samples were collected in 2018, 2019, and 2021 in Beijing to study the concentrations and changes of the main metal elements and water-soluble ions； the wet deposition fluxes of heavy metals, water-soluble ions, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and sulfur in the atmospheric precipitation and their impacts on the ecological environment； and the scavenging mechanisms of the typical precipitation to atmospheric pollutants during the study period. The results showed that the precipitation in Beijing during the study period was mostly neutral or alkaline, and the frequency of acid rain occurrence was very low, only accounting for 3.06%. The total concentrations of major metal elements in 2018, 2019, and 2021 were （4 787.46 ±4 704.31）, （7 663.07 ±8 395.05）, and （2 629.13 ±2 369.51） μg·L-1, respectively. The total equivalent concentrations of ions in 2018, 2019, and 2021 were （851.68 ±649.16）, （973.98 ±850.94）, and （644.31 ±531.16） μeq·L-1, respectively. The interannual changes in major metal elements and ions followed the order of 2019 > 2018 > 2021. The seasonal average total concentrations of major metal elements in spring, summer, autumn, and winter were （9 624.25 ±7 327.92）, （4 088.67 ±5 710.14）, （3 357.68 ±3 995.64）, and （6 203.19 ±3 857.43） μg·L-1, respectively, and the seasonal average total equivalent concentrations of ions in spring, summer, autumn, and winter were （1 014.71 ±512.21）, （729.83 ±589.90）, （724.35 ±681.40）, and （1 014.03 ±359.67） μeq·L-1, respectively, all presenting the order of spring > winter > summer > autumn. NO3- and SO42- were the main acid-causing ions in precipitation, whereas NH4+ and Ca2+ were the main acid-neutralizing ions. The wet deposition fluxes of the heavy metal Cd were very low [（0.05 ±0.01） mg·（m2·a）-1], only accounting for （0.13 ±0.04）% of the total wet deposition fluxes of main metal elements； however, its soil safety years were 291 years, significantly lower than those of other heavy metals, displaying that its ecological risk was relatively the highest. The total wet precipitation flux of water-soluble ions NH4+, Ca2+, NO3-, and SO42- accounted for （85.72 ±2.18）% of the wet precipitation flux of total ions, suggesting that their comprehensive impact on the ecological environment might have been higher. DIN wet deposition flux was mainly characterized by NH4+-N, which had a positive impact on the ecological environment in summer. SO42--S wet deposition flux was higher in summer, so its positive impact on the ecological environment was also greater. The scavenging effects of atmospheric precipitations to pollutants from the air were impacted by various factors, and the synergism effects of these factors could directly influence the scavenging mechanisms of precipitation to pollutants.

POTENSI ANCAMAN HILANGNYA KANDUNGAN MINERAL ALAMI (TENORM) DI WILAYAH PENGHASIL TAMBANG KABUPATEN BANGKA TENGAH

The community in Central Bangka Regency carried out an increase in illegal mining in 2021, which could potentially threaten the loss of strategic natural resources. Rocking table miners in Central Bangka Regency produce zircon sand, tin sand, monazite, ilmenite, and tailings, which are potential natural resources containing rare earth metal elements. This research aims to analyze the radioactive content of the minerals zircon sand, tin sand, monazite, ilmenite, and tailings as a threat to human health. The research showed that monazite samples from all villages still had a lot of rare earth metals in them, like yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), samarium (Sm), neodymium (Nd), and gadolinium (Gd). The test results showed that monazite had the highest average concentrations of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), with values of 10.27±3% for La, 12.15±3% for Ce, 24.40±3% for Sm, 7.37±3% for Nd, and 0.69±3% for Gd. For tin samples, the average (Ce) was 2.79±3%, zircon samples had an average (Ce) of 4.33±3%, and (Nd) 1.04±3%. In the ilmenite samples, the average value (Y) was 6.64 ± 3%. Monazite has the most rare earth metal elements, but it has a very low selling price. Monazite plays a crucial role in safeguarding and preventing the loss of strategic natural resources and health threats. It provides policy advice to related institutions through various roles and functions, including investigation, early prevention, and forecasting of these threats.

Correlation of the properties of quasi-ternary Ni-based superalloys computed from DFT to elemental properties enabling predictions on the behavior of metallic alloying elements

Research on multicomponent superalloys derived from Ni3Al shows that certain elemental additions congregate at the boundary of the γ/γ′ interface while certain others partition into either the γ or the γ′ phases. Such microstructural features have a strong bearing on the performance of the superalloy. However, no established correlations exist as of now, that can help predict such a behavior. The present work addresses this issue by examining the properties of the quasi-ternary alloys of Ni3Al and brings out correlations to selected lumped parameters related to the elemental properties. Computation of thermodynamic properties of 11 alloys of quasi-ternary Ni24Al7X system was carried out from first principles using Wien 2k and Gibbs2 code on a supercell constructed with 32 atoms. Elements X substituted at the Al site are selected from the information derived from the literature. Systematic variations are shown to occur in compressibility and heat of formation ΔH of the alloys with average electron concentration, elemental radii and/or electronegativity of the constituent elements in the alloys. Analysis of the data computed for a supercell on ΔH of quasi-ternary Ni31X alloys of Ni (the γ phase) and the ΔH of Ni24Al7X alloys (the γ′ phase) explains the possible reason for the enrichment of elements like Re and W at the γ/ γ′ interface. Trends in the observed correlations correctly predict the experimental observations on alloying effects reported from spectroscopic studies on quasi-ternary alloys of Ni3Al. The scope of predicting alloying behavior based on basic elemental properties gains significance in the design of superalloys.

Effect of foliar chelated forms spraying on grape yield and mineral status of shoots

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foliar chelated forms of Mg and Fe, on grape yield and mineral status of the shoots of vine cultivar Cardinal. Field trials were organized using a random block system with three variants, including a control (Variant I), each replicated three times. Foliar fertilizers were applied at a concentration of 0.5% on four occasions throughout the vegetation period: before and after blooming, during buckshot berry stage, and at the verasion stage. Over the ivestigation of three years, the application of foliar Mg and Fe fertilizers significantly influenced grape yield. The variant treated with Fe (VFe) demonstrated a higher average yield of 14.87 t/ha. Furthermore, a noticeable impact of foliar fertilizers on the concentration of analyzed elements in grapevine shoots was observed. Over the three-year period, the average content of macro elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron, was higher in the treated variants compared to the control. Additionally, results from shoot tissue analysis confirmed the existence of an antagonistic relationship between magnesium and potassium.

Evaluation of elemental pollution in soil samples from Klang industrial area

Rapid development in industries will contribute to the pollution of the soil. Studies of elemental pollution in the soil in the Klang industrial area were conducted to determine the concentration level in that area. Analysis of the content of elemental pollution in soil samples has used neutron activation analysis (NAA) techniques. The average concentration of major elements (Fe, Mg, Ti), heavy metals (As, Sb, Cr, Zn), uranium (U) and thorium (Th) in the soil of the Klang industrial area exceeded the average concentration in granitic igneous rocks. In comparison, the average concentration of rare earth elements (REEs) in soil samples in the study area is lower than the reference value of granitic igneous rocks. The elements of As, Zn and Cr showed a high concentration in the SL 11 area, where business activities, vehicle workshops and residential were located. The REEs show a high concentration in the SL 14 area compared to other sites. The geo-accumulation (Igeo) index was applied to identify the pollution status. The Igeo index for the elements of Mg and U can be categorised as unpolluted to moderately polluted. As and Sb can be categorised as unpolluted to moderately polluted, and as extremely polluted in the areas of SL 11 and SL 14. The element of Th can be categorised as unpolluted to moderately and strongly polluted. The Igeo index of REEs can be categorised as unpolluted in the soil of the Klang Industrial area.

Evaluation of pollution levels in sediments from Lake Edku, Egypt using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The concentrations of 11 heavy metals in sediments from Lake Edku, Egypt were determined using LA-ICP-MS. The average concentrations of elements occurred in the order of Fe > V > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Co > Pb > As > Sn > Mo with respective values of 4.67 %, 104.8, 77.9, 76.6, 59.2, 52, 27.8, 19.8, 4.14, 2.24, and 1.45 μg/g. Several pollution indices were used to evaluate individual and cumulative contamination levels. All HMs were found to be in the deficiency to minimal enrichment range based on the enrichment factor. The contamination factor indicated low contamination levels of Cr and As, low to moderate contamination levels of Fe, Ni, Zn, Mo, Sn, and Pb, and moderate contamination levels of Co and Cu. The pollution load index and contamination degree indicated the sediments to be polluted and moderately polluted, respectively.

Morphological distribution and risk assessment of soil heavy metals in the Belly of the Three Gorges Reservoir area in Chongqing-A Case Study of Fengdu

The study of the morphological distribution and pollution risk of heavy metals in the hinterland of the Three Gorges Reservoir area in Chongqing can be used to provide data support for soil pollution prevention and control, ecological environment safety risk control and agricultural healthy development in the region. In this paper, Fengdu County, the hinterland of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in Chongqing, was taken as the study area. The total amount and morphology of 8 heavy metal elements in the surface soil of agricultural land were analyzed and determined. The geocumulative index method was used to evaluate the pollution degree. The risk assessment coding method is used to evaluate the potential risk level. The results showed that the average contents of heavy metal elements As, Hg, Cu and Cr in the soil in the study area were relatively low. The average contents of Cd, Zn, Pb and Ni were higher than those in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. The mean value of Cd content was 1.71 times that of the background value. Cd in the soil heavy metal form is dominated by ion exchange state. The proportion of carbonate-bound state and iron-manganese bound state is relatively high. The proportion of bioavailable state was 46.36%, and the biological activity was strong. The other elements are mainly in the stable residue state. The results of the geoaccumulation index method showed that Cd was mainly mild pollution level. The other elements are mainly clean and pollution-free levels. The evaluation results of the risk assessment coding method showed that the risk of Cd contamination was the highest, and the risk of contamination of other elements was relatively low. On the whole, there is a certain degree of potential pollution risk in the soil Cd in the study area. Attention needs to be paid to the prevention and control of Cd.

Anthropogenic Coal Ash as a Contaminant in an Underwater Search. II. Beyond Beryllium, Lanthanum, and Uranium

It has been shown that the Beryllium, Lanthanum and Uranium concentrations in the “BeLaU” spherules are in the expected ranges of coal ash. It is reported that the average elemental concentration of 12 microspherules can be found in the COALQUAL database in 98% (49/50) of the elements examined. The “BeLaU pattern” is found to be not unique, it can be reproduced using a coal ash standard (SRM1633a) and a chondritic normalization. The ratio of rare-earth elements in the “BeLaU” spherules and the SMR1633a sample is of order unity. Comparisons against SRM1633a return only two elements with abundances statistically significantly lower than the coal ash standard of reference (or fractions of order unity), agreeing in 96% (52/54) of the elements tested. No elements show higher abundance than 10× the reference standard. Terrestrial coal ash is curiously very similar to the collected spherules. Origin from a recent meteoritic event remains uncertain.

Column percolation leaching test for rare-earth processed residue: Standard laboratory column elution experiments towards development permanent disposal facility (PDF)

The rare-earth industry in Malaysia primarily produces two main by-products in vast quantities: Water Leach Purification (WLP) and Neutralisation Underflow (NUF) residue. The average total concentration of rare earth elements (TREE) in WLP and NUF was discovered to be 54.2 g/kg and 29.5 g/kg, respectively. The heavy metal (HM) concentration for both was below the Malaysian soil intervention threshold except for arsenic and lead. The average thorium (Th) concentration of WLP exceeded the 1 Bq/g regulatory threshold. Such Th concentration prompted the need for WLP residues to be stored in a permanent disposal facility (PDF). The proposed PDF intends to take advantage of the gypsum properties of the NUF by deploying it as a liner material. It was discovered that the repurposing of NUF increases the pH of a single composition of WLP from 3.6 to a less acidic condition. The three different layer mixes of composition ratio NUF to WLP (PC3, PC4, PC5) of the study lead the pH of the effluent to range between 5 and 6, as compared to the pH range of 9.8–10.2 for NUF composition solely. The optimum composition ratio of NUF to WLP proposed by the study for the PDF is 1:19 (PC5), as the leaching of Th, HM, and REE in this condition is shown to be insignificant.

Proximate Composition, Trace and Macro Element, and Heavy Metal Content of Edible Seaweed Solieria robusta in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Solieria robusta is a red seaweed consumed widely by the local population in the southern Philippines. However, current information regarding its proximate composition, trace and macro element, and heavy metal content is lacking. This study marks the first attempt in the Philippines to ascertain the proximate composition, trace and macro element, and heavy metal content of edible seaweed S. robusta. Our findings revealed that S. robusta primarily consists of ash content, measuring 44.30 ± 0.4 g/100 g, followed by carbohydrates at 32.96 ± 0.45 g/100 g. The moisture content of dried S. robusta was 16.91±0.04 g/100 g. The crude protein content of this edible seaweed was determined to be 5.61 ± 0.05 g/100 g, with total fat noted at 0.22 ± 0.01 g/100 g. The average concentration of trace elements (Zn, Fe, Mg, and Cu), macro element (K), and heavy metals (Pb and Cd) followed the order of Zn > Fe > K > Mg > Pb > Cu > Cd. Notably, three essential minerals -Zn, Fe, and K- were present in significant quantities in S. robusta, with concentrations of 219±8.70, 209±5.75, and 9.83±0.22 mg/kg, respectively. However, one trace element, Zn, and one heavy metal, Pb, exceeded the permissible values, and the rest were within the safe limits. This study constitutes a significant contribution to the comprehension of the nutritional profile and mineral composition of S. robusta, emphasizing its potential as a valuable dietary resource.

Assessment of Elemental Contamination of Selected Major Dams from Osun State, Nigeria by Multivariate and Hazard Index Analyses

Dams and their environment, interrelate with a degree of complexity that often affects the availability of potable water. In Nigeria, dams are an important source of drinking water in many communities but are vulnerable to contamination from different sources. This study assessed the possible elemental (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Zn) contamination sources of selected dams in a total of 126 samples comprising 54 surface water, and 72 sediment samples collected from six main dams in Osun State using multivariate analyses like Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). Generally, the average elemental concentration was in the decreasing order of Cr > Ni > Cd > Pb > Cu > Fe > Zn > Mn and Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu for surface water and sediment samples respectively. Furthermore, statistical analysis showed that the average concentrations of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) did not differ significantly (p < 0.05) across the sampling sites, indicating similar PTEs profiles. The PCA and CA revealed possible sources of elemental contamination to the dam quality as weathering of bedrocks, uncontrolled farming activities, abandoned equipment, boat fueling, maintenance, and repairs. Although only 13.9% of the hazard quotients (HQ) were higher than one for all the studied heavy metals in surface water, 91.7% of the hazard index (HI) were higher than one. This suggests an unacceptable risk of non-carcinogenic effects from the direct consumption of dam water. Furthermore, the oral target cancer risk, TCRoral in children > adults and > 1 × 10−4 for cancer risk set by USEPA, however, the % contribution of Cr to ∑TCRoral in adults which is > 1 × 10−4 ranged between 98.9 to 99.5%, indicating that Cr is the most dominant carcinogens in the overall cancer risk in adults.

Composition and physico-chemical properties of aqueous extracts of lydites of the North Onega synclinorium in Karelia

Relevance. The need to obtain reliable information on chemical composition of aqueous extracts of lydites. There is lack of such information, but it is so important both for understanding dispersion of elements and their impact on natural waters of a region. It is necessary to study the composition of aqueous extracts as a result of water–rock interaction to determine possible sources of water pollution with toxic elements. Mineral composition of lydites of the North Onega synclinorium contains organic carbon and mist pyrite, which may contain increased concentrations of trace elements "harmful" for drinking water. To determine the ability of such elements to pass into a dissolved state, it is necessary to study aqueous extracts of lydites. Aim. To determine trace element composition and physico-chemical properties of aqueous extracts of lydites selected from two districts of the North Onega synclinorium to assess their environmental hazard. Objects. Geological section of the shungite-lidite-dolomite complex of the Zaonezhskaya formation of the Paleoproterozoic age of the North Onega synclinorium. Samples of lidites were taken at the Tetyugino (LT) and Shunga (LSh) sites of the Medvezhyegorsk district of the Republic of Karelia. Methods. Field studies, including investigation of stratigraphic position of lydites in geological sections of the Tetyugino and Shunga sites and sampling, laboratory experiment, aqueous extraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results. Mineralogical composition of the lydites of both sites is similar. Taking into account high content of SiO2 and negligible content of other petrogenic oxides in chemical composition of lydites, it is possible to consider them as a source for obtaining pure quartz raw materials. The structure of lydites is clot-cryptocrystalline and clot-globular. Lydite extracts environment acidity depends on the totality of the minerals extracted from it, either basic (dolomite) or acidic (pyrite oxidation products). This factor is decisive in formation of chemical composition of lydite extracts, regardless of the location of the samples within a given geological object. Many elements extracted by water from the lydite samples of two regions under consideration are characterized by varying degrees of their extraction from the massive and veined parts of the sample. The cure coefficients of chemical elements in the form of the ratio of element average concentrations in the extract and lydite solid phase show the predominant intake of Cd, Mn, Mo, Sr, Rb, Li, Ni, Co, Li from Tetyugino lydites into water. Mo, Sb and W are predominantly extracted into the solution from the Shunga lydites. Average concentrations of most elements of the extracts of the Shunga samples satisfy the requirements for drinking water and, unlike shungite, they are not sources of harmful components in water. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out work on the possibility of their use for water purification for drinking purposes.

Effects of Land Uses on Soil Quality of Shwan Sub-basin, Kirkuk Governorate, Northern Iraq

Thirty-two soil samples were collected from the study area in October 2020 for geochemical and pollutants investigation of Shwan Sub-basin soil. All soil samples were analysed for different geochemical analyses. The analysis results revealed that the pH values in soil samples ranged from 7.12 to 7.56 with a mean of 7.327. According to the pH values detected in the soil samples, the soil is classified as neutral soil. The electrical conductivity ranged from 0.92 mmhos/cm to 7.8 mmhos/cm with a mean of 1.53 mmhos/cm. Thus, according to the detected electrical conductivity values, the soil was classified as non-saline to slightly saline. The organic matter ranged from 1.14% to 1.45% with a mean value of 1.326 %, while total organic carbon ranged from 0.66 % to 0.84 % with a mean value of 0.769 % which indicated the soil was characterized by low organic content. The results of the geochemical analysis revealed that the major and minor element mean concentrations were in the order Si&gt; Ca&gt; Al&gt; Fe&gt; Mg &gt; K&gt; Ti&gt; Na&gt; P&gt; Mn&gt; S&gt; Cl&gt; N. The average concentrations of trace elements in soil samples followed the decreasing order Sr &gt; Cr&gt; Ba&gt; Zr&gt; Ni&gt; V&gt; Zn&gt; Ta&gt; Rb&gt; Cu&gt; Nb&gt; Y&gt; Pb&gt; Co&gt; Ga&gt; Mo&gt; As&gt; Th&gt; Br&gt; Sn&gt; I. Furthermore, the comparison between heavy metal concentrations in the soil of the study area and metal concentrations in the world soil limit and Indirect Geochemical Background revealed an increase in metal concentrations of Cr, Ni, Zn, Co, As, Mo and Ta. Multivariate statistical analyses, such as Principal Component Analysis and Agglomerative Hierarchal Cluster Analysis, identified the potential sources of pollutants in the soil. Most metals are from natural sources and some of them are from anthropogenic sources mostly from agricultural activities mainly fertilizers use and the waste of animals breeding on farms. Besides industrial activities such as deposits of pollutants from emissions of petroleum refineries located inside or close to the study area. In addition, building blocks and paint factories.

Application of an Ultra-Low-Cost Passive Sampler for Light-Absorbing Carbon in Mongolia

Low-cost, long-term measures of air pollution concentrations are often needed for epidemiological studies and policy analyses of household air pollution. The Washington passive sampler (WPS), an ultra-low-cost method for measuring the long-term average levels of light-absorbing carbon (LAC) air pollution, uses digital images to measure the changes in the reflectance of a passively exposed paper filter. A prior publication on WPS reported high precision and reproducibility. Here, we deployed three methods to each of 10 households in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: one PurpleAir for PM2.5; two ultrasonic personal aerosol samplers (UPAS) with quartz filters for the thermal-optical analysis of elemental carbon (EC); and two WPS for LAC. We compared multiple rounds of 4-week-average measurements. The analyses calibrating the LAC to the elemental carbon measurement suggest that 1 µg of EC/m3 corresponds to 62 PI/month (R2 = 0.83). The EC-LAC calibration curve indicates an accuracy (root-mean-square error) of 3.1 µg of EC/m3, or ~21% of the average elemental carbon concentration. The RMSE values observed here for the WPS are comparable to the reported accuracy levels for other methods, including reference methods. Based on the precision and accuracy results shown here, as well as the increased simplicity of deployment, the WPS may merit further consideration for studying air quality in homes that use solid fuels.

CONTENT OF ELEMENTS IN AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANTS ANALYZED BY USING FAAS INSTRUMENTS

In this present study total four different family medicinal plants namely Azadirachta indica, Cascabela thevetia, Ficus benghalensis and Cassia angustifolia leaves parts collected from the different places of Bidar, Kalaburagi &amp; Yadgir districts. By using standard ratio of FAAS instruments, the solution samples for analysis of elements were prepared. Further analysis of the total 7 essential elements like Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb were done respectively. The Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS) is analytical, or radiation source instrument and it is useful for the quantitative analysis of any materials. The average concentration of elements varied between 0.01 mg/L to 1.7 mg/L in all 4 studied Ayurvedic medicinal plants. Here Mg and Pb concentration found to be in higher range, compared to the other elements. Further all studied elemental content were found to be under the permissible limits of WHO. Results could be useful in study of metabolic, enzymatic and physical activity of the samples and also useful for the new modern medicinal preparations. The variations of elemental concentrations in environmental samples were dependents on earth geological soil formation.

Аккумуляционные способности мохообразных нарушенных торфяников (на примере карбонового полигона в Калининградской области)

The paper provides original data on accumulation capabilities of bryophytes typical of peatland ecosystems with different degree of anthropogenic transformation occurring in the Kaliningrad Region of Russia. A key study area was the Vittgirrensky Peatland, abandoned after milled peat extraction in 1990s and designated as the Rossyanka Carbon Measurement Supersite in 2021. The accumulation of micro- and macroelements: Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr – was identified by means of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in 13 bryophyte species (Aulacomnium palustre, Campylopus introflexus, Polytrichum commune, P. strictum, Sphagnum capillifolium, S. centrale, S. cuspidatum, S. fuscum, S. magellanicum, S. riparium, S. squarrosum, S. teres) focusing on comparison with the reference species Pleurozium schreberi. The records of average element concentrations from the Vittgirrensky Peatland are shown to be distinctly lower than the regional background level. The accumulation of Mn, Ni, Br, Rb, and Sr varies significantly among disturbed and natural sites: the concentrations are comparable for Fe and Zn, while cut-over peatlands showed the level of Mn several times less than in undisturbed peat bogs. Aulacomnium palustre can be recommended for passive biomonitoring purposes on bog ecosystems as having most similar accumulation capability to the reference species Pleurozium schreberi that is widely recognized as indicator of atmospheric air pollution.

Origin and evolution of deep lithium-rich brines in the southwest Jianghan Basin, central China: Evidence from hydrochemistry and stable isotopes

Lithium-rich brines from the upper Cretaceous and lower Eocene in the Jiangling depression, southwest Jianghan Basin were collected. In order to study the origin, evolution of the brines and the enrichment mechanism of lithium, the hydrochemical compositions and stable isotopes of the brines were tested and analyzed. The highest concentrations of potassium and lithium in the brine were 3.21 g/L and 97.85 mg/L, respectively. The brines of upper Cretaceous are mainly weakly acidic, while the lower Eocene brines are acid to alkalescent, and they are all Cl-Na type water. Compared with the ion trajectories of seawater evaporation, the brines showed enrichment of Cl, Ca, and Sr and depletion of Mg, which may be due to the dissolution of halite and water–rock interaction. The δD and δ18O compositions of the brines in both aquifers are similar, with δD values ranging from −51.4 to –33.0 ‰ and δ18O values ranging from −3.8 to 3.7 ‰. The data of δD and of δ18O indicate that the two aquifer brines originated from meteoric waters and experienced intense evaporation. The 87Sr/86Sr values (0.710144 to 0.712448) in the Upper Cretaceous brines are similar to the Paleocene sandstones, and the 87Sr/86Sr values (0.709982 to 0.710806) in the Lower Eocene brines are similar to the Paleocene anhydrite and glauberite. And the average content of lithium element in the upper Cretaceous brine is 54.38 mg/L, and the δ7Li values ranges from 10.2 to 14.1 ‰; the average content of lithium in lower Eocene brine is 23.81 mg/L, and the δ7Li values ranges from 17.7 to 21.9 ‰. The characteristics of 87Sr/86Sr and δ7Li indicate that the water–rock interaction between brine and silicate rock and the dissolution of halite lead to the enrichment of lithium in the brine of the two aquifers.

Nature of fluid and genetic affiliation of the Bakoshi-Kundila Au deposit, Nigeria: Evidence from trace elements in hydrothermal quartz

The Bakoshi-Kundila Au deposit is located in the Nigerian Shield in West Africa. In this deposit, Au-bearing pyrite contains inclusions of Au-rich hydrothermal quartz. Whether or not this co-precipitation relationship of quartz and pyrite is cogenetic and related to the gold fluid remains untested. The deposit's genetic affiliation is controversial. This study reports the results of textural and in situ chemical compositions of hydrothermal quartz, and sheds light on fluid composition, element substitutions into quartz structure, and inferred the deposit genetic type. We grouped the quartz into four generations: Qz1 and Qz2 (vein-type) and Qz3 and Qz4 (wallrock-type). The Qz2 is deformed, overprinted by late-stage fluid activity. The Qz1 is rich in Ga and Sr but poor in Al and Fe than Qz3 and Qz4: average Ga in ppm (Qz1 – 0.62, Qz3 – 0.08, Qz4 – 0.15), Sr (Qz1– 26.7, Qz3 – 4.59, Qz4 – 5.78), Al (Qz1– 16.7, Qz3 – 82.8, Qz4 – 136), Fe (Qz1– 131, Qz3 – 144, Qz4 – 133). However, the contents of low melting point chalcophile elements (LMCE) are higher and overlapped between Qz1 and Qz3 than those from Qz4: average Au in ppm (Qz1– 33.9, Qz3 – 38.2, Qz4 – 7.83), Cu (Qz1 – 13.1, Qz3 – 14.8, Qz4 – 5.95), Bi (Qz1 – 3.48, Qz3 – 0.25, Qz4 – 0.51). The LMCE in Qz1 displayed covariant relationships with Au (but poorly defined in Qz3 and Qz4), suggesting the likely presence of Au-Ag-(±Te)-bearing phases like petzite and argentum. Aluminum is the main trivalent element substituting Si4+ in Q3 and Qz4, whereas Fe3+ in Qz1. The charge-balanced cations are Li+, Na+, and K+ in Qz3 and Qz4, whereas Sr2+ in Qz1. The Al and Ti contents (in ppm) are higher and more variable in Qz3 (Al: 5.97–374, avg 82.8; Ti: 2.69–12.5, avg 6.60) and Qz4 (Al: 8.13–792, avg 136; Ti: 7.64–72.0, avg 20.2), which may imply fluctuation in fluid pH. These element concentrations are lower and less variable in Qz1 (Al: 5.25–47.8, avg 16.7; Ti: 3.41–18.0, avg 5.43), suggesting a less acidic and probably stable pH condition during its precipitation. The Qz1 has a lower average content (in ppm) of compatible elements (K – 15.7, Fe – 13.1, Ti – 5.43) than Qz3 (K – 25.9, Fe – 144, Ti – 6.60) and Qz4 (K – 63.0 Fe – 133, Ti – 20.2), implying that Qz3 and Qz4 precipitated at a higher temperature than Qz1. However, the contents of the incompatible elements (e.g., P, Ge, Rb, and Li) are not enriched in the supposed lately-formed Qz1 over Qz3 and Qz4, which is inconsistent. The inconsistency is also true between the wallrock type, with lower contents in low-temperature Qz3 than in high-temperature Qz4. Thus, temperature is considered not a major controlling factor during the formation of Bakoshi-Kundila quartz; instead, the pH condition and fluid-rock reaction are favored. The Bakoshi-Kundila quartz has Al-Ti contents akin to quartz from orogenic Au deposits.

Average long-term background contents of chemical elements and organic substances in the flows of the natural component of the “Suspension of rivers” environment flowing into Lake Baikal reservoirs

The physical and chemical state of the waters of Lake Baikal and the flows of the natural component of the environment flowing into and out is one of the most important elements of the chemical interaction of lake water substances with the environment. To study the natural regularities of the distribution of matter in the “substances of Baikal waters – substances of the flows of the natural component of the environment” megasystem, it is necessary to know the background components in the substance of the flows and their amount. The average long-term content of chemical elements and organic matter was estimated in mg/l. The method for calculating average long-term contents (mg/l, %) of chemical elements and organic (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al, Si, Mn2+, Fetot, SO42-, HCO3-, Cl-, NO3-, PO43-, H+, O2, As, B, Cr, Cu, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sr, Zn, Co, U, V, Br, Rb, Mo, Corg, Norg, Porg, Sorg, CO2, Ti) in natural component flows environment “suspension of the rivers” flowing into the Southern, Selenginsky, Middle, Northern reservoirs of Baikal was developed. The results of analysis of the chemical composition of suspended substances in rivers for 1976-2001 were used. Natural indicators of the contents of chemical elements and organic matter in the suspended substance of rivers are important for comparative assessments, especially under the increased anthropogenic load. The data are necessary for assessing the scale of river chemical input with river suspension into the reservoirs of Baikal and calculating the contribution of the natural environment flows “River suspension” to the chemical balances of the lake reservoirs.