Average Element Concentrations Research Articles

Carbohydrate and mineral metabolism in romanov sheep in Western Siberia

The article presents information regarding the metabolism of carbohydrates and minerals in Romanov sheep in the Kemerovo region. The correlations among macro elements and carbohydrate metabolism indices and heavy metal levels in organs and tissues were ascertained. We determined the average content, variability and reference intervals of glucose, amylase, lactate dehydrogenase and macro elements in blood serum. We investigated the relationship between these indices and heavy metal levels in sheep organs and tissues. In the Romanov sheep breeding zone, heavy metal content was analyzed in soil, water, and feed and did not exceed the MAC. The determination of the content of macroand microelements was carried out in the laboratory of isotopegeochemical methods of analysis at the V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences by atomic emission spectrometry employing the NSAM analysis technique No. 450-S. The level of blood serum glucose is 6.0 mmol/l, the amylase is 104.0 U/l, and the lactate dehydrogenase is 1086 U/l. The order of macro elements in serum is as follows: Na > K > Ca > P > Mg in accordance with 90 : 7 : 4 : 3.4 : 1. The concentration of K in the blood exhibits a significant correlation with Zn in the spleen (r = 0.507) and Cu in the testes (r = 0.535). Simultaneously, Na exhibited a negative correlation with the concentration of Zn in the heart (r = -0.416) and Pb in the blood (r = −0.598). There was a high negative relationship between Ca in the blood and the frequency of chromosomal breaks (r = −0.752). The glucose level was negatively correlated with the concentration of Cu in the muscles (r = −0.414), Zn in the kidneys (r = −0.465), and Zn in the heart (r = −0.572), but its level was positively associated with Pb in the muscles (r = 0.568). The significance of the indicators of carbohydrate and mineral metabolism, as well as the correlations between the studied parameters, is evident in the comprehensive evaluation of the breeds phenopool.

Ecological State of the Khaidarkan Mercury Plant, Industrial Waste

In the tailings of the Khaidarkan mercury plant, the average content of mercury and other elements is: As - 0.23%; Hg - 0.0046%; Sb - 0.36%. In the territory of the settlement of Chauvay, an excess of mercury concentration relative to the MAC (0.005 mg/l) and MACvr (0.0003 mg/l) was found in samples from the Chatmazar-Sai River (0.0008 mg/l). It is recommended to develop a program of work on the reclamation of the territory; therefore, an in-depth study is necessary to identify the most intensively contaminated areas, determine an appropriate concept and stages of work, and the tasks of environmental restoration. Chemical and biological methods can be used to restore the territory of Khaidarkan. It is necessary to prevent free access of the local population, as well as wild and farm animals, to hazardous areas.

Study on the Changes in the Microbial Community in Rhizosphere Soil of Blueberry Plants at Different Growth Stages

In order to clarify the relationship between mineral nutrients and rhizosphere microorganisms at different growth and development stages of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), this work studied the dynamic changes in element content and microbial quantity in different parts of blueberry plants. The test material was a 12-year-old half-highbush blueberry variety (‘Beilu’). The changes in the mineral nutrient elements in leaves, branches and the soil of blueberry plants were studied at the full bloom stage (T1), green fruit stage (T2), mature stage (T3) and late mature stage (T4), and the correlations of the average contents of mineral elements in the four periods were studied. The bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil was determined and analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the changes in other mineral elements in various parts of blueberry plants varied in different periods. Nitrogen (N) showed a downward trend in branches, leaves and soil, especially in leaves (p < 0.05). The N contents in T2, T3 and T4 decreased by 9.9%, 26.4% and 29.9%, respectively. The N contents in the leaves and branches showed a downward trend at different growth stages, especially in leaves. The phosphorus (P) content in leaves showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, while it continued to increase in branches. The content of potassium (K) in leaves changed significantly, where it increased first and then decreased. The content of calcium (Ca) in leaves decreased first and then increased, while the content of magnesium (Mg) in branches and leaves decreased first and then increased, and the relative change was significant. The contents of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in leaves decreased first and then increased, while the contents of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) were relatively stable. Cu decreased first and then increased in leaves and soil, and it increased first and then decreased in branches. The mineral nutrients in different growth stages of blueberry showed significant correlation in leaves, branches and soil. Mn in leaves was significantly positively correlated with P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu and Zn in soil (p < 0.01). Nitrogen and calcium in leaves were significantly correlated with manganese and phosphorus in soil, respectively. Ca in branches was significantly positively correlated with N and K in soil and was significantly positively correlated with Zn in soil (p < 0.01). Magnesium was significantly negatively correlated with iron in soil. The bacterial community structure of the blueberry rhizosphere soil changed significantly over time (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance showed the following trend: T4 > T2 > T3 > T1. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Verrucomicrobia were the dominant bacteria in different periods. Candidatus solibacter and Bryobacter were significantly higher in T1 and T3 than in T1 and T4. Bradyrhizobium flora increased significantly at T3. Sphingomonas increased significantly at T1 (p < 0.05).

The characteristics of V, Sc, Cr and Ni within the Cambrian terrigenous-carbonate deposits found in the Syuldyukar kimberlite field (Western Yakutia)

The investigation of the Syuldyukar kimberlite field, located within the Yakut diamond-bearing province, involved approximately 4,000 X-ray fluorescence (XFA) analyses and 150 inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP AES) analyses on the host sedimentary rocks of the Upper Cambrian Holomolokha formation in proximity to the kimberlite bodies. The results indicated a disruption in the correlation ratios when compared to background concentrations, while subclark levels of vanadium (V), scandium (Sc), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and other elements remained consistent. The elements were divided into three categories: typomorphic elements for kimberlites (Cr, Ni, Co), elements associated with carbonatites (barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), neodymium (Nd), zirconium (Zr)), and elements characteristic of basalts (V, Sc, zinc (Zn)). High positive correlation coefficients were established for the specified elements in the background concentrations. However, ICP analyses indicated significant decreases in the correlation between elements from different groups in the near-kimberlite space at the Syuldyukar site. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that in the compression areas, the correlation ratios of various elements were inconsistent when compared to the stretching areas. The analysis of the XRF and ICP data reveled that the average elemental concentrations in the background and near-tube space were nearly identical, except for some unusual hurricane values, with variations showing only slight changes. The positive correlation of several elements likely reflects background geological processes, including sedimentation in a marine basin and subsequent transformations such as hypergenesis, diagenesis, and catagenesis. The significant decrease in correlation coefficients, even with background concentrations remaining stable, is likely due to the redistribution of elements in the fluid resulting from phreatomagmatic explosions linked to the intrusion of kimberlites. Aqueous chloride fluids were observed to most actively redistribute elements in areas experiencing local tectonic compression. The identified changes in the correlation ratios of background elemental concentrations in sedimentary rocks containing kimberlite could act as a new indicator for locating hidden diamond-bearing kimberlites.

ВЫНОС МИКРОЭЛЕМЕНТОВ ФУМАРОЛАМИ АВАЧИНСКОГО ВУЛКАНА (КАМЧАТКА)

The trace element composition of high-temperature gases of Avachinsky volcano was investigated. For that purpose 25 samples of gas condensates and sublimates deposited in four quartz tubes were analyzed. The total average concentration of trace elements (excluding S, Cl, F, Si) in the condensates was 87 mg/l, the maximum 210 mg/l, among which B, K, Na, Br, As predominated. A large number of samples taken over a period 2013–2023 allowed us to evaluate the variations of element concentrations, their dependence on fumarole temperature and the season of sampling. The enrichment factors normalized for magnesium, made it possible to determine the elements transported in the plume in the form of volatile compounds (S, Cl, Te, I, B, Br, Cd, As, F, Re, Se, Bi, Tl, Hg, Sn, Sb, Pb, etc.) and in the form of silicate aerosol (Ti, Fe, Ga, Al, Ca, Mn, REE et al.). The ore element emission by Avachinsky volcano is comparable to that of Mutnovsky volcano (Kamchatka) and significantly lower than the emission by volcanoes in the stage of stationary degassing, such as Kudryavy and Pallas Peak (Kuril Islands), which can be explained by higher concentrations of HCl in the gases of the latter.

Content, Sources, and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil of Typical Karst County

Soil heavy metals in karst areas have obvious high background value characteristics. Conducting county-level soil heavy metal ecological risk assessment and identifying heavy metal sources in karst areas are of great significance for soil pollution control and land resource management. Taking Pingguo City, a typical karst county in Guangxi Province, as the study object, 3 151 surface and deep soil samples were collected using the grid method and combined to form 785 analytical samples. The contents of eight heavy metal elements, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were determined. The content characteristics and sources of heavy metals were analyzed using statistical analysis, interpolation analysis, factor analysis, and the absolute principal component-multiple linear regression model （APCS-MLR）. Using the content of heavy metal elements in deep soil （150-200 cm） as background values, the ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface soil （0-20 cm） in the study area was conducted using the geo-accumulation index （Igeo） and potential ecological risk index （RI） methods. The results showed that the average content of heavy metal elements in the deep soil of the study area was significantly higher than the background value of the C layer soil in Guangxi Province, and the average content of heavy metal elements in the surface soil was significantly higher than the background value of the A layer soil in Guangxi Province. The spatial distribution of soil heavy metal element content generally showed the characteristics of high in karst areas and low in non-karst areas. The main sources of As, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were soil parent materials, with contribution rates of 74.36%, 84.59%, 93.69%, 79.67%, and 78.17%, respectively. The main sources of Cd were soil parent material sources and unknown sources, with contribution rates of 37.33% and 31.05%, respectively. The main sources of Cu were soil parent materials and unknown sources, with contribution rates of 59.07% and 40.23%, respectively. The main sources of Hg were tectonic activity and mineralization, as well as unknown sources, with contribution rates of 52.49% and 30.65%, respectively. The geo-accumulation index （Igeo） showed that the surface soil was mainly polluted by Cd, with mild or above pollution accounting for 47.78%. The potential ecological risk index （RI） showed that the proportion of surface soil heavy metal comprehensive potential ecological hazards with mild, moderate, strong, and very strong levels was 80.78%, 14.97%, 2.51%, and 1.64%, respectively.

Quality Of Drinking Water In An Area With High Gold Panning Activity In Côte d'Ivoire (Daloa, Centre-West)

Background: Gold panning has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades in Côte d’Ivoire. This activity contributes substantially to local economies. However, the use of toxic chemicals has an impact on human health and the environment, particularly water resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of contamination of drinking water by metallic trace elements, cyanide and pesticides in an area with high gold panning activity in Côte d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods: Five (5) surface water samples and 5 well water samples were collected in the area of the gold panning sites and then analyzed. The metallic trace elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Total cyanides were measured according to the NF EN ISO 14403-1 standard and the pesticides were analyzed using a UV-visible HPLC chain. Results:The average concentrations of the metallic trace elements found were 0.125; 0.002; 0.046; 0.036 and 0.009 µg/L respectively for arsenic, Cadmium, Iron, Lead and mercury in surface waters. In the well water, the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead and mercury were respectively 0.025; 0.001; 0.009; 0.007 and 0.002 µg/L. The average concentration of arsenic in all surface water samples and three well water samples was higher than the standard set by WHO (0.01 mg/Kg) for drinking water. Lead and mercury levels in surface water were also higher than recommended standards for drinking water. Cyanide has been found in surface and well waters at relatively low concentrations. Twenty-five pesticides belonging to the chemical families of organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates and other compounds derived from urea and atrazine were found in the water samples analyzed. Farmer’s well water was qualitatively the most contaminated with the simultaneous presence of several pesticides. The sum of the measured pesticide concentrations for each sample complied with the recommendations for drinking water, set at 0.50 µg/L. Conclusion: Drinking water in this locality is contaminated by metallic trace elements, cyanide and pesticides. The quality of drinking water in this locality must be subject to permanent monitoring in order to protect the health of the population.

Health risk assessment of trace metal concentrations in cereal-based infant foods from Arba Minch Town, Ethiopia

The study aimed to determine the trace metal concentrations and assess the associated health risk of consuming cereal-based infant foods sold in supermarkets and local shops (baltena) in Arba Minch town, Ethiopia. Samples were subjected to a microwave digestion process and the trace elements were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The method’s accuracy was validated through a recovery test, yielding optimal results within the range of 94–100 %. The average concentrations of trace elements in the infant food samples were as follows: Iron (36.51–47.58 mg/kg), Copper (1.86–2.57 mg/kg), Zinc (13.90–21.56 mg/kg), Nickel (0.02–0.04 mg/kg), Chromium (0.034–0.10 mg/kg), Cobalt (0.012–0.02 mg/kg). Notably, potentially toxic heavy metals like Cadmium and Lead were not detected in the samples. The hazard quotient (HQ) for (6−9) month old infants was less than one (HQ<1) for all the trace elements analyzed. The same holds good for (9−12) month old infants except few food samples such as Selam, Zini, Mimi and Mulga baltena, which had HQ values greater than one (HQ>1). It is inferred that the continuous consumption of these foods might cause risk over a longer period.

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 &gt; 2018 &gt; 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 &gt; winter &gt; summer &gt; 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.

CONTENT OF RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN SOILS OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN PART OF THE SUGHD REGION

The article presents the results of the study, obtained original data on the content and distribution of rare earth elements in the soils of the south-eastern part of Sughd region. The concentrations of rare earth elements were determined by using a highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. A total of 30 samples were collected and analyzed. Peculiarities of accumulation of rare earth elements depending on regional characteristics have been revealed. The average concentrations of the studied rare earth elements are within the clarke index and below. The use of variational-statistical methods for processing the obtained results made it possible at least to some extent, streamline the results of analytical studies of soils within the south-eastern part of the Sughd region. Concentrations of rare earth elements in the soils of the southeastern part of the Soghd region vary within narrow intervals. At the same time, the distribution of REE bears a regular character in the areas (2.44−9.72%) under study. Quantitative criteria degree of accumulation and enrichment of soils have been calculated: here refer factors of enrichment, concentration coefficient, concentration clarke and dispersion clarke. On the base of the obtained values of these indicators it is shown that the soils of the studied points are characterized by a moderate level of accumulation and enrichment. Based on the data obtained, a series was compiled for the average content of rare earth elements: &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; , while the contents of La, Eu and Gd are very close to the clarkes of the earth’s crust, lower – Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm. The highest concentrations are cerium, lanthanum and neodymium, the lowest concentrations are praseodymium, gadolinium, samarium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, terbium and holmium. The distribution of all studied rare earth elements is close in terms of asymmetry and kurtosis, and is observed for some elements. We have established a significant correlation between the content of Ce and La (r = 0,98), Pr and La (r = 0,97), Pr and Ce (r = 0,95), Nd and La (r = 0,94), Nd and Ce (r = 0,91), Nd and Pr (r = 0,99), Sm and Pr (r = 0,86), Sm and Nd (r = 0,86), Sm and Nd (r = 0,91), Gd and Pr (r = 0,81), Tb and Gd (r = 0,84), Er and Dy (r = 0,84), Er and Ho (r = 0,90), Tm and Er (r = 0,94),which indicates to their lithogenic origin.

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.

Elemental (CNS) and isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) characterization of local sources to atmospheric dust at Trombay, Mumbai, using elemental analyzer–isotope ratio mass spectrometry

Particulate matter (PM) in the air has significant implications for human health and the environment, particularly in urban areas with high concentrations. This study focuses on the isotopic (δ13C and δ15N), elemental (CNS) as well as the total carbon to total nitrogen ratio (TC/TN) characterization of PM in Trombay, Mumbai. Monthly atmospheric dust samples were collected from 2016 to 2020 during the premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons. The average elemental concentrations for premonsoon samples were N (1.73% ± 0.25%), C (7.38% ± 0.72%), S (0.84% ± 0.13%), and TC/TN ratio (4.38 ± 0.86). For postmonsoon samples, the average elemental concentrations were N (1.47% ± 0.185%), C (6.95% ± 1.04%), S (0.84% ± 0.13%), and TC/TN ratio (4.80 ± 0.94). The average δ13C values for premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons were −24.31 ± 1.15‰ and −24.56 ± 1.20‰, respectively. The average δ15N values for premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons were 5.22 ± 1.92‰ and 4.57 ± 1.32‰, respectively. The results showed variations in elemental concentrations between the seasons, with higher values observed in premonsoon samples which can be attributed to increased dust generation from land and sea. Overall, this study provides insights into the local sources and characteristics of PM in the Trombay area and highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to understand the seasonal variations in PM composition.