Sand Composition Research Articles

CHEMICAL EVALUATION AND YIELD ESTIMATE OF ALLUVIAL SEDIMENTS OF FIVE MAJOR RIVERS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA FOR GLASS RAW MATERIALS

Alluvial sands are detrital materials which are transported by a river and deposited, usually temporarily, at points along the flood plain of the river. These sands are majorly consumed in construction industries, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. However, with value addition, it could have a high value-to-mass ratio. The alluvial sands of five major rivers in southwestern Nigeria were investigated. A total of 51 samples were collected along the channels of River Yewa, River Ogun, River Ona, River Osun, and River Shasha during the dry season in 2024. The objectives were to: assess the major chemical composition of alluvial sand vis-à-vis specification requirements for various glass industries; determine the beneficiation requirements where necessary for the silica sand to meet specification; and determine the tonnage of sediments and silica yields per year. The samples were analysed using (XRF) and XRD. The mean percentage of major oxides for the five rivers are SiO2 75.78%, TiO2 1.97%, Al2O3 8.96%, Fe2O3 4.45%, MnO 0.27%, MgO 1.25%, CaO 2.49%, Na2O 0.08%, P2O5 0.52%, Cr2O3 0.23%, and LOI 9.79%. Based on the chemical specification, it was found that the sands are not suitable for the production of first-quality glass materials. However, they are suitable for glass wool, optical glass, flat glass, glass ceramic, container glass etc. based on Best Available Techniques BAT, (2013). The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) was adopted to estimate the sediment yield of all the rivers. The average sediment yield of all the rivers was estimated at 2772.64t/km2/yr. Out of which...

Predictive Modeling of Casting Sand Composition Using Machine Learning for Optimizing Shear Strength

Predictive Modeling of Casting Sand Composition Using Machine Learning for Optimizing Shear Strength

Application of Integrated Geotechnical Investigation and 2D-Geoelectrical Tomography for Engineering Site (A Case Study of Ugbomro)

The current study was designed to find a permanent solution to engineering challenges involving building cracks and associated structural failures. An integrated 2-dimensional geo-electric tomography and geotechnical investigation were carried out in Ugbomro, Effurun, Delta state to aid in unravelling the causes of frequent building collapses in this fast-developing suburb, located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Soil samples obtained for geotechnical investigation were tested and analysed to complement the resistivity survey using a combination of the Wenner and Dipole-Dipole arrays. This integrated approach resulted in more comprehensive data analysis and interpretations to strengthen contemporary knowledge in the study area. Wenner array provides good resolution of vertical and lateral changes in subsurface resistivity, supporting adequate delineation of horizontal structures such as sedimentary layers while the Dipole-Dipole array aids in mapping subtle subsurface features such as faults, joints and fractures and the associated geometry which could pose a threat to structural foundations and buildings within the study area. Geotechnical investigation involved drilling two boreholes to a depth of 15 metres each with samples taken at 0.8m vertical sample rate bringing the total samples collected to 32. For the electrical resistivity surveys, a spacing range of 5-30m was used with profile lengths of 100m in three different locations for both array types. Geotechnical investigation revealed predominant clayey sand composition from the surface to depths of 14m in BH 1 and 11m in BH 2 followed by predominant sand formations at the respective depths. Shallow foundational analysis carried out on both the chosen sites revealed allowable load-bearing capacities of 54 and 77kN/m2 for footing of sizes 0.5-2.0m and founded at depths of 0.5-2.0m. For the electrical resistivity survey, the Wenner array results ranged from 6.5-1199 Ωm, 27-1199Ωm, and 52.9-1499 Ωm at locations A, B and C respectively with an average RMS error of 0.213 while the Dipole-Dipole array results ranged from 98-7560Ωm, 82-7980Ωm and 3-8503Ωm at locations A, B and C with an average RMS error of 0.39. The profile maps and resistivity profiles show similarities in the lithological structures delineated using the borehole logs and the resistivity surveys, which revealed clayey sand and sand are predominant formations within the general location.

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Genesis of Sand–Gravel Brine Deposits in the Mahai Basin of the Northern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

The sand–gravel brine deposit in the Mahai Basin is a newly discovered large-scale potassium–bearing brine deposit. The potassium–bearing brine is primarily found at depths exceeding 150 m within the porous alluvial and fluvial sand–gravel reservoir of the Middle to Lower Pleistocene. This deposit is characterized by a relatively shallow water table, moderate–to–strong aquifer productivity, high salinity, and a KCl content that meets the conditions for exploitation, with the advantage of reduced salt crystallization during well mining, making it a potential reserve base for potash development. A geochemical analysis of the sand–gravel brine revealed consistent trends for the major ions K+, Na+, Mg2+, Cl−, and SO42− along the east–west axis of the alluvial fan, while Ca2+ showed an opposite trend compared to Mg2+. Along the exploration lines from north to south, the concentrations of the main ions gradually increase. The brine is enriched in Na+ and Cl− ions, while SO42− and HCO3− are depleted. In the K+-Na+-Mg2+/Cl−-H2O (25 °C) quaternary phase diagram, the brine falls within the halite stability field, with the hydrochemical type classified as chloride type. The brine coefficient characteristics indicate a multi-source origin involving residual evaporation, salt rock leaching, and metamorphic sedimentary brine. Comparison studies of the ionic composition and isotopic signatures (δD, δ18O, δ37Cl, and δ7Li) of deep sand–gravel brines in the study area with interstitial and confined brines in the southern depression suggest similar geochemical characteristics between them. The genetic analysis of the deposit proposes that during the basin tectonic evolution, the potassium-rich interstitial and confined brines originally located in the southern depression of the Mahai Basin were displaced under compressional forces and migrated northward as the depositional center shifted, eventually backfilling into the loose alluvial and fluvial sand and gravel reservoirs at the front of the Saishiteng Mountains, forming the deep sand–gravel brine deposits in the foreland.

New Polymer–Carbon Lustrous Carbon Precursor in Synthetic Molding Sands—Part I: Studies on the Properties of Sands

In the first part of this publication, selected technological and strength properties of synthetic molding sand bound with sodium bentonite with the addition of a new lustrous carbon carrier (Rcw, Rmw, Rk, Wf, Pw, Z, PD, PS, SLS, ρ0) were determined. The introduction of polyethylene as a substitute for hydrocarbon resin, and shungite as a replacement for coal dust, demonstrated the achievement of an optimal molding sand composition for practical use in casting technology. The sand containing a new lustrous carbon carrier (SH/PE) demonstrates the highest permeability and flowability. Based on the analysis of the obtained results, it should be concluded that to achieve the desired level of the measured properties in the sand with the mixture of precursors SH/PE, the moisture content should be in the range of 1.5% to 1.7%.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN CYLINDER BLOCK PRODUCTION: A SIX SIGMA APPROACH AT PT. XYZ

The implementation of Six Sigma methodology has demonstrated significant effectiveness in enhancing quality and reducing defects in manufacturing processes. This study examines the application of Six Sigma principles to minimize defects in automotive cylinder block production. Employing the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) framework, the research identifies critical factors contributing to defects and implements strategic improvements to address quality issues. The Define phase established key elements related to quality products, including processes, suppliers, customers, and their requirements, utilizing SIPOC diagrams and Critical to Quality (CTQ) factors. In the Measure phase, data collection focused on determining process baselines and root causes, employing Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) and Control Charts. Analysis revealed a DPMO value of 4,987 with a sigma level of 4.077σ. The Analyze phase identified causes of production process failures, with "Sunakui" (sand hole) emerging as the predominant defect type in cylinder block production. The study concluded that unsuitable sand composition was the root cause leading to defects. To address this issue, the research recommends implementing a Poka-Yoke system with an integrated alarm to monitor and ensure appropriate sand composition, thereby enhancing overall product quality.

Assessment of mineralogic composition of the radionuclide rich heavy beach sands in Western Anatolia (Çanakkale)

This study investigates the mineralogical composition of radionuclide-rich beach sands along the coast of the Miocene Ezine-Ayvacık magmatic complex including Kestanbol pluton, in Western Anatolia. The distribution of the radionuclides show variations along the coast with the highest recorded radioactivity at Hantepe Beach, where specific activities of the 238U-, and 232Th-series are significantly high, while 40K concentrations are moderate. In contrast, the southern beaches, dominated by material from the Kestanbol pluton, have higher 40K concentrations but lower 238U-, and 232Th-series specific activities than Hantepe beach. Using gamma spectrometry, bulk geochemical, and in-situ analyses, we provide a detailed assessment of the mineralogical composition of the sand samples and the primordial radionuclide concentrations of the different lithologies within the Kestanbol pluton, such as felsic veins, nepheline monzogabbro and tephriphonolitic dykes. We suggest that thorite group minerals control the high radioactivity at Hantepe beach, and pegmatitic veins of the Kestanbol pluton are the main source rock for thorite minerals. However, all the products of Miocene magmatism in the region exhibit elevated radioelement and radionuclide enrichments suggesting that other accessory and rock- forming minerals are the potential contributors to the high natural background radiation in the area.

Improvement of the Sand Quality by Applying Microorganism Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation to Reduce Cement Usage

This research aimed to study the utilization of microorganisms in the soil. These microorganisms were applied to improve the quality of soil and sand to reduce cement consumption. The process of microbial-induced precipitation of calcium carbonate (MICP) was used in this study, a bonding process to create a binding between sand particles from the naturally occurring processes of microorganisms. The study was conducted to determine the maximum growth rate of bacteria (maximum growth curve) of five strains as follows Proteus mirabilis TISTR 100, Bacillus thuringiensis TISTR 126, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 118, Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 and Bacillus megaterium TISTR 067 in Nutrient Broth (NB) culture medium at 37°C. Christensen's Urea Agar slant (UA) was a preliminary screen for urease-producing bacteria. The color change of indicator color was seen in the slant, comparing the results (+) and control (-). The researchers have selected bacterial strains capable of producing significant amounts of enzymes to hydrolyze urea. It was found that the amount of calcium carbonate sediment produced by five strains of bacteria, namely Proteus mirabilis TISTR 100, Bacillus thuringiensis TISTR 126, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 118, Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 and Bacillus megaterium TISTR 067 had the amount of sediment produced as follows: 3.430, 3.080, 2.590, 1.985, and 1.615 mg/ml, respectively. It was found that the species Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 does not produce the most calcium carbonate sediment. Nevertheless, it made the sand samples stick together tightly and form the perfect lumps. Therefore, improving the sand's composition has shown the potential to apply the MICP process to reduce the cement used.

Groundwater Dynamics in the Middle Brahmaputra River Basin: A Case Study of Shallow Aquifers in Inner Guwahati City, Assam, India

This study investigated the hydrogeological characteristics and groundwater dynamics in the shallow aquifer zones of inner Guwahati city, Assam, India. Sixteen dug wells spread across the city, specifically used for domestic purposes, were selected for this study. Additionally, ten wells were selected for trend analysis. The borehole lithology reveals predominant compositions of clay, sand, and granules, with thin clay cappings indicating significant groundwater potential. Depth-to-water level analysis revealed varying water levels across the study area, with shallow levels in the northern and western regions and gradual deepening toward the eastern and southern parts. The groundwater flow directions show nonuniform patterns and reflect the influence of topography and domestic pumping in urban residential zones. The general groundwater flow direction is toward the Brahmaputra River. Trends in groundwater level, assessed using the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope, suggest both falling and rising trends across different locations, indicating complex groundwater dynamics influenced by factors such as recharge, extraction, and topography. However, the long-term rainfall data indicate no significant trend over the studied period, suggesting limited natural influence on groundwater level trends. These findings may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of groundwater dynamics in the study area and are essential for sustainable water resource management and mitigation of groundwater depletion risks.

Axial and transverse river deposits preserved in an Aptian rift basin, Northeastern Brazil: Implications for sandstone reservoir quality

A syn-rift, up to 250 m thick, fluvial sandstone unit of Aptian age (Marizal Formation, Tucano Basin, northeastern Brazil) preserves the deposits of an axial fluvial system and contemporary tributaries. These deposits exhibit characteristic variations in composition, grain size, and paleocurrents, indicating different sources for each system. There is a systematic downstream increase in the tributary contribution to the axial system along the basin axis. This sediment mixture model is established based on extensive paleocurrent data in conjunction with macroscopic, microscopic, and detrital zircon provenance data. The spatial distribution of diagenetic patterns and reservoir permo-porosity properties were compared to the paleogeographic model. The comparison revealed that the increase in lithic fragments brought by a main tributary led to a reduction in intergranular porosity and permeability of axial system deposits downstream, following a change in pebble and sand composition. Our findings highlight that the relative amount of bedload brought by tributaries plays a crucial role in the composition and diagenetic evolution of fluvial reservoirs. Spatial variations in sandstone composition at specific stratigraphic intervals are expected due to the intricate patterns of mixture and preservation of axial and transverse river deposits within fault-bounded basins.

Study of Structural Defects Evolution in Fine-Grained Concrete Using Computed Tomography Methods

Introduction. When studying composite materials for construction purposes, it is needed to consider the mechanisms of formation of the structure and properties of modern concretes in the process of strength development. In studies of modern composite materials based on cement binder, there is no information about the development of structural defects and destruction of the material at the initial stages of strength development. This information can be obtained using X-ray computed tomography, a promising method of nondestructive testing of the state of the material. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the formation and propagation of cracks in samples of fine-grained concrete with different fractional composition of sand due to natural processes of cement shrinkage, as well as the mechanics of destruction of samples of modified fine-grained concrete when applying a compressive load at the early stages of strength development. Materials and Methods. The study used fine-grained concrete mixtures of three compositions with different sand gradation. The tomography samples were made by placing fresh mixtures in polymer cylindrical containers. Tomography of the samples immediately after manufacture, as well as after 8 and 51 days, was performed in a YXLON Cheetah microfocus X-ray machine. The composition with two-fraction sand was modified by mechanical activation of the components, 20×20×20 mm cube samples were made. Further, compression tests were performed at the Instron installation after 3 and 7.5 hours, and then — tomography of the destroyed samples.Results. It was established that the destruction of contact zones depended on the ratio of the size of the fractions. In the presence of a bulk of coarse sand grains in concrete, the destruction of contact zones was more pronounced and had a main mode. When using fine or polyfraction sand, contact zones were destroyed locally and had a visually smaller area. The images of the destroyed modified sample, tested 3 hours after manufacturing, showed clear cracks and indents on the edges, which indicated the elastic-plastic nature of the destruction. In 7.5 hours, the edges of the sample upon destruction were covered with a network of small cracks; inside the sample there were also numerous cracks and microcracks, which indicated brittle fracture. Based on the obtained images of the deformed structure of modified concrete, the mechanism of transition from elastic-plastic destruction of the material to brittle one was clearly visible.Discussion and Conclusion. The studied dependences of the influence of the size of fine aggregate on the mechanisms of formation and propagation of structural defects contribute to the theory of the processes of destruction of fine-grained concretes. The results obtained prove the prospects of using X-ray computed tomography as a method of nondestructive testing of the internal structure of fine-grained concrete, including at the early stages of strength development.

Assessment of Morphometric Characteristics and Gully Development Susceptibility in Itu Local Government Area Using Geographic Information System

The intensification in urbanization and wrong termination of drains into ravine has resulted in gully development which has rendered people homeless and reduced agricultural and economic development. Consequently, this study assessed morphometric characteristics and gully development susceptibility in Itu Local Government Area using Geographic Information System. In conducting this study, measurement of the morphometric parameters of the identified gullies were carried out while the susceptibility extent of gully development was done using multi-criteria technique in GIS. In assessing the characteristics features of the gullies, Field surveys measurements of gully morphology and hydraulic variables were carried out by the researcher using Global Positioning System (GPS), measuring tape, ranging pole, etc. This help in determining gullied land volume and cross-sectional area. Result of the study shows that the measured gully depth varies from 6.4m at Obong Itam to 25.8m at Enen Atai, while the gully width ranges from 4.1m in Ikot Ekang to 9.3m in Ntiat Itam. The cross-sectional profiles ranges from 45.43m<sup>2</sup> to 165.12m<sup>2</sup>. Also, the cross-sectional profile of the area indicative of V-shape to U- shape, all with very narrow gully width and steeply sloping gully sides, which are features of gullies developed on very loose and incoherent soils that slump/collapse on exposure. On the other hand, the mean sand composition of the soil was 62.2% ranging between 55.3-70.1 while silt ranges from 17.7-25.2 with a mean of 20.2% and clay ranging between 10.0-21.9 with mean of 17.7%. The correlation matrix between the gully depth and cross- sectional area (0.84) and is significant at 99% confidence level, meaning that the retreat of gully sides take place at rates proportional to the rate of gully deepening. In assessing the susceptibility extent of gully development in Itu Local Government Area using multi-criteria Analysis technique, the summary of the map shows that 52.94% of the total study area are highly susceptible to gully development, 28.19% are moderately susceptible while 9.31% and 9.56% marginally and not susceptible respectively to gully development in Itu local government area. The study concludes that the poor soil quality attributes, soil conservation and management practices contribute to gully development in the area, hence, the need for government to enact laws against such activities that favour gully growth and initialization.

Unravelling the evolution of a continental rift by a multi-proxy provenance study (Albertine Rift, Uganda)

Sedimentary provenance analysis has rarely been applied to continental rifts, because source-rock terrains are assumed to be uniform and supply systems stable and closely connected to the formation of graben shoulders. Here, we test the suitability of multi-proxy sedimentary provenance analysis to unravel the evolution of a segment of the East African Rift System from its sedimentary record, where an extreme relief has been created and a continent-wide drainage system has been affected. Multi-proxy techniques include petrographic-mineralogical analysis (framework, heavy mineral spectra, zircon morphology, and colour), as well as single-grain garnet geochemistry, Zr-in-rutile thermometry, and geochronological methods (detrital zircon U–Pb ages). Published data are compiled and complemented by new U–Pb detrital zircon data of rift sediments. Because a comprehensive database of basement source-rock compositions from East Africa is missing, published modern river sand compositions have been added to provide endmember source fingerprints. The selected Albertine Rift is surrounded by four main source terrains within the East African Basement, which cannot be separated clearly by individual provenance indicators. Most useful were heavy mineral spectra, garnet composition, and with limitation Zr-in-rutile thermometry showing different metamorphic overprint. U–Pb detrital zircon spectra assisted well in detecting juvenile magmatism of different orogenic events, but repeated inheritance in younger units prevented a strict allocation. Petrographic maturity turned out to be more dependent on multi-cycle detritus as on climate shift. Applying endmember composition to rift sediments, three evolutionary stages of the Albertine Rift could be identified which coincide with basin-scale unconformities. Moreover, we could prove a large, southwest trending drainage network in East Africa during the Miocene, which was destructed step-wise by ongoing rifting. Extreme uplift of the Rwenzori Mountains up to 5109 m could be documented by a specific set of provenance indicators justified by modern river sand. Three main lessons can be drawn from this study: (1) basement units can be only reliably characterized by a combination of provenance-sensitive parameters, and here, the frequently used U–Pb detrital zircon ages are not sufficient; (2) it is possible to define subunits, e.g., individual fault-blocks within the rift; and (3) chemical weathering is unproblematic when applying a multi-parameter approach even in a tropical setting.Graphical abstract

Context specific effects of substrate composition on the taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrate communities in temperate lowland streams.

Substrate composition has been widely recognised as a primary variable shaping lotic macroinvertebrate communities at the habitat unit level. However, fundamental understanding of how communities inhabiting mineralogical habitats (i.e., gravel, sand and silt) are structured across differing rivers is lacking. Moreover, research largely focusses on gravel beds and fine sediment in general (<2 mm) and as a result detailed field observations specifically of the sand and silt fractions are lacking. Using data from five UK streams collated from published studies, we assess taxonomic and functional biodiversity (alpha and beta diversity) at the habitat unit level (as defined by substrate composition of sand, silt and gravel). We found that the composition of taxonomic communities were clearly different in all habitat units for each individual stream (and at the landscape scale), with comparable, but less strong, distinctions between substrates for functional macroinvertebrate community composition. However, alpha diversity metrics and Local Contribution to Beta Diversity (LCBD) recorded among the different habitat units varied significantly across individual rivers, and the amount of variation explained by the habitat unit for taxonomic and functional composition demonstrated considerable differences suggesting strong context dependence. The depositional fine sediment habitats of sand and silt were found to support a discrete community composition and differing levels of alpha and beta diversity within and between rivers. We advocate that care should be taken when seeking to generalise biodiversity patterns at a landscape scale as our study highlights the high degree of context dependency when considering the role of the habitat template. Moreover, our results provide evidence that discriminating between the size fractions of fine sediment habitats (sand or silt) is important to fully elucidate the wider ecological importance of these habitats and the distinct taxonomic and functional biodiversity they support.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Tile Based on the Clay – Dune Sand Composition

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Tile Based on the Clay – Dune Sand Composition

Penanganan Rembesan dan Perkuatan Tanah Menggunakan Metode Insitu Test (Pressure Meter Test) Studi Kasus : Proyek Bendungan Margatiga

The bearing capacity of the soil is the support of the foundation, where the foundation transmits the loads derived from the weight of the building itself and the loads acting on the building to the surrounding soil. The purpose of this paper is to determine the handling of seepage and soil reinforcement needed in the case study of the Margatiga Dam Project, East Lampung. Based on the results of geological investigations, the Margatiga Dam is composed of a quarter-aged rock layer with a fragment composition of fine sand - gravel, with a soft - hard hardness level and the need for foundation repair. Based on the lithological conditions of the Margatiga Dam Extraction Gate foundation and the Spillway building which are composed of relatively deep and quite porous alluvial sand deposits, this causes the curtain grouting results to be ineffective, therefore it is necessary to change the seepage control design from the Grouting Curtain to the boundary wall. Based on the simulation check in Plaxis Software for Seepage and Excavation Staging, processing was carried out using Secant Pile and Soldier Pile with a depth of 30 meters with a stretch of 140 m and overlapping with Curtain Grouting of Embankment Dam on the left side and 5 m right side. Field PMT results showed that the maximum stress of the rock layer under the spillway foundation was 0.016 MPa and 0.630 MPa.

Impactor identification with spallogenic Cr isotopes: The Wabar impact craters (Saudi Arabia)

AbstractPrecise measurements of Cr isotopic composition of terrestrial impactites have successfully provided evidence for the presence of extraterrestrial material and have, in some cases, allowed the identification of the type of impactor responsible for the formation of the impact structure. The high Cr abundance in most meteorite groups aids in detecting extraterrestrial contamination while their distinct isotopic compositions can help with the identification of the nature of the projectile. However, this common approach of detection and identification of extraterrestrial contamination using mass‐independent 53Cr and 54Cr variations fails when the impactor type is an iron meteorite because of their low Cr abundances (which are in a similar range to terrestrial rocks). The present study demonstrates the viability of a spallogenic Cr contribution in iron meteorites (resulting from their long cosmic ray exposure times), which compensates for their low Cr abundances and facilitates the identification of iron‐meteoritic contamination in terrestrial impactites. Thus, it broadens the scope of impactors (and impactites) that can be investigated using mass‐independent Cr isotopes from solely chondrites and primitive achondrites to include iron meteorites. The Wabar impact craters are an optimal candidate for this study, characterized by low weathering, diverse impactites, partial meteorite survival, substantial impactor material contamination, and a felsic target lithology with low background Cr concentration. The Cr isotopic composition of the Wabar background sand, which represents the target lithology, is indistinguishable from the terrestrial Cr isotopic composition range, whereas the Wabar iron meteorites show coupled spallogenic excesses in ε53Cr and ε54Cr. The Cr isotopic compositions of Wabar impactites show resolved deviations from the terrestrial Cr isotopic composition, thereby indicating the presence of Wabar meteoritic contamination. Moreover, the study demonstrates that even an impactor with a non‐carbonaceous chondritic origin, such as a IIIAB iron meteorite, can have a carbonaceous chondrite‐like signature in ε54Cr anomalies due to spallogenic Cr contamination. The study advocates for a comprehensive investigation combining platinum group elements and Cr (and/or Ni, Ru) isotopes to accurately characterize impactor types.

Harnessing Soil Diversity: Innovative Strategies for Potato Blight Management in Central-Eastern Poland

Faced with increasing climate challenges, this pioneering study introduces groundbreaking approaches to ensure the resilience of potato crops in east-central Poland. Our research was aimed at developing an innovative, cost-effective system tailored to the diverse local conditions of this region. Conducted between 2018 and 2020, the study analyzed integrated and organic production systems across different soil types and potato varieties. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications in two locations. Integrated production systems involve the strategic use of mineral fertilization and chemical protection to optimize crop growth and health, whereas organic production systems rely solely on natural inputs and biological pest control methods. Integrated practices, enhanced by mineral fertilization and chemical protection, notably delayed the onset of late blight by 16 days and extended the critical infection period by 17% compared to their organic counterparts. Remarkably, the integrated systems resulted in a 49% increase in total production and a 52% increase in commercial yields, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience. Different potato varieties exhibit varied responses to cultivation systems, influencing both yield and disease resistance. Further investigation into these varietal responses can help optimize cultivation practices, leading to improved efficiency and sustainability in potato farming. Location and soil conditions have a significant impact on potato yield and the spread of potato blight. Specific soil properties such as pH levels, organic matter content, soil texture (clay, silt, and sand composition), moisture retention capacity, and nutrient availability are crucial in determining potato productivity and disease dynamics. Further research into these soil properties and the adaptation of varieties to local conditions can contribute to increased productivity and stability in potato production. This study not only paves the way toward sustainable agriculture but also highlights the crucial role of soil diversity in shaping resilient farming practices. Potato producers in the eastern-central region of Poland should implement integrated production systems using mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection, adapted to local soil conditions and potato varieties. These practices can delay the appearance of late blight and increase the total and marketable potato yield. Further research on soil properties and variety adaptation may increase production stability and efficiency. Promoting soil diversity and modern technologies will ensure resilient and sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change.

Enhanced Natural Attenuation Technique, Edaphic and Microbiological Changes in Oil-Impacted Soil of Odhiaje Community, Rivers State

Oil spills in the Niger Delta could exert environmental pressures on the soil component. We investigated the impacts of oil spills and the effect of the Enhanced Natural Attenuation (ENA) remediation method on contaminated soil and resident microbial populations in the Odhiaje community in Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples for microbiological studies were collected weekly during a 17-week remediation period, while those for edaphic parameters were taken before and after remediation, all at 4 sampling points (SPs). Serial dilution of the oil-impacted soils for microbial density enumeration was carried out according to standard methods. Results revealed that mean concentrations of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contents (THC) (Sig.value = 0.009), SO42- ions (Sig.value = 0.001), and sand compositions (Sig.value = 0.045) all differed markedly across the sampling points at p&lt;0.05. Mean levels of EC (Sig.tvalue = 0.039) and ΣN (Sig.tvalue = 0.058) &amp; K+ ions (Sig.tvalue = 0.004) differed significantly before and after the remediation exercise at the 95% confidence interval. Application of nutrients was rapidly accompanied by microbial population increases, leading to the consumption of oil contaminants in soils to levels comparable to control over the remediation period. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria counts correlated with pH (r = 0.501) and SO42- ions (r = 0.500) (p&lt;0.05), and K+ ions (r = -0.800) (p&lt;0.01); Total Heterotrophic Fungi correlated with pH (r = 0.520) (p&lt;0.05), and Mg2+ ions (r = 0.820) (p&lt;0.01); Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria correlated with available P (r = 0.530) and silt composition (r = -0.504) (p&lt;0.05), and K+ (r = 0.626) and Mg2+ ions (r = 0.733) (p&lt;0.01); and Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi correlated with K+ (r = 0.500) &amp; Mg2+ ions (r = 0.506) (p&lt;0.05). Results indicate improvement in C/N ratios and effectiveness of the current cost-effective bioaugmentation technique in the restoration of arable soil productivity in the Odhiaje community.

Dry masonry mixtures based on siliceous opal-cristobalite rocks for clinker bricks

Clinker bricks have always attracted consumers with their high physical and mechanical characteristics: strength, dense structure, frost resistance, low water absorption values. In recent years, enterprises producing ceramic materials have begun to look for the opportunity to produce these products in Russia. With increased demand for clinker bricks, a technology has emerged for creating large-sized clinker stones which feature increased voids – 60-80%, an average density of 450-700 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity of 0.8-0.11 W/(m·°C), and a compressive strength of 10-30 MPa. The use of such wall products in construction projects predetermines specific building mixtures for masonry work that would meet the required values for strength, water absorption, vapor permeability and, at the same time, would have reduced thermal conductivity characteristics. To develop such masonry mortars, it is necessary to select the grain composition of quartz sand for building mixtures to ensure structural strength indicators. Thus, the research aims at finding lightweight aggregate and increasing porosity in order to improve the heat-shielding properties of clinker brick masonry and clinker high-hollow large-sized blocks.