Ion Concentration In Solution Research Articles

Stabilizing behaviors of Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas alcaligenes bacteria on heavy metal ions in electrolytic manganese residue

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) contains a significant amount of Mn ions as well as Zn, Cu and Cd ions, which have negative environmental impacts due to their toxicity. This study aims to investigate the effects of Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) and Pseudomonas alcaligenes (P. alcaligenes) on the stabilization of heavy metal ions in both simulated solutions and the EMR. The results demonstrated that the synergy of P. putida and P. alcaligenes was more effective than either P. putida or P. alcaligenes alone in stabilizing Mn ions. However, the presence of higher concentration of Zn, Cu and Cd ions in the simulated solution weakened the stabilization effect of Mn ions. Fortunately, when P. putida and P. alcaligenes were synergized together, they exhibited a stronger performance in stabilizing heavy metal ions present in the EMR compared to the bacteria employed alone. After 12 days of fermentation in the EMR slurry, almost all Mn ions were eliminated through the formation of deposits, while the concentrations of Zn, Cu and Cd ions decreased to 0.28 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L respectively after 10 days fermentation. Under the synergy of P. putida and P. alcaligenes, soluble components such as MnSO4·H2O, (NH4)2Mn(SO4)2·6 H2O and Zn, Cu and Cd compounds from the EMR were transformed into insoluble compounds including (MnCO3, Mn3(PO4)2·3 H2O, Mn2Zn(PO4)2·4 H2O, MnFe2(PO4)2(OH)2·8 H2O), Cu5Zn(PO4)2(OH)6·H2O and Cd(OH)2) for the stabilization of heavy metals ions in the EMR. This study proposes an eco-friendly and low-cost method for rendering EMR harmless through pretreatment.

A Novel Sensor Based on Polysulfone/Iron Complex Membranes for Detection of Arsenic Ions in Aqueous Solutions Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance Method

ABSTRACT Fabricating composite membranes with enhanced permeance and desirable properties for treating aqueous solutions is an effective approach to developing advancing membrane technology. In this study, a sensor membrane was prepared for the sorption and detection of As(III) ions in aqueous solutions. A novel membrane based on polysulfone (PSF) with varying concentrations of iron complexes was prepared using the phase inversion method. The composite membranes were analyzed using FTIR, SEM, XRD, AFM, and TGA. The structures of the membranes exhibited good dispersibility and compatibility with the complexes within the PSF matrix. TGA analysis showed that the thermal stability of the membranes was significantly improved compared to that of pure PSF. The membranes were evaluated as sensors for detecting extremely low concentrations of As(III) ions in aqueous solutions using the quartz crystal microbalance technique. The results indicate that the composite membrane sensors could detect small amounts of As(III) ions in aqueous solutions at different temperatures. Notably, PSF/TBPFe5 at 45°C demonstrated superior sensitivity for As ion detection. Therefore, these membranes are ideal materials for assessing water quality.

Measurement of Pt consumption from Pt electrodes during water electrolysis using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method: Effect of the water electrolysis method and the concentration of chloride ions in the aqueous solution

The consumption of the Pt electrocatalyst, which occurs when aqueous solution with neutral pH is electrolyzed with a Pt electrode to produce hydrogen or oxygen, was measured from the change in resonance frequency using the QCM method. First, it was found that the Pt consumption from the electrode during water electrolysis while applying a steady positive potential was very small, but it was almost proportional to the time the current was applied. Second, when electrolysis was performed by polarity reversal electrolysis of the anode and cathode periodically during electrolysis, the amount of Pt consumed increased in proportion to the number of polarity reversal was exchanged. The Pt consumption obtained by the QCM method was in close agreement with the value obtained by EDX method, proving the validity of the measurement method. The QCM measurement method was also proven to be a reliable method of measurement.

Sustainable enhancement of fly ash/steel slag composite cement: The role of TriDiethanolamine Citrate in promoting hydration and microstructure

The development of sustainable cementitious materials is critical for reducing the environmental impact of the cement industry. This study examined the feasibility of using the new amide-alcohol organic hydration promoter, TriDiethanolamine Citrate (TriDECA), in fly ash or steel slag (FA/SS) composite cement. The effects of TriDECA on the hydration process, hydration products, microstructure and compressive strength of FA/SS composite cement, as well as its impact on the dissolution of FA and SS, were systematically investigated. Results demonstrated that TriDECA significantly accelerated the dissolution of FA and SS, promoted the formation of hydration products (C-S-H, AFm), and refined the pore structure. Additionally, TriDECA increased the concentration of critical ions in the pore solution, promoted hydration and enhanced overall performance. At 28 days, FA-TriDECA and SS-TriDECA showed 8.1 % and 14.2 % higher strength than FA-TEA and FA-Ref, respectively. For SS-TriDECA, the increase was 13.2 % and 11.2 % compared to SS-TEA and SS-Ref, respectively. These findings suggest that TriDECA is a promising additive for enhancing the sustainability and performance of FA/SS composite cements, offering advantages in hydration promotion and microstructure improvement over traditional alkanolamines.

Environmental disposal of sulphide-rich and desulfurized tailings: Thickening, rheological, mechanical, and leaching performance

The surface disposal of sulphide-rich tailings (compared to ordinary tailings, it contains many sulphides) will cause environmental and groundwater pollution, and it is an eco-friendly method to prepare cemented paste backfill (CPB) from sulphide-rich tailings and backfill it into underground goafs. However, the thickening performance of sulphide-rich and desulfurized tailings is unclear, the sulphide-rich CPB strength cannot meet the standard. Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted on its thickening performance through settling columns and dynamic thickening experiments, mechanics, and leaching tests were also conducted. The optimal flocculant conditions with different sulphide contents were obtained through settling column experiments. Meanwhile, it was found that turbidity and initial settling rate (ISR) were linearly related to tailings feeding concentration. Due to the higher specific gravity of sulphide-rich tailings, under different flocculation conditions, the higher the sulphide content, the higher the concentration, and there is a linear correlation between sulphide content and concentration. The results of dynamic thickening show that rake-shearing can improve the concentration and the shear yield stress, both of which increase rapidly at first and then slowly with the extension of shearing time. A logarithmic model of concentration based on shear yield stress was established. The unconfined compressive stress of the CPB prepared from tailings desulfurized to 20.7 wt%-S (S20.7) is much higher than that of 30.7 wt%-S sulphide content tailings (S30.7), which can meet the backfilling requirements. The concentration of metal ions in the soaking solution of S20.7 CPB is higher, and the environmental impact is small. Finally, it is recommended to choose S20.7 for backfilling. The study is significant for revealing the thickening and mechanical performance evolution of sulphide-rich tailings and environmental protection disposal.

DEVELOPMENT OF DRY BUILDING MIXTURES BASED ON REDISPERSIBLE POWDER FOR REGULATING THE PROPERTIES OF PLASTER MIXTURES

The relevance of the work. The results is theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed the possibility of obtaining a dry additive-retarder of gypsum setting based on lime and polyvinyl acetate dispersions due to the formation of polyvinyl alcohol and salts of calcium acetate in the result of alkaline hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate dispersion (PVAD) with the slaked lime in hydrated lime. The results of the work implemented in the production of dry gypsum mixes. Purpose. The development of dry building mixes based on gypsum and time increase of time of their conformance through adding of complex additives on the basis of burnt lime and polyvinyl acetate dispersions [PVAD]. Methodology. The study used standard research techniques to determine physical and mechanical properties of gypsum binders and quality of complex additives according to ДСТУ Б В.2.7-82:2010, ДСТУ Б В.2.7-23-95, ДСТУ Б В.2.7-171:2008. Study of phase composition of materials, micro – and macrostructure was carried out by x-ray diffraction, electron and light microscopy. The results. The influence of the main components of the additive (polyvinyl acetate dispersion and lime) on the properties of hemihydrate gypsum is investigated. The chemistry of the interaction of components of the complex additive, according to which the result of alkaline hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate is formed: polyvinyl alcohol, a feature of its molecules structure is the presence of hydrophilic OH−groups and the hydrophobic component − a hydrocarbon radical. The hydrophilic part of the molecule being ion adsorbed on the surface of the particles of the binder, forms a monomolecular layer that is oriented with the hydrophobic part of the gypsum particles. It is also possible the formation of calcium acetate Ca(СН3СОО)2, which increases the concentration of calcium ions in solution. The combined effect of hydrolysis products significantly reduce the solubility of hemihydrate, the rate of formation of crystallization centers, due to the slowing effect of these supplements.

Influence of wet–dry cycles on the disintegration characteristics of Cretaceous siltstone, China

Cretaceous siltstone, which is widely distributed in the Yichang region, is a type of soft rock characterized by its low strength and its susceptibility to softening and disintegration when exposed to water. To gain a better understanding of the impact of wet–dry cycles on the disintegration characteristics and mechanisms of Cretaceous siltstone, a series of rock disintegration experiments were conducted. These experiments involved microscopic structure analysis and solution ion concentration tests on the specimens. The results of the experiments revealed that with an increase in the number of wet–dry cycles, the Cretaceous siltstone progressively fractured and disintegrated, with larger fragments transitioning into smaller ones. Microscopic structure analysis indicated that continuous wet–dry cycles altered the specimen's microscopic structure, resulting in the formation of new microcracks and pores. The results of solution ion concentration tests showed significant mineral dissolution losses during specimen immersion in the solution. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of various disintegration parameters highlighted that each metric emphasized specific aspects of Cretaceous siltstone disintegration characteristics. Therefore, adopting a multi-metric approach allows a comparison of the validation and assessment of the disintegration features of Cretaceous siltstone from many aspects. Finally, based on the experimental findings, a concise description and summary of the disintegration mechanisms of Cretaceous siltstone under wet–dry cycle conditions are provided; then, combined with its disintegration mechanisms, engineering prevention and control suggestions for timely drainage and a reduction in thermal contact are put forward from the perspectives of waterproofing and heat insulation, which can be used for reference.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan Schiff base grafted with formaldehyde and aminoethanol: As an effective adsorbent for removal of Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous media

Grafted chitosan materials show the characteristics of high stability, easy separation and recovery, and good heavy metal adsorption capacity, and have received much attention in the adsorption process. Therefore, in this work, novel grafted chitosan-based adsorbent CS-EHBSB@F-AE was prepared by a one-pot reaction of chitosan (CS), 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (EHB), formaldehyde (F) and aminoethanol (F). The microstructure and morphology of the as-prepared composite CS-EHBSB@F-AE were characterized by FT-IR, TGA, DSC, FE-SEM, and BET analyses. The adsorption performance of the as-prepared CS-EHBSB@F-AE composite on Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous was investigated using batch experiment and the effects of the initial pH of the solution, contact time, and initial metal ions concentration and temperature on the adsorption efficiency were investigated and discussed. At the best conditions, CS-EHBSB@F-AE exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity of 246.7 mg/g, 203.9 mg/g, and 234.4 mg/g in absorbing Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II), respectively. The adsorption equilibrium and the kinetic studies confirmed that the ions adsorption process fits well with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models. Additionally, the adsorption efficiency of Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) metal ions by the composite CS-EHBSB@F-AE was reduced by increasing the temperature from 298 K to 318 K. In addition, after the sixth ads/des cycles, the as-prepared adsorbent still exhibited high removal efficiency with a decrease in adsorption efficiency of Pb(II) (5.53 %), Hg(II) (15.43 %) and Cu(II) (8.27 %). Finally, we proposed that the ions adsorption by CS-EHBSB@F-AE has happened using the coordination of active groups containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms on the surface of the adsorbent with the Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cu(II) metal ions.

Adsorption Studies of Pb<sup>2+</sup>, Cu<sup>2+</sup> and Cr<sup>3+</sup> from Aqueous Solution Using <i>Azadirachta Indica </i>(Neem) Seed Husk and <i>Adansonia Digitata </i>(Baobab) Seeds

The adsorption of Pb<sup>2+</sup>, Cu<sup>2+</sup> and Cr<sup>3+</sup> from aqueous solution using Neem seed husk (NSH) and baobab seed (BS) were studied through the use of batch adsorption system. The adsorbents were prepared by drying at 120°C for 24hours and were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analysis. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of O-H, N-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, and C-O stretching; XRD revealed the particle sizes as 44.51nm for NSH and 42.61nm while the morphology of the NSH and BS were revealed by SEM to be porous for NSH and BS. Various parameters such as, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, Temperature and pH of metal ion solution were investigated in a batch-adsorption System. The adsorption uptake was found to increase with increase in adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature but decreases with the initial concentration. The uptake of the metal ions increases and reaches optimum at pH of 4-6. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be Pb-NSH (15.267mg/g) and Cu-NSH (19.46mg/g). Adsorption of Cu<sup>2+</sup>onto NSH fitted Langmuir isotherm model with (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.93) while Adsorption of Pb-NSH Fitted Freundlich isotherm Model with (R<sup>2</sup>> 0.99). Kinetic data fitted pseudo-second-order model (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.98) which was more suitable in explaining the adsorption rate. Thermodynamic data showed that Gibb’s free energy (ΔG°) values for all metal ions were negative indicating feasibility and favorability of adsorption. Positive enthalpy change (ΔH°) and Entropy change (ΔS°) values indicate endothermic processes and increase in randomness.

Functional and mechanistic assessment of plant-available soil phosphorus greatly improved the multisite diagnosis of maize yield response

Context or problemPlant-available soil phosphorus (P) is commonly assessed by chemical extractions with the purpose of diagnosing and advising fertilizer P application. However, for a given crop, this approach only poorly predicts yields obtained from several experimental sites. To solve this major drawback, a functional and mechanistic evaluation has been developed to mimic dominant processes involved in the absorption of phosphate ions. Objective or research questionIn this study, we investigated the predictive ability of a mechanistic approach to diagnose maize (Zea mays L.) yields, in comparison to the common Olsen's method (0.5 M bicarbonate solution). MethodsThe processes-based assessment consists of parameterizing relationships between amount of diffusible phosphate ions (Pr) at the solid-to-solution interface equilibrating the phosphate ions concentration in solution (CP) with time (t). We parameterized [Pr vs. (CP, t)] relationships for stored and archived soil samples (plough layer) of nine long-term field experiments (LTFEs) on increasing rates of P applications including the zero-P treatment (P0). LTFEs were located in different soils (Luvisol, Podzol, Arenosol, Calcosol) with large variations in physico-chemical properties. We also used LTFEs database of maize yields. ResultsThe CP values ranged from 0.02 to 3.86 mg P L−1 for 40 (LTFE×year of maize cropping) combinations. The (Pr=v×CPw×tp) equation closely described the [Pr vs. (CP, t)] datasets, with (v, w, p) parameters being soil specific. Maximum yields ranged from 5.5 to 14.7 t DM ha−1 depending on LTFEs and years. Yields decreased significantly only in P0, and did not differ for other P rates. The relationship between the relative maize yield and CP was sites-specific with CP thresholds to obtain a relative yield of 0.95 ranged from 0.07 to 0.88 mg P L−1 solution. Taking into account amounts of phosphate ions which balance CP by diffusion using (Pr=v×CPw×tp) equations, a single response curve is observed for the 9 LTFEs when the replenishment time is 1500 minutes (i.e. about one day). The critical CP thresholds closely correlated to the ability of the soil solid phase to buffer phosphate ions in solution. ConclusionsFor the 9 studied LTFEs on P fertilization, the [Pr vs. (CP, t)] relationships were more able to account for maize response curves than P extracted by Olsen method, improving the precision and reliability of the multisite diagnosis of maize yield response. Implications or significanceAs a result, P fertilization recommendations are more reliable regardless of soil type. Further progress could be gained by taking into account for the role of the soil layer beneath the plough layer.

Investigation of alite hydration in the presence of low- and high-silica zeolites

Synthetic zeolites that are obtained from the hydrothermal reaction of NaOH with fly ash have a well-defined pore structure and pozzolanic properties. This work examines the effect of the low-silica (Na-A) and high-silica (ZSM-5) zeolite structure on the kinetics of alite hydration and mineralogical characteristics of the reaction products. The addition of the Na-A and ZSM-5 zeolites reduced the rate of heat release during the hydration reaction, which is typical for commonly used pozzolanic additives. The ZSM-5 zeolite had a much higher Si/Al ratio relative to the Na-A zeolite, which translated into a higher pozzolanic activity and resulted in greater stability of the hydration reaction kinetics. The addition of zeolites caused the heat of hydration to decrease compared to the reference pastes (the alite reference paste—206 J/g): Na-A 15%—148.9 J/g; ZSM-5 15%—149.9 J/g. The concentration of calcium ions in the alite solution and the content of active silica were identified as the most important parameters affecting the kinetic, morphological, and structural characteristics of the C–S–H phase. The addition of zeolites increased the amount of C–S–H gel phases formed. At the same time, the proportion of portlandite in the hydration products of the alite–zeolite systems decreased. Pozzolans reduced the ratio of CaO/SiO2 in the C–S–H phase, which for pastes with the addition of the Na-A ranged from 1.61 to 1.37, and for the ZSM-5 from 1.91 to 0.47. This ratio decreased with the dosage and the age of alite paste. In summary, this research has shown that synthetic zeolites are a viable pozzolanic additives.

Biochar with root pore channels loaded copper cobalt bimetallic metal organic framework for effective peroxomonosulfate activation to degrade organic pollutants

Biochar (BC) with root pore channel structure was used as the carrier, and bimetallic organic framework (CuCo-MOF) as the main active site. The CuCo-MOF was successfully dispersed in the internal channels of BC by in situ reaction, forming a composite catalyst (BC/CuCo-MOF(10 %)) with unique reaction channels. The degradation efficiency of ciprofloxacin (20 mg/L) in only 25 min was 96.4 %, and its catalytic performance was superior to that of the single BC and CuCo-MOF. On the one hand, abundant CuCo-MOF reaction sites were distributed in the relatively closed porous reaction channel of BC, which accelerated the mass transfer process (short mass transfer distance) during the CIP degradation process and improved the CIP degradation performance. On the other hand, highly conductive BC facilitates electron transfer between Cu2+/Cu+ species and HSO5-, accelerating the redox cycle of Cu2+/Cu+, thereby improving catalytic activity. Besides, the composite catalyst was still able to achieve a degradation efficiency of 87.6 % for CIP after five cyclic degradation experiments. The concentrations of Cu and Co ions in the reaction solution were only 0.04 and 0.03 mg/L. Therefore, the composites have excellent catalytic activity and stability. Both non-radical 1O2 and radicals (SO4·- and ·OH) were involved in the reaction, and the non-radical 1O2 pathway played a dominant role in the CIP degradation process.

Improving the photoelectrochemical performance of WO3 photoelectrodes by controlling the pH and Na+ ion concentration through varying the number of H2WO4 precipitate washing treatments

In this study, WO3 thin-film photoelectrodes were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using the spin coating method. The H2WO4 precipitate underwent various washing treatments to prepare the Na2WO4 precursor solution, which was subsequently used for growing photoelectrodes. We found that washing with the H2WO4 precipitate changed the Na + ion concentration and pH of the precursor solution containing the H2WO4 precipitate and subsequently affected the thickness, X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak intensity, optical energy bandgap, flat-band potential, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the WO3 photoelectrode. In particular, the Na + ions in the H2WO4 precipitate solution negatively affected the PEC properties by causing photogenerated electron–hole recombination and worsening the adhesion between the substrate and the WO3 thin film. Therefore, H2WO4 precipitate washing treatment is crucial for reducing the Na + ion concentration in solutions containing H2WO4 precipitate. Consequently, among the samples grown using different numbers of washing treatments, the sample grown using 12 precipitate washing treatment cycles exhibited the highest photocurrent density of 1.37 mA/cm2 and a photostability of 97.5 %. In this study, the morphological, structural, optical, electrical, and PEC properties of WO3 photoelectrodes subjected to H2WO4 precipitate washing treatment were systematically analyzed.

PyChelator: a Python-based Colab and web application for metal chelator calculations

BackgroundMetal ions play vital roles in regulating various biological systems, making it essential to control the concentration of free metal ions in solutions during experimental procedures. Several software applications exist for estimating the concentration of free metals in the presence of chelators, with MaxChelator being the easily accessible choice in this domain. This work aimed at developing a Python version of the software with arbitrary precision calculations, extensive new features, and a user-friendly interface to calculate the free metal ions.ResultsWe introduce the open-source PyChelator web application and the Python-based Google Colaboratory notebook, PyChelator Colab. Key features aim to improve the user experience of metal chelator calculations including input in smaller units, selection among stability constants, input of user-defined constants, and convenient download of all results in Excel format. These features were implemented in Python language by employing Google Colab, facilitating the incorporation of the calculator into other Python-based pipelines and inviting the contributions from the community of Python-using scientists for further enhancements. Arbitrary-precision arithmetic was employed by using the built-in Decimal module to obtain the most accurate results and to avoid rounding errors. No notable differences were observed compared to the results obtained from the PyChelator web application. However, comparison of different sources of stability constants showed substantial differences among them.ConclusionsPyChelator is a user-friendly metal and chelator calculator that provides a platform for further development. It is provided as an interactive web application, freely available for use at https://amrutelab.github.io/PyChelator, and as a Python-based Google Colaboratory notebook at https://colab.research.google.com/github/AmruteLab/PyChelator/blob/main/PyChelator_Colab.ipynb.

Coupled model for electro‐osmosis consolidation and ion transport considering chemical osmosis in saturated clay soils

AbstractThe electro‐osmosis approach efficiently facilitates the rapid dewatering of soil with high water content and contributes to reducing contaminant levels within the clay soil. However, the changes of chemical field caused by ion transport in the clay soil during electro‐osmosis process will also influence the clay soil consolidation effect. Existing theories predominantly tend to disregard this crucial physical process and its resultant effects, thereby restraining a comprehensive analysis of electro‐osmosis consolidation (EOC) behavior under intricate chemical conditions. This study introduces a concise model of EOC and ion transport considering chemical osmosis. The model considers the nonlinear variation of clay soil parameters such as compressibility, permeability, and effective diffusion coefficients, along with the interaction between EOC and ion transport. Meanwhile, the correctness of the model is verified from different aspects such as theoretical derivation and model comparison. Based on the proposed model, the impacts of the variation in electrical field intensity and chemical concentration on the coupled behaviors between EOC and ion transport are systematically investigated, with and without incorporating nonlinear consolidation characteristics. The results show that diffusion and electro‐migration exhibit a more pronounced effect on ion transport during EOC. Simultaneously, with the increase of ion concentration in clay soil pore solution, the effects of chemical osmosis become increasingly apparent, thereby enhancing clay soil settlement.

Optimization of Conditions for the Determination of Low Concentrations of Chlorate Ions in Alkali Metal Chloride Solutions by Capillary Electrophoresis

Optimization of Conditions for the Determination of Low Concentrations of Chlorate Ions in Alkali Metal Chloride Solutions by Capillary Electrophoresis

Iron toxicity in lowland rice influenced by application of high potassic fertilizer with suitable cultivars enhanced productivity and climate resilience

Iron poisoning in low-land rice in India develops gradually and is primarily caused by anaerobic conditions in submerged rice fields. A high concentration of ferrous ions in the soil solution disrupts the potassium balance in rice plants, leading to adverse effects on crop growth. In the 2021–2022 period, an experiment was conducted in non-saline, iron-rich soil (pH–4.82, Fe–458.6 mg kg–1) to mitigate iron toxicity in rice cultivars through potassium nutrition. The experiment involved 4 potassium application doses (K-40, K-80, K-100 and K-120) and 32 rice cultivars, replicated twice using a split-plot design. Higher potassium doses led to increased tiller counts, but gradually decreased root length. Notably, cultivars like Kanchan, Indravati, Jagabandhu, Santepheap and Salibahan exhibited the lowest iron concentration in their grains compared to susceptible cultivars. Administering K-120 resulted in a yield increase of over 36.70 q ha-1. Grain yield increased with higher K dosage, although it did not affect total iron content. However, K doses did influence specific fractions of iron in the soil. Hence, potassium nutrition appears crucial in managing iron toxicity in inceptisols, especially when paired with cultivars tolerant to iron toxicity.

Exploring the boiling point elevation of multicomponent salt solution by changing vapor pressure and solution composition

This paper applies thermodynamics theory to analyze the main factors that affect the boiling point elevation (BPE) of salt solutions. By using the vapor pressure measurement method, boiling point experiments were conducted on several common inorganic salts used in industrial wastewater treatment and desalination at different concentrations and temperatures. The experimental data shows that the BPE of a salt solution is approximately a quadratic function of the solution temperature at constant concentration, and the BPE of tri-ion salt solutions tends to be higher than that of NaCl solution at the same concentration. Based on theoretical analysis and a summary of experimental results, it was found that BPE is not only related to solute concentration but also to the number of ionized solute ions. It was also found that replacing the compound concentration with the ion concentration as the independent variable of concentration can reduce the impact of electrolyte ionization and reduce variable parameters. Furthermore, the impact of ion types on BPE was studied in mixed salt solutions. The results show that the higher the average ion activity coefficient of the solute, the higher the boiling point of the solution. Through nonlinear fitting analysis of experimental data, a correlation for calculating the BPE of multi-component salt solutions in industrial water treatment is proposed based on solution temperature and ion concentration.

The Use of Hydrochemical Zoning to Predict Water Hazards: The Example of the Olkusz-Pomorzany Zn-Pb Mine

A water hazard is one of the greatest dangers in mining and tunneling operations and the issue of predicting water hazard zones has been extensively discussed in the literature. However, the currently used methods require a highly detailed understanding of hydrogeological conditions or have major limitations and often produce unreliable results. This paper describes the use of hydrogeochemical anomalies as an indicator of impending mine water hazard zones. The proposed method uses the concentration of Cl ions in water extracts from Permian rock samples collected from the face of the mine workings. The concentration of Cl ions in the water extracts strongly correlated with the concentration of this ion in the pore solutions extracted from the same rock samples. Additionally, the concentration of Cl ions in the pore solutions exhibited a very strong correlation with the concentration from the Permian leaks. Thus, the decreasing concentration of Cl ions in the water extracts was deemed a reliable signal of an approaching water hazard zone. In the hydrogeological conditions present in the Olkusz-Pomorzany mine, this method enabled the detection of the moment when a water hazard zone was ≈ 200–250 m away.

Exploration the Influence of Ag+ Ion Solution Concentration Variations Coated on Biofoam Based on Cassava Starch and Corn Fiber on Crystallinity, Density, and Porosity

The bio-foam in this study was made from biopolymers in the form of cassava starch, cellulose from corn stalks, and a binder polymer in the form of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The bio-foam was molded using the thermo pressing method at T = 150 °C and pressed for t = 3 minutes. Ag+ ions were added as an initial review of the physics properties of the bio-foam to serve as a reference for future antibacterial bio-foam manufacturing. Ag+ ions were produced using the electrolysis method from AgBr rods with an electric voltage of 15 volts. Then, the electrolyzed solution containing Ag+ ions was varied in concentration (12 ppm, 17 ppm, 22 ppm, 27 ppm). The ions were then coated on the bio-foam using the dip coating method and dried at room temperature. Along with the increase in the concentration of the Ag+ ion solution coated on the bio-foam, there was an increase in the bio-foam crystallinity with test values of 34.4%, 40.8%, 41.2%, and 42.6%, respectively. Based on these data, the crystallinity value of the bio-foam does not change significantly. It also aligns with the density test values, which tend to be constant with an average test value of 0.322 g/cm³. Furthermore, the concentration of the solution containing Ag+ ions did not influence the bio-foam's porosity properties, where the four samples tended to remain with an average value of 5.9%.