Concentrations Of Other Elements Research Articles

Comparison of leaf and root nutrients concentration in twenty olive cultivars grown on a calcareous soil

Comparing the absorption and translocation efficiency of the nutrients in olive cultivars can lead to the selection of cultivars with higher efficiency. This research was conducted with the aim of comparing the uptake and translocation capacity in 20 olive cultivars (12 domestic and 8 foreign) in a commercial orchard on calcareous soil in a randomized complete block design. Except for copper (Cu), leaf concentration of other elements was within the optimal range. In ʻAmphesis,ʼ high translocation (5.28%) and in ʻAmigdalolia,’ high uptake capacity (12.6) caused an increase in leaf phosphorus (P). Leaf K in all cultivars was higher than the deficiency limit (0.77%). In none of the cultivars, leaf sodium (Na) concentration was higher than the toxicity limit (0.2%), it accumulated in the root of ʻZard-Aliabadʼ and ʻShengeh,ʼ and reduced in their leaf. Leaf iron (Fe) concentration of all cultivars was in the sufficient range (>63 mg kg−1) and the highest was in ʻGorgan-Aʼ and ʻZardʼ and the lowest in ʻKazeroon,ʼ ʻArbequinaʼ and ʻMission.ʼ Although the leaf Cu in ʻAmphesisʼ (4.32 mg kg−1) and ʻArbequinaʼ (4.03 mg kg−1) was above the sufficient limit, in the rest of the cultivars it was below this critical limit. The highest leaf manganese (Mn) concentration (61.35 mg kg−1) and the highest Mn translocation percentage (84.59) were in ʻFeshomi.ʼ Among these cultivars, ʻAmphesisʼ was higher than others in terms of P, potassium (K), Cu and zinc (Zn) leaf concentrations and ʻAmigdalolia in terms of P, K and Zn, and in most cases the reason for this is the higher translocation efficiency.

Competitive Mechanism of Alloying Elements on the Physical Properties of Al10Ti15Nix1Crx2Cox3 Alloys through Single-Element and Multi-Element Analysis Methods

Altering the content of an alloying element in alloy materials will inevitably affect the content of other elements, while the effect is frequently disregarded, leading to subsequent negligence of the common influence on the physical properties of alloys. Therefore, the correlation between alloying elements and physical properties has not been adequately addressed in the existing studies. In response to this problem, the present study focuses on the Al10Ti15Nix1Crx2Cox3 alloys and investigates the competitive interplay among Ni, Cr, and Co elements in the formation of physical properties through a single-element (SE) analysis and a multi-element (ME) analysis based on the first principles calculations and the partial least squares (PLS) regression. The values of C11 and C44 generally increase with the incorporation of Ni or Cr content in light of SE analysis, which is contrary to the inclination of ME analysis in predicting the impact of Ni and Cr elements, and the Ni element demonstrates a pronounced negative competitive ability. The overall competitive relationship among the three alloying elements suggests that increasing the content of Ni and Cr does not contribute to enhancing the elastic constants of alloys, and the phenomenon is also observed in the analysis of elastic moduli. The reason is that the SE analysis fails to account for the aforementioned common influence of multiple alloying elements on the physical properties of alloys. Therefore, the integration of SE analysis and ME analysis is more advantageous in elucidating the hidden competitive mechanism among multiple alloying elements, and offering a more robust theoretical framework for the design of alloy materials.

Genesis of Andesitic Magma Erupted at Yufu Volcano, Kyushu Island, Southwest Japan Arc: Evidence from the Chemical Compositions of Amphibole Phenocrysts

Abstract The major- and trace-element compositions of amphiboles in andesite from Quaternary Yufu Volcano, northeastern Kyushu, Japan were analysed to investigate the generation processes of andesitic magma from Yufu Volcano. The amphiboles in andesite from Yufu volcano can be divided into two groups based on major-element composition: pargasite and magnesio-hornblende. To estimate temperature, pressure, and major- and trace-element compositions of melts in equilibrium with amphiboles, we used the recently proposed methods that can calculate temperature, pressure, major element compositions, and partition coefficients of trace-element between amphibole and melt using only the major-element compositions of amphibole. The estimated temperature, pressure, and major-element composition of melt in equilibrium with the amphibole phenocrysts indicate that each group crystallised under different conditions. These differences suggest that two magma chambers at different depths existed beneath Yufu Volcano and that the andesitic magma of Yufu Volcano was formed by mixing of the two magmas. The trace-element compositions of melts in equilibrium with the pargasite and magnesio-hornblende, estimated by applying the partition coefficients calculated from major-element compositions of amphibole to trace-element compositions of amphiboles, indicate magma derived from slab melt and the partial melting of crustal material, respectively. Because magma is a mixture of minerals and melt, we estimate the chemical compositional ranges of the two end-member magmas on the Y versus SiO2 diagram from the mixing relationship between amphibole and estimated melt, as well as phenocrysts of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene. The overlap of the estimated compositional range with the trend of whole-rock composition represents the chemical compositions of the end-members of magma mixing, yielding estimates of the mafic (SiO2 ≈ 45 wt %) and felsic (SiO2 ≈ 68 wt %) end-member magmas. Furthermore, we estimate the concentrations of other elements in the end-member magmas by substituting the estimated SiO2 concentrations of the magmas into linear regression equations between the whole-rock contents of other elements and SiO2. The trace-element compositions of the mafic and felsic end-member magmas, as estimated in this study, have similar features to those of gabbroids and Cretaceous granitic rocks, respectively, that are presumed to lie beneath Yufu Volcano. These similarities could be explained by the possibility that the compositions of the end-member magmas were influenced by basement rocks.

Trace element levels: How Substance Use Disorder (SUD) contributes to the alteration of urinary essential and toxic element levels.

Increasing illicit drug use is one of the main problems in most countries or societies. Monitoring heavy metals and trace elements in this vulnerable group seems to be necessary. Therefore, we assessed the urinary trace element and toxic metals/metalloids concentrations (Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), and Mercury (Hg)) in opium, tramadol, and cannabis users compared to healthy subjects. In this cross-sectional study, patients with substance use disorder (SUD) (n = 74) were divided into four groups: cannabis, tramadol, opium, and mixed (simultaneous use of more than one of the three studied substances), along with a healthy group (n = 60). Urine samples were prepared by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction method so that heavy metals/metalloids could be measured by ICP-MS. The mean urinary concentration of Cu (48.15 vs. 25.45; 89.2%, p<0.001), Hg (1.3 vs. 0.10; 1200%, p < 0.001), and Zn (301.95 vs. 210; 43.8%, p < 0.001) was markedly lower among patients with SUD. The mean urinary concentration of other elements including As (1.9 vs. 4.1; 115.8%), Cd (0.1 vs. 1.10; 1000%), Cr (6.80 vs. 11.65; 71.3%), Ni (2.95 vs. 4.95; 67.8%), and Pb (1.5 vs. 7.9; 426.6%) were significantly higher among patients with SUD compared to healthy subjects. When sub-groups were compared, no significant differences were observed between their trace element levels (Kruskal-Wallis test, p > 0.05). This can be an indication that regardless of the type of drug, the levels of trace elements are changed with respect to healthy individuals. Our results showed that illicit drug use causes changes in urinary trace element/heavy metal/metalloid levels and highlights the need for monitoring heavy metals and trace elements in individuals with substance use disorder. Assessment of different elements in biological samples of drug dependents may be useful for implementing new prevention and treatment protocols. In case of changes in their levels, complementary recommendations, attention to diet, and periodic assessment of toxic metal levels within treatment programs will be needed.

Element contents and their seasonal dynamics in leaves of alder Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn

Alnus glutinosa is an actinorhizal plant that fixes N via actinomycetes. Compared to other trees, A. glutinosa is more resistant to environmental stress and able to uptake soil nutrients more easily. Alnus glutinosa grows well not only in natural stands but also in degraded environment or soil in need of restoration. Changes in the contents of selected macro-, micro-, and non-nutrient elements in the leaves of A. glutinosa during the vegetation season were monitored in the Ore Mountains (Czech Republic), an area affected by extreme air pollution in the past. Decreased foliar content of N, P, K, and Cu, and increased content of Ca, Mn, Zn, and Al were observed; the content of other elements (S, Mg, Pb, and Cd) varied during the growing season or remained constant. From the viewpoint of nutrition, the content of N, S, Ca, and Mg macroelements was adequate; concentrations of P and K were low. Excessive amounts of Mn and Zn were measured, and the level of Cu was good. Non-nutrient elements Pb and Cd were present at the background level, and the level of Al was high. N/P, N/Ca, N/Mg, and Ca/Mg ratios were balanced, S/N value showed the lack of S, and N/K ratio indicated low content of K, which caused also suboptimal K/Ca and K/Mg values. The P/Al ratio varied from balanced to lower values. The content of individual elements and monitored changes were influenced by the amount of elements in the soil, moisture conditions, foliage phenology, and altitude.

The discovery and global distribution of hyperaccumulator plants: A personal account

AbstractAn instance of extreme accumulation of Zn by a plant species was found in the 19th century, and observations of unusually high concentrations of other elements (Cu, Co, Ni, Cd, Pb, As, Se) were recorded between the 1920s and 1970s. Of relevance to the study of ultramafic areas and their floras is the occurrence of extreme Ni accumulation. The term “hyperaccumulator” was introduced in 1976 to signify a species exhibiting a concentration that can be hundreds or thousands of times greater than that usually found in plants on most common soils. Concentration criteria that allow a species to be regarded as a hyperaccumulator have been defined and refined from time to time. The following account details my own involvement in the discovery of new examples of metal hyperaccumulation, with particular emphasis on Ni accumulation by plants of ultramafic floras worldwide. The interest in hyperaccumulators has prompted investigations into different aspects of the biota of metalliferous soils. The search for new examples of hyperaccumulation continues, aided in part by non‐destructive X‐ray fluorescence scanning of herbarium specimens, which previously served as a resource providing small fragments for sensitive but destructive analysis. Identification of species as hyperaccumulators must be supported by further field exploration to understand the factors governing the level of metal uptake, and to stimulate further work on plant systematics, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. Applications to phytoremediation and agromining are worth pursuing in some cases. Conservation issues are important because many hyperaccumulators are rare and restricted in their distribution.

Green heterogeneous catalysts derived from fermented kola nut pod husk for sustainable biodiesel production

ABSTRACT The use of green heterogeneous catalysts that are obtained from waste agricultural biomass can make the production of biodiesel more economical. In this research, three solid base heterogeneous catalysts (Catalyst A, B, and C) were synthesized from kola nut pod husks, and the synergistic effects of the elemental composition on catalytic activities for biodiesel production were studied. The results revealed a high surface area of Catalysts A, B, and C at 419.90 m2/g, 430.54 m2/g, and 432.57 m2/g, respectively. Their corresponding pore diameters are 3.53 nm, 3.48 nm, and 3.32 nm, showing that the catalysts are mesoporous in nature. The X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) results revealed the presence of a variety of alkaline earth metals and their corresponding metal oxides in substantial amounts. Catalyst A was produced with the highest concentration of calcium at 40.84 wt.% and calcium oxide at 68.02 mole%. The substantial concentration of other elements, such as potassium, magnesium, and aluminum, and their corresponding metal oxides are the proof of high catalytic activity of the produced green catalysts. The high CaO contents of all three produced catalysts and their high surface areas indicate their strong potential for good catalytic activities applied to the synthesis of biodiesel.

Comparative assessment of biochar produced from LDPE and neem leaves using batch and semi-batch biomass fuel-based reactors

This research aims to investigate and compare the properties of biochar derived from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and neem leaves, utilizing both batch and semi-batch biomass fuel-based reactors for co-carbonization. While previous studies have primarily employed electrical-powered or biomass fuel-based batch reactors, this study introduces the innovative approach of utilizing a semi-batch reactor, marking a significant advancement in biochar production. The co-carbonization process lasted for ∼2 h in the batch-based system and nearly 3 h in the semi-batch system. The semi-batch system achieved higher temperature peaks in comparison to the batch-based system. In terms of biochar yield, the batch-based system generated a biochar yield of 30.35%, while the semi-batch system yielded 17.3%. Through BET analysis, it was determined that the biochar produced using the semi-batch reactor had a surface area of 227 m2/g and a pore diameter of 2.116 nm. Similarities and differences in functional groups among the biochar samples produced using the semi-batch and batch reactors were identified through FTIR analysis. By utilizing EDX spectroscopy, it was observed that the batch-based system contained seven elements, whereas the semi-batch-reacted sample had similar elements but lacked nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. The semi-batch-reacted sample exhibited an increased carbon content, whereas the concentrations of other elements decreased when compared to the batch-reacted sample. The biochar samples can be applied in various applications, including water treatment, energy conversion, and storage. The findings of this study contribute to sustainable waste management practices, carbon sequestration efforts, and the development of innovative solutions for various industries.

Subclassification Determination and Weathering Composition Prediction of Ancient Glass Artifact Compositions Based on Clustering Algorithms

Ancient glass is susceptible to environmental weathering, and the content of chemical elements varies with the degree of weathering. Through the correlation analysis of weathering degree and color, pattern and composition by Chi-square test, it is found that the weathering degree of glass surface changes based on composition and color, and pattern has little correlation. The principal component analysis of the glass is based on different chemical compositions and whether the glass is weathered or not. Through the supervised learning k-means algorithm, four types are obtained: unweathered high potassium glass, weathered high potassium glass, unweathered lead barium glass, weathered lead barium glass; Further, the glass is classified into 9 subclasses based on the content of other elements to facilitate the study. The cloud model was used to predict the composition of cultural relics before weathering, and the relationship between the main chemical composition of high-potassium glass and lead-barium glass before weathering was obtained, which was convenient for subsequent research and restoration of cultural relics.

Optimisation of soil washing method for removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil around oil storage tanks using response surface methodology

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), which are often found in soil, water, sediments, and air. These compounds are a type of pollutant that can have a serious negative impact on living things and human health. Soil washing method is a remediation technique used to remove contaminants from the soil. This process involves the use of water or other solvents to extract contaminants from the soil, followed by separation and disposal of the contaminated solution. This research engineered the effectiveness of soil washing method to remove TPHs from a genuine, sullied soil sample. After analyzing the physical and chemical properties of the soil, the Box-Benken Design (BBD) technique was used to optimize the variables that influence the process's effectiveness. A quadratic model was suggested based on the BBD design, correlation coefficients, and other factors. The minimum, maximum and mean removal of TPHs during the stages of the study were 63.5, 94.5 and 76.7%, respectively. The correlation between the variables was strong, as shown by the analysis of variance (ANOVA), F-value (1064.5) and P-value (0.0001), and the proposed model was highly significant. The most effective soil washing method (SWM) was obtained with pH 7.8, liquid to solid ratio 50:1, reaction time 52 min, surfactant concentration 7.9 mg kg−1, and three washings. A removal rate of 98.8% was accomplished for TPHs from the soil in this context. The kinetic results indicate that the kinetic of TPHs removal follows the first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.96). There was not a major difference in the process's efficiency based on temperature. The removal efficiency heightened from 0 to 150 rpm and then remained steady. Introducing air flow increased the rate of removal, and the combination of ultrasonic waves with the reaction environment increased the process efficiency and decreased the time for the process and the amount of times it needed to be washed. An analysis of the washed soil both physically and chemically revealed a substantial decrease in the concentration of other elements.

Growth of Mn-doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 single crystal boule with MnO content gradient along growth direction using continuous-feeding Bridgman method and MnO content dependence of ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties

A Mn-doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 single crystal boule was grown by the continuous-feeding Bridgman method to investigate the relationship between the MnO content and the properties such as piezoelectric coefficient and mechanical quality factor. Using high MnO content ceramics as an initially loaded material and low MnO content ceramics as a continuous-feeding material, a suitable composition distribution was achieved for the investigation (i.e. MnO content monotonically decreases from 0.45 to 0.29 wt% while the content of other elements are stable along the growth direction). The evaluation of the boule revealed that the MnO content greatly affects the properties despite the small variation in MnO content (0.16 wt%). The highest mechanical quality factor Qm31 of 900 along with a high piezoelectric constant d 33 of 840 pC/N was obtained at 0.35 wt% MnO. The data obtained during this investigation will be beneficial to determine a suitbable MnO content for building a practical piezoelectric device.

Production and characterization of neem leaves biochar: Effect of two different retort carbonization systems

This research investigates the effects of two top-lit updraft retort carbonization systems (biomass fuel-based batch and semi-batch-fed) on the production of neem leaf biochar. The semi-batch system achieved higher temperature peaks and yielded biochar with enhanced properties, including a higher BET-specific surface area (305 m2/g) and pore volume (0.156 cm3/g), indicating improved adsorption capacity. It also resulted in biochar with a higher carbon content and reduced concentrations of other elements. The biochar samples with irregular shapes and rough surfaces are suitable for water treatment, biomolecule separation, energy conversion, and storage. This research recommends further optimization of the carbonization process and evaluation under real-world conditions. The outcomes contribute to a better understanding of neem leaf biochar production and its versatile applications, emphasizing the potential benefits of the studied carbonization systems.

Pollution Characteristics and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils in Yellow River Cultural Park Based on APCS-MLR and PMF Receptor Model

With open spaces and good ecological environments, urban parks have become the first choice for the leisure and entertainment of many people. Therefore, the quality of park soil environments has gradually attracted the extensive attention of scholars. In this study, we take the Yellow River Cultural Park, a typical human disturbance area in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, as the research area to discuss the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution in the soil. Thirty-three soil surface samples were collected from the Yellow River Cultural Park, and the contents of seven heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and As) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The geo-accumulation index and geo-statistics method were used. Meanwhile, the absolute factor analysis-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model and positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis model were employed to reveal the sources of soil heavy metals. The results showed that the average contents of heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, and As) in the surface soil of the study area were 4.62, 1.78, 1.41, 1.08, and 1.03 times higher than the background values of soil elements in the tidal soil area of the lower reaches of the Yellow River, respectively. Except for Zn, the contents of other elements were lower than the corresponding values of soil elements in different regions along the Yellow River Basin. Among the seven heavy metal elements, the coefficients of variation of Cd and As were greater than 50%, showing obvious spatial variability. The decreasing trend of the accumulation index of the seven elements was Cd>Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>As=Cr, and the element Cd belonged to the middle pollution category, which was obviously accumulated in the surface soil. The spatial distribution of heavy metals in the soil differed:the high contents of Cr, Cu, and Ni were distributed in the southwest and northeast, and the high-value areas of Cd and Pb were consistent with the areas of human activity intensity. The high-value areas of Zn and As were located in the center of lacustrine sediments. The combined results of the APCS-MLR and PMF models suggested that the first pollution source of soil heavy metal elements in the Yellow River Cultural Park could have been a natural source, the second pollution source may have been a transportation source, and the third source of pollution was judged as a mixed source. Human activities such as transportation sources and mixed sources were the main sources of heavy metal soil pollution, and Cr, Cu, and Ni were affected by natural factors. The contribution rates of APCS-MLR were 46.67%, 24.11%, 16.12%, and 13.10%, respectively, and the contribution rates of PMF were 35.50%, 35.48%, and 29.02%, respectively. This research can provide a basis for improving the ecological environment quality of the park and improving the health level of the population and can also provide support for the ecological environment risk management and comprehensive management along the Yellow River.

The application of nanoparticles on the yield and nutritional quality of rice under different irrigation regimes

Abstract The amino acid profile in rice serves as an indicator of its nutritional worth, playing a significant role in evaluating its overall nutritional quality. However, there has been limited research on how nanoparticles (NPs) and various irrigation regimes affect the nutritional value and overall quality of rice. In the present study, the effects of different irrigation regimes and foliar spray of NPs on the yield, nutrient concentration, and amino acid profile of milled rice in two rice cultivars were evaluated. The results showed that the Shirodi cultivar had a higher yield and nutrients compared to the Hashemi cultivar. Reducing irrigation significantly lowered the grain yield, nutrient elements, and some amino acids (asparagine, glutamic acid, serine, alanine, histidine, and arginine) in milled rice while increasing other amino acids. However, NPs treatments, especially ZnONPs + SiO2NPs treatment, increased grain yield and amino acids in milled rice. Regarding mineral nutrients, SiO2NPs and ZnONPs + SiO2NPs treatments decreased mineral nutrients in milled rice, while ZnONPs treatment increased Ca, Fe, Mg, and N and decreased the content of other elements in milled rice. Therefore, our findings showed that SiO2NPs and ZnONPs are promising NPs that can improve the yield and nutritional quality of milled rice, especially in water-deficient conditions.

METHODS OF STUDYING THE SEMANTICS OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES BY THE STUDENTS OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The article shows that in institutions of professional (vocational and technical) education, the inclusion of a block of questions devoted to the semiotics of programming languages into the content of learning languages and programming methods will contribute to the successful implementation of the system of their fundamental training in the subject field «Information Technologies». The methodological system of education, built within the framework of the methodologicalical theory, helps students acquire knowledge and skills in the semiotics of programming languages. The main theoretical and methodological provisions are outlined, on the basis of which a methodical system of teaching the semiotics of programming languages ​​and a metamodel of the teaching method itself in the form of a methodical theory have been built. On the basis of the classification of models of syntax and semantics of programming languages, carried out to build a conceptual basis for the methodological theory of teaching semiotics of programming languages, there have been selected the following sections for teaching semiotics of programming languages: formal syntax of programming languages; meaningful operational semantics of programming languages; formal operational semantics of programming languages; formal deductive semantics of programming languages; denotational semantics of programming languages. At the stage of selecting the content of the elements of the model of the methodical system for teaching the semiotics of programming languages, the central place is occupied by the problem of setting learning goals, since the selection of the content of other elements is aimed at achieving the set goals. Semiotic educational models include a system of tasks, in which the subject area of activity is developed within the framework of specific teaching methods, which involve textual statements of educational problems or tasks. The goals and content of learning the semiotics of programming languages, largely influencing each other, determine the choice of teaching methods for the section in question. For example, when considering the last block of learning content, there has been chosen a simulation or social learning model, which provides for the student’s assimilation of new information, as well as attempts to get involved in the situation of solving professional tasks based on it.

Different Quartz Varieties Characterized by Proximal Sensing and Their Relation to Soil Attributes

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in soils, mostly present in sand and silt fractions. Although quartz is basically formed of SiO2, other elements can be easily detected and assessed nowadays using a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer. Our study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of different quartz varieties, identifying their main elements, and relating them to soil attributes. Six quartz varieties (hyaline, amethyst, milky, rose, smoky, and ferriferous) were analyzed via pXRF and 13 oxides/trace elements were identified and used for quartz discrimination (Al2O3, CaO, P2O5, SiO2, Cl, Cr, Fe, K2O, Mn, Rb, S, Ti, and V). Hyaline quartz was characterized by the highest SiO2 and the lowest contents of other elements. Al2O3 was the second-highest compound present in all varieties of quartz, reaching 21,547 mg kg−1 in the smoky variety. S, P2O5, Cl, SiO2, and K2O were the main components determined by Random Forest algorithm for discriminating quartz varieties. Some elements detected may serve as a reserve of nutrients to plants to be released in soils along weathering, depending on quartz particle size, soil texture, leaching, and associated attributes. pXRF enhanced the information on chemical characterization of quartz varieties, without the generation of chemical pollutants.

Enrichment Characteristics of Hazardous Trace Elements in Feed Coal and Coal Ash in Huaibei Area under Leaching.

This research focused on the hazardous elements in the main coal seam of Huaibei coalfield, China. Through collecting 20 feed coal samples from different coal seams of nine coal mines in the region, and combining with XRF, XRD, ICP-MS, and sequential chemical extraction, the mineral composition and the contents of major elements and HEs for feed coal were analyzed. Compared with previous research results, the enrichment characteristics of HEs in feed coal were revealed. The leaching behaviors of Se, Hg, and Pb in feed coal and coal ash under different leaching conditions were analyzed in depth by using a leaching device independently developed. Results showed that, compared with Chinese coals and World coals, the content of other elements, except Se, Sb, Hg, and Pb, in feed coal of Huaibei coalfield were at the "Normal" level, and no "Low" level elements were found; as the acidity of leaching solution decreased, the relative leaching rate of Se (LSe) was gradually increasing, while the LHg and LPb were not obvious; the LSe in feed coal and coal ash had a great relationship with the modes of occurrence of Se. The difference in the Hg content in the ion exchange state in feed coal may be an important reason for the difference in Hg leaching behavior. However, the content of Pb in feed coal had little influence on its leaching behavior. The modes of occurrence of Pb determined that the LPb in feed coal and coal ash was not high. The LSe increased with the increase in acidity of leaching solution and leaching time. The leaching time was the main influencing factor of the LHg and LPb.

Identification of Ivory Using a Handheld XRF Spectrometer

Handheld XRF can be used as a screening tool, allowing rapid elemental analysis of materials in-situ. In this study, 280 ivory samples from 7 different species and 20 bone samples from 15 species were analyzed using a SciAps X-50 handheld XRF spectrometer. The data collected were used to establish a light element (LE) percentage range of 50.3% to 75.5%, and a calcium (Ca) percentage range of 24.5% to 49.5%. All ivory samples fall within these ranges, which represent the overall variation observed in ivory. Additionally, the XRF device was used to analyze the elemental composition of 123 samples from 10 biological and nonbiological material types frequently used as ivory substitutes (i.e, ivory look-alikes). The results showed that all look-alike values, except for bone, fall outside the experimental ranges established for ivory. Moreover, some materials have higher concentrations of other elements not present in ivory, such as titanium (Ti). The composition of bones was similar to ivory and could not be distinguished from ivory using this method alone. A significant difference in LE and Ca proportions was observed between cementum and dentin tissues in ivory from elephant. However, this difference falls within the overall variation when all species are considered. Multivariate analysis showed that species of origin of ivory samples could not be determined using this method. Six (6) blind validation samples were analyzed and correctly classified as ivory or substitutes using the established ranges. Our conclusion is that handheld XRF analysis can effectively assist in identifying genuine ivory and ivory look-alike materials, along with traditional morphological analysis, especially when Schreger lines are not visible on small carved objects.

Tri Hita Karana Perspective in Waste Disposal from a Seaweed Processing Factory Eucheuma cottonii at Jumpai Beach, Bali

The name Tri Hita Karana comes from Sanskrit: Tri means three, Hita means happiness/prosperity, and Karana means cause. Seaweed is one of the abundant natural resources of Indonesia. In the processing which can significantly affect the quality of the final product obtained. The results of this research observed effluent waste was observed to be discharged freely from a pipe exiting the rear factory wall directly onto the beach, or into the sea at high tide. This material was collected and analysed. The processing of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) in this factory uses ≥90% Potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a raw material (as evidenced by the numerous empty sacks of KOH 90% strewn around the site, as well as direct reports from workers). This concentrated KOH is highly hazardous and is used to boil the seaweed with water. The average of a continuous concentration in different time (three hours) of K+ detected were 1000 ppm or 1% and 939 ppm or 0.939%, while the concentration of other elements detected was Cl with an average of a continuous concentration in different time (three hours) were 759.3 ppm or 0.759% and 581 ppm or 0.581%. This indicates that this factory waste contains KOH and has the potential to pollute the environment, especially sea water and the adjacent beach ecosystem. The results showed that the pH of the waste-water was 10.34 and 9.25. This indicates an alkaline pH almost certainly due to factory processing with KOH in the factory, exceeding the ideal pH value for sea water. A high concentration of KOH will cause the pH of the waste-water to shift towards alkaline and kill marine life and poison the beach ecosystem. This is worrying as the area supports a rural population who depend on fishing for much of their livelihood. The researcher concluded that the waste-water contains KOH and has highly potential to pollute the environment, especially sea water and it has not in accordance with the Balinese people, especially the Palemahan and this study indicate that the waste management process at the Jumpai Beach has not fully implemented the Laws and Regulations concerning waste management.

Identifying the clay-size sediment provenance of the radial sand ridges in the southwestern Yellow Sea using geochemical and Sr[sbnd]Nd isotopic tracers

Although the sediment provenance of the Jianggang radial sand ridges (RSRs) in the southwestern Yellow Sea has attracted much attention in recent years, the provenance of the clay-size fraction is rarely known. In this paper, the residual fraction of the clay-size sediments in the Jianggang RSRs was isotopically and geochemically determined to analysis their provenance contributions and transport patterns. The clay minerals of the sediments in the Jianggang RSRs, Yangtze River Mouth, Modern Yellow River Mouth and Old Yellow River Delta were characterized by high illite and low smectite contents, differing from those of the Korean rivers. The isotopic and geochemical data showed that 87Sr/86Sr ratios and εNd(0) values of the clay-size sediments ranged from 0.719 to 0.725 and from −14.5 to −12.2, respectively for the onshore RSRs, and from 0.715 to 0.724 and from −14.6 to −10.9, respectively for the offshore RSRs. The clay-size sediments in the offshore RSRs were represented by high concentrations of Sr, Co, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, while in the onshore RSRs were characteristic of high concentrations of other elements (except for Ba). The clay-size sediments showed partially similar Y/Hf and Rb/Sc ratios and upper continental crust (UCC)-normalized distribution patterns of trace elements between the onshore and offshore RSRs. However, there was a clearly SrNd isotopic boundary between the two RSRs, indicating that the offshore clay-size sediments were just partly transported to the onshore area. The UCC normalized patterns of the clay-size sediments in the onshore and offshore RSRs were close to those of the Yangtze River Mouth, Modern Yellow River Mouth and Old Yellow River Delta, but different from those of the Korean rivers and Cheju Island. Based on the analyses of SrNd isotopes and trace elements through MixSIAR model, the clay-size sediments of the onshore RSRs mainly originated from the Yangtze River Mouth, but those of the offshore RSRs were predominantly mixed by the Yangtze River Mouth, the Modern Yellow River Mouth and the Old Yellow River Delta, while the contributions of other sources were tiny. Through the SrNd isotopic comparisons, it was further found that there existed a large-scale transport of the clay-size sediment from the Yangtze River Mouth within the Yellow Sea to reach the Jianggang RSRs finally under the influence of the Changjiang Diluted Freshwater and the Yellow Sea Warm Current. This study not only gives deep insight into the formation and evolution theory of the Jianggang RSRs, but also enriches the sediment migration patterns in the Yellow Sea. Meanwhile, it demonstrates the effectiveness of the SrNd isotopic and geochemical tools for provenance analyses of the clay-size sediments, although 87Sr/86Sr should be used cautiously for provenance apportionment due to its indistinguishability between the Chinese and Korean rivers.