Diatomaceous Research Articles

Application of Diatomaceous Earth for Fecal Coliform Reduction in Sediments and Its Agricultural Benefits

This study highlights the potential of diatomaceous earth to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms from canal sediments used in agricultural irrigation. The findings demonstrate both technical feasibility and economic benefits for agriculture, particularly in regions where such irrigation practices are common. The research incorporates three distinct projects. The first involved monitoring water and sediment quality in the Xochimilco canal zone in Mexico City. The other two were experimental studies aimed at assessing the efficacy of diatomaceous earth in reducing fecal coliforms in sediments. The first project evaluated the water and sediment quality. Subsequently, an experiment was conducted in the San Gregorio Atlapulco chinampa, where diatomaceous earth was applied to a coriander crop to measure its effectiveness in reducing fecal coliforms. A laboratory experiment at the Institute of Engineering, UNAM, tested the impact of diatomaceous earth on sediments from a Xochimilco canal, focusing on fecal coliform reduction. In all experiments, diatomaceous earth was utilized in its commercial form. The results of the first project identified wastewater discharges as the primary source of pathogenic contamination in the canals. The second demonstrated a significant reduction—over 70%—in fecal coliforms within a crop after the application of diatomaceous earth. Similarly, the third project achieved an average fecal coliform reduction of 70% in sediments during laboratory testing. The study underscores the affordability and accessibility of diatomaceous earth for local agricultural producers. Moreover, its application does not adversely affect soil quality or crop productivity, further supporting its viability as a sustainable solution for improving irrigation water quality.

A novel method for reusing diatomaceous earth in the filtration process of aluminium cold rolling mill

A novel method for reusing diatomaceous earth in the filtration process of aluminium cold rolling mill

Hydration and microstructural development of cement pastes incorporating diatomaceous earth, expanded perlite, and shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs)

Hydration and microstructural development of cement pastes incorporating diatomaceous earth, expanded perlite, and shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs)

Recycling diatomaceous earth waste: Assessing its physicochemical features, recovery techniques, applications, viability and market opportunities

Recycling diatomaceous earth waste: Assessing its physicochemical features, recovery techniques, applications, viability and market opportunities

Circular Economy Approach for Utilizing Organic Waste in Cat Litter and Compost to Support Plant Growth

This study introduces a novel two-stage circular economy model to transform organic waste materials—bean dregs and coffee grounds—into functional products: eco-friendly cat litter and organic fertilizer. The hypothesis was that integrating vermicompost and diatomaceous earth with these waste materials would enhance the functional properties of cat litter while ensuring its recyclability into high-quality fertilizer. In the first stage, a combination of bean dregs, coffee grounds, vermicompost, and diatomaceous earth was optimized using the Taguchi method, achieving cat litter with superior water absorption and clumping performance. In the second stage, the spent cat litter was rapidly composted, producing a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The fertilizer’s efficacy was validated through a potting experiment with lettuce, where a 10% application rate promoted optimal growth without causing nutrient toxicity. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution to waste management challenges while contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Future research could investigate incorporating additional waste streams and enhancing composting efficiency for broader implementation.

Diatomaceous Earth as Silicon Source Involved on Antioxidant, Morphology and Productive Traits of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

Diatomaceous Earth as Silicon Source Involved on Antioxidant, Morphology and Productive Traits of Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

Influence of the Use of Diatomite-Based Mineral Sprinkles on the Content and Immobilization of Cadmium and Zinc from Poultry Litter

Previous studies have indicated that enriching litter composition with natural minerals can not only alter the biochemical activity of specific groups of microorganisms inhabiting the poultry manure, but also affect its functional properties, including the content of mobile forms of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). A study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of natural sprinkles made from diatomite (DT), enriched with bentonite (BN) or dolomite (DL), on the sorption capacity towards Cd(II) and Zn(II) and on the immobilization of these elements in the litter during the rearing of chicken broilers. The experiment was conducted with four experimental groups, each comprising six coops of 80 Ross 308 chickens (240 chickens per group). The birds were maintained on wood shavings and peat moss litter. Two groups were not administered litter additives, while the other two groups received the DTBN mixture (75/25; wt/wt, 280 g/m2 L) prior to being placed in the facility. In addition, a mixture of DTDL (75/25; wt/wt; 100 g/m2 L) was applied on the 10th and 26th days of rearing in selected groups, creating four experimental designs: −/−, +/−, −/+, and +/+. Litter samples for testing were collected on days (D) 0, 10, and 35 of the experiment. The results of the sorption of Cd(II) and Zn(II) indicated that both experimental mixtures exhibited a greater ability to bind these elements than pure diatomite. It was found that the use of diatomite-based mineral sprinkles reduced the mobility of Cd and Zn in the litter at the stage of animal rearing. In the litter analyzed after 35 days of rearing (D35), the content of water-extracted forms of cadmium was not determined. In contrast, a 50% reduction in the content of water-extracted forms of zinc was observed in combinations in which mineral sprinkles were applied compared to the control. The use of such additives, in addition to enhancing zoohygienic conditions, can facilitate the reduction of environmental risks subsequent to the soil application of poultry manure as a fertilizer.

Creation of an adsorbent from spent diatomaceous earth tailored to purify water from oil

It is known that spent diatomaceous earth (diatomite; kieselguhr), one of the main waste products from the beer filtration process, can be used as an adsorbent to purify water from crude oil. The thermal and chemical modification of this waste product increases its oil capacity. The conducted study was aimed at obtaining a sorbent tailored to purify water from oil using different modifications of spent diatomaceous earth. Preliminary studies revealed that the modification of spent diatomaceous earth is affected by the chemical nature and concentration of the modifying agent, as well as the temperature and duration of exposure. Alkaline modification of spent diatomaceous earth is more effective than acid modification; modification with sodium hydroxide solution produces the greatest effect on oil capacity. The maximum oil capacity is exhibited by spent diatomaceous earth modified with 1.5 M sodium hydroxide solution at 75 °С for 120 min. In order to optimize the procedure for obtaining an adsorbent suitable for purifying water from oil, a full factorial design was implemented on the basis of preliminary experimental data using Statistica 10.0, and additional experiments were conducted. An analysis of Pareto charts of standardized effects revealed that the modification process of spent diatomaceous earth is significantly affected by the modifying reagent concentration and the modification process temperature. Therefore, modification with 1.5 M sodium hydroxide solution at 75 °С for 30 min is the most optimal and effective procedure for obtaining an adsorbent suitable for purifying water from oil.

A Review of Biological and Sustainable Management Approaches for Alphitobius diaperinus, a Major Pest in Poultry Facilities.

The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is a significant pest in poultry facilities, transmitting pathogens such as Salmonella and causing structural damage in poultry operations. Challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental concerns associated with the widespread use of traditional insecticides underscore the need for sustainable alternatives. This review examines biological and sustainable management strategies for managing the lesser mealworm, including entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, plant essential oils-extracts, pheromones, and diatomaceous earth. These eco-friendly approaches highlight fungi and nematodes for their effectiveness in larval control and essential oils for their insecticidal and repellent properties. The application of pheromones and diatomaceous earth further complements other methods within integrated pest management (IPM) systems. Integrating these biological tools into IPM offers a sustainable and effective solution for reducing A. diaperinus populations, addressing both health and environmental concerns.

Appraisal of Fluoride Removal Capability of Al-Fe Oxide-Infused Diatomaceous Earth in a Continuous-Flow Fixed-Bed Column

Appraisal of Fluoride Removal Capability of Al-Fe Oxide-Infused Diatomaceous Earth in a Continuous-Flow Fixed-Bed Column

Comparable insecticidal efficacy of three locally obtained inert dusts and commercial formulation of diatomaceous earth against adults of bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus [Say], Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

We studied the contact efficacy (surface treatment) of six types of inert dusts in controlling the bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus [Say], Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), including zeolite, quartz sand, Slovenian diatomaceous earth (DE), wood ash of fir trees (Abies alba L.), wood ash of Norway spruce trees (Picea alba L.), and Silicosec®; the latest being a commercial brand of DE. The two concentrations of dust of 10 and 20 g/m2 were tested, in which the dust was used to treat common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a contact treatment inside a Petri dish. Fifteen adult weevils were introduced into each Petri dish, and the weevil mortality was counted on days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. On the 7th day, the surviving weevils were transferred into a new Petri dish filled with beans without the dust treatment, and then the delayed mortality of the weevils was counted on days 8, 9, 10, 11, and 14. A set of experiments consist of nine repetitions, and four sets were made to observe them under four combinations of two storage temperatures (20 and 25 °C) and two storage RH (55 and 75%). The analysis shows that the corrected mortality and delayed mortality were influenced by the day of exposure, dust type, concentration, storage temperature, and RH. The lower concentration of 10 g/m2 was effective enough to control the bean weevil, while the corrected mortalities were higher at 25 °C compared to 20 °C. The efficacy of fir and Norway spruce wood ashes and Slovenian DE was as high as that of SilicoSec®, which can cause 100% weevil mortality after 4 days. Those three types of inert dusts are strongly recommended as a non-chemical material to control bean weevils A. obtectus in common bean storage.

Effect of Natural Diatomaceous Earth Catalyst on the Catalytic Conversion of Polypropylene into Fuel

Plastic waste is an environmental problem that is widely discussed in the era of globalization. Catalytic reforming can be applied to improve the quality of plastic waste oil. This study aims to improve the properties of liquid fuel from pyrolysis oil using natural diatomaceous earth (NDE) with independent variables, namely catalytic reforming temperature and catalyst mass. The NDE (100 mesh) catalyst was washed with distilled water and then dried in the oven for 24 hours. The characteristics of liquid fuels were investigated using gas chromatography (GC-MS), while the catalyst was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to better understand the particle size and surface topography. The catalytic pyrolysis process is carried out in a fixed-bed reactor at 300-500 °C with a catalyst mass of 4-6%. The surface morphology of NDE appears to have a microporous structure with a honeycomb shape and 5 μm average size. Liquid products consist of hydrocarbons in the gasoline range, based on GC-MS analysis. This process shows that increasing the temperature and catalyst mass results in higher product yields of 52.12% at 300 °C and 4% catalyst mass. NDE could be applied to the conversion of pyrolysis PP into gasoline. According to the findings, NDE will eventually be one of the options for completing the conversion of PP plastic.

Reduced Doses of Diatomaceous Earth and Basil Essential Oil on Stored Grain Against the Wheat-Damaging Sitophilus oryzae: Influence on Bread Quality and Sensory Profile.

Stored grain pests like Sitophilus oryzae pose significant challenges to food security and quality, necessitating eco-friendly pest management strategies. This study investigates the combined efficacy of reduced doses of diatomaceous earth (DE) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil (EO) as an alternative to conventional pesticides. Laboratory trials evaluated the effectiveness of the treatments-DE, EO, and a mixture of both (at halved doses)-against S. oryzae in wheat, alongside their impact on bread quality and sensory attributes. Results showed that DE and the DE + EO at halved doses combination achieved over 82% pest mortality, comparable to standard DE doses but with reduced mechanical and environmental drawbacks. EO alone demonstrated limited insecticidal activity. Bread made from treated wheat retained high sensory acceptability, with DE enhancing elasticity and crumb aroma. EO-enriched bread exhibited a complex aromatic profile due to methyl chavicol, though with reduced crumb elasticity and a slightly bitter aftertaste. Shelf-life assessments indicated that DE and DE + EO at halved doses extended mold-free storage by one day compared to untreated bread. These findings highlight the potential of combining DE and EO at reduced doses to manage stored grain pests sustainably, aligning with integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming principles, while preserving the technological and sensory qualities of derived food products.

Banana fibre-reinforced diatomaceous earth slurry treatment of recycled aggregate for enhanced structural concrete performance

This study explores the impact of banana fiber-reinforced diatomaceous earth (DE) slurry treatment on recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) for structural applications. Six types of treated recycled aggregates were prepared by coating their surface with a slurry containing 5% DE, 0-7% banana fiber, and ordinary Portland cement. Various tests assessed the treatment’s impact on aggregate and concrete properties. The treatment improved specific gravity, aggregate crushing resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance for up to 5% of banana fiber in the slurry. The formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases contributed to strengthening the microstructure by filling voids and enveloping the aggregate surface. Concrete prepared with treated recycled aggregate showed significant improvements in compressive strength (25.14%), tensile strength (36.58%), and flexural strength (72%) at an optimum 5% fiber content. Non-destructive testing confirmed better surface hardness and internal quality, while microstructural analyses revealed improved bonding and fiber reinforcement. These substantial improvements demonstrate the potential of banana fiber-reinforced DE slurry treatment for sustainable construction practices.

Laboratory and field efficacy of natural products against the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys and side effects on the biocontrol agent Trissolcus japonicus

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest causing major economic losses to crops. Since its outbreaks in North America and Europe, H. halys has been controlled with synthetic pesticides. More sustainable methods have been proposed, including biocontrol and use of natural products. Here, we conducted laboratory and field investigations to evaluate organically registered products for their effectiveness against H. halys and their non-target effect on the egg parasitoid, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). In the laboratory, azadirachtin, orange oil, potassium salts of fatty acids, kaolin, basalt dust, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, sulphur formulations, calcium polysulfide, and mixtures of sulphurs plus diatomaceous earth or zeolite demonstrated higher lethality against H. halys nymphs compared to control. Calcium polysulfide, azadirachtin and sulphur achieved more than 50% mortality. All treatments except azadirachtin and kaolin had negative effects on T. japonicus, with mortality exceeding 80% for calcium polysulfide and sulphur. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 in pear orchards. Diatomaceous earth alone or alternated with sulphur or calcium polysulfide provided similar H. halys control, when compared to farm strategies based mostly on neonicotinoid (acetamiprid) treatments. Implications for H. halys control in integrated pest management are discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of lightweight geopolymer materials from rich-silica diatomaceous earth curing under hydrothermal conditions

Synthesis and characterization of lightweight geopolymer materials from rich-silica diatomaceous earth curing under hydrothermal conditions

Innovative Hygroscopic Material for Humidity Regulation: Diatomaceous Earth Composite Porous Ceramic

Urbanization in hot and humid regions such as southern China has increased the demand for comfortable indoor environments. In order to design a material for efficient passive indoor humidity regulation, this study investigates a composite material that combines the hygroscopic properties of salt and the adsorption capacity of diatomaceous earth (DE). Firstly, we prepared DE and boehmite into moisture-absorbing porous materials. Then, the initial DE-based sample was innovatively doped with SiO2 nanomaterials and loaded with LiCl to enhance the humidity regulation ability of the composite, especially in the adsorption and desorption ability of water vapour. The microstructure and phase composition of the composite samples were analysed, and we observed an increase in porosity, filling performance and capillary condensation upon the introduction of SiO2 nanoparticles. The hygroscopic salt loaded into the pores can absorb more water when exposed to the ambient humidity. This synergic effect can effectively improve the hygroscopic performance of the composite material while maintaining the stability of the physical and chemical properties. The optimized samples showed a moisture absorption rate of 28% in high-humidity environments, meeting moisture buffer value evaluation standards. The study’s findings lay the foundation for the future integration of these materials through advanced manufacturing technologies.

The Effect of High-Pressure Hydrostatic Extrusion on Mechanical Properties of Printed with Fused Deposition Modeling PLA and PLA-Diatomaceous Earth Composites.

Three-dimensional printing enables rapid prototyping, customization, and on-demand production. Polylactide is a popular biopolymer filament used in 3D printing. However, due to its brittleness and low mechanical strength, it often needs to be reinforced with filler particles. Diatomaceous earth shows great potential as a filler material due to its abundant and natural occurrence, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness, as well as its excellent mechanical properties. Cold hydrostatic extrusion was used to improve the compressive strength of 3D-printed parts. Both neat and reinforced with 10% diatomaceous earth filaments were used to 3D print cylindrical billets, followed by post-processing using hydrostatic extrusion. X-ray microtomography showed a significant reduction in total and open porosity and average pore size, from ~20 µm to less than 10 µm in the Polylactide (PLA) and Diatomaceous (DE) composite. Compression tests showed a significant improvement in the compressive strength of PLA from ~60 MPa to ~100 MPa, while PLA with DE achieved an impressive almost twofold increase to 80-120 MPa. This was attributed to a reduction in pore size, as well as pore closure, which mitigates crack initiation in semi-brittle PLA. In addition, it has been proposed that hydro extrusion-induced structural rearrangement is an important strengthening factor.

Effective denitrification from landfill leachate using magnetic PVA/CMC/DE carrier immobilized microorganisms.

Effective denitrification from landfill leachate using magnetic PVA/CMC/DE carrier immobilized microorganisms.

Removal of Textile Dyes from Wastewater: A Study of γ-Irradiation on Adsorption and Physicochemical Properties of Diatomaceous Earth

Textile industrial wastewater is an important contributor to water pollution. Thus, it is crucial to minimize contaminants in industrial waste before releasing it into the environment. Methylene blue (MB) is commonly found in textile industry wastewater and can present significant risks to human health and the environment. The purpose of this work was to use γ-irradiation to modify diatomaceous earth (DE) to eliminate MB from textile wastewater. The effects of different doses of γ-irradiation on diatomaceous earth adsorption capacity were investigated. The structure and properties of modified diatomaceous earth were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Braeuer–Emmett–Teller (BET) (for surface area), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). The adsorption isotherm and kinetics of samples were also investigated. The adsorption behavior of textile dyes on DE samples was carried out using a UV-Vis spectroscopy technique. Adsorption of the textile dyes onto modified DE was studied by batch adsorption techniques to determine the optimum conditions at a temperature of 30ºC. The factors of this experiment were contact time (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min) with diffrent gamma radiation dose levels: 0 kGy (control), 5 kGy, 10 kGy, 20 kGy, and 30 kGy. The results showed that modified diatomaceous earth had a high adsorption capacity for the textile dye, with removal efficiencies ranging from 82-96% within 30 min. The maximum adsorption capacity of γ-irradiated DE was 14.9 mg g–1. This indicates that γ-irradiation of DE may enhance the adsorption rate. It could be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach for treating wastewater polluted with textile dyes.