Distribution Of Strontium Research Articles

The roles of celestine and barite in modulating strontium and barium water column concentrations in the northeast Pacific Ocean

The water column distributions of the alkaline earth metals strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) were studied along a transect from Hawaii to Alaska. Despite similarity in the chemical properties of Sr and Ba, we find that changes in their concentrations along the transect are governed by different chemical and biological processes, meaning that these elements can be treated as independent variables in modern and ancient environments. Alaskan margin sediments are a particularly important source of dissolved Ba to the North Pacific, likely through a combination of saline submarine groundwater discharge and reductive dissolution of manganese (Mn) oxides. Abyssal North Pacific sediments are also a source of Ba to the bottom waters but a sink for Sr. We find that over 90 % of the water column variability in Sr concentrations is driven by precipitation and dissolution of the celestine (SrSO4) skeletons of Acantharia. However, the high Ba content of Acantharia celestine accounts for only 5–8 % of the global ocean variability in Ba concentrations in the water column. Similarly, the effects of barite (BaSO4) precipitation and/or dissolution on the marine Sr cycle is negligible, accounting for <1 % of the water column concentration structure for Sr and ∼3 % of the sedimentary Sr burial. The Sr-Ba-PO4 concentration distributions in the North Pacific are inconsistent with significant export of barite to the deep ocean and sediment. This suggests most of the barite formed at intermediate depths dissolves at similar horizons to its formation. The Ba content of phytoplankton organic matter is too low to constitute a major source for particulate Ba in the mesopelagic North Pacific, which suggests Ba is concentrated in marine aggregates by heterotrophic micro-organisms.

Differences and implications of strontium distribution coefficient on various granite compositional materials.

The distribution coefficient (Kd) of radionuclides is a crucial parameter in assessing the safety of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) geological repository. It is determined in the laboratory through batch and column experiments. However, differences in obtained Kd values from distinct experiments have not been thoroughly assessed and compared. This study evaluated strontium (Sr) sorption on different granite materials using static batch and dynamic experiments (column and core-flooding experiments). The results from batch sorption experiments showed higher Sr sorption on granite under acidic and strongly alkaline conditions, low solid-liquid ratios, and low ionic strength. In column experiments, a two-site sorption model was used to simulate Sr transport in crushed granite and mixed pure minerals. The sorption of Sr on crushed granite exhibited a higher affinity than that of mixed pure minerals. The dual-porosity transport model was employed to investigate Sr transport behavior in fractured granite in the core-flooding experiment. Kd obtained from batch sorption experiments are four to twenty times higher than those from column experiments, and two to three orders of magnitude higher than that from a core-flooding experiment. The results of this study provide valuable insights into safety assessment for the HLW geological repository.

Distribution, risk evaluation, and source allocation of cesium and strontium in surface soil in a mining city.

Radioactive nuclides cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) possess long half-lives, with 135Cs at approximately 2.3 million years and 87Sr at about 49 billion years. Their persistent accumulation can result in long-lasting radioactive contamination of soil ecosystems. This study employed geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PEPI), health risk assessment model (HRA), and Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the pollution and health risks of Cs and Sr in the surface soil of different functional areas in a typical mining city in China. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to elucidate the potential sources of Cs and Sr and the respective contribution rates of natural and anthropogenic sources. The findings indicate that soils in the mining area exhibited significantly higher levels of Cs and Sr pollution compared to smelting factory area, agricultural area, and urban residential area. Strontium did not pose a potential ecological risk in any studied functional area. The non-carcinogenic health risk of Sr to the human body in the study area was relatively low. Because of the lack of parameters for Cs, the potential ecological and human health risks of Cs was not calculated. The primary source of Cs in the soil was identified as the parent material from which the soil developed, while Sr mainly originated from associated contamination caused by mining activities. This research provides data for the control of Cs and Sr pollution in the surface soil of mining city.

Travelling in Microphis (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) Otoliths with Two-Dimensional X-ray Fluorescence Maps: Twists and Turns on the Road to Strontium Incorporation.

Indo-Pacific tropical island streams are home to freshwater pipefish (Microphis spp., Syngnathidae). Otoliths were used to uncover life history traits in four species, including a New Caledonian endemic. All four species present the same methodological challenge: their otoliths are small, fragile and mute for growth marks using basic observation tools. Strontium (Sr) is calcium substituent in the mineral lattice, driven by salinity conditions, and thus useful to study diadromous migrations. Synchrotron-based scanning X-ray fluorescence 2D high-resolution mapping allowed us to tackle the global and hyperfine strontium (Sr) distribution. We developed analytical imaging processes to retrieve biological information from otoliths from the data generated via synchrotron analysis. We uncovered plasticity in the life cycle: all species were amphidromous, apart from some freshwater residents from New Caledonia. Understanding life cycle modalities is crucial to categorize species distribution limits and to implement adapted conservation measures, especially when endemic species are at stake. 2D fine-scale images outlined the heterogeneity of Sr distribution: in addition to the trivial Sr incorporation driven by environmental ionic conditions, there is an unusual mosaic arrangement of Sr distribution and we hypothesize that biological control, especially growth during the early life stages, may sometimes overrule stoichiometry. This shows that it is worth studying otolith formation and element integration at imbricated scales, and our methods and results provide a strong basis for future works and prospects in otolith science.

Cation exchange and leakage as dominant processes in controlling salinity and strontium in sandy and argillaceous coastal aquifer: Insights from hydrochemistry and multi-isotopes

Coastal groundwater is crucial for supporting ecosystems and meeting the water needs of coastal communities. However, over-exploitation of groundwater resources, including fresh water and deep brine, leads to groundwater depletion and exacerbates saline intrusion, posing significant challenges to sustainable development. This study focuses on the south bank of Laizhou Bay, a typical area threatened by saline intrusion due to the salt industry’s extraction of deep brine and over-exploitation of fresh groundwater. To assess the impact on salinization processes, we employed hydrochemistry and multi-isotope techniques to study strontium (Sr) distribution and salinization in coastal groundwater, unraveling their origins and explaining hydrochemical processes. The hydrochemical analysis revealed that evaporite dissolution primarily contributes to salinity, especially in deep brine and saline water (TDS > 30 g/L). The relationship between 87Sr/86Sr and chlor-alkali index (CAI) and saturation index (SI) indicated distinct sources of Sr. In fresh and brackish water (<10 g/L), Sr originates from mineral weathering and dissolution (SIs of albite and calcite increase with salinity), while in deep brine and saline water, Sr is influenced by cation exchange (with CAI-Ⅰ and CAI-Ⅱ greater than 0). Additionally, the interplay of anthropogenic input (nitrate), Sr, and EC highlights the differential anthropogenic impact on shallow groundwater, emphasizing the relatively closed environment of deep brine. Multi-isotope analysis showed that the average 87Sr/86Sr of shallow groundwater samples in the cone depression is 0.7112, between that of upstream surface water and shallow groundwater (0.7119) and deep brine and saline water (0.7101), indicating groundwater extraction induces deep brine leakage into shallow groundwater, elevating salinity and Sr concentrations. This poses a direct threat to local water security, including irrigation suitability and health risks of drinking water.In conclusion, we categorized the relationships between 87Sr/86Sr and Sr under different hydrochemical processes into different end-members based on their origins. This offers valuable insights in comparable regions for identifying groundwater salinization and saline intrusion, and the use of Sr and its isotopes can also help trace cation exchange and deep brine leakage in coastal aquifers.

Differential accumulation of metals in the lacustrine and fluvial Alpine bullheads (Cottus poecilopus) and recovery of fish from metal contamination after a flash flood

The spatiotemporal distribution and transport of mercury, zinc, molybdenum, rubidium, and strontium from alpine terrestrial ecosystems to alpine lake and mountain stream populations of Cottus poecilopus were investigated. Metals were measured for 66 wild fish collected from different lakes and Javorinka stream across. Mercury was measured in the pectoral fins, other elements in the skull. Bullheads contained more metals in the alpine lakes than in the mountain stream. In particular, mercury and zinc concentrations in lake bullheads were 6 and 2.5 times higher, respectively, than those of stream-dwelling fish. New data were generated on metal bioaccumulation in fish of understudied West Carpathian alpine lake environments. In July 2018, a major flood occurred in the area of the Javorinka. Already then, the mercury content in bullheads increased significantly. Bioaccumulation of mercury in fish occurred very quickly after the flood and was also significant in the following 2019. Then, the concentrations of mercury quickly decreased up to 70% in 2021–2022. Average concentrations of molybdenum and rubidium in bullheads in the stream rapidly declined in the year following the flood disturbance, but within less than 2 years, the metal levels stabilized at about the same level as in 2017 prior the flood. Strontium concentrations in fish dropped rapidly immediately after the flood, increased in the following years, and dropped again after 4 years, suggesting that many more factors are influencing strontium bioaccumulation in fish that are comparable in magnitude to the flood. The most serious warning seems to be the absence of biogenic zinc. The average concentration in the Alpine bullheads population in the stream has declined by 70% in less than 5 years and is steadily declining. An important result of this study is the demonstration that disturbance by a single factor (heavy rainfall and flooding) has a clear and timely effect on average metal concentrations in the fish population.Graphical abstract

Formation processes of groundwater in a non-ferrous metal mining city of China: Insights from hydrochemical and strontium isotope analyses.

Tongling is a significant non-ferrous metal mining city in China, which produces waste that negatively impacts the area's water environment. It is essential to comprehend the hydrochemical properties and formation processes of groundwater to safeguard and utilize it efficiently. We explored major ions, strontium, and its isotopes in water and river-bottom samples from the northern (i.e., A-A' section) and southern (i.e., B-B' section) areas. The hydrochemical facies show the mining activities have a greater impact on surface water than on groundwater. Groundwater hydrochemical formation results from several factors, with water-rock interaction and ion exchange being primary. Additionally, the dissolution of calcite, dolomite, and feldspar, oxidation of pyrite, and hydrolysis of carbonate minerals also impact the formation of groundwater chemistry. Our analysis of strontium and its isotopes indicates that carbonate dissolution primarily occurred in the recharge area; the runoff from the recharge to the discharge area results in the dissolution of certain silicate rocks; calcite dissolution sources account for > 70% contribution in both surface water and groundwater water-rock interactions, whereas silicate rock dissolution sources and dolomite dissolution sources account for < 30%. Due to changed order of dissolved carbonate and silicate minerals during groundwater flow, the distribution of strontium and its isotopes in the A-A' section is opposite to that in the B-B' section. The findings provide a basis for developing, utilizing, managing, and protecting groundwater resources, especially in similar mining areas.

Mapping of bioavailable &lt;sup&gt;87&lt;/sup&gt;Sr/&lt;sup&gt;86&lt;/sup&gt;Sr in the Southern Trans-Urals

Research subject. Spatial distribution of bioavailable strontium in the South Trans-Urals. Aim. Development and test of a methodology for obtaining a bioavailable strontium map suitable for studying migrations and mobility in the Bronze Age in the Southern Trans-Urals. Methods. Sampling was conducted in 73 loci located in a uniform network in a 25 ± 5 km grid and in 22 additional loci (transects along the intermediate lines in places of complex geological structure). The determination of strontium content was carried out by the ICP-MS method. The strontium isotope composition was measured using an inductively coupled plasma magneto-sector multi-collector mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). Statistical methods included analysis with stem-and-leaf plots; Student’s t-test; ordinary kriging (the mean is unknown) with linear semivariogram; analysis of correlation according to Pearson’s test. Results. The surveyed area is 36 sq. km2. The sample size is 357. Samples for different types have similar mean and median values; the differences occur in the fourth fractional digit. Criterion 1 (n ≥ 0.001) can be used to determine local variability, and Criterion 2 (0.706 &lt; n &lt; 0.716) can be used to assess the origin of ancient individuals, animals, and archaeological objects. The interpolated maps for each sample type were created. All bioavailable strontium maps show similar spatial patterns. Cross-validation revealed areas of the lowest accuracy. Conclusions. The similarity of the distribution of anomalies on the maps of different types suggests the feasibility of the sampling technique. There is a clear tendency for the zones of elevated 87Sr/86Sr values to be associated with the older lithology (0.7106, mean). The lower values (0.7091 ± 0.002) are associated with the younger lithology. Given the complex geological structure and a wide range of rocks in the study area, a positive result is the low differentiation of the zoning of the identified anomalies, which correspond to large structural-formation zones of the Urals. The presented method demonstrates its suitability for studying sublatitudinal migrations of the ancient population of the Southern Trans-Urals.

An uneven distribution of strontium in the coccolithophore Scyphosphaera apsteinii revealed by nanoscale X-ray fluorescence tomography.

Coccolithophores are biogeochemically and ecologically important phytoplankton that produce a composite calcium carbonate-based exoskeleton - the coccosphere - comprised of individual platelets, known as coccoliths. Coccoliths are stunning examples of biomineralization; their formation featuring exceptional control over both biomineral chemistry and shape. Understanding how coccoliths are formed requires information about minor element distribution and chemical environment. Here, the first high-resolution 3D synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping of a coccolith is presented, showing that the lopadoliths of Scyphosphaera apsteinii display stripes of different Sr concentration. The presence of Sr stripes is unaffected by elevated Sr in the culture medium, macro-nutrient concentration, and light intensity, indicating that the observed stripiness is an expression of the fundamental coccolith formation process in this species. Current Sr fractionation models, by contrast, predict an even Sr distribution and will have to be modified to account for this stripiness. Additionally, nano-XANES analyses show that Sr resides in a Ca site in the calcite lattice in both high and low Sr stripes, confirming a central assumption of current Sr fractionation models.

Техногенные шахтные воды Восточного Донбасса и их влияние на микроэлементный состав речных вод и донных отложений

The article presents the results of studies of the technogenic mine waters (TMW) effect on small river waters and sediments within Eastern Donbass. A set of typomorphic trace elements (Fe, Mn, Li, Sr) was identified in the chemical composition of TMW that reflects the regional specificity of the technogenic process of their formation. The behavior features of iron and manganese in the zone of TMW outflows appears in their rapid precipitation from the water column, and the most part of them (more than 95 % of Fe and 82 % of Mn) are deposited up to the first 500 m downstream. Meanwhile the process of lithium and strontium precipitation requires a longer period resulting in the formation of extensive hydrochemical dispersion fluxes of these elements. The mass precipitation of iron from the water column in the 500-meter range of TMW exposure and its fixation, mainly in the form of stable magnetite, contributes to an increase in metal concentrations in bottom sediments within the impact zone. In the distribution of manganese, strontium and lithium, the grain size distribution of river sediments, in particular, the amount of pelite fraction, plays a significant role, and therefore, under certain hydrological conditions, they can be actively involved in mechanical migration, forming longer lithogeochemical scattering flows in comparison with iron.

Study of the behavior of cesium and strontium in co-melting basalt and silica gel containing cesium or strontium nitrates for the development of a potential material for radioactive waste immobilization

The work studied the distribution of cesium and strontium in cast stone matrices obtained by co-melting basalt and silica gel (hereinafter SiO2) containing cesium or strontium nitrates at 1623 K during 5 h. The melt cooling rate was ∼2 °C/min.Co-melting basalt and SiO2 containing CsNO3 or Sr(NO3)2 at a basalt/SiO2 initial mass ratio of 5 : 1 produced cast stone matrices, in which the main phases were Cr–Fe spinel and glass. At the same time co-melting basalt and SiO2 containing CsNO3 or Sr(NO3)2 at an initial mass ratio of 2 : 1 yielded matrices which, apart from Cr–Fe spinel and glass, included pollucite, clinopyroxene, and Ti-containing magnetite phases for Cs-containing system, magnetite and olivine phases for Sr-containing system.For Cs-containing system at a basalt/SiO2 initial mass ratio of 5 : 1 the glass phase showed almost an even distribution of cesium, whereas the spinel phase was virtually free of cesium. At a basalt/SiO2 initial mass ratio of 2 : 1 the major amount of cesium was found in the pollucite phase, where it mainly occurred in parts containing SiO2. Some amount of cesium was found in the glass phase. The other crystal phases found in the matrix were virtually free of cesium.For Sr-containing system at a basalt/SiO2 initial mass ratio of 5 : 1 the process yielded two types of glass: one rich in Ca and the other in Sr. Strontium was mainly found in the glass phases. The spinel phase was virtually free of strontium. At a basalt/SiO2 initial mass ratio of 2 : 1 strontium was mainly found in the glass phases. The magnetite, olivine, and Cr–Fe spinel phases were virtually free of strontium.

Spatial distribution of strontium and neodymium isotopes in South America: a summary for provenance research

Spatial distribution of strontium and neodymium isotopes in South America: a summary for provenance research

Feasibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to elucidate elemental changes in human tooth ankylosis

Tooth ankylosis is a pathological condition associated with the loss of physiological tooth mobility when the firm fusion between the alveolar bone and the tooth root occurs. Causes of dental ankylosis are uncertain, so the analysis of elemental distribution in ankylotic and surrounding tissues could provide additional information about its initiation and progression. Here, we used Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to determine differences in the mineral composition among ankylotic tissue, bone, and dental tissue taking advantage of its high throughput and multi-elemental capability. Elemental imaging was performed with a spatial resolution of 30 μm to evaluate the distribution of carbon, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and strontium in human tooth. To further verify the difference in the mineral composition of ankylotic tissue, the semi-quantitative content of these elements was compared within the region of interest. We revealed a significant increase in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contents in the ankylotic tissues. However, the contents of magnesium and phosphorus were not significantly changed. This finding suggests a mineral disbalance only of just certain elements in the tooth-bone interface area during the spread of ankylosis associated with an intense calcification of connective tissue. This paper brings a feasibility study and shows the way of LIBS data interpretation. We propose that the LIBS analysis on a micro-scale can contribute to the understanding of ankylotic tissue composition and can distinguish even small differences of carbon, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and strontium contents on the tooth-bone boundary during the initiation of ankylosis. Therefore, it represents a new useful tool for their future, more extensive analyses.

Study of the Distribution of Rare-Earth Elements and Strontium in Apatite from Rocks of the Vuoriyarvi Carbonatite Complex by Total-Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (TXRF): First Results and Prospects

Abstract —We have studied the trace element composition of apatite from several varieties of carbonatites and associated apatite ores of the Vuoriyarvi alkaline-ultrabasic carbonatite complex (Kola region, northwestern Russia), which hosts several commercial deposits of apatite–magnetite and pyrochlore ores and large-scale unexplored rare-earth mineral occurrences. The composition of apatite was analyzed by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (hereafter, TXRF). Verification of the obtained results was carried out by ICP-MS analysis of weighed portions of apatite monomineral samples. It is shown that during the evolution of the Vuoriyarvi carbonatites and associated apatite–magnetite ores, the contents of Sr and rare-earth elements (REE) and the degree of REE fractionation in apatite synchronously increased. The obtained TXRF data on the composition of apatite in the carbonatite complex demonstrate the efficiency of TXRF and its high potential in both applied and fundamental research concerned with apatite of various geologic objects.

Design and evaluation of 3D-printed Sr-HT-Gahnite bioceramic for FDA regulatory submission: A Good Laboratory Practice sheep study.

There is an unmet clinical need for a spinal fusion implant material that recapitulates the biological and mechanical performance of natural bone. We have developed a bioceramic, Sr-HT-Gahnite, which has been identified as a potential fusion device material. This material has the capacity to transform the future of the global interbody devices market, with follow on social, economic, and environmental benefits, rooted in its remarkable combination of mechanical properties and bioactivity. In this study, and in line with FDA requirements, the in vivo preclinical systemic biological safety of a Sr-HT-Gahnite interbody fusion device is assessed over 26 weeks in sheep under good laboratory practice (GLP). Following the in-life phase, animals are assessed for systemic biological effects via blood haematology and clinical biochemistry, strontium dosage analysis in the blood and wool, and histopathology examination of the distant organs including adrenals, brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs and bronchi, skeletal muscle, spinal nerves close to the implanted sites, ovaries, and draining lymph nodes. Our results show that no major changes in blood haematology or biochemistry parameters are observed, no systemic distribution of strontium to the blood and wool, and no macroscopic or histopathological abnormalities in the distant organs when Sr-HT-Gahnite was implanted, compared to baseline and control values. Together, these results indicate the systemic safety of the Sr-HT-Gahnite interbody fusion device. The results of this study extend to the systemic safety of other Sr-HT-Gahnite implanted medical devices in contact with bone or tissue, of similar size and manufactured using the described processes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This paper is considered original and innovative as it is the first that thoroughly reports the systemic biological safety of previously undescribed bioceramic material, Sr-HT-Gahnite. The study has been performed under good laboratory practice, in line with FDA requirements for assessment of a new interbody fusion device, making the results broadly applicable to the translation of sheep models to the human cervical spine; and also the translation of Sr-HT-Gahnite as a biomaterial for use in additional applications. We expect this study to be of broad interest to the readership of Acta Biomaterilia. Its findings are directly applicable to researchers and clinicians working in bone repair and the development of synthetic biomaterials.

From noise to information. Analysing macro-XRF mapping of strontium impurities in Raphael's Baglioni Entombment in the Galleria Borghese, Rome

In the paintings of the Old Masters, strontium is present only as an impurity of the materials, that is the gypsum used for the preparation of the panels, and for this reason its presence is generally considered – at best – accidental information. However, an in-depth study of the distribution of strontium beneath the surface of Raphael's Entombment in the Borghese Gallery in Rome by means of MA-XRF provided detailed information regarding a reapplication of the preparatory gypsum ground layers on an area probably damaged before the painter began the execution of the painting. Furthermore, the comparison of MA-XRF distribution maps for lead and strontium with radiographic images, aimed to establish at what point the painter decided to eliminate a female figure in the centre of the painting, and the state of completion of the figure when this occurred.

Geochemical and mineralogical studies of the celestite bearing formations and associated sediments in Benghazi Formation, Ar Rajmah Group (Middle Miocene), Al Jabal Al Akhdar, NE Libya

The study area is located in the northeast of Libya, in the areas of Benghazi city and Ar Rajmah village. The purpose of this study is to find out geochemically and mineralogically the source of strontium element. Also the distribution of strontium in allochems, matrix and cement in the Benghazi Formation of the Ar Rajmah Group. Celestite grade 88.3 % (SrSO4) occurs only in the Benghazi Formation at Benghazi Cement Quarry as geodic nodules in the Middle Miocene rocks. Detailed mineralogical and chemical data have been collected on the celestite and associated sediments using XRF, XRD, EPMA, SEM and DSC techniques. Authigenic celestite and strontianite minerals occur both as a cement and as a replaced by other fracture filling minerals such as anhydrite. However, carbonate skeletal grains have quite high MgCO3 contents, reflecting sometimes the presence of dolomite and brucite minerals. The average Sr/Ca ratio of coralline algae is 0.65. Echinoderm fragments have the highest value 1.31 of Sr/Ca and containing 0.47 to 1.8 mole percent of MgCO3 in the Benghazi Formation. Echinoid spines contain higher strontium contents than other echinoderm fragments. Some bivalves are replaced totally by apatite and had a very high absolute concentration of strontium. The high strontium- low magnesium contents and vice versa are related to the diagenesis, mineralogical nature of the sediments and organic remains. Celestite occurs mainly in sedimentary beds of the Benghazi Formation, adjacent to the evaporitic environment (gypsum/anhydrite) and near sites of intense dolomitization

Fate and transport of strontium in groundwater from a layered sedimentary aquifer system

In this article, strontium distribution in sedimentary coastal aquifers of Eastern India was studied and its association with groundwater particles has been ascertained using hydrochemical and morphological tools. Groundwater contains Sr2+ in the range of 0.08–4.0 mg/L with higher concentrations in Cretaceous formation. The particle number in groundwater varies from 4.5 × 105 to 3.3 × 106 per liter and follows the power law distribution with respect to the particle diameter. The calculated β values (2.54 and 4.03) signify the abundance of smaller particles over larger ones. The particle concentration of size range 0.45–8 μm is found to be 0.64–2.6 mg/L. Elemental data of groundwater particles clearly suggest their origin from the host rock minerals. Zeta potential data indicates diverse nature of colloids suggesting prevalence of both positive and negative charged species in the groundwater. The hydrochemical interpretation along with speciation studies infers that high Sr2+ in groundwater is a result of incongruent dissolution of carbonate minerals and the dissolved Sr2+ partitions into both dissociated and un-dissociated forms. Based on the Sr2+/Ca2+ ratio and mineral saturation indices, it can be inferred that the Sr2+ is preferentially associated with colloids over large particles and the migration takes place through sorption of Sr2+ onto clay-bound (extrinsic) colloids in groundwater. This study describes the mechanism of strontium release into groundwater and provides insights into the role of groundwater particles in controlling the strontium migration to deep aquifers.

Efficient separation of strontium ions from aqueous solution by dibenzo-18-crown-6 functionalized resin: Static and dynamic adsorption studies with computational DFT insights

The separation and utilization of radiotoxic 90Sr from liquid nuclear waste streams generated in the nuclear fuel reprocessing is highly desirable and challenging. Herein, we studied dibenzo-18-cown-6 functionalized chloromethyl-polystyrene (CMPS-DB18C6) resin which displays an excellent affinity toward Sr2+ion adsorption from aqueous solution. Adsorption behaviors were investigated as a function of solution pH, contact time, Sr2+ion concentration, temperature and presence of other metal ions. The prepared grafted resin exhibits high adsorption capacity of 141.37 mg/g at pH 6 with good selectivity in the presence of interfering coexisting ions such as Li+, Na+, Mg2+and Ca2+ions.The adsorption kinetics and isotherm were well fitted by the pseudo second order and Langmuir model, respectively. The adsorption efficiency was seen to be reduced with temperature. The regeneration of the used CMPS-DB18C6 resin was accomplished by 0.5 M HNO3acid and regenerated resin was reused up to four cycles with modest change in the adsorption capacity. The breakthrough curve analysis using a fixed-bed column showed 99.6% adsorber performance with bed capacity of 147.56 mg/g and 1.38 mbar pressure drop across the adsorber bed. The adsorbent showed good radiation stability as seen from the almost constant strontium distribution coefficient up to 500 kGy radiation dose. Further, the high adsorption and selectivity of Sr2+ ion was complimented using complexation Gibbs free energy by performing density functional theoretical calculations. The present work might provide an easy and efficient adsorptive removal process for the separation Sr2+ ions from radioactive waste stream for environmental remediation.

Influence of precipitation rate and temperature on the partitioning of magnesium and strontium in calcite overgrowths

To study the incorporation of magnesium (Mg) and strontium (Sr) in calcite precipitated over synthetic calcite seeds (overgrowths) as a function of the precipitation rate (R*, μmol/m2 h), we performed precipitation experiments wherein temperature and precipitation rates were decoupled at intervals of approximately 3.63–5.22 μmol/m2 h. In most sample reactions, high‑magnesium calcite (HMC) overgrowths co-precipitated with aragonite from the stirred solutions exposed to an atmosphere of NH3 and CO2 gases throughout the spontaneous decomposition of (NH4)2CO3. The percentage of aragonite in the solid CaCO3 increased with both temperature and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The order of reaction with respect to the [DIC] is temperature dependent and is 1.9, 2.4, and 2.9 at temperatures of 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 °C, respectively. The magnesium distribution coefficient (DMg) increases significantly with increasing R*, temperature, and Mg/Ca ratio in the fluid. The strontium distribution coefficient (DSr) increases with R* and with increasing MgCO3 concentrations in the calcite overgrowths. However, it is independent of temperature.