Fuller's Earth Research Articles

Monitoring colloidal and dissolved decay particles in ester dielectric fluids

In this article, two synthetic esters along with a natural ester are investigated to monitor the generation of colloidal and dissolved decay particles under thermal aging. The thermal aging of the oils is carried out as per a modified ASTM D1934 in the presence of cellulose and copper at elevated temperatures. Later, the colloidal and dissolved decay particles are monitored as per ASTM D1698 (centrifuge treatment) and ASTM D7150 (Fuller's earth filtration), respectively. The aged and treated dielectric liquids are characterized for the number of decay particles, oil absorbance curves, the concentration of dissolved decay content, and turbidity as per ASTM standards. The evolution of colloidal and dissolved decay contents is individually reported for ester fluids and mineral oils. The degradation in mineral oils has been witnessed by both dissolved and colloidal particles. The generation of colloidal particles following the degradation of ester fluids is almost negligible, whereas dissolved decay content is noticed with thermal degradation time. Importantly, the obtained results depict the ability of esters to dissolve more sludge. This is due to the high (oxidative) stability of ester leading to reduced radical decomposition products. Also, the temperature solvent nature of the ester group tends to dissolve sludge particles back to the liquid phase into the bulk liquid.

Home remedies in different pediatric dermatoses: An observational study

Traditional medicinal systems are widely practiced in the Indian subcontinent for a wide variety of diseases. We aimed to identify the various home remedies used by people to treat numerous pediatric dermatoses. It was an observational study carried out over 18 months in which 150 children attending our clinics were recruited. A detailed history regarding the various indigenous preparations used was taken from caregivers and noted in a proforma. A total of 150 children (M:F-89:61) aged between 4 months to 18 years were included. Atopic dermatitis and eczema (n = 28) were the most common dermatoses whereas the most common home remedies used for these either solo or in combination were coconut oil (13), olive oil (11), mustard oil (7), aloevera gel (6), ghee (6), curd (4), and honey (2). Acne was the second most common dermatoses (n = 22), products used for acne were Fuller's earth, aloevera gel, turmeric, gram flour, mustard oil, lime and sandalwood paste. Other dermatoses treated by indigenous products included impetigo and other bacterial infections, seborrheic dermatitis, dermatophytoses, verruca, molluscum, hypopigmentary disorders, etc. In Indian setup, home remedies are commonly used by the caregivers before visiting a dermatologist to treat various pediatric dermatoses.

Assessment of soil response to exchangeable sodium percentage by consistence and water retention properties

The use of low-quality water for irrigation is expected to keep increasing worldwide, which increases the risk of soil degradation. The response of soil to irrigation waters with excessive sodium depends on the soil clay behavior. Soil physical properties that can distinguish smectitic soils from non-smectitic soils could identify soils that are sensitive to exchangeable sodium. This study explores the use of Atterberg limits, coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) and soil water retention as possible properties to determine if a soil is sensitive to exchangeable sodium. Soils used were synthetic soils prepared from mixtures of silt and clay minerals, and six natural soils. Atterberg limits, COLE and soil water retention was measured at ESP values of 0, 50 and 100% on these soils. Multiple linear regression functions were developed to predict soil liquid limit, plasticity index, COLE, and soil water retention at −336 cm H2O. The liquid limit, and COLE increased as the amount of sodium-saturated smectite increased in the synthetic soils. The liquid limit, COLE and water retention at matric potentials greater than −336 cm of H2O increased on smectite clay dominant soils when elevated ESP was combined with low salinity. The liquid limit increased from 49 to 67 on average and −336 H2O water content increased from 38 to 70% on average between 0 and 100% ESP treatments on the four smectitic soils. On a kaolinitic soil liquid limit decreased from 56.1 to 51.8 and −336 H2O water content increased from 33.7 to 35.9% between the ESP 0 and 100% treatment. Liquid limit increased from 188 to 679 and COLE increased from 0.47 to 1.19 mm mm−1 between calcium smectite (fullers earth) and sodium smectite (Wyoming bentonite), whereas liquid limit decreased from 56 to 39 and COLE decreased from 0.195 to 0.104 mm mm−1 between calcium and sodium saturated kaolinite. Plasticity index increased by 75% between the ESP 0 and ESP 100 treatments on the smectitic soils, whereas there was a 260% increase in plasticity index between fullers earth and bentonite. The root mean squared error that liquid limit could be predicted with was 3.3 plastic limit was 2.4, COLE was 0.036 mm mm−1, and 1/3rd bar water content was 2.2 × 10−3 g g−1. Smectitic soils had increases in soil swelling related properties, whereas non-smectitic clay soils had no changes in swelling related properties from ESP. Liquid limit and water retention at water potentials of −1/10th and −1/3rd bar were the properties that best distinguished soils that respond to ESP from soils that do not respond to ESP. Soil consistence properties and water retention can determine soils that contain smectite clay which is the clay mineral that is most sensitive to soil ESP.

A facile approach of adsorption of acid blue 9 on aluminium silicate-coated Fuller's Earth––Equilibrium and kinetics studies

Fuller's Earth (FE) and aluminium Silicate Coated Fuller's Earth (ASFE) are used to removing Acid Blue 9 (AB9) dye from aqueous solutions as adsorbents. The adsorption capacities of FE and ASFE are ~36.70 mg/g and ~174.22 mg/g, respectively. The adsorbent dose requested for the maximum removal of AB9 dye is 1.0 g in the case of FE, whereas it is only 0.15 g in the case of ASFE. The contact time to establish equilibrium found to be 120 min in both the dye removal. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin - Radushkevich adsorption isotherms are being used to explore the adsorption mechanism. Langmuir adsorption isotherm best explained the uptake of AB9 dye by FE and ASFE, respectively. The kinetics of these adsorption processes are of pseudo-second order reactions.

Pretreatment of Fuller's earth with nitrogen

This paper summarizes experimental findings of the regenerative capability of nitrogen on Fuller's earth. Regenerating new oil from aged oil involves several cycles requiring a large volume of Fuller's earth. The use of large amounts of Fuller's earth is not economically profitable for companies that carry out regenerative operations to service transformer oils and can have environmental implications, since Fuller's earth is usually used to reclaim transformer oil in a one-time batch basis then disposed of. To improve the situation, a new technique to reduce the number of regeneration cycles is proposed. It is shown that Fuller's earth can be improved by purging it with continuous flowing of a fluid, preferably dry nitrogen.

A Selective Gas Chromatography-Selected Ion Monitoring Mass Spectrometry (GC‑MS/SIM) Method to Determine Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Fuller's Earth

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogenic to humans and can be found in Fuller’s earth used for the regeneration of used transformer oil. This work describes a highly selective gas chromatographic-selected ion monitoring mass spectrometric method (GC-MS/SIM) for the simultaneous determination of three Aroclor PCB congener mixtures (1242, 1254, and 1260). The separation of the PCBs could be systematically varied by changing the temperature conditions of the chromatographic column. Methods were first selected from the literature, and the resolution of the PCBs was then optimized by adjusting k* (effective retention), a (selectivity), and N (column efficiency), enabling the detection of 83 PCBs in 35 min. The extract of PCBs from Fuller’s earth was obtained by ultrasonication (employing hexane and acetone as solvents) and cleanup with Florisil and was concentrated to about 500 µL. The ions analyzed in SIM mode were divided into groups according to the similarity (m/z) of the PCB fragmentation profiles. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.19 and 0.64 µg kg-1, respectively. The method developed was used to determine the PCBs present in Fuller’s earth provided by an electric power company. The mean total PCBs concentration was found 1.9 µg kg-1 in Fuller’s earth.

Modeling and optimization of fixed mode dual effect (photocatalysis and photo-Fenton) assisted Metronidazole degradation using ANN coupled with genetic algorithm

The study presents the novel concept of application of fixed bed-batch mode in-situ dual effect of degradation of photo-Fenton and photocatalysis using composite material composed of fuller's earth and foundry sand for the removal of antibiotic Metronidazole. The composite material was involved in the subsequent leaching of iron prompting to in-situ photo-Fenton reactions while TiO2 layer immobilized upon the support involved in photocatalysis. Dual process facilitated the significant reduction in treatment time as 80% of the compound degraded with 30 min of the reaction. Both the processes almost took 180 min for 50% degradation, when applied individually. No doubt, there was an astonishing increase in the rate constant. An artificial neural network model coupled with the genetic algorithm was employed for the optimization of various parameters like H2O2 dose, treatment time, number of beads, pH, etc. Various characterizations have been performed to confirm the novelty of the process. Extended recyclability up to 70 recycles of these composite beads really confirmed the feasibility of this technology for field-scale applications.

Quantitative analysis of Fuller's earth using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy.

Fuller's earth, most commonly known as Multani Matti (clay) in Urdu, among its various utilizations is traditionally used in skin care cosmetics, particularly for removing blackheads and to treat oily skin. It is also used for improving skin complexion. In this paper, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was effectively employed for the quantitative investigation of various clay samples for their special uses. To get the LIBS spectra with an optimal signal-to-noise as well as for a more robust and accurate analytical investigation, different experimental parameters (laser energy, gate delay time, and the distance between target and focusing lens) were optimized before the experiments on actual samples. The analysis of emission spectra revealed the presence of many different elements, including Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, K, Li, S, Si, and Zn. The electron number density and plasma temperatures were determined using the Stark broadened line profile and Boltzmann plot method, respectively. To determine the relative concentration of observed elements, we used an integrated intensity ratio method, integrated intensity of every line from all elements, and calibration free (CF)-LIBS. The prevailing condition of local thermodynamic equilibrium during the experimental executions was verified with multiple criteria. The spectral lines used in CF-LIBS were characterized for the influence from the self-absorption phenomenon, but the same was found insignificant. The findings of our LIBS system were found to agree excellently with the outcomes of the inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy, thereby yielding a high statistical correlation factor and hence enlighten the significance of LIBS as a safe and reliable tool for elemental analysis of clay samples.

Paraquat poisoning management

Paraquat a rapidly acting, nonselective herbicide is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in many parts of Asia. After rapid absorption, paraquat is concentrated inside many cells where it undergoes redox cycling. Clinical features are largely due to intracellular effects. Paraquat is actively concentrated into lung tissue leading to pneumonitis and lung fibrosis. Paraquat also causes gastrointestinal, renal, and liver injuries. Activated charcoal and Fuller's earth can minimize further absorption. Gastric lavage is contraindicated. Hemodialysis and hemoperfusion are unlikely to change the clinical course. The use of immunosuppression with dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide, and methylprednisolone evidence for efficacy is weak. Antioxidants such as acetylcysteine and salicylate used as free radical scavenging might be beneficial. The case fatality is very high in this herbicide due to the lack of effective treatment options.

Further studies of the efficacy of military, commercial and novel skin decontaminants against the chemical warfare agents sulphur Mustard, Soman and VX

Background/AimsFollowing an incident involving toxic chemicals, deployment of countermeasures before the arrival of specialised services at the scene may provide a “therapeutic” window in which to mitigate skin absorption. MethodsFive potential candidates (itaconic acid, N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, 2-trifluoromethylacrylic acid, fuller's earth and Fast-Act®) previously found effective against a simulant (methyl salicylate) were evaluated against a 10 μL droplet of 14C-sulphur mustard (HD), soman (GD) or VX applied to the surface of porcine skin mounted on static skin diffusion cells. ResultsAll the decontaminants applied to the skin 5 min post exposure achieved a marked reduction in the amount of 14C contaminant remaining within the skin at 24 h. Itaconic acid significantly (p < .05) reduced the amount of 14C-HD, GD and VX remaining in the skin at 24 h. Additionally, 2-trifluoromethylacrylic acid significantly reduced the amount of 14C-HD, whilst fuller's earth significantly reduced the amounts of 14C-HD and VX recovered within the skin at 24 h. ConclusionAll of the products evaluated in this study performed well in reducing the dermal absorption of all the chemical warfare agents tested.

In-situ dual effect of novel Fe-TiO2 composite for the degradation of phenazone

Study presents the applications of innovative, inexpensive composite made up of Fuller’s Earth (FE) and Foundry Sand (FS) for incorporating in-situ dual effect (photocatalysis and photo-Fenton). FE and FE + FS beads have been contrived for the degradation of pharmaceutical drug Phenazone (PHZ) which persists even in drinking and groundwater.The composite material possesses the inherent property of presence of iron content which leaches in the acidic medium (leading to photo-Fenton) along with surface coated TiO2 (leading to photocatalysis) thus exhibiting the dual effect. 60% of synergy was observed with dual effect over photocatalysis and photo-Fenton. Box Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the parameters and % degradation, nitrate ions concentration and nitrite ions concentration were used as responses. Kinetics studies revealed the increase in the reaction rate to 5 folds, thus envisages degradation to be achieved at a faster pace. The beads were durable enough to be recycled up to 35 recycles while maintaining their catalytic activity. The retention of iron and TiO2in recycled beads was further confirmed through various characterizations of XRD, SEM-EDS, and UV-DRS. Further mineralization studies were conducted and reduction in COD and TOC was carried out. Various intermediates were analyzed through GC–MS and reaction mechanism was suggested for the mineralization of PHZ.

Equilibrium and kinetic studies of the adsorption of acid blue 9 and Safranin O from aqueous solutions by MgO decked FLG coated Fuller's earth

MgO decked few layer Graphene Coated Fullers' Earth (MgO-FLG-FE) is prepared by microwave irradiation and tested as adsorbent to remove Acid Blue 9 (AB9) and Safranin O (SO) dye from aqueous solutions. MgO-FLG-FE was characterized by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, RAMAN, and BET. The adsorbent dose required for the maximum removal of AB9 and SO dyes are 1.0 g and 0.08 g which is in very low quantity compared with FE. The contact time to achieve equilibrium is 120 min in both the dyes. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption isotherms are applied to understand the adsorption mechanism for both the dyes in aqueous solutions. The uptake of AB9 and SO dye by MgO-FLG-FE is best explained by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption capacities of MgO-FLG-FE for AB9 and SO are 37.7 mg/g and 201.1 mg/g respectively when compared with Fuller's Earth (36.7 mg/g and 131.19 mg/g). The adsorbent capacity of FE was enhanced by coating with very small amount of MgO decked FLG. The Pseudo-second order equation is best explained through the adsorption kinetics in this study.

Removal of organic matter from reservoir water: mechanisms underpinning surface chemistry of natural adsorbents

One of the key challenges in water treatment industry is the removal of organic compounds by cost-effective methods. This study evaluated the adsorptive removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from reservoir water using fuller’s earth (FE) in comparison with natural (SQ) and modified quartz (MSQ) sands. The removal capacities of FE at different contact times, pH levels, adsorbent dosages and initial DOC concentrations were compared with both the quartz sands. The optimum DOC removals by FE and SQs were achieved at contact time of 60 and 30 min, pH level of 6 and 4, and at adsorbent dose of 1.5 g/150 mL and 10 g/100 mL, respectively. The adsorption capacity of FE (1.05 mg/g) was much higher compared to the MSQ (0.04 mg/g) and SQ (0.01 mg/g). Adsorption equilibrium data better fitted to the Freundlich model than to the Langmuir model, suggesting that adsorption occurred primarily through multilayer formation onto the surfaces of FE and SQ. The pseudo-second-order model described the uptake kinetics more effectively than the pseudo-first-order and intra-particle diffusion models, indicating that the mechanism was primarily governed by chemisorption. These observations were well supported by the physiochemical characteristics and charge behaviour of the adsorbents. In mass-transfer study, the results of liquid film diffusion model showed that the adsorption of DOC on FE was not controlled by film diffusion, but other mechanisms also played an essential role. This study demonstrates that FE is an effective adsorbent for the removal of DOC in surface water treatment.

Comparison of four different fuller's earth formulations in skin decontamination.

Industrial accidents, wars and terrorist threats are potential sources of skin contamination by highly toxic chemical warfare agents and manufacturing compounds. We have compared the time-dependent adsorption capacity and decontamination efficiency of fuller's earth (FE) for four different formulations for the molecular tracer, 4-cyanophenol (4-CP), in vitro and ex vivo using water decontamination as standard. The adsorption capacity of FE was assessed in vitro for 4-CP aqueous solutions whereas decontamination efficiency was investigated ex vivo by tracking porcine skin 4-CP content using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Decontamination was performed on short time, exposed porcine skin to 4-CP by application of FE: (1) as free powder; (2) loaded on adhesive tape; (3) on powdered glove; or (4) in suspension. Removal rate of 4-CP from aqueous solutions correlates with the amount of FE and its contact time. Decontamination efficiency estimated by the percentage of 4-CP recovery from contaminated porcine skin, achieved 54% with water, ranged between ~60 and 70% with dry FE and reached ~90% with FE suspension. Successful decontamination of the FE suspension, enabling a dramatic reduction of skin contamination after a brief exposure scenario, appears to be rapid, reliable and should be formulated in a new device ready to use for self-application.

Comparison of skin decontamination efficacy of commercial decontamination products following exposure to VX on human skin

The decontamination efficacy of four commercially available skin decontamination products following exposure to the nerve agent VX was evaluated in vitro utilizing a diffusion cell and dermatomed human skin. The products included were Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion (RSDL), the Swedish decontamination powder 104 (PS104), the absorbent Fuller's Earth and the aqueous solution alldecontMED. In addition, various decontamination procedures were assessed to further investigate important mechanisms involved in the specific products, e.g. decontamination removal from skin, physical removal by sponge swabbing and activation of degradation mechanisms. The efficacy of each decontamination product was evaluated 5 or 30 min after dermal application of VX (neat or diluted to 20% in water).The RSDL-lotion was superior in reducing the penetration of VX through human skin, both when exposed as neat agent and when diluted to 20% in water. Swabbing with the RSDL-sponge during 2 min revealed decreased efficacy compared to applying the RSDL-lotion directly on the skin for 30 min. Decontamination with Fuller's Earth and alldecontMED significantly reduced the penetration of neat concentration of VX through human skin. PS104-powder was insufficient for decontamination of VX at both time-points, independently of the skin contact time of PS104. The PS104-slurry (a mixture of PS104-powder and water), slightly improved the decontamination efficacy. Comparing the time-points for initiated decontamination revealed less penetrated VX for RSDL and Fuller's Earth when decontamination was initiated after 5 min compared to 30 min post-exposure, while alldecontMED displayed similar efficacy at both time-points. Decontamination by washing with water only resulted in a significant reduction of penetrated VX when washing was performed 5 min after exposure, but not when decontamination was delayed to 30 min post-exposure of neat VX.In conclusion, early initiated decontamination with the RSDL-lotion, containing both absorption and degrading properties, allowed to act on skin for 30 min was superior in preventing VX from penetrating human skin. Adding water during decontamination resulted in increased penetration of neat VX, however, water in the decontaminant removal process did not influence the decontamination efficacy. From our study on commercially available decontaminants, it is recommended that future product developments should include both strong absorbents and efficient nerve agent degrading components.

Kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies for sorption of 2,4-dichlorophenol onto surfactant modified fuller's earth

The applicability of surfactant modified fuller's earth (SMFE) for removing 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from water has been investigated through batch sorption process. Fuller's earth was treated with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) for conversion of fuller's earth into surfactant modified fuller's earth. The influence of pH, agitation time, sorbent dose, temperature and initial concentration of 2,4-DCP were investigated. A strong dependence of the sorption capacity on pH was observed, the capacity increased as the pH value decreased. The sodium dodecyl sulphate increased the hydrophobicity of the sorbent and provided particular affinity for 2,4-DCP molecules. The SMFE showed high efficiency towards 2,4-DCP and >97% removal was achieved from an initial concentration of 20mg/L at 100°C using pH3. The kinetics of the sorption process was described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The mechanism of sorption kinetics was investigated using intraparticle diffusion model. The sorption isotherm was consistent with the Langmuir sorption isotherm and maximum monolayer capacity of the SMFE was found to be 126.58mg/g at room temperature. The mean adsorption energy (E) value 18.25kJ/mol indicated chemical sorption and endothermic sorption process.

Sorbent Decontaminant Based on Fuller's Earth Supported with MgO Nanoparticles for Decontamination of Sulfur Mustard and Sarin

Sorbent Decontaminant Based on Fuller's Earth Supported with MgO Nanoparticles for Decontamination of Sulfur Mustard and Sarin

Development of haemostatic decontaminants for treatment of wounds contaminated with chemical warfare agents. 3: Evaluation of in vitro topical decontamination efficacy using damaged skin.

Previous studies have demonstrated that haemostatic products with an absorptive mechanism of action retain their clotting efficiency in the presence of toxic materials and are effective in decontaminating chemical warfare (CW) agents when applied to normal, intact skin. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess three candidate haemostatic products for effectiveness in the decontamination of superficially damaged porcine skin exposed to the radiolabelled CW agents, soman (GD), VX and sulphur mustard (HD). Controlled physical damage (removal of the upper 100 μm skin layer) resulted in a significant enhancement of the dermal absorption of all three CW agents. Of the haemostatic products assessed, WoundStat™ was consistently the most effective, being equivalent in performance to a standard military decontaminant (fuller's earth). These data suggest that judicious application of haemostatic products to wounds contaminated with CW agents may be a viable option for the clinical management of casualties presenting with contaminated, haemorrhaging injuries. Further studies using a relevant animal model are required to confirm the potential clinical efficacy of WoundStat™ for treating wounds contaminated with CW agents. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Kinetic and equilibrium profile of the adsorptive removal of Acid Red 17 dye by surfactant-modified fuller's earth.

In the present study, fuller's earth (FE) was modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate for removal of Acid Red 17 (AR 17) dye from aqueous solutions. The surfactant-modified FE and FE were characterized by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetric analyzer and scanning electron microscope. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of contact time, pH, initial concentration of AR 17 and adsorbent dosage. About 99.1% adsorption efficiency was achieved within 60 min at adsorbent dose of 0.1 g for initial dye concentration of 1,000 mg L-1 at pH 10. The adsorption data were well fitted with the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model implying physisorption as the major phenomenon for adsorption. The kinetic data were analyzed using four kinetic equations: pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion and Elovich equations. The rates of adsorption confirmed the pseudo-second-order kinetics with good correlation value (R2 = 0.999). The results indicate that the modified adsorbent can effectively be used for the removal of AR 17 from wastewater with high absorption capacity of 2164.61 mg g-1.

A simulation study of dust transport on an ancient amphitheatre: The Delphi example

Abstract The open air amphitheatre at Delphi in Greece is a structure of sublime architectural beauty, admired the world over. This study explores, through architectural and fluid mechanical modelling, the connection between layout, natural topography, the amphitheatre's orientation, and the prevalent climatic conditions and relates these factors to their contribution to the erosion of the theatre by chemical breakdown. A study on the phenomenon of natural dust transport and saltation mechanisms, and eventually the weathering of the fabric of the theatre was realized through the simulation of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations, carried out using sophisticated environmental fluid mechanical software ENVI-met, for the very first time. Thereafter, a relationship is drawn between the concentration of dust simulated in the region to that deposited on the boundary walls of the theatre in a brief discourse. The simulation also quantitatively compiles the effect of scattering random trees of a specific height, akin to the ones found around the theatre. Moreover, the study gives a qualitative description on the mechanism of dust accumulation over a period of time and draws a limit on their accretion for building spaces. The paper further considers how the presence of strategically placed trees around the site of heritage is a simple and yet effectively quantified means to decrease the deposition of dust and hence diminish the effects of weathering, significantly. The basic chemistry of the degradation due to SO 2 and NO 2 has been examined in order to depict the successive mechanisms involved in the chemical breakdown. Safer and yet unconventional methods of cleaning such as the use of Fuller's Earth has been suggested as a measure of conservation of structures that have been chemically and physically damaged. This phenomenon exemplifies how dust particles carried by winds are slowly affecting structures that hold cultural value to nations.