High Concentrations Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Interlayer interference analysis based on trace elements in water produced from coalbed methane wells: a case study of the Upper Permian coal-bearing strata, Bide–Santang Basin, western Guizhou, China

Commingling coalbed methane (CBM) production will cause interlayer interference and severely impede the efficient drainage and pressure drop in coal seams. Effective recognition of interlayer interference is important during commingling CBM production. On the basis of water samples and trace element data from CBM wells in the Bide–Santang Basin, western Guizhou, China, the trace element dynamic characteristics and their significance for recognition of interlayer interference are discussed. As drainage proceeds, the trace element concentrations in the water tend to increase. Li, Ga, Rb, Sr, and Ba were selected as characteristic trace elements and were used to detect the water source apportionment of commingling production. The trace element concentrations in water derived from deep coal seams are relatively higher than those in water from shallow coal seams. The characteristic trace element concentrations in produced water exhibit good correlation with gas production and the interlayer span (the maximum vertical distance between produced coal seams in a well) of the CBM wells. Low trace element concentrations are indicative of interlayer interference. Wells with low gas production are characterized by a longer interlayer span, higher water production, and lower trace element concentrations. Wells with high gas production characteristically display a short interlayer span, lower water production, and higher trace element concentrations in produced water. Preliminary diagrams for recognition of interlayer interference are established based on characteristic trace elements in the produced water. The upper CBM system has poor commingling compatibility with the middle and lower CBM systems; thus, the middle and lower CBM systems should be a priority for future development.

Characterization and geochemistry of technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) in contaminated industrial soils: Assessing health risk via ingestion

The objective of this study was the detailed characterization of “technogenic” magnetic particles (TMPs) separated from contaminated industrial soils. Moreover, non-carcinogenic health risk posed by “technogenic” metals Pb and Zn via the ingestion exposure pathway was carried out. Volume magnetic susceptibility (κ) was measured directly in the field around a chemical industry in Sindos industrial area, Northern Greece. Representative soil samples were collected from the sites where elevated κ values were recorded. Mass specific magnetic susceptibility (χlf) depended on the content of TMPs and ranged from 52.6×10−8m3kg−1 to 821.2×10−8m3kg−1 with the maximum values detected in the immediate vicinity of the industrial unit where the most contaminated soils were also identified. Mineralogically the TMPs exhibited a dominant iron spinel phase, while other iron-bearing phases such as hematite and lepidocrocite were detected. Morphologically, Fe-rich spherules and irregular-shaped particles were the most commonly observed particles in TMPs, revealing various Fe contents often associated with elevated heavy metal contents. TMPs exhibited significantly higher concentrations of trace elements compared to non-magnetic fractions (NMFs) indicating that potentially harmful elements (PHEs) are preferentially enriched in the TMPs. Furthermore, for the first time, a health risk assessment study for the incidental soil magnetic fractions (MFs) ingestion of the “technogenic” metals Pb and Zn was carried out based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.E.P.A.) guidelines, incorporating oral bioaccessibility measurements using the BARGE Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM). Significant fractions (>50%) of Pb and Zn occur in bioaccessible forms in the TMPs and both children and adults are experiencing potential health risk since determined HQs values were significantly higher than safe level (=1).

On connection of modern geodynamic processes in carbonate rocks with tectonic activization of Petrivs’k-Kreminna fault

The given paper considers the connection of modern geodynamic processes in carbonate rocks with the tectonic activation of Petrivs’k-Kreminna fault. It is emphasized that faults in the region are the channels of the upward heat and mass transfer.The unloading of deep formation waters and endogenous fluids in the area Petrivs’k-Kreminna and other faults results from heat and mass transfer, which is brought about by the motions of lithospheric blocks of Donets’k folded structure.The present tense dynamic state of the geological system manifests itself in the constant uplifting of the hanging wings of Svyatohirs’k brachyanticline at a speed of 1,3-2,5 mm a year. Earthquakes with the focal depth of ~10 km are associated with periodic geodynamic stress relaxation in the Archean-Proterozoic basement complex in the ancient geologically closed submeridional fault that intersects within Svyatohirs’k structure with the Petrivs’k-Kreminna fault. The modern and most recent tectonic activation of the latter is evidenced in the formation of hypogenic hydrogeochemical anomalies, accompanied by hydrochemical inversion. The groundwater here exhibit alkaline reaction (pH up to 8,2), an increased temperature (19- 27 °C) in the range of 0-300 m and a high content of hypogenic trace elements, among which carbon dioxide takes pride of place.The presence of CO2 increases the aggressiveness of underground water towards carbonate rocks, resulting in a chemical geodynamic process referred to as karst. Furthermore, abnormal physical and chemical properties of groundwater bring about suffusion processes in loamy, chalk strata of rocks. These geodynamic processes are associated with geological risks for buildings of Svyatohirs’k monastery.The study found that: 1) the tectonic activation of the Petrivs’k-Kreminna fault in various and, above all, the modern and contemporary periods of Alpine tectonogenesis is the dominant energy basis of geodynamic processes, including seismic activity; 2) carbon dioxide as atmospheric and deep genesis present in the groundwater of different types, is the major factor in the development of carbonate karst in Svyatohirs’k brachyanticline; 3) the isotopic analysis of δ13C and δ18O in aragonite chalk powder clearly showed that recrystallization of chalk into aragonite occurred involving deep formation waters saturated with endogenous (metamorphogenic or mantle) CO2.

Hydrothermal impacts on trace element and isotope ocean biogeochemistry.

Hydrothermal activity occurs in all ocean basins, releasing high concentrations of key trace elements and isotopes (TEIs) into the oceans. Importantly, the calculated rate of entrainment of the entire ocean volume through turbulently mixing buoyant hydrothermal plumes is so vigorous as to be comparable to that of deep-ocean thermohaline circulation. Consequently, biogeochemical processes active within deep-ocean hydrothermal plumes have long been known to have the potential to impact global-scale biogeochemical cycles. More recently, new results from GEOTRACES have revealed that plumes rich in dissolved Fe, an important micronutrient that is limiting to productivity in some areas, are widespread above mid-ocean ridges and extend out into the deep-ocean interior. While Fe is only one element among the full suite of TEIs of interest to GEOTRACES, these preliminary results are important because they illustrate how inputs from seafloor venting might impact the global biogeochemical budgets of many other TEIs. To determine the global impact of seafloor venting, however, requires two key questions to be addressed: (i) What processes are active close to vent sites that regulate the initial high-temperature hydrothermal fluxes for the full suite of TEIs that are dispersed through non-buoyant hydrothermal plumes? (ii) How do those processes vary, globally, in response to changing geologic settings at the seafloor and/or the geochemistry of the overlying ocean water? In this paper, we review key findings from recent work in this realm, highlight a series of key hypotheses arising from that research and propose a series of new GEOTRACES modelling, section and process studies that could be implemented, nationally and internationally, to address these issues.This article is part of the themed issue ‘Biological and climatic impacts of ocean trace element chemistry’.

Continuous supply of recycled Pacific oceanic materials in the source of Cenozoic basalts in SE China: the Zhejiang case

Various enriched recycled oceanic components in the source of Cenozoic intra-plate alkaline basalts from eastern China were identified by previous studies. Due to the existence of a stagnant subducted Pacific slab in the mantle transition zone beneath eastern China, it is logical to connect the stagnant slab to the recycled oceanic materials. However, the recycled oceanic materials could also result from ancient subduction events (e.g., Paleo-Tethyan, Paleo-Asian or Izanagi plate subduction) because enriched geochemical signatures of a recycled slab can be preserved in the mantle for longer than 1 Gyr. Investigating the temporal variations of the recycled oceanic materials in the mantle source is a useful way to trace the origin of the basalts. In this article, we have conducted a detailed geochemical study, including major and trace elements and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, on two alkaline basalt groups from Zhejiang, SE China, which erupted 26–17 Ma and after 11 Ma, respectively. In particular, we recovered the H2O content of the initial magmas based on the H2O content of the clinopyroxene (cpx) phenocrysts and the partition coefficients of H2O between cpx and basaltic melts. The H2O contents of the Zhejiang basalts range from 1.3 to 2.6 (wt.%), which fall within the range of back-arc basin or island arc basalts. The older basalts are more alkaline and have lower Si and Al contents; higher trace element concentrations; higher La/Yb, Ce/Pb and Nb/La ratios; lower H2O/Ce and Ba/Th ratios; and stronger negative K, Pb, Hf and Ti anomalies than the younger ones. The co-relationships between Ba/La, H2O/Ce, Nb/La, Ce/Pb and Ba/Th in the two groups of the Zhejiang basalts indicate that a recycled dehydrated oceanic alkaline basalt component is needed in the source of the older rocks, along with a depleted mantle component. Meanwhile, an additional recycled dehydrated sediment component was required in the source of the younger rocks. The temporal change in the recycled oceanic materials in the mantle sources of Zhejiang Cenozoic basalts demonstrates that the recycled components can only originate in the stagnant Pacific slab that is the only plate subducted since 100 Ma in this area.

EVALUACIÓN DE ELEMENTOS TRAZA EN AGUA DE RÍO Y MANANTIAL DEL ÁREA MINERA DE OCAMPO, CHIHUAHUA, MÉXICO

The forestry industry and gold mining contribute to more than 80 % of the economy of the temperate ecoregion of Chihuahua, Mexico. The aim of this work was to assess the concentrations of some trace elements in water samples from the rivers and the springs in the surrounding environment of the gold-silver runner mining in the Ocampo district. It is located in the center-west of Chihuahua, Mexico. Water sampling was performed on rivers and springs, which are the main water supply sources for human consumption. Temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity and pH parameters were measured in situ. Some mayor (Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Li, Ni, Sb, Se, Cu, and Zn) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma of optical emission. The average of Ca concentration in water was higher in rivers than in springs, whereas Mg contents were only detected in river water. Trace elements measured in waters of river and spring were in decrease trend Ni ˃ Cu ˃ Zn ˃ Li > Se > Sb. The highest trace element concentrations were found in an area highly impacted by activities related to the mining. Most of trace elements concentrations assessed in this work were lower than limits for drinking water marked by Unites States Environmental Protection Agency and Mexican regulations. However, concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn obtained in water from rivers are higher than Canadian guidelines for protection of the aquatic life. Although, elemental concentrations determined here are below of the allowed limits, these studies are important because the water in this region have different uses such as human consumption, water supply to agricultural lands, and to industry.

Natural concentrations and reference values for trace elements in soils of a tropical volcanic archipelago

Fernando de Noronha is a small volcanic archipelago in the Southern Atlantic, some 350km NE of the city of Natal in NE Brazil. These remote volcanic islands represent a largely pristine environment, distant from sources of anthropogenic contamination. This study was carried out to determine the natural concentrations of Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn in the A and B horizons of soils of Fernando de Noronha. The aims of the study were twofold: determine whether there is a relationship between the bedrock geology and soils and to establish quality reference values for soils from Fernando de Noronha. Soil samples were subjected to acid digestion by the USEPA method 3051A, and metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometry. The results showed that the trace element distribution largely reflects the geochemistry of the underlying volcanic rocks of the Remedios and Quixaba Formations. The results demonstrate that the concentrations of Ba, Cr, Zn, Ni and Cu from the soils of the volcanic Fernando de Noronha archipelago are higher than those found in soils from continental Brazil. However, concentrations of Ni, Cu and Co are lower in soils of the archipelago as compared to other volcanic islands throughout the world. The elevated trace element concentrations of the volcanic parent material of Fernando de Noronha soils seem to be the main factor governing the relatively high natural concentrations of trace elements.

An overview of phosphate rocks and their mining impact on groundwater, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Eastern Desert of Egypt represents a remote arid area which is scarce in water resources. The area is characterized by many mining sites to exploit the phosphate deposits; thus, these activities can generate groundwater contaminants. The main objective of the present study is discussing the effect of the mining activities and phosphate bearing rocks on groundwater. The obtained results pointed out that the water bearing formations can be distinguished as Quaternary alluvial, Oligocene sandstone, Campanian phosphate limestone (Duwi Formation), and Precambrian basement rocks. Some of the investigated groundwater shows relatively high concentrations of trace elements compared to other samples, such as Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Sr. This is consistent with the analyses of phosphate rocks which are also enriched in the same trace elements. The high groundwater salinity is due to evaporation, limited re-charge, and leaching of salts in rocks. The results of speciation modeling reveal that majority of groundwater samples are supersaturated with calcite, aragonite, and dolomite, and some samples are also at equilibrium or supersaturated with hydroxyapatite. The groundwater quality in the study area evaluated for human drinking, livestock and poultry domestic, and industrial purposes is not suitable in most wells. It is obvious that the groundwater contamination occurs when drilling wells penetrate the phosphate bearing beds and not only at mining activity sites. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid any groundwater exploration from the Duwi Formation and also select the drilling sites outside the mining areas.

Elevated serum MDA and depleted non-enzymatic antioxidants, macro-minerals and trace elements are associated with bipolar disorder

Genetic and neurobiological factors are considered to be the major causes of mood and mental disorders. However, over the past few years, increased levels of serum malondialdehyde and altered levels of various non-enzymatic antioxidants and essential minerals involved in abnormal functional activity have been identified as major contributing factors to the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of the serum lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidants (vitamin A, E and C), macro-minerals (calcium, potassium and sodium) and trace elements (zinc, iron and selenium) in patients with bipolar disorder and to explore their role in disease progression. This is a prospective case-control study that evaluated 55 patients with bipolar disorder and 55 healthy volunteers matched by age and sex. Serum MDA levels were determined by UV spectrophotometry as a marker of lipid peroxidation. RP-HPLC was employed to investigate the serum vitamin A and E concentrations, whereas UV spectrophotometry was used to quantify levels of vitamin C. Serum macro-minerals and trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Statistical analysis was performed with independent sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation test. We found significantly higher concentrations of MDA (p<0.05) and significantly lower concentrations of antioxidants (vitamin A, E and C) (p<0.05) in the patient group compared with control group. Regarding trace elements and macro-minerals, lower concentrations of zinc, calcium, iron, selenium, sodium and potassium were found in the patient group compared with control subjects (p<0.05). Our study suggests that high serum MDA concentrations and low serum concentrations of antioxidants, macro-minerals and trace elements are strongly associated with bipolar disorder.

Trace Element Distribution (Cu, Ga, Ge, Cd, and Fe) IN Sphalerite From the Tennessee MVT Deposits, USA, By Combined EMPA, LA-ICP-MS, Raman Spectroscopy, and Crystallography

Abstract The zinc mines of Tennessee are known to contain high concentrations of certain trace elements (Cu, Ga, Ge, Fe, and Cd). Here, we investigate and compare sphalerites from two mining districts in the center (Central Tennessee Mines: CT) and east (East Tennessee Mines: ET) of Tennessee in order to (1) understand the substitution mechanisms that control the incorporation of trace elements in sphalerite, and (2) relate these mechanisms to the conditions of metal deposition. Electron microprobe and LA-ICP-MS analyses reveal complex chemical zoning in the sphalerites together with coupling of two main groups of trace elements: copper, germanium, and gallium; and iron and cadmium. The zoning is interpreted in terms of substitution mechanisms using different equations, including those previously described, such as 2Cu + + Ge 4+ ↔ 3Zn 2+ , Cu + + Ga 3+ ↔ 2Zn 2+ , Fe 2+ + Cd 2+ ↔ 2Zn 2+ , as well as new equations involving Ge 2+ and vacancies: Ge 2+ ↔ Zn 2+ , □ + Ge 4+ ↔ 2Zn 2+ , and □ + 2Ga 3+ ↔ 3Zn 2+ . Electron microprobe analyses of euhedral crystals of sphalerite highlight a correlation between the presence of trace elements and preferential crystallographic growth directions: copper and germanium are preferentially incorporated along the [010] growth direction, while cadmium is preferentially incorporated along the [110] growth direction. Raman spectroscopy highlights for the first time the possible coexistence of two different crystallographic forms of ZnS in some samples: cubic sphalerite and a non-cubic form, possibly a wurtzite-type structure. This is supported by the LA-ICP-MS data, which demonstrates a relationship between the trace element content and crystallographic structure: the non-cubic form of ZnS is enriched in copper, germanium, and gallium, while iron and cadmium are the most abundant trace elements in the cubic sphalerite. Although most of the main substitution mechanisms are observed in sphalerites from the two mining districts, the sphalerites differ in terms of their germanium grade and valency. These differences can be interpreted both in terms of fluid composition and redox conditions, suggesting that two different episodes of mineralization occurred in Tennessee.

USES OF SEAWEED AND ITS APPLICATION TO HUMAN WELFARE: A REVIEW

&lt;p&gt;Seaweed research has been carried out for more than seven decades by many research workers. Research has been done separately in different aspects accordingly to our need. The main objective of the present review is to gather information relating to nutritional, pharmacological, clinical, biochemical, industrial uses and its application to human welfare. Seaweeds have a high concentration of essential vitamins, trace elements, proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, enzymes, and minerals as compared to terrestrial foodstuffs. These plants have been a source of food, fodder, medicine, cosmetics, energy, fertilizer and are used for industrial production of agar and alginate. Their recent utilization increases in poultry due to their nutritive value. In the present scenario, it is being used for wastewater treatment such as treatment of wastewater to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus containing compounds. This review work is an attempt to highlights all the relevant application and uses of seaweeds and its products. Finally, this paper would be helpful to a common man to know and aware about such a great living resources which is present in and around us.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Metal-containing coals of the East Donetsk Basin: regularities of formation and integrated-use prospects

We consider the regularities of formation and prospects for the integrated use of fossil coals of two conjugate lithogeodynamic groups: East Donetsk Basin group of coal-bearing deposits of suprarift genesis and platform group of coals of the southern slope of the Voronezh anteclise. The paleogeographic and lithologo-geochemical environments of formation of coal deposits in the Millerovo coal-bearing district and in the northeastern folded area of the Donetsk Basin are analyzed. The geochemical characteristics of coals with high contents of trace elements and their localization in the coal-bearing series (at the sites with hydrocarbon fluidization of coal seams) are discussed. We also assess the prospects for using coals and products of their conversion and burning as a specific mineral raw material containing nonferrous, rare, and noble metals.

The toxic effects of trace elements on male reproductive health

The review covers the data on the toxic effects of trace elements on the male reproductive system. The basic pathogenetic mechanisms of male infertility are described. Different points of view on the effect of high concentrations of trace elements on the functions of endocrine system components, male reproductive tract, properties of gametes, and state of their genetic material are considered.

New promising alien species of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolia (Рoepp. et Еndl.) H. Robinson) for medicinal plant cultivation in Ukraine

Available to man source of bioactive compounds and minerals are plants. One of the promising crops is yakon that was introduced and put into culture in many countries. Perspective for Ukraine exotic species, which yakon belongs to, was recently started to grow in our country. The main area of yakon distribution is average latitude of South America. Due to the content of chlorogenic, coffee acids and other phenolic compounds in leaves yakon has antioxidant properties. Root tubers of yakon contain inulin — a polysaccharide that is easily absorbed by the body and serves as a substitute for sugar in the diets of diabetic patients. In recent years, scientists from different countries have been studying yakon hypoglycemic properties. Researchers worldwide proved that the content of important biologically active compounds and chemical composition of yakon grown under different conditions vary quite strongly. So our goal was to find the optimal soil and climatic conditions for growing exotic species and identify favorable conditions for the accumulation of macro and micronutrients. This paper defines the contents of 23 chemical elements in the leaves, roots, tubers and root peel of yakon. A high content of vital macro and trace elements, including selenium was found out. Gray forest ashed, roughly silty, easily loam soil was found to be the most suitable for growing exotic species new for Ukraine Polymnia sonchifolia Poepp. &amp; Endl., from which the highest yield — 3.5 kg weight of underground parts (root tubers and rootstock) of the plant was obtained.

Effectiveness of alkaline amendments in acid mine drainage remediation

Acid mine drainage (AMD) generated from pyrite oxidation in sulfide mine tailings is a major geoenvironmental problem. This AMD is characterized by pH<3.5 and high concentration of trace elements. Thus, liming is a prerequisite for sustainable stabilization and neutralization of acid-producing sulfide mine tailings. The use of agri-food waste and industrial by-products rich calcium carbonate or calcium oxides and hydroxides becomes attractive as an alternative limestone in the remediation of acid mine tailing impoundments. Addition effect of five different types of alkaline amendments into sulfide mine tailing (SMT) was studied. Two series of laboratory experiments were conducted on SMT to evaluate the use of chicken eggshell residue (CES) alone or in combination with neutralizing agents to neutralize acidity and prevent mobilization of trace elements in SMT. This study showed that tailing samples amended with cement or magnesium oxide are more highly buffered and resistant against anthropogenic re-acidification than tailing samples amended with CES, CAL or DOL. Materials rich in oxides, hydroxides and carbonates mixed with eggshells may confer to SMT long-term protection against acid atmospheric deposition or re-acidification of limed SMT. These results may have practical implications in tailing management for the reduction of acid generation and trace metal mobility in sulfide mine drainage system and of water contamination risk.

Physico‐geochemical and mineral composition of neem tree soils and relation to organic properties

The Neem tree, the oil of which has a long history of pesticide, fertilizer and medicinal use in India, has been studied extensively for its organic compounds. Here we present a physical, mineralogical and geochemical database resulting from the analyses of two Neem soil profiles (epipedons) in India. Neem tree derivatives are used in the manufacture of a variety of products, from anti‐bacterial drugs and insecticides to fertilizers and animal feeds. A preliminary geochemical and mineralogical analysis of Neem soils is made to explore the potential for chemical links between Neem tree derivatives and soils. Physical soil characteristics, including colour, texture and clay mineralogy, suggest the two pedons formed under different hydrological regimes, and hence, are products of different leaching environments, one well‐drained site, the other poorly drained. Geochemically, the two Neem soils exhibit similarities, with elevated concentrations of Th and rare earth elements. These elements are of interest because of their association with phosphates, especially monazite and apatite, and the potential link to fertilizer derivatives. Higher concentrations of trace elements in the soils may be linked to nutritional derivatives and to cell growth in the Neem tree.

Magmatic Hydrothermal Fluids at the Sedimentary Rock-Hosted, Intrusion-Related Telfer Gold-Copper Deposit, Paterson Orogen, Western Australia: Pressure-Temperature-Composition Constraints on the Ore-Forming Fluids

The Neoproterozoic Telfer deposit, one of Australia’s largest gold-copper deposits, is located in the Paterson orogen. Several highly differentiated calc-alkaline to alkali-calcic peraluminous granites intruded the metasedimentary rocks near (5–20 km) Telfer contemporaneously with structurally controlled gold-copper mineralization. Fluid inclusion assemblages with different fluid inclusion types were identified in samples from a range of different vein types. These inclusion types range from three-phase aqueous Laq + Vaq + Shalite, high-salinity (≤50 wt % NaCl equiv), high-temperature (≤460°C) inclusions to two-phase aqueous or two-phase aqueous carbonic, low- to moderate-salinity (2–22 wt % NaCl equiv), moderate- to high-temperature (≤480°C) fluid inclusions. Fluid inclusion trapping mechanisms and interpreted precipitation mechanisms for gold and copper include (1) adiabatic cooling between 450° and 200°C in all veins and, (2) locally, fluid phase separation at about 300°C. The trapping pressure of fluid inclusion assemblages trapped during phase immiscibility was calculated to be approximately 1.5 kbar. For fluid inclusion assemblages that lack evidence for phase immiscibility, a pressure at the temperature of final homogenization of up to 3 kbar was calculated. This high pressure value is interpreted to be related to local fluid overpressure, as a consequence of fault zone movement, in faults and fractures that localized gold at Telfer. Phase immiscibility and gold precipitation were induced during sharp pressure decrease accompanying fault zone movement. In situ laser inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses of fluid inclusions revealed high trace element contents in all fluid inclusion assemblages. Manganese/Fe ratios of 0.24 is observed. Given the high temperatures and salinities of up to 480°C and 42 wt % NaCl equiv, Au and Cu were likely transported as chloride complexes. This interpretation is supported by the observation that the highest base metal contents occur in the highest-salinity fluid inclusion. Potassium/Ca ratios of >1 in most assemblages, the high homogenization temperatures (≤480°C) in many fluid inclusion assemblages, and the high trace element contents (e.g., Fe, Mg, K, Na) in most of the fluid inclusion assemblages are compatible with involvement of a magmatic hydrothermal fluid during gold-copper mineralization. This fluid was probably derived from the coeval granites in the Telfer area and, thus, Telfer is interpreted to be a distal, intrusion-related, metasedimentary rock-hosted, gold-copper deposit type.

Biorefinery of the green seaweed Ulva lactuca to produce animal feed, chemicals and biofuels.

The growing world population demands an increase in animal protein production. Seaweed may be a valuable source of protein for animal feed. However, a biorefinery approach aimed at cascading valorisation of both protein and non-protein seaweed constituents is required to realise an economically feasible value chain. In this study, such a biorefinery approach is presented for the green seaweed Ulva lactuca containing 225 g protein (N × 4.6) kg−1 dry matter (DM). The sugars in the biomass were solubilised by hot water treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and centrifugation resulting in a sugar-rich hydrolysate (38.8 g L−1 sugars) containing glucose, rhamnose and xylose, and a protein-enriched (343 g kg−1 in DM) extracted fraction. This extracted fraction was characterised for use in animal feed, as compared to U. lactuca biomass. Based on the content of essential amino acids and the in vitro N (85 %) and organic matter (90 %) digestibility, the extracted fraction seems a promising protein source in diets for monogastric animals with improved characteristics as compared to the intact U. lactuca. The gas production test indicated a moderate rumen fermentation of U. lactuca and the extracted fraction, about similar to that of alfalfa. Reduction of the high content of minerals and trace elements may be required to allow a high inclusion level of U. lactuca products in animal diets. The hydrolysate was used successfully for the production of acetone, butanol, ethanol and 1,2-propanediol by clostridial fermentation, and the rhamnose fermentation pattern was studied.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10811-016-0842-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Petrogenesis and origin of modern Ethiopian rift basalts: Constraints from isotope and trace element geochemistry

The source of continental rift-related basalts and their relation to rifting processes is a continuous matter of debate. We present major and trace element and Sr, Nd, Hf and Pb isotope data for axial rift basalts from eight volcanic centres (Ayelu, Hertali, Dofan, Fantale, Kone, Bosetti and Gedemsa, from NE to SW) in Afar and Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) to assess their source regions and their genetic relationships. These lavas have geochemical characteristics, i.e., a peak at Ba, Nb and troughs at K and Rb in primitive mantle-normalised multielement diagrams, which are consistent with predominant melting of an amphibole-bearing lithospheric mantle. However, the isotopic compositions for these lavas are heterogeneous (87Sr/86Sr=0.70354–0.70431, 143Nd/144Nd=0.51280–0.51294, 176Hf/177Hf=0.28301–0.28315, 206Pb/204Pb=18.48–19.31, 207Pb/204Pb=15.53–15.62, 208Pb/204Pb=38.61–39.06) and require various mantle reservoirs with distinctive isotopic signatures. The range of isotopic compositions requires the involvement of three distinct source components from the asthenospheric and veined lithospheric mantle. Progressive rifting leads to lithosperic thinning and upwelling of hot asthenospheric mantle, which induces melting of the veined lithospheric mantle. The trace element characteristics of the lavas are dominated by the vein material, which has a higher trace element content than the surrounding mantle. The isotopic composition of the vein material, however, is not very different from the ambient mantle, giving rise of apparent uncoupling of trace element and isotope constraints for the melt source. The uprising basaltic liquids in part inherit a lithospheric trace element signature, while their isotopic compositions are mostly unaffected due to short residence times within the lithosphere in context with progressive rifting and lithospheric thinning. Thus, the geochemical and isotope data are consistent with a multi-component source prevailing beneath the Afar and MER areas in which the basalts are generated during progressive rifting and, thus, passive upwelling of a mantle source.

MP58-19 INVESTIGATIONS OF THE MICRO-ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF THE URINARY STONES IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN: A COMPARATIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDY

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Basic Research & Pathophysiology I1 Apr 2016MP58-19 INVESTIGATIONS OF THE MICRO-ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF THE URINARY STONES IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN: A COMPARATIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDY Mahmoud El-Naggar, Emad Elsobky, and Bedeir Ali-El-Dein Mahmoud El-NaggarMahmoud El-Naggar More articles by this author , Emad ElsobkyEmad Elsobky More articles by this author , and Bedeir Ali-El-DeinBedeir Ali-El-Dein More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.817AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The routine analysis of urinary stones by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) is limited only to the identification of the stone biochemical structure. The exact micro-elemental components of the urinary stones have not yet been defined and could not be detected by ordinary stone analysis techniques. The objective of this study is to compare and quantitate the micro-elemental components of the urinary stones in both adults and children in association with the biochemical structure. METHODS This prospective study included 250 urinary stones (125 from adults and 125 from children) that were collected after either open or endoscopic procedures. All the stones were cleaned, dried and weighed. The stones were subjected to biochemical analysis by using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and microanalysis of major and minor elements (22 elements in each stone) by using inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Student T and ANOVA tests were used for comparative statistical analyses. RESULTS The microanalysis of the stones by ICP-OES showed that both groups of urinary stones (adults and children) had variable high concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements (HMTE). 11 elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Ni, Pb and Sr) were significantly higher in pediatric than adult urinary stones (p <0.05). Ca, Mn and Se contents were significantly higher in adult stones than pediatric stones. Ca oxalate monohydrate (COM) component was common in both adult (82%) and pediatric stones (78%). Ca oxalate dihydrate (COD) component was significantly higher in adults than pediatric stones. Ammonium urate component of stones was detected in 28% of pediatric stones and was absent in adult stones. There was no statistical significant difference between adult and children regarding stone biochemical types (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric urinary stones contained many heavy metals and trace elements in variable but significant concentrations. The biochemical types of urinary stones are not affected neither by age nor gender. The current results indicate a possible role of heavy metals and trace elements in stone formation. The source of HMTE may be environmental, water and food pollution. Further studies are needed to the inter-relationship between the crystalline components and the micro-structure elements. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e783 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Mahmoud El-Naggar More articles by this author Emad Elsobky More articles by this author Bedeir Ali-El-Dein More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...