High Aluminum Content Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification of Aluminum-Activated Malate Transporter (ALMT) Gene Family in Rubber Trees (Hevea brasiliensis) Highlights Their Involvement in Aluminum Detoxification

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is a widely cultivated crop in tropical acidic soil that is tolerant to high concentration of aluminum and the aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT) plays an important role in plant aluminum detoxification. However, the effects of ALMT on rubber tree aluminum tolerance, growth performance, and latex production are unclear. In this study, 17 HbALMT genes were identified from the genome of rubber trees. The physiological and biochemical characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, cis-elements of promoter, and expression patterns of the identified HbALMT genes were studied. Phylogenetic relationships indicated that these genes were divided into four clusters and genes in the same cluster have similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The promoters of HbALMT genes contain many cis-elements associated with biotic stress and abiotic stress. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed HbALMTs showed various expression patterns in different tissues, indicating the functional diversity of HbALMT genes in different tissues of rubber trees. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR assay showed that most of the HbALMT genes responded to aluminum stress, and among the 17 HbALMTs, HbALMT1, HbALMT2, HbALMT13, and HbALMT15 displayed higher expression levels in roots after two or five days of Al treatments, indicating their potential involvement in aluminum detoxification. Taken together, this study laid a foundation for further understanding the molecular evolution of the ALMT genes and their involvement in rubber tree aluminum adaption.

Control of methane chlorination with molecular chlorine gas using zeolite catalysts: Effects of Si/Al ratio and framework type

Abstract CH4 chlorination with Cl2 gas is used for the production of chlorinated products via C H bond activation in CH4. Due to the high reactivity of Cl2, this reaction can occur spontaneously under UV irradiation or with mild thermal energy even in the absence of a catalyst via a free radical-mediated chain reaction mechanism that undesirably causes excessive chlorination of the CH4 and is thus non-selective. In this work, CH4 chlorination is investigated using HY and MFI zeolites with various Si/Al ratios, by which the reaction is catalytically controlled for selective production of the mono-chlorinated product (CH3Cl). Depending on the framework type, Si/Al ratio of the zeolites, and reaction conditions, different degrees of CH4 conversion, CH3Cl selectivity, and hence CH3Cl yield were achieved, by which systematic relationships between the catalyst properties and performance were discovered. A high aluminum content facilitated the production of CH3Cl with up to ∼20 % yield at a high gas hourly space velocity of 2400 cm3gcat−1 h−1 with a CH4/Cl2 ratio of 1 at 350 °C. HY zeolites generally furnished a slightly higher CH3Cl yield than MFI zeolites, which can be attributed to the larger micropores of the HY zeolites that support facile molecular diffusion. With various flow rates and ratios of CH4 and Cl2, the CH4 conversion and CH3Cl selectivity changed simultaneously, with a trade-off relationship. Unfortunately, all zeolite catalysts suffered from framework dealumination due to the HCl produced during the reaction, but it was less pronounced for the zeolites having a low aluminum content. The results shed light on the detailed roles of zeolites as solid-acid catalysts in enhancing CH3Cl production during electrophilic CH4 chlorination.

Análise da presença de micropoluentes de origem antrópica em nascente do Lajeado Erval Novo, Bom Progresso/RS

Considering the risks of water contamination by anthropic activities in general, objectified aimed to analyze the impacts of activities installed in the contribution basin of one of the main springs of Lajeado Erval Novo, rural area of the municipality of Bom Progresso/RS. Bordering the source, after the riparian forest, there is agricultural occupation with management of annual crops.. Far 280 m upstream from the source operates a landfill. The evaluation of contamination by micro pollutants was performed through the analysis of physical, chemical and microbiological indicators, as well as the search for pesticides. Four analytical campaigns were conducted during 2018, with sampling in January, April, July and October. Among the findings of the study it is noteworthy that the landfill has negligible potential for contamination to spring water and that no characteristic elements of landfill leachate were found. The high concentration of aluminum and the slightly acidic pH of the waters may be of natural origin. Sulphate and nitrate contents, as well as the high total and thermotolerant coliforms count may indicate agricultural contamination. No pesticide molecules were quantified. It was also concluded by the classification of the source as Class 3.

Means to cope with the higher alumina burden in the blast furnace

ABSTRACTThe stability of the blast furnace (BF) process depends on the quality of raw materials charged into the BF. Apart from various process variables, slag viscosity and slag fluidity are key parameters that require due attention for the stable BF operation. The varying Al2O3 content in slag increases the viscosity of slag and thus hinders the separation of slag from hot metal during the casting process. This leads to the deterioration of hot metal quality because of the entrapment of slag during the slag–metal interfacial reaction. In this work, an attempt is made to utilize the high alumina content raw materials and to reduce the Al2O3 content in the final slag. The high alumina content in slag increases the liquidus temperature and viscosity of slag and causes an adverse effect on BF operations. To countermeasure the effect of alumina, slag volume is increased and basicity along with MgO was increased. It has been demonstrated that MgO addition as a flux is effective for compensating the effect of a high alumina burden. By increasing the MgO in slag, fluidity was maintained to ensure easy separation of slag from hot metal.

The Growth improvement of Falcataria moluccana inoculated with MycoSilvi grown in post-mining silica sand soil medium amended with soil ameliorants

Abstract. Budi SW, Wibowo C, Sukendro A, Bekti HS. 2020. Growth improvement of Falcataria moluccana inoculated with MycoSilvi grown in post-mining silica sand soil medium amended with soil ameliorants. Biodiversitas 21: 422-427. High aluminum content in soil of post-mining silica sand area inhibits plant growth. MycoSilvi is an inoculum of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (FMA) enriched with Mycorrhizal Helper Bacteria (MHBs) which plays an important role for improving plant growth in unfertile soil medium. The aims of this research were to analyze the growth response of Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby & JW Grimes) seedlings treated with MycoSilvi and soil ameliorants (compost and lime) in post-mining silica sand soil medium. The randomized complete design with factorial scheme was used in this study. The results showed that the interactions of MycoSilvi and Soil ameliorant significantly increased height, diameter, biomass and mycorrhizal colonization of F. moluccana. Combination of MycoSilvi variant 3 and lime increased height, diameter, and biomass of F. moluccana by 965%, 147%, and 1427% respectively, as compared to those of control plants. The mycorrhizal roots colonization in those treatments was 98%. The addition of compost and lime increased pH and decreased Aluminum and Fe of the soil medium. F. moluccana seedlings have high mycorrhizal dependency on post-mining silica sand soil media. These results indicate prospective uses of MycoSilvi and soil ameliorants for improving plant growth in unfertile soil medium, including soil in post-mining area.

Alpha Particle Irradiation of High Aluminum Content AlGan Polarization Doped Field Effect Transistors

Alpha particle irradiation at 18 MeV was performed on high aluminum content AlGaN Polarization Doped Field Effect Transistors (POLFTs) and characterized by DC and switching measurements. The POLFETs underwent a reduction in DC saturation current of 23% and 33% at fluences of 1 × 1013 cm−2 and 3 × 1013 cm−2, respectively. Carrier removal rates in the range of 2520 cm−1 and 7100 cm−1 were observed, which are similar to previously reported values for GaN HEMTs. The POLFETs under 100 kHz gate lag measurement demonstrated zero degradation while compared to a traditional GaN HEMT device which suffered serious current collapse as a result of formation of a virtual gate from radiation-induced defects.

Proton Irradiation of High Aluminum Content AlGaN Polarization Doped Field Effect Transistors

The effects of proton irradiation dose on the DC and switching properties of high aluminum content, polarization-doped field effect transistors (POLFETs) were studied. The POLFETs were irradiated at proton energy of 10 MeV at fluences of 1 × 1014 cm−2 and 3 × 1014 cm−2. The DC saturation current exhibited a 21 and 36% reduction at fluences of 1 × 1014 cm−2 and 3 × 1014 cm−2, respectively. The carrier removal rates for this energy was 677 cm−1. However, switching current at 100 kHz demonstrated no change, with near ideal performance, as opposed to significant degradation in their GaN HEMT counterparts. This near ideal performance is attributed to the volume of the 3D electron gas in the POLFETs reducing the likelihood of negatively impacting scattering events, as opposed to the narrow 2D electron gas of the HEMT. The DC degradation and carrier removal rates are on par with reported traditional GaN HEMTs, but the switching performance is exceptionally improved.

Suspected alimentary poisoning by aluminium phosphide in horses – a case report

In November 2018, a horse owner from the Czech Republic experienced the loss of two of his stallions in consequence of probable poisoning. The affected animals were kept in the stable only. The mares, which were grazing on pasture during the day, were not affected. All the animals were fed the same type of feed. The day before the animals became sick, between 15:00 to 19:00 h the stable was not secured against the entry of strangers. When the mares were brought back to the stable and all animals were closed and locked for the night, no signs of health issues were observed. In the following morning, the two stallions were found in lateral recumbency with seizure attacks. Despite symptomatic treatment (infusion with saline, flunixine meglumine, activated charcoal) and applications of myorelaxants, the symptoms persisted until the afternoon, and the owner agreed with euthanasia. Based on the clinical signs and pathological examination, poisoning by pesticides was suspected. The results of toxicological analyses revealed that carbofuran, metaldehyde, and strychnine were not responsible for the poisoning as they were not detected in the samples. The only positive finding was a high aluminium concentration in the stomach content, liver and kidney samples. Based on the observed symptoms and the high aluminium concentration, it was presumed that aluminium phosphide could be the source of poisoning. As there was no evidence of the possession of such product by the horse breeder and the stable stayed unsupervised for a few hours, intentional poisoning cannot be excluded.

Isotope-geochemical (Sm–Nd, Rb–Sr, REE, HFSE) composition of the University foidolite-gabbro pluton, Kuznetsk Alatau ridge, Siberia

The University foidolite-gabbro pluton is located among the Cambrian carbonate-volcanogenic deposits. Its composition is dominated by moderately-alkaline and alkaline mafic rocks, broken by dikes of ijolite-urtites, nepheline and alkaline syenites. The chemical composition of igneous rocks is characterized by low silica contents (SiO2 = 41–49 wt. %), wide variations of alkalinity (Na2O + K2O = 3–19 wt. %; Na2O / K2O = 1.2–7.2 wt. %), low titanium content (TiO2 = 0.07 1.59 wt. %) and high alumina content (Al2O3 = 15–28 wt. %), which corresponds to the K-Na derivatives of the basic alkaline formation. By the content of rare earth elements, alkaline rocks (104–246 ppm; La/Yb(n) = 5.79–12.73) are more differentiated derivatives than gabbro (94–111 ppm; La/Yb(n) = 6.87‑6.95). All varieties are characterized by low concentrations of most highly charged elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf + Y), which in terms of accumulation are located between the basalts of oceanic islands and basalts of island arcs. The presence of negative Nb–Ta anomaly and the relative enrichment of Rb, Ba, Sr, and U indicate the probable interaction of plume material with previously formed accretionary complexes of subduction zones. The primary isotope 87Sr/86Sr ratio (~ 0.705 – 0.706) and a wide range of εNd (T) from +3.2 to +8.7 in the rocks also indicate a mantle-crustal nature and a complex geodynamic setting of the Paleozoic alkaline magmatism of the Kuznetsk Alatau. The obtained results of Sm‑Nd dating suggest the formation of moderately-alkaline gabbroids in the Early Paleozoic (494–491 ± 36 Ma), with the intrusion of dikes of alkaline rocks of the Middle Paleozoic age (394 ± 16 and 389 ± 37 Ma).

Synthesis and Study of Influence of Mechanical Activation Processing on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Sm2Fe17 –xAlxNy Nitride Powders

Sm2Fe17 –xAlx (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) alloys and alloy-based nitrides were synthesized. The chemical and phase composition, microstructure of cast and homogenized alloys, and the hysteresis properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy, local microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. It was established that nitriding of pseudobinary Sm2Fe17 –xAlx compounds leads to the increase in lattice parameters and simultaneous increase in the specific saturation magnetization. Mechanical activation processing of the nitriding products revealed the different nature of their magnetic behavior depending on aluminum concentration in the alloys. Mechanical activation leads to the increase in coercive force and simultaneous decrease in the values of specific saturation magnetization and the average size of particles at small content of aluminum (18.6 at %). The coercive force of nitride also increases after mechanical activation at high aluminum content (38.3 at %); however, the specific saturation magnetization also increases. Generally, the increase in aluminum content in Sm–Fe–Al–N alloy leads to the decrease in their hysteresis characteristics after mechanical activation processing.

Закономерности влияния водорода на структуру, сопротивление горячей пластической деформации и кристаллографическую текстуру титанового сплава с высоким содержанием алюминия

Закономерности влияния водорода на структуру, сопротивление горячей пластической деформации и кристаллографическую текстуру титанового сплава с высоким содержанием алюминия

KERAGAAN VARIETAS PADI SAWAH DI LAHAN MARGINAL LAMPUNG

Acid dry land in the experimental garden Taman Bogo, East Lampung including the classification of Ultisol acil, and generally ultisol acid soils can be used as representative for acid soils in Indonesia. Characteristic of ultisol soil, among others: sour soil reaction (low pH <5.5), high aluminium content, high P fixation, exchangeable base contents and low exchange capacity (CEC), iron and manganese content close to poisonning, sensitive erosion and poor biotic elements. Acid dry land in Indonesia is directed in supporting the improvement of land resources, Display/ Show window and visitor plot development of acid dry land management technology, implemented to accelerate the process of superior technology transfer such as fertilizer technology and the use of organic materials, conservation, reclamation and land rehabilitation, as well as superior varieties in acid dry land. Show window dan visitor plot development of dry land management technology in Taman Bogo experimental garden is a means of discussion and communication between researchers, extension workers, farmers and local policy makers.

Effect of Porosity on Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Impact Response Characteristics of High Aluminum Content PTFE/Al Energetic Materials.

In order to obtain the effect of porosity on the dynamic mechanical properties and impact response characteristics of high aluminum content PTFE/Al energetic materials, PTFE/Al specimens with porosities of 1.2%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were prepared by adding additives. The dynamic compression properties and impact response characteristics of high aluminum content PTFE/Al energetic materials with porosity were studied by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) impact loading experimental system. Based on the one-dimensional viscoplastic hole collapse model, an impact temperature rise analysis model including melting effects was used, and corresponding calculation analysis was performed. The results show that with the increase of porosity, the yield strength and compressive strength of the material will decrease. Under dynamic loading, the reaction duration of PTFE/Al energetic materials with different porosities generally shows a tendency to become shorter as the porosity increases, while the ignition delay time is basically unchanged. In this experiment, the material response has the optimal porosity with the lowest critical strain rate, the optimal porosity for PTFE/Al energetic materials with different porosity and high aluminum content (50/50 mass ratio, size of specimens Φ8 × 5 mm) is 10%. The research results can provide an important reference for the engineering application of PTFE/Al energetic materials.

Aluminium alters mineral composition and polyphenol metabolism in leaves of tea plants (Camellia sinensis)

Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) can hyperaccumulate and tolerate high leaf concentrations of aluminium (Al). The quality of tealeaves and the positive health effects of their infusion depend on the leaf concentrations of both polyphenolic substances and mineral elements. This study explored the influence of Al supply on these leaf components under low and optimal phosphorus (P) availability. After 8 weeks exposure in hydroponics, multifactorial analysis revealed a negative influence of leaf Al on magnesium (Mg), P, boron (B), and manganese (Mn) leaf concentrations. Contrastingly, these essential mineral nutrients were positively related to leaf epigallocatechin. Galloylated catechins were positively related to leaf iron (Fe). After short-term exposure (24 and 96 h), RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis revealed upregulation of galloylation-related genes by substrate acidification both in old and young leaves. Only the extremely high Al accumulation in old leaves activated genes involved in biosynthesis of galloylated catechins, while in young leaves the lower Al leaf concentrations activated genes involved in anthocyanin accumulation. In conclusion, low pH and enhanced Al availability to tea plants have a strong influence on the polyphenolic pattern of tealeaves and therefore may alter both the leaves' antioxidant properties and their ability to bind Al and Fe in non-toxic form.

The use of glass particles and its consequences in late 16th century oil painting: A Portuguese case based on the analytical results and the technical treatises

Abstract Colourless glass particles were identified for the first time in Portuguese paintings in two altarpieces attributed to the painter Francisco Joao, active between 1558 and 1595. They were found in red glazes with conservation problems. The glass was analysed by SEM-EDX and the binder by μ-FTIR. Portuguese 17th century painting treatises, which record earlier practices, were examined providing additional information. The glass particles had a vegetable silica-soda-lime composition, different in the two altarpieces, and a medium to very high alumina content. Although the provenance of the glass could not be determined, the use of local glass is suggested, as archaeological glass of the same period and similar composition has been found in southern Europe, notably Portugal. Furthermore, the glass from one of the altarpieces closely matches the composition of glass found in a painting by the Spaniard Luis de Morales. As a result, it is possible that the painter deliberately added a local glass to his red lakes, as advised in the two Portuguese painting treatises of this period. The exclusive presence of glass in the uppermost medium-rich glazes suggests that it was mainly used for its transparency and assumed siccative role. Although the siccative properties of glass have not been proved, by lowering the oil concentration in the paint, the addition of glass might have indirectly assisted the drying of the glazes. The glass particles were subject to a severe leaching of the alkali, a degradation that might explain the disruption of the glaze layers in these paintings.

Monumento Nacional Guayabo: Calidad del Agua del Acueducto Precolombino

El presente estudio pionero, descriptivo-analítico, tiene como objetivo general realizar un acercamiento en el tiempo, para analizar las características fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas en el agua de las diferentes etapas del acueducto precolombino, desde las fuentes, tanques y el desfogue, y su comparación con la calidad de las aguas de los acueductos que abastecen actualmente a la comunidad de guayabo. La metodología, se enfocó en una inspección para identificar las etapas del sistema, luego se realizaron tres muestreos en seis puntos diferentes del acueducto y se efectuaron los respectivos análisis de laboratorio incluyendo: parámetros de campo, aniones, cationes, metales pesados y plaguicidas. Es difícil comprobar si los indígenas consumían agua con exactamente las mismas características fisicoquímicas detectadas, sin embargo, existe la posibilidad de que se asemejaran bastante. Los resultados indican que el agua del acueducto precolombino es de buena calidad y que posiblemente el deterioro de la estructura y la inadecuada captación que presentan las nacientes, provocó algunos valores altos en las concentraciones de aluminio y hierro. No obstante, la comparación con los acueductos de la asada de la comunidad colonial, demuestra que las aguas son del mismo acuífero y el agua es de calidad potable. Por último, se determinó que en el agua del acueducto precolombino no existe contaminación antropogénica y que el canal subterráneo del agua entre los dos tanques continúa trabajando adecuadamente, impidiendo infiltración de contaminantes. Se recomienda al estado costarricense preservar el acueducto precolombino del monumento nacional guayabo.

Deferoxamine pretreatment inhibits metal neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases are increasingly common in humans. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of extracellular plaques containing β‐amyloid peptides and neurofibrillary tangles in the brains. Researchers have focused on the elucidation of a correlation between high concentrations of aluminum or iron (in the organism with observed neuropathology). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of aluminum and iron on the behavioral parameters (pharyngeal pumping and defecation cycle) of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans pretreated with deferoxamine (DFX). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was evaluated as well. DFX is a chelant that is widely used for the treatment of metal toxicity, and it has a high affinity for aluminum and iron. The worms were pretreated with DFX, and then exposed to aluminum and iron. In the absence of DFX, aluminum exposure decreased pharyngeal pumping compared with that in the control group. The defecation cycle of the control was significantly different from that of the worms exposed to aluminum. In contrast, an increased defecation cycle was observed in worms exposed to iron without DFX pretreatment. AChE activity increased in aluminum‐exposed groups that received DFX pretreatment compared with those that did not receive pretreatment. These results suggest that pretreatment with DFX is effective in reducing metal toxicity, particularly with reference to AChE activity, which did not decrease in groups that did not receive DFX pretreatment.

Construction and demolition waste in geopolymer concrete technology: a review

Geopolymers are a relatively new generation of construction materials developed with industrial by-products and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) with high silica and alumina contents. In recent years, the demand for SCMs has increased significantly due to action plans on global climate change. In addition, construction and demolition wastes (CDWs) are a major concern in the construction sector and using them through the geopolymerisation process has therefore attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. This paper summarises the literature pertaining to the use of CDWs such as concrete, brick and ceramic as source materials in geopolymer technology, either alone or with SCMs. The literature indicates that CDW materials work well as the main source materials in geopolymer technology. However, due to the various parameters in geopolymerisation, research should move toward defining threshold levels and acceptable criteria rather than simply the best composition outcomes.

Effect of cold and hot water injection on the chemical and microbial composition of an aquifer and implication for its use as an aquifer thermal energy storage

A Triassic, siliciclastic aquifer was hydraulically tested for its suitability as aquifer thermal energy storage in the city of Berlin (Germany). This study investigates the effects of groundwater mixing, change of temperature, and water-rock interactions on the chemical and microbial water composition. The water chemistry was monitored during a step rate test and two subsequent tracer push pull tests (one conducted with aquifer water and the second with heated aquifer water). Apart of the main ions and physicochemical parameters, the microbial community were determined. In addition, molecular size distribution of dissolved organic carbon as well as the stable isotope compositions of strontium and water were measured in selected samples. This comprehensive monitoring resulted in the following main findings:The chemical water composition of all analysed samples was similar to seawater with main cations and anions correlating well with each other. Although the total element content varied over time, the produced water was homogenously mixed as evidenced by constant ratios of stable water isotopes. The most remarkable observation was an extremely high aluminium concentration (up to 4.7 mM) measured in the flowback after cold water injection. This can be explained by a hydraulic connection between the Triassic Formation and an overlaying Tertiary sand. Water-rock interactions between oxygen dissolved in the injected water and the pyrite-containing Tertiary sand eventually mobilized the aluminum.The measured effect of injecting hot water into the aquifer on the chemical and microbial composition was relatively small. However, temperature-dependent reactions might still be of relevance due to (I) the generally high microbial cell numbers that could trigger microbial enhanced reactions and (II) a calculated oversaturation of calcite that might result in mineral precipitation.

Aluminium recovery from water treatment sludge under different dosage of sulphuric acid

Aluminium sulphate Al2(SO4)3 known as alum is commonly added chemical in coagulation-flocculation process in water treatment plants. Despite of its effectiveness in treating the water, it produces high volume of residual alum sludge to be discarded to sludge lagoon. Therefore, sludge disposal is one of the main drawbacks in water treatment plants as it requires large footprints to store the residual sludge before being dumped at landfills. The sludge still contains high concentrations of aluminium that can be recovered for further use. Acidification process using sulphuric acid is investigated in this study to recover the aluminium from sludge. Different dosage of sulphuric acid ranges at 0.45 – 1.80M at constant weight of alum sludge at 300g were analysed to obtain the maximum percentages of aluminium recovery. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyse the recovered aluminium concentration. Besides the element of aluminium, other elements such as Ferum (Fe), Calcium (Ca) and Potassium (K) were also recovered through the acidification process. It was found that element of aluminium shows the highest concentration. The optimum recovery of aluminium was attained at alum sludge 300g and dosage of 1.35M sulphuric acid in which the recovery ratio at up to 98%. This shows that the aluminium present at high concentration in the sludge and if the sludge is dumped at landfills, the remaining aluminium will affect the environment. Furthermore, it is recommended that the recovered aluminium from water treatment sludge has the potential to be an alternative coagulant element in water treatment process.