High Contents Of Mg Research Articles

Formation of incoherent deformation twin boundaries in a coarse-grained Al-7Mg alloy

Deformation twinning has rarely been observed in coarse grained Al and its alloys except under some extreme conditions such as ultrahigh deformation strain or strain rates. Here, we report that a significant amount of Σ3 deformation twins could be generated in a coarse-grained Al-7 Mg alloy by dynamic plastic deformation (DPD). A systematic investigation of the Σ3 boundaries shows that they are Σ3{112} type incoherent twin boundaries (ITBs). These ITBs have formed by gradual evolution from copious low-angle deformation bands through 〈111〉-twist Σ boundaries by lattice rotation. These findings provide an approach to generate deformation twin boundaries in high stacking fault energy metallic alloys. It is suggested that high solution content of Mg in the alloy and the special deformation mode of DPD played an important role in formation of the Σ and ITBs.

The effect of Sc and Yb microalloying additions and aged‐hardening heat treatment on corrosion behavior of Al–Mg alloys

Sc‐containing Al alloys are potentially applied in saline environment. However, the corrosion behavior and its mechanisms of Sc–containing Al alloys have not been paid much attention. In this research, the corrosion behavior of Al–4Mg, Al–4Mg–0.3Sc, and Al–4Mg–0.24Sc–0.06Yb alloys was investigated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution by immersion and potentiodynamic polarization analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high‐resolution TEM were used to characterize intermetallic phases and localized corrosion. The results showed that the Fe–containing intermetallic particles are cathodic with respect to the matrix and can lead to localized corrosion, whereas the high content of Mg makes the Fe‐containing intermetallic particle less noble to the matrix. Yb‐containing intermetallic particles did not show any dissolution of the matrix at the periphery of these particles. The results indicated that active dissolution and localized corrosion were the dominant corrosion mechanisms for Al–4Mg alloy. However the polarization curves of Al–4Mg–0.3Sc and Al‐4Mg–0.24Sc–0.06Yb alloys showed spontaneous passivation followed by pitting corrosion. Results suggested that age‐hardening heat treatment improved the stability of the passive film on Al–4Mg–0.3Sc and Al–4Mg–0.24Sc–0.06Yb alloys.

Transformation of alkali and alkaline-earth metals during coal oxy-fuel combustion in the presence of SO2 and H2O

The occurrence modes of alkali and alkaline-earth metals (AAEMs) in coal relate to their release behavior and ash formation during combustion. To better understand the transformation of AAEMs, the release behavior of water-soluble, HCl-soluble, HCl-insoluble AAEMs during Shenmu coal (SM coal) oxy-fuel combustion in the presence of SO2 and H2O in a drop-tube reactor was investigated through serial dissolution using H2O and HCl solutions. The results show that the release rates of AAEMs increase with an increase in temperature under the three atmospheres studied. The high release rates of Mg and Ca from SM coal are dependent on the high content of soluble Mg and Ca in SM coal. SO2 inhibits the release rates of AAEMs, while H2O promotes them. The effects of SO2 and H2O on the Na and K species are more evident than those on Mg and Ca species. All three types of AAEMs in coal can volatilize in the gas phase during coal combustion. The W-type AAEMs release excessively, whereas the release rates of I-type AAEMs are relatively lower. Different types of AAEM may interconvert through different pathways under certain conditions. Both SO2 and H2O promote the transformation reactions. The effect of SO2 was related to sulfate formation and the promotion by H2O occurs because of a decrease in the melting point of the solid as well as the reaction of H2O.

Preparation of Zn1−x Mg x O films with high Mg content by novel chemical bath deposition

We successfully synthesized single-phase Zn1−xMgxO thin films with high-Mg content value (x) of up to 0.48 by a novel chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. Through a detailed survey of the solution phase diagram for each component cation, Zn2+ and Mg2+, as a function of the cation concentration, the pH value and the temperature, we found the condition where hydroxides of these two cations can coprecipitate. The two parameters, the pH value and the temperature, were simultaneously controlled. The different optical band gap values of these films made by this method were obtained at different annealing temperatures. The band gap values of the films annealed at 500 and 300 °C were 3.3–4.0 eV and 3.4–4.2 eV, respectively. The higher band gap value of the films annealed at 300 °C is attributed to containing hydroxide with large band gap value.

Evaluation of Mineral Content in some Native Iranian Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L.) Genotypes

Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual herb is used as potherbs and spice or as herbal medicine. It is grown widely all over Iran, and its young leaves are used as fresh green as well as sun-dried for later use. In this study, seven fenugreek genotypes were planted according to randomized complete block design with three replicates. Several traits including ash, moisture content and some mineral content (P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) were measured. Results showed relatively considerable differences among studied genotypes. The levels of the Ca were ranged from 200.66 to 455.25 mg/100 g of fresh weight (gfw) while the levels of the P were ranged from 182 to 250 mg/100 gfw. The Gaz genotype had the highest content of Na and Fe while the highest content of Mg and Mn were observed in genotype Kashan (370.1 and 0.87 mg/100 gfw, respectively). The observed Ca/P ratio of Iranian fenugreek genotypes which is ranged from 0.80 to 2.0 is relatively an ideal content from a nutritional aspect. The highest Zn and Cu contents were identified in genotype Ardestan (4.1 and 2.5 mg/100 gfw, respectively). The observed difference in the nutrient composition of fenugreek genotypes corresponded to the relatively high genetic diversity found within the genotypes, which are useful for selecting specific genotypes for special purposes in breeding programs. Furthermore, some of the above genotypes could be used directly as commercial cultivars for fenugreek producers.

Measuring the content of 17 elements in the flesh of Prunus cerasifera and its cultivars by ICP-MS.

The present study compared the contents of inorganic elements in the pulp of purple, red, and yellow Prunus cerasifera with its cultivars. A method was established for the analysis of 17 kinds of trace elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Be, Li, Se, Sr, Cr, Pb, Cd, As and Hg) in the flesh of Prunus cerasifera by microwave digestion-ICP-MS. The detection method is simple and quick, yet shoes high precision and high sensitivity. The recovery rate of 17 elements ranged, from 93.5% to 110.4%. The analysis results showed that the contents of 17 elements in the flesh of purple, red, and yellow Prunus cerasifera and its cultivars are similar, containing extremely rich K elements (as high as 1 per thousand) and higher contents of Ca, Mg, Na, Fe and Mn. The contents of Cu, Zn, Li, Se, Sr and Cr are also present. The contents of Pb, Cd, As, Hg and other harmful element are either very low or not detectable. The experimental results for the study of trace elements in pulp of Prunus cerasifera and its cultivars provide empirical data for. future research in this area.

Cementitious binders in the system Mg(OH)2–NaAlO2–SiO2–H2O

In this study, binders within the system Mg(OH)2–NaAlO2–SiO2–H2O were produced and characterised for the potential immobilisation of radioactive Mg(OH)2 sludges derived from the UK Magnox nuclear programme. The formation of zeolites promoted hardening within 24 h, with the structures and compositions of the zeolites dependent on the contents of SiO2 in the systems. Limited consumption of Mg(OH)2 was identified in the binders cured for up to 90 days, except for a hydrotalcite type layered double hydroxide in binders formulated with low SiO2 contents. This study has elucidated that binders within this system can effectively encapsulate high contents of Mg(OH)2; however, the reaction of Mg(OH)2 to form binding phases is limited by the content of SiO2 in the system, and occurs primarily at advanced times of curing.

The possibilities of obtaining metallic calcium from Serbian carbonate mineral raw materials

The experimental investigations defined both the technological scheme of the calcium production from limestone by aluminothermic process and the basic operating parameters of the particular technological phases. The limestone with high content of Mg, Na and K was used in the paper. X-ray analysis reveals that the samples contain mainly calcite with small amount of dolomite. At first, the influence of temperature, time and granulometry on the calcium carbonate calcination was examined. The dissociation process was completed in 10-15 min at 1200?C, and dissociation rate increases with decreasing of particle size up to 5 mm. Afterwards, the aluminothermic reduction process of calcium oxide was investigated. At the temperature 1200?C, and vacuum of at least 3 kPa, the reduction process completed within 2 hours. The chemical composition of calcium oxide and calcium showed increased content of magnesium oxide and alkaline oxides (especially sodium).

Investigation of (BOF) Converter slag use for agriculture in europe

The goal of zero-waste is one of the main challenges of modern steel industry, which over the past 20 years has been committed to increase the recovery and the use of by-products generated during the ironmaking and steelmaking processes. Among the main by-products generated during iron and steel production, such as slags, dusts and sludges, slags constitute about 90% of the total. Slags are currently used in various fields (such as cement production, road construction, environmental recovery in landfill covers, as fertilizer and soil conditioner, etc.) according to their chemical features, which depend on production process origin. In Italy, in particular for example, BF (Blast Furnace) slag is used for cement production while BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace) slag without iron (inert slag) is used as landfill cover, in compliance with Italian legislation. In Germany, BF and BOF slag use as fertlisers and liming materials has a long tradition. Although in recent years slag use has increased, the application for agriculture purposes needs to be further investigated. Slag can be used as a soil conditioner (high content of Ca and Mg), Si supply (improves the crops resistance to pests and diseases), P fertilizer production and micro-nutrients supply. Use of slags can affect human health and environment, because of heavy metal content, which can leache to groundwater or be transferred to surface water. The assessment of risk to the environment based on slag application requires further investigation. This represents an opportunity for both the steel and fertilizer industries to promote natural resources savings, CO2 emission reductions, landfill waste prevention as well as social awareness of sustainability of some industrial activities. The BOF slag has been shown to be useful as liming material for acidic soil amendment and it can replace commercial fertilizers. Different effects on crop yields and on soil parameters can be found, depending on soil characteristics and climate conditions. In Middle Europe, with humid climate, lime losses through leaching of up to 0.5 t CaO/ha have to be replaced with liming material to prevent acidification. Evaluation of long-term field trials with slag liming materials can give information about the impact of slag applications on crop management and the environment. In Mediterranean regions, such as in Italy, arable soils rarely show acidic characteristics. Alkaline soils from coastal areas are often rich in sodium content, due to seawater intrusion and irrigation with saline water. The aim of this research is also to investigate the application of BOF slag to these soils, in order to assess the effect of Ca contained in slag in balancing negative Na effects. This paper is based on the preliminary study and experiments carried out within an ongoing RFCS (Research Fund for Coal and Steel) project.

물의 종류에 따른 오미자 추출액의 이화학적 품질특성

음청류에 이용할 수 있는 오미자 추출액을 얻기 위해 증류수, 수돗물과 Ca, Mg 등의 미네랄이 풍부한 청송약수를 이용하여 오미자 추출액을 제조하고 이화화적 특성을 측정하였다. 오미자 추출조건으로는 25배의 용매비로써 실온에서 6, 9, 12, 15시간, <TEX>$65^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 2, 3, 6, 9시간 동안 추출하였다. 추출용액의 명도(L, Lightness), 적색도(a, redness), 황색도(b, yellowness), 가용성 고형분(solid content), 산도(acidity), pH, DPPH 라디칼을 소거능을 이용한 전자 공여능(Electron Donating Ability, EDA)으로부터 전반적으로 양호한 추출조건을 구한 결과는 다음과 같다. 실온에서는 물의 종류에 상관없이 12시간 추출하는 것이 적당하였으며, <TEX>$65^{\circ}C$</TEX> 가온 상태에서는 6시간 추출함이 적합함을 알 수 있었다. 가온 상태에서 약수의 경우 증류수, 수돗물에 비해 빠른 추출이 가능하였으며, 추출 시간이 증가함에 따라 산도는 낮아지나, 고형분의 양과 DPPH 라디칼을 소거능은 증가하였다. 전반적으로 고려할 때에 오미자 추출을 위한 가장 적합한 물로는 미네랄이 풍부한 약수이며, 다음으로 수돗물 그리고 증류수 순서임을 알 수 있다. This is the basic study on the extraction characteristics of Omija (Schizandra chinensis) for juices of Korean traditional foods. Extraction is being performed as 25 times of the solvent ratio at room temperature and at <TEX>$65^{\circ}C$</TEX> with deionized water, tap water and Cheong-song mineral water which have high contents of Ca and Mg. The overall good results of the extraction conditions are calculated from the values of L (Lightness), redness (a), yellowness (b), soluble solids content, acidity, pH levels and the DPPH radical scavenging activity by using the electron donating ability (EDA). The results are as follows: 12 hours of room temperature and 6 hours at <TEX>$65^{\circ}C$</TEX> were good extraction times. The Cheong-song mineral water at <TEX>$65^{\circ}C$</TEX> is available for rapid extractions when compared to deionized water and tap water. A longer extraction time shows lower values of acidity but increasing values of soluble solids content and DPPH radical scavenging activity when using the electron donating ability. The best sequences for the extractions are Cheong-song mineral water followed by tap water and distilled water after overall consideration.

Quinoa biodiversity and sustainability for food security under climate change. A review

Climate change is rapidly degrading the conditions of crop production. For instance, increasing salinization and aridity is forecasted to increase in most parts of the world. As a consequence, new stress-tolerant species and genotypes must be identified and used for future agriculture. Stress-tolerant species exist but are actually underutilized and neglected. Many stress-tolerant species are indeed traditional crops that are only cultivated by farmers at a local scale. Those species have a high biodiversity value. Besides, the human population will probably reach nine billion within coming decades. To keep pace with population growth, food production must increase dramatically despite the limited availability of cultivable land and water. Here, we review the benefits of quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., a seed crop that has endured the harsh bioclimatic conditions of the Andes since ancient times. Although the crop is still mainly produced in Bolivia and Peru, agronomic trials and cultivation are spreading to many other countries. Quinoa maintains productivity on rather poor soils and under conditions of water shortage and high salinity. Moreover, quinoa seeds are an exceptionally nutritious food source, owing to their high protein content with all essential amino acids, lack of gluten, and high content of several minerals, e.g., Ca, Mg, Fe, and health-promoting compounds such as flavonoids. Quinoa has a vast genetic diversity resulting from its fragmented and localized production over the centuries in the Andean region, from Ecuador to southern Chile, and from sea level to the altiplano. Quinoa can be adapted to diverse agroecological conditions worldwide. Year 2013 has therefore been declared the International Year of Quinoa by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Here, we review the main characteristics of quinoa, its origin and genetic diversity, its exceptional tolerance to drought and salinity, its nutritional properties, the reasons why this crop can offer several ecosystem services, and the role of Andean farmers in preserving its agrobiodiversity. Finally, we propose a schematic model integrating the fundamental factors that should determine the future utilization of quinoa, in terms of food security, biodiversity conservation, and cultural identity.

Revision and evaluation of the systematic affinity of the calcitarch genusPithonellabased on exquisitely preserved Turonian material from Tanzania

Extraordinarily well-preserved pithonellid microfossils (calcitarchs, “calcispheres”) from the Turonian (upper Cretaceous) of Tanzania reveal previously unknown morphological traits, crystallographic patterns, and chemical signatures, providing new insight to this enigmatic group of microfossils. Using combined transmitted-reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscope imagery, electron microprobe elemental analysis and stable isotope geochemistry, the present study reveals four new aspects of the genusPithonella, notably, the following. An affinity with cyst-forming organisms, potentially the dinoflagellates, is indicated by the presence of a hatch opening and corresponding operculum. The pristine outer wall architecture consists of thin, smooth shingle-shaped plates with regular rows of slit-shaped pores and an apical sub-angular or circular pore. This primary surface pattern is significantly different from previous descriptions of an outer wall consisting of “parquet-shaped” prismatic crystal rows; this latter surface pattern is formed by secondary overgrowth. The crystallographic pattern of the inner wall is crypto-crystalline. Unaltered pithonellids reveal a calcite chemistry characterized by comparably high Mg-contents, relatively enriched stable carbon isotope values, and stable oxygen values indicating a surface water habitat. Based on these previously unseen traits, the diagnosis of the genusPithonellais emended. A new species,Pithonella diconica, is described from the lower-middle Turonian sediments of Tanzania.

High-K Calc-alkaline Plutonism in Zouzan, NE of Lut Block, Eastern Iran: An Evidence for Arc Related Magmatism in Cenozoic

Abstract The Zouzan pluton is one of the intrusive bodies in the NE of Lut block enclosed by Cenozoic volcanic and sedimentary rocks. It consists of two distinct mafic and felsic magmas which are genetically unrelated. All studied rocks are calc-alkaline in nature, with LILE/REE and HFSE/REE ratios compatible with arc related magmatism. Mafic phase has dioritic composition emplaced as small stocks in felsic rocks. Geochemical characteristics in dioritic rocks (relatively high contents of incompatible elements, low Na2O and Mg#&amp;gt;44) suggest they were derived from partial melting of metabasalt sources in a subduction settings. Felsic phase composed of granodiorite to granite rocks with high-K calc-alkaline metaluminous to slightly peraluminous signature. Major and trace element data exclude high pressure melting and metasedimentary parental in the formation of Zouzan felsic rocks. They have been formed by partial melting of mantle-derived mafic rocks. Field relation, petrographical evidences and chemical composition show that partial melting of a mantle wedge in conjunction with magma mixing and crystal fractionation would have led to generation of Zouzan pluton.

청송약수를 이용한 면 제조 및 조리에 관한 기초연구

청송약수가 가진 Ca, Mg 등의 풍부한 미네랄 성분을 면 제조에 이용하기 위한 기초연구를 하였다. 실험결과를 증류수와 수돗물을 이용한 면과 비교하였다. 약수로 제조한 면을 증류수로 조리한 실험 결과, 중량, 부피, 수분흡수율, 탁도, 명도(L)에서 가장 큰 값을 보였으며, 적색도(a)는 가장 큰 음의 값을 나타내었다. 이는 약수를 이용할 때에 증류수나 수돗물보다 더 큰 중량, 부피, 수분흡수율, 탁도, 명도를 가진 초록색을 띤 조리된 면을 만들 수 있었다. 분산분석 결과, 중량과 부피에서 증류수로 제조된 면과 유의한 차이를 보였으며, 수분흡수율, 탁도, 명도(L), 적색도(a), 황색도(b)에서 증류수, 수돗물로 제조된 면과 유의한 차이를 보였다. 또한 시판 칼국수의 조리에 약수를 이용한 결과, 중량과 적색도(a)에서 증류수, 수돗물로 조리된 면과 유의한 차이를 보였으며, 무게, 부피, 명도(L)에서 증류수로 조리된 면과 유의한 차이를 보였다. This is a basic study of Cheong-song mineral water, which has high contents of Ca and Mg for making noodles as well as for general cooking. The test results of the noodles manufactured and cooked with mineral water were compared to those manufactured and cooked with distilled water and tap water. Noodles manufactured with mineral water showed higher values than others in the cooked weight, volume, water absorption ability, turbidity, lightness (L) and redness (a) on the minus scale. This means that we can manufacture cooked noodles that have high weight, high volume, high water absorption ability and high lightness (L) along with a slight green color with Cheong-song mineral water. Cooked noodles manufactured with mineral water showed significant differences in the cooked weight and volume compared to those manufactured with distilled water. Also, cooked noodles manufactured with mineral water showed significant differences in moisture absorption, turbidity, lightness (L), redness (a) and yellowness (b) compared to those manufactured with distilled water and tap water. Commercial noodles cooked in mineral water showed significant differences in the cooked weight and redness (a) compared to those cooked in distilled water and tap water. Further, commercial noodles cooked in mineral water showed significant differences in weight, volume and brightness (L) compared to those cooked in distilled water.

Impact of solid and liquid olive oil waste applications on important soil properties

Some of the agricultural waste has important economic potentials to be used as a source of plant nutrients and as soil conditioner. Olive oil solid and liquid waste (OSLW) is one of them. Some of the characteristics of this material are favorable for agriculture, such as low pH and high content of organic matter, N, P, K, and Mg. This study was carried out at the Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Adnan Menderes University Aydin for two years. Olive oil solid and liquid waste was applied as liquid and solid forms with three doses (liquid OSLW 0–2.5–5.0–7.5 l m−2, solid OSLW 0–1.5–3.0–4.5 kg m−2). Results indicate that organic matter contents were slightly risen up with the applications of olive oil waste while soil pH decreased with both liquid and solid forms of waste applications. There were also increases in organic matter, N, P, K, and Mg contents with rise of application doses. It was also determined that the undesired effects of Na and EC in soils, important for environmental pollution, disappeared through the experimental period.

Cation imbalance and heavy metal content of seven Indonesian soils as affected by elemental compositions of parent rocks

Elemental composition of various fresh parent rocks has received little attention in relation to cation imbalance and potential for high concentrations of heavy metals in soils. The objective of the study was to assess elemental composition of fresh parent rocks and its effect on cation imbalance and natural heavy metal occurrence in soils. Seven fresh rocks consisting of basalt, gabbro, basaltic andesite, volcanic tuff, volcanic ash, mica schist, and serpentinite and their corresponding overlying soil profiles were sampled for various chemical analyses. The elemental composition of finely ground individual fresh rock was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Exchangeable cations and heavy metals of soils were extracted by NH4OAc and by a mixture of concentrated HNO3 and HClO4, respectively. Results showed that major elements of fresh rocks, referred to as a source of ‘potential exchangeable cations’, were different among the rock types. The order of parent rocks in decreasing potential cations was gabbro>basaltic andesite>basalt>volcanic ash>volcanic tuff>serpentinite>mica schist for Ca, serpentinite≫gabbro>basalt>basaltic andesite>mica schist~volcanic ash>volcanic tuff for Mg, volcanic tuff>mica schist>volcanic ash>basaltic andesite>basalt>serpentinite>gabbro for K, and volcanic tuff>basaltic andesite>basalt>volcanic ash>gabbro>mica schist>serpentinite for Na. Based on base cation saturation ratio (BCSR) of Ca:Mg:K=6.5:1:0.5, none of the seven soils overlying different fresh rocks met the “ideal soil” suggesting cation imbalance. The critical cation deficiency status (CCDS) showed all soils (except MA5) were insufficient in K accompanied either by insufficient or high content of either Ca, Mg, or Na. The heavy metals of Pb, Cd, and Hg were not detected in all fresh rocks, while Cr and Ni were present in different amounts. In soils overlying fresh rocks, the order of magnitude of natural Cr agreed well with its order in fresh rocks, while Ni disagreed. This indicated that Cr in soils was mainly dictated by Cr content in parent rocks, while Ni depended on soil forming processes in addition to parent rocks. Cr and Ni have exceeded threshold limits in soils developed from serpentinite and gabbro, respectively, while soils developed from mica schist, volcanic tuff, basaltic andesite and volcanic ash parent rocks were below the threshold limit, viz., Cr and Ni contents were less than 11ppm each. Implications for the study are the risk of Cr and Ni toxicity that should be taken into account when selecting crops to be grown (e.g. non-food crops) on soils derived from serpentinite and gabbro respectively, to avoid heavy metal risk for human health. The content of heavy metals in soils derived from various rocks in the present study may be used as baseline data if no information is available under tropical conditions.

Characterization and technology of fast reducing roasting for fine iron materials

The features of the techniques of fast reducing roasting (FRR) and conventional magnetic roasting, as well as tremendous demands of iron ores in iron and steel industry of China, were briefly described. The test equipment suitable for FRR of fine-grained materials was introduced. Weakly magnetic materials with grain size of <0.30 mm were converted into strongly magnetic materials by FRR for several to dozens of seconds. In a weakly reducing atmosphere and at 740–800 °C, refractory powder iron material (<0.30 mm) which is rich in specularite, limonite and Mg-Mn siderite was subjected to FRR for a few seconds to 60 s. Concentrate with iron grade of 55.67%–55.21%, high contents of Mg and Mn in the ore is obtained and the yield of magnetic separation reaches 81.66%–86.57%. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and magnetism detection of the material before and after FRR indicate that weakly magnetic material is mainly converted into strongly magnetic material Fe3O4 with specific saturation magnetic moment. The efficiency of FRR is consistent with TFe recovery of magnetic separation; meantime, the specific saturation magnetic moment increases from 33 to 42 times after FRR. Calculations show that speeds of flash magnetic roasting are obtained from several dozen to two or three hundred times, compared with rotary kiln or shaft furnace. This indicates that it is practicable to use the fast reducing roasting technique to improve the comprehensive utilization of iron ore resources.

Distribution of elements in soils of moraine landscape in Masurian Lakeland

The research was carried out in three catenas, in which the soils made a typical toposequence of the moraine landscape in Masurian Lakeland, i.e. eroded soils, deluvial soils, mucky soils as well as slightly and strongly silted peat-muck soils. The total content of Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was analyzed in these soils. The amounts of soil organic matter and measured elements showed catenal variation. Mucky soils had the highest content of Mg, K, Fe and Na whereas strongly and slightly silted peat-muck soils contained the highest amounts of P, Mn, Ca and Cu. The content of Ca was positively correlated with organic matter content. The amount of Mg, K, Cu and Mn was positively correlated with the amount of clay fraction. As the studied soils are located at the bottom of a slope, downwards water flow, where mineral compounds are accumulated in deposits or dissolved in water, mucky soils and silted peat-muck soils contain high amounts of the analyzed elements. Mucky soils and silted peat-muck soils play a role of biogeochemical barriers protecting wetlands against nutrients from surrounding moraine uplands. Surface horizons of deluvial soils were depleted of the analyzed elements (excluding P) whereas AO horizons of mucky soils and Mt horizons of peat-muck soils were abundant in the measured elements (excluding Ca). Various amounts of the analyzed elements in the pedons of the catena sequences should be taken into consideration when planning land use in the moraine landscape, which has unique natural values.

Effect of sewage sludge and furnace waste on the content of selected elements in the sward of legume-grass mixture

Industrial landfills resulting from operations of various industries, particularly power generation, create specific habitat conditions for flora. Among the waste which may be used for recultivation of dumping heaps there is sewage sludge, which contains a considerable amount of nutrients crucial for plants. This investigation aimed at identification of the effect of sewage sludge and furnace ashes on the content of selected elements in a mixture of grass and white clover recommended for furnace ash heap recultivation. The experimental design comprised 6 treatments (each in four replications), which differed in a dose of the supplied sewage sludge and furnace ashes: 1) control (without waste admixture), 2) 200 t d.m. of sewage sludge, 3) 200 t d.m. of ash, 4) 150 t d.m. of sludge + 50 t d.m. of ash, 5) 50 t d.m. of ash + 150 t d.m. of ash, 6) 100 t d.m. of ash + 100 t d.m. of ash. The content of macroelements in plants depended on the treatment and ranged from 2.58-31.2 g Mg, 3.16-5.85 g Ca, 16.95-18.46 g K, 0.26-1.25 g Na and 2.27-3.37 g P kg –1 d.m. Plants grown exclusively on furnace ashes had the highest content of Mg, Ca and K, whereas the highest P and Na concentrations were noted in plants cultivated exclusively on sewage sludge. While assessing the content of macroelements in the plant mixture in view of its fodder value, it was found that the content of Mg and K met the standards set for good quality feeds, the amounts of Ca and Na were below the optimum, whereas the P concentration was close to the optimum value.

Contribution of EPMA to airborne pollen analysis

As a component of aerosol, pollen is found in suspension with other mineralogical and anthropogenic particles that can adhere to the pollen wall. The aim of this study was to determine possible alterations that pollen grains suffer under different meteorological conditions in the coastal city of Porto, Portugal. For this study, 2 airborne pollen types were taken into account: Poaceae and Alnus spp sampled in July 2010 and February 2011, respectively. Quantitative analysis and X-ray map analysis were performed with a field emission electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) equipped with 5 WDS spectrometers. Samples were mounted over adhesive carbon tape and carbon coated. Control pollen showed mainly the presence of C, O, N, P, K, Mg, S, Cl and Ca in different quantities, depending on the considered species. Airborne pollen consistently revealed a higher content of Mg and Cl than control pollen, while Si, Ca, K and P contents varied differently according to the samples. Our results show that during their ‘flight’, pollen grains acquire an external coating, become heavier and change significantly their composition.