Inductively-coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Research Articles

Effect of electrolytic composition on current efficiency and alloy composition in electrowinning of Pr-Mg alloys using chloride electrolyte

ABSTRACT Praseodymium-Magnesium (Pr-Mg) alloys of different compositions were prepared by molten salt electrolysis using PrCl3-MgCl2-KCl electrolyte. The effect of electrolytic composition on current efficiency and alloy composition was investigated in this study. The different phases of Pr-Mg alloys obtained from varying the composition of electrolyte were characterised by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy techniques. It is evident from this study that both phase and composition of Pr-Mg alloy can be controlled by varying the concentration of PrCl3 and MgCl2 in the electrolyte. The operational parameters were standardised to get maximum current efficiency and yield. A maximum current efficiency of 85% and yield of 89% was obtained by operating the cell under optimum conditions.

Evaluation of Bone Regeneration Potential of Long-Term Soaked Natural Hydroxyapatite.

Natural hydroxyapatite (HA) was derived from pig bones (PBs) for tissue engineering applications through heat treatment. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were employed for the analysis of heat-treated PB powder. In addition, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectroscopy was applied to examine the phase organizations and chemical composition of PB powder. The Ca/P ratio in bone powder was between 1.5 and 1.6. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess the biocompatibility of long-term soaked bone powder. These results can be used to (i) establish chemical characterization by analyzing SEM microstructures and undertaking XRD, XRF, EDX, FTIR, and ICP atomic emission spectrometry; (ii) perform cytotoxicity evaluations using human mesenchymal stem cells; and (iii) conduct assessments using an in vivo animal model and histological observations. No significant changes in chemical composition were observed in long-term soaked samples with respect to the original HA. Cells properly adhered to the surface of soaked samples, and rapid hilling of the defected skull was observed in the presence of the soaked sample, indicating its potential for use as a tissue engineering biomaterial. These results suggested that heat treatment at 1200 °C could produce natural bioceramics based on calcium phosphate, which retained their osteogenic potential after 36 months of soaking.

Simulated studies on optimization and characterization of feed and product of melter for safe disposal of high-level radioactive liquid waste

Abstract The elemental composition of actual High-level Liquid Waste (HLW) received from reprocessing plant was estimated from analysis of several samples by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Based on the composition, the simulated waste (20–30 wt % based on oxide content) was prepared and vitrified in SiO2·Na2O·B2O3·TiO2·Fe2O3 glass system. Simulated Vitrified Waste Products (SVWPs) were characterized for their structural changes and relative thermal properties by using Infra-red (IR) spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The measure of BO3, BO4, and Si−O−Si functional groups were found to be decisive in thermal and chemical durability of the products. Leach rate (LRNa) was found to be 10−5−10−6 g/cm2 day for ≤26% waste oxide (WO) loaded SVWPs. The relative increase in surface area by imparting 1 J of energy to the SVWPs was found to be

Interplay between Activation Processes, Physicochemical Properties and Electrochemical Performance of “Core-Shell” Carbon Nitride Pt-Ni ORR Electrocatalysts Based on Hierarchical Graphene Supports

The sluggishness of the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is one of the most relevant phenomena curtailing the operation capability of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)[1]. Hence, the development of advanced ORR electrocatalysts (ECs) is one of the main goals of the research in this field. The ECs described here exhibit a “core-shell” morphology: a hierarchical graphene-based support (H-GR) “core” is covered by a carbon nitride “shell” stabilizing the active sites in “coordination nests” [2]. The “core” comprises highly defected graphene nanoplatelets [3] and carbon black nanoparticles; the latter act as spacers and facilitate the charge and mass transport phenomena that take place during the EC operation. The ECs proposed here are characterized by a very low loading of platinum, on the order of ca. 5 wt%, that is the “active metal”; Ni is introduced as the “co-catalysts” to improve the ORR performance [2]. An extensive post-synthesis activation process (A) is applied to the ECs, significantly affecting their chemical composition, structure and morphology. The ORR performance of the “activated” ECs is much improved in comparison with state-of-the-art Pt/C reference ECs. This work is aimed at investigating the effect of different activation parameters on the ORR performance and reaction mechanism, aiming at a robust and reliable upscaling of the preparation process [4]. The proposed ECs are extensively characterized both before and after A to study the complex interplay between the synthetic/activation parameters, the physicochemical properties, and the electrochemical ORR performance both “ex-situ” and in single PEMFC. The bulk chemical composition of the ECs is determined by means of Inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and CHNOS microanalyses; the structure is investigated through wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and vibrational spectroscopies (e.g., confocal micro-Raman); the surface composition and oxidation states are probed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); morphology is observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM); the details of the ORR performance and reaction pathway as a function of the pH of the environment are elucidated by cyclic voltammetry with the rotating ring-disk electrode (CV-TF-RRDE). Finally, the ECs are used to fabricate membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) that are tested in single PEMFC in operating conditions. Acknowledgement This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 785219, and from the BIRD 2018 program of UNIPD.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Total Diet Study: How improved analytical methods affect monitoring data

In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Total Diet Study (TDS) began updating the digestion/extraction and the determinative methods for nutrient and toxic elements. The analytical methods for iodine, manganese, and selenium were all updated to inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) from colorimetric determination, inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission mass spectrometry (ICP–AES), and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), respectively. With updates in digestion/extraction and determinative methods, new limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) were determined. The changes in methods for iodine, manganese, and selenium analysis were evaluated by determining the proportion of results above the LOQ, below the LOD (non-detects or NDs), and between the LOD and LOQ (trace values), in data generated before and after the changes. Selenium showed little change in the proportion of NDs, higher proportions of trace values, and lower proportions of results above the LOQ. Iodine and manganese had lower proportions of NDs and trace values and higher proportions of results above the LOQ. Updating methods can have various effects on data and potentially how data are utilized. These results indicate that these new methods are an improvement on the old methods and validate the changes made to the methodology.

Preparation and characterization of an eco-friendly ZnFe2O4@alginic acid nanocomposite catalyst and its application in the synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives

Alginic acid as a linear polysaccharide derived from natural resources can be used in the role of a green catalyst in organic reactions. Properties such as reactivity, renewability and biodegradability make this polysaccharide as an eco-friendly organocatalyst. In the synthesis of organic compounds, the development of effective methods for the synthesis of 4H-pyran compounds is important because of its extensive medicinal and biological activities. In this study, ZnFe2O4@alginic acid nanocomposite was synthesized by a simple procedure. Then, it was utilized as a green, cost-effective and heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyran derivatives with a one-pot three‐component reaction between various aromatic aldehydes, dimedone and malononitrile. Conventional methods such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) curve and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis were employed to characterize the prepared nanocomposite. This protocol offers some beneficial features such as green catalyst, mild reaction conditions, simple procedure, easy workup, short reaction times and significant yield of the products. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposite caused its easy separation by using an external magnetic field from the reaction mixture without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

MOF nano porous-supported C-S cross coupling through one-pot post-synthetic modification

UIO-66-NH2-Fu@Ni has been synthesized by anchoring a molecular nickel furfural (Fu) complex into a functionalized nanoporous metal-organic framework (MOF) with the amine functional groups, using the one-pot post-synthetic modification. This new catalyst was identified via Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, proton-nuclear-magnetic-resonance (1HNMR) spectroscopy, nitrogen gas adsorption-desorption method, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), energy-dispersive X-ray- mapping spectroscopy (EDX-MAP), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). 1HNMR analysis showed that around 16% of the amine functional groups of the nanocrystalline UIO-66-NH2 framework were modified with nickel complex. Also, according to the inductive couple plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP), around 2.98 w% of Ni was determined in the modified MOF. The Ni complex which was supported by UIO-66-NH2 nanocatalyst was effectively used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the formation of sulfur-containing molecules such as thioethers which are generally found in chemical biology, organic synthesis, and materials chemistry through the C-S bond cross-coupling of aryl iodides with thiols. UIO-66-NH2-Fu@Ni propagated the condensation reaction by different aryl iodides and aryl thiols in moderate conditions in the presence of K2CO3 as a base in high reaction yield during 8–14 h. The Ni complex which was supported by UIO-66-NH2 nanocatalyst was simply recycled and reused thrice while its catalytic activity was maintained approximately.

Removal of toluene from air streams by cobalt-copper bimetallic catalysts supported on sepiolite

Oxidative removal of toluene using copper and cobalt bimetallic catalysts with varying molar ratios supported on sepiolite was investigated. The catalysts prepared by a deposition precipitation method and were characterized using X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, field emission scanning electron microscopy, H2-temperature-programmed reduction, transmission electron microscope, and inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The species supported on sepiolite are Co3O4, CuO, and CuCo2O4. The activities of the tested catalysts increased in the order 0Co-4Cu/Sep <1Co-3Cu/Sep <4Co-0Cu/Sep <1Co-1Cu/Sep <3Co-1Cu/Sep. The latter exhibiting 90% toluene oxidative degradation at 288 °C within 15 h, having high selectivity towards CO2, and being stable at 300 °C up to 15 h. In conclusion, this study showed that sepiolite has excellent properties as a support.

Effect of Hf4+ concentration on defect structure and optical properties of Yb:Tm:LiNbO3 crystals

Hf:Yb:Tm:LiNbO3 crystals with different Hf4+ concentration (2, 4 and 6mol%)were successfully prepared by Czochralski method. The concentrations of Hf4+, Yb3+ and Tm3+ ions were analyzed via inductive couple plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). The influence of Hf4+ doping concentration on defect structure and doping occupancy in Hf:Yb:Tm:LiNbO3 crystal was measured by UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectroscopy. The optical damage resistance of Hf:Yb:Tm:LiNbO3 crystal was analyzed by light scattering threshold energy flow method. It is found that the optical damage resistance of Hf:Yb:Tm:LiNbO3 crystal can be effectively improved by increasing the doping concentration of Hf4+ ions. When Hf4+ concentration increased to 6mol%, the optical damage resistance of the crystal is 48 times that of the 2mol% Hf4+ doped crystal.

Electrochemical Behavior and Extraction of Yttrium on Cu Electrode in LiCl-KCl Eutectic

The electrochemical behaviors of Y(III) were investigated on inert W and reactive Cu electrodes in LiCl-KCl eutectic by electrochemical technique at 773K. On an inert W electrode, the apparent standard potential of Y(III)/Y(0) couple was studied at different concentration of Y(III) ions using cyclic voltammetry. The result shows the apparent standard potential of Y(III)/Y(0) couple has a dependent on the concentration of Y(III) ions. On a reactive Cu electrode, cyclic voltammetry, stripping voltammetry and square wave voltammetry experiment results indicated that the deposition potential of Y (III) shift toward more positive values than that on W electrode because of the formation of Cu-Y intermetallic compound. Five Cu-Y intermetallic compounds, Cu6Y, Cu4Y, Cu7Y2, Cu2Y and CuY, were found to be formed by transient and steady electrochemical methods. Based on open circuit chronopotentiogram, the intermetallic compounds of Cu7Y2 is easier to form and more stable than the others because its platform is longer. Potentiostatic and galvanostatic electrolysis was conducted on Cu electrode to extract metallic yttrium. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry curves showed that the redox signals observed before electrolysis almost disappeared after electrolysis. In addition, the concentration of Y(III) ions in LiCl-KCl melts were detected by inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer before and after electrolysis, and the current efficiency for the electroextraction of Y was estimated. The results showed that Y(III) ions could be effectively extracted using reactive Cu electrode. Finally, the electrolysis products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that yttrium and copper can form Cu-Y intermetallic compounds during electrolysis and the thickness of alloy layer is about 50 mm. Acknowledgement The work was financially supported by the National Natural Science foundation of China (11675044, 11575047, 21790373, 21271054 and 21173060), the Major Research plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (91326113 and 91226201), and the International Exchange Program of Harbin Engineering University for Innovation−oriented Talents Cultivation. Figure 1

Cu@Pt catalysts prepared by galvanic replacement of polyhedral copper nanoparticles for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Polyhedral copper nanoparticles are prepared by a hydrothermal method, followed by galvanic replacement with platinum precursor in ethylene glycol to prepare bimetallic Cu@Pt electrocatalysts. The as-prepared bimetallic Cu@Pt catalyst are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. The electrochemical properties of the resulted Cu@Pt electrocatalysts with different compositions are investigated for methanol oxidation reaction and oxygen reduction reaction. The bimetallic Cu@Pt electrocatalysts with low platinum loading demonstrate high Pt utilization efficiency in fuel cell reactions. The methanol oxidation reaction mass activity for Cu@Pt-8 catalyst is 791 A g−1, 5.1 times higher than that of the commercial Pt/C. The highest oxygen reduction reaction mass activity is found for Cu@Pt-25 (93 A g−1 at 0.9 V versus relative hydrogen electrode), which represents 61% enhancement relative to that of a commercial Pt/C (54 A g−1). It is believed that the superior performance of the as-prepared bimetallic Cu@Pt catalyst is mostly attributed to the improved Pt utilization and facilitated mass transport originating from the porous structure.

Geochemistry and provenance of Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks from the Togo structural unit, Southeastern Ghana

Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of greenshist facies, consisting predominantly of quartzites, phyllites, and phyllonites, occur in the Akwapim range of the Togo Structural Unit (TSU) in Ghana. The geochemistry of the phyllites were studied to determine their provenance and tectonic setting. The major element analysis was carried out by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and trace elements, including REEs, by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) method. The studied metasedimentary rocks have SiO2 and Al2O3 contents comparable to that of average Neoproterozoic upper crust. The metasedimentary rocks are strongly depleted in CaO, Na2O, and Sr and enriched in K2O, Ba and Rb with respect to average Neoproterozoic upper crust, reflecting K addition during diagenesis. Zr and Hf concentrations are significantly above Neoproterozoic upper crustal values. Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are characterised by fractionated light-REE (LREE) (average LaN/SmN = 3.68), significant negative europium anomaly (average Eu/Eu* = 0.61) and fairly flat heavy-REE (HREE) (average GdN/YbN = 1.3). The geochemical data, particularly the high La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Zr/Sc, La/Th ratios, Eu/Eu* values, and high Zr and Hf concentrations, suggest that the metasedimentary rocks of the Togo Structural Units in the Akwapim range were derived mainly from recycled sedimentary sources. Comparison of geochemical signatures of the studied metasedimentary rocks with those of the Paleoproterozoic Birimian rocks suggests that the felsic materials in the Togo Structural Units (TSU) could not have been derived predominantly from the Birimian rocks, implying more distal sources. The studied metasedimentary rocks exhibit provenance characteristics similar to that of the Kwahu/Bombouaka Group of the Voltaian Basin, suggesting derivation from the same source, probably in the Amazon Craton. The metasedimentary rocks exhibit geochemical characteristics indicative of sediments derived from a passive continental margin. This inference supports previous studies that indicate that prior to the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogenic event, the southern margin of the West African Craton (WAC) was under passive margin settings.

Extraction of neodymium from other fission products by co‐reduction of Sn and Nd

High temperature processing is an important method for recovering long‐lived elements from spent nuclear fuel. Electrolysis is the key technology for high temperature processing. The electrochemical behaviors of Sn2+, Nd3+ and the mechanisms of Sn‐Nd alloy formation were investigated on a Mo electrode at 873 K by conducting a series of electrochemical techniques. The results showed the deposition of Nd on inert electrode is a two‐step process in LiCl‐KCl‐SnCl2 (2.0 wt.%) melt system. Subsequently, the electrochemical extraction of Nd from molten chlorides were carried out on the Mo electrode at temperature of 873 K by the potentiostatic electrolysis at −1.2 V for 40 hr. Besides, the extraction efficiency is 97.6%. A series of potentiostatic electrolysis were carried out at potential range between −1.0 and − 1.4 V. The NdSn3 alloy was obtained by electrolysis at −1.2 V. This deposition potential is consistent with the predicted results of the mathematical model. The micro‐chemical analysis and morphology analysis of the deposits was characterized by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped. The composition of the deposits was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP‐AES).

Palladium Nanoparticles Supported on β-Cyclodextrin Functionalized Poly(amidoamine)s and Their Application in Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions

Herein, the synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of an organic-inorganic, palladium (Pd)-containing hybrid material, poly(amidoamine)-cyclodextrin (Pd@PAAs-CD), is reported as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions. The structure of Pd@PAAs-CD was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, an efficient protocol has been developed using Pd@PAAs-CD as the catalyst in a Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction in an aqueous medium in high yields. By using cyclodextrin (CD) as the mediator grafted onto PAAs, the Pd nanoparticles (NPs) were dispersed and enhanced the catalytic reaction by promoting host-guest interactions with the CD. In addition, the reusability of the Pd@PAAs-CD hybrid material is demonstrated for use in multiple sequential cross-coupling reactions.

Optimization of the extraction process of minerals from Salvia officinalis L. using factorial design methodology

The extraction of minerals from garden sage (Salvia officinalis L.) using water as a solvent was studied at different extraction conditions. A full factorial experiment 23 with replication was performed. The effects of three extraction factors, liquid/solid ratio (15 and 30 mL/g, solvent volume per g of raw material), extraction temperature (40 and 100 °C) and extraction time (20 and 80 min) such as their interaction were evaluated by the analysis of variance and linear regression model. At the 95% confidence level all three factors were effective on Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr and Al yields, the most important factor being the extraction time (except for Ca, Cr and Al). All regression models gave a good fit to the experimental data (R2 > 99%). The content of minerals in water extracts were determined using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: liquid/solid ratio 15 mL/g, extraction temperature 100 °C, and extraction time 80 min. The data obtained were used to establish the thermodynamics of the extraction process. The Gibbs free energy change for the extraction of minerals is negative (except for Fe, Al and Cr), indicating that the process is feasible and spontaneous.

Cellulose matrix embedded copper decorated magnetic bionanocomposite as a green catalyst in the synthesis of dihydropyridines and polyhydroquinolines

A new biopolymer-based magnetic nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis, thermogravimetric/differential thermal (TG/DT) analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM) image analysis. Then, it was applied as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in two important three- and four-component one-pot organic condensation reactions for the synthesis of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine and polyhydroquinoline derivatives in high yields under solvent-free condition at room temperature. The first design and development of a low-leaching bionanostructure, easy separation and reusability of the nanocatalyst, simple work-up procedure, mild, green and environmentally friendly conditions are some important features and advantages of the present work.

Analysis of Siliceous Refractories by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy in Combination with Microwave Sample Preparation

In this paper, we developed a methodology for the determination of Al2O3, SiO2, CaO, and Fe2O3 in siliceous refractories by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) with microwave sample preparation in an autoclave. We proposed the composition of the acid mixture and the stepwise microwave heating regime that ensure the completeness of sample dissolution and exclude the decompression of the autoclave leading to the loss of analytes in the form of volatile compounds. Cd was anticipated to be used as an internal standard. Calibrated dependences for the determination of normalized macro- and microelements in terms of oxides by ICP-AES were obtained using the method of three standards. The correctness of the developed methodology was confirmed by the analysis of state standard samples and comparison with the results of the Al2O3, SiO2, CaO, and Fe2O3 determination in accordance with GOST. The developed technique makes it possible to reduce both the time required for the analysis by 11 times and the consumption of concentrated acids by 8 times.

Hydroxyapatite supported gold nanocatalyst for base-free oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural to 2,5-furan dimethylcarboxylate with air as oxidant

A series of gold (Au) nanocatalysts has been prepared for base-free protocol-oxidative esterification of lignocellulosic biomass derived 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) to 2,5-furan dimethylcarboxylate (FDMC) in the presence of air. The prepared Au-based nanocatalysts are thoroughly characterized by various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2-physisorption (adsorption–desorption) method, inductive coupled plasma-atomic emission (ICP-AES) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the surface properties of Au-based nanocatalysts were investigated by temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide (CO2-TPD) technique. For a comparison point of view, the activity tests of various prepared metal-based nanocatalysts have also been carried out. Among all, hydroxyapatite (HAP) supported Au nanocatalyst (Au/HAP) prepared by homogeneous deposition–precipitation (HDP) method was found to be the best to give 89.3% yield of FDMC from oxidative esterification of HMF in the presence of air. The excellent yield of FDMC could be attributed to stronger basic sites on the surface of the catalyst. Furthermore, Au/HAP nanocatalyst was simply recovered and reused, which retained its original activity even after five consecutive times without significant loss of original activity, supporting its reusability and stability.

PM10: a potential source of secondary raw materials

The increase of heavy metal concentrations in atmospheric aerosols, due to both natural and anthropogenic emissions, keeps high the interest around the resulting damages to health and to climate change. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of using the atmospheric aerosol as a source of secondary raw materials, by estimating its contents in economically significant elements. We characterised the geochemical composition of the atmospheric aerosol of urban (Firenze), sub-urban (Arezzo), and rural (Piancastagnaio, Siena) areas in Tuscany, analysing common major, minor, and trace constituents of silicate rocks using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission and mass spectrometry (ICP-AES and ICP-MS). We alsodetermined the radiogenic isotope composition of the aerosols (Sr, Nd, and Pb) through thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). Although the results indicate that elemental quantities are not at exploitable grade, we think that this challenge has more advantages than simply the recovery of inorganic pollutants dispersed into the atmosphere: with appropriate technologies, the designed industrialplant could also serve to drastically reduce the content of Volatile Organic Compounds occurring in atmosphere, especially in urban areas. Considering this perspective, benefits undoubtedly overwhelm the high-costs of the business, providing the most precious commodity for life: clean air for the next generations to be living in our Planet.

Impact of Binary Biofuel Blend on Lubricating Oil Degradation in a Compression Ignition Engine

This paper presents lubricating oil performance in a compression ignition (CI) engine fueled with a binary fuel blend of 70% aamla seed oil biodiesel and 30% eucalyptus oil (EU) on volume basis. This blended fuel was stable and congruent with engine-fuel system. Initially, the engine was operated with normal diesel fuel as per standard endurance test. The same endurance test was performed with the above binary biodiesel blended fuel in the engine under somewhat modified engine operational condition. The lubricating oil was examined at a specified interval to evaluate the impact of the fuel on lubricating oil properties. Quantification of various metal debris concentrations was carried out using inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. After experimentation, the lubricating oil samples were analyzed using analytical ferrography that showed lower wear debris concentrations from binary biodiesel blend than diesel fuel operated engine. The better lubricating property of binary biodiesel blended fuel resulted in lower wear and improved performance of engine parts. Relatively low wear and concentrations of all metal wear were found in the lubricating oil with binary biodiesel blended fuel engine revealed better performance of engine with this fuel blend. No technical problem was encountered during the long-term endurance tests with the binary biodiesel blended fuel under modified engine parameters.