Inorganic Minerals Research Articles

Three-dimensional spatial structure and heterogeneity characterization of #5 coal of Shanxi Formation in eastern Ordos basin

Based on macroscopic qualitative observation, microscopic quantitative analysis, low-temperature adsorption, high-pressure mercury intrusion and three-dimensional CT scanning, the spatial structure and heterogeneity of the #5 coal from the eastern Ordos Basin, Shanxi Formation, are quantitatively characterized. The following observation were studied: 1) The main body of the #5 coal was intact structural coal seam, with the density of cleats gradually increasing from north to south. 2) The microscopic composition of the #5 coal is dominated by desmocollinite, which contains small amounts of inertinite and inorganic minerals, with the inorganic component mainly composed of carbonate rocks and a small amount of clay. The carbon content and the content of its inorganic minerals in the #5 coal gradually decrease toward the inner basin, caused by transport distance and depositional environment. 3) At the micrometer scale, no significant pores were observed, and the #5 coal bed is primarily composed of micro-mesopores smaller than 40 nm, with a small number of 50∼100 nm macropores. Simultaneously, micro-fractures in the coal bed were well developed; by using mercury intrusion data of the bimodal feature of the pore throat, indicates the coexistence of micrometer-scale micro-fractures and nanometer-scale mesopores within the coal, with pronounced differences and interconnected complexity. 4) The porosity and permeability of microfractures, as well as the number of microfracture bars and permeability, indicate that the connectivity of coal bed is primarily caused by the microfracture system. By reconstructing the three-dimensional spatial structure of the #5 coal through multiple tests, the heterogeneous characteristics are quantitatively characterized.

Effect of Partial or Complete Replacement of Dietary Inorganic Trace Minerals Supplement with an Advanced Chelated Source on Nutrient Digestibility in Sheep

The delicate balance of trace mineral supplementation is critical for optimizing rumen function and overall ruminant health. This study evaluated the solubility of an advanced chelate technology-based supplement and assessed its impact on rumen degradability and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) when replacing inorganic sources. The solubility of the advanced trace minerals supplement (ACTM) was assessed at pH 5 and pH 2. In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and fiber fractions was evaluated using two fistulated rams fed diets supplemented with either ACTM or inorganic trace minerals. ATTD was determined in 6 lambs fed diets supplemented with 100% ACTM, 50% ACTM, and 50% inorganic (50% ACTM), or 100% inorganic sources in a Latin square design. Results showed solubilities ranging from 6.75% to 11.81% at pH 5, increasing to 69.24% to 80.47% at pH 2. ACTM supplementation significantly enhanced the rumen degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) at 6 h of incubation (p ≤ 0.05). The 100% ACTM treatment significantly decreased rumen pH (p = 0.051) and improved DM, OM, NDF, and ADF digestibility, as well as trace mineral absorbability compared to 100% inorganic (p ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of ACTM supplementation to enhance ruminal degradability, promote better trace mineral absorption, and improve the ATTD of nutrients compared to inorganic sources.

The Process of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Different Ecological Zones of Qingtu Lake in the Arid–Semi-Arid Region of Western China

As a vital component of the global carbon pool, soils in arid and semi-arid regions play a significant role in carbon sequestration. In the context of global warming, increasing temperatures and moisture levels promote the transformation of barren land into wetlands, enhancing carbon sinks. However, the overdevelopment of oases and excessive extraction of groundwater lead to the opposite effect, reducing carbon sequestration. This study examines two soil types—meadow soil (MS) and swamp soil (SS)—from Qingtu Lake, an arid lake in western China. It analyzes the sources of soil inorganic carbon, the composition and origin of dissolved organic matter (DOM), and the relationships between microbes, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil inorganic carbon (SIC), mineral composition, and soil texture. The results indicate that inorganic carbon in the study area consists of both primary carbonate minerals and secondary pedogenic carbonates. The DOM primarily consists of two components, both identified as terrestrial humic substances. In meadow soils, bacterial activity drives the weathering of plagioclase, which releases Ca2+ necessary for the formation of pedogenic carbonates. Plagioclase also provides colonization sites for microbes and, along with microbial activity, participates in the soil carbon cycle. Within the soil community, bacteria appear to play a more critical role than fungi. In contrast, microbial contributions to the carbon cycle in swamp soils are weaker, with minerals predominantly interacting with organic carbon to form mineral-associated organic matter, thus promoting the soil carbon cycle. These findings have important implications for understanding soil carbon sinks under different micro-ecological conditions in arid and semi-arid regions. Through targeted human intervention, it is possible to enhance carbon sequestration in these areas, contributing to the mitigation of global climate change.

Levels of substitution of inorganic mineral to amino acids complexed minerals on old laying hens

This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the impact of replacing inorganic mineral sources (IM) with amino acid complexed minerals (AACM) in laying hens’ diets on performance, egg quality, bone, and intestinal health. The effects of 4 different diets with varying levels of AACM substitution were evaluated on 400 Lohmann White hens aged 78–98 weeks. The control diet contained only IM sources at levels of 60, 60, 7, 40, 0.2, and 2 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively. The other treatments were made by a total substitution of IM with AACM, as follows: AACM70–70% of IM levels; AACM50–50% of IM levels; and AACM40–40% of IM levels. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts and Dunnett’s test were used to determine their impact (P < 0.05). The treatment AACM40 improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Hens that received AACM40 also produced the thickest eggshells and better tibial bone density (P < 0.01). Histomorphometry analyses demonstrated significant effects of AACM treatments. The optimal supplementation levels of 24, 24, 2.8, 16, 0.08, and 0.8 mg/kg of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Se, and I, respectively.

Osmolytes and CsAQP expression jointly influence water physiology in the peel and pulp of orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) fruit during postharvest water loss.

Water loss is a serious issue affecting the quality of postharvest horticultural products. Aquaporins (AQPs) regulate the transport of water across biological membranes, along the gradient of water potential, and may play a role in water loss. In this study, matured orange fruits (Citrus sinensis) stored at ambinent temperature (RH 85-95%) for 105 d showed that the weight loss persistently increased, and its rate peaked at 45-60 d and 90-105 d. Both water content and potential were higher in the pulp than in the peel. Water content rose before 60 d, and peel water potential fell with an increased gradient after 60 d. Comparing with peel, osmolytes such as soluble sugar, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and organic acids showed higher accumulation, and their levels were the lowest around 60 d. In contrast, soluble protein and inorganic minerals showed low levels of accumulation in the pulp. In total, 31 CsAQP genes were expressed in the fruit, and most of them were down-regulated in the peel but up-regulated in the pulp during storage. These genes were subsequently classified into four clusters based on their expression patterns. Genes in Cluster I - including CsNIP1;1/2;1/2;2/2;3/3;1/4;1/6;1, CsTIP1;3/2;2/2;3/5;1/6;1, CsXIP1;1/1;2, CsSIP1;2, and CsPIP1;2 - were persistently up-regulated in the pulp for the 105 d of storage, especially at day 60, when some genes showed 103-fold higher expression. Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis further revealed a significant positive correlation among weight loss rate, water content, and water potential gradient (R2 = 0.85). Indexes positively correlated with osmolyte content and Cluster I gene expression in pulp samples suggest that increased CsAQP gene expression in pulp is linked to faster water loss in oranges, particularly at 60 days postharvest.

Advanced chelate technology-based trace minerals reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in Eimeria-infected broilers by modulating NF-kB and Nrf2 pathways

This study investigated the effects of substituting inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) in broiler chicken feed on productive performance, metabolic profile, humoral immunity, antioxidant status, and modulation of NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mixed Eimeria species exposure. The study involved 480 newly hatched male broiler chickens, which were divided into 5 treatment groups, each with 6 replicate cages and 16 chickens per replicate. The experimental treatments included an uninfected negative control group fed a basal diet with recommended inorganic TM levels (NC), an infected positive control group fed the same diet (PC), a PC group supplemented with salinomycin (SAL), and two PC groups in which the basal diet was replaced with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of inorganic TM (ACTM50 and ACTM100, respectively). All groups, except for the NC group, were orally challenged with mixed Eimeria species oocysts on day 14. According to the results, the PC group showed lower feed intake, breast yield, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration, lactobacillus spp. counts, and serum IgG levels, but higher jejunal TGF-β expression versus the NC group. The broilers in the NC, SAL, and ACTM100 groups showed higher body weight gain, carcass yield, and TGF-β expression, but lower serum alkaline phosphatase activity, ileal E. coli count, and jejunal expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, Nrf2, and SOD1 compared to the PC group, with the NC group having the highest body weight gain and lowest IL-1β and Nrf2 expression levels. Furthermore, the administration of ACTM100 treatment improved feed efficiency, increased serum iron, zinc, manganese, and copper levels, enhanced total antioxidant capacity and different antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde concentration. In conclusion, complete replacement of ITM with ACTM effectively protects broilers from Eimeria infection, with similar positive effects to SAL treatment in terms of productive performance and anti-inflammatory responses and better antioxidant responses and mineral availability.

Effects of Trace Mineral Source on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, and Meat Quality of Pigs Fed an Oxidized Soy Oil Supplemented Diet.

This study investigates the effects of oil quality and trace mineral source on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White [64.4 ± 1.95]) were randomly allocated five dietary treatments based on body weight (BW) and sex in a 30 d trial. Pigs were fed five diets: (i) fresh soy oil + inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) + inorganic selenium (FISI), (ii) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + inorganic selenium (OISI), (iii) fresh soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (FISY), (iv) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (OISY), and (v) oxidized soy oil + organic trace minerals (OTMs) + selenium yeast (OOSY). Each dietary treatment included six replicates and six pigs per replicate (three barrows and three gilts). Feeding OISI resulted in lower average daily gain (ADG) and dressing percentage (p < 0.05). The OOSY group had a higher dressing percentage and activities of serum CAT and GSH-Px in growing-finishing pigs (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of Campylobacterota in the colonic digesta varied with the quality of soy oil and source of trace minerals (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in short-chain fatty acid concentrations were observed among all dietary groups. In conclusion, adding oxidized soy oil to the diet negatively impacted the ADG and dressing percentage of growing-finishing pigs, and replacing ITMs with OTMs and SY alleviated these negative impacts. A combination of OTMs and SY can support antioxidant capacity to mitigate the negative impacts of oxidized oil on the growth performance and dressing percentage of growing-finishing pigs.

The Effect of Biochar Particle Size on the Leaching of Organic Molecules and Macro- and Microelements

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that has recently received attention due to its increasing agronomical potential. The agricultural utilization of biochar relates to its potential to act in the soil as a soil conditioner; nevertheless, complex information on the direct dependence of biochar’s physical properties (texture, particle size) and corresponding leaching and availability of organic molecules (e.g., the polycyclic and heterocyclic organic compounds) and inorganic mineral salts (based on micro- and macroelements) is still inconsistent. Multi-elemental analysis by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to assess the information on the contents and availability of macro- and microelements in studied commercial biochar samples. The results showed a statistically significant indirect relation between an increase in the size fraction of biochar and the content of aqueous-extractable K and Na and the direct relation with the aqueous-extractable Ca, Mg, and P. Compared to the macroelements, the detected contents of aqueous-extractable microelements were almost three orders lower, and the dependence on fraction size was not consistent or statistically significant. In addition, gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) was further used to reveal the concentrations of available polycyclic aromatic and heterocyclic compounds in biochar samples. The detected concentrations of these types of organic compounds were far below the certified limits, and a statistically significant indirect correlation with particle size was also observed for all the studied biochar samples. The proposed methodological concept could provide the necessary insights into the description of biochar mineral content and its connection to biochar texture, the physicochemical properties, and the potential of biochar to release nutrients into the soil. These findings could help in the further assessment of biochar as a soil conditioner in modern agriculture.

Research progress of Mn-based low-temperature SCR denitrification catalysts.

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is a efficiently nitrogen oxides removal technology from stationary source flue gases. Catalysts are key component in the technology, but currently face problems including poor low-temperature activity, narrow temperature windows, low selectivity, and susceptibility to water passivation and sulphur dioxide poisoning. To develop high-efficiency low-temperature denitrification activity catalyst, manganese-based catalysts have become a focal point of research globally for low-temperature SCR denitrification catalysts. This article investigates the denitrification efficiency of unsupported manganese-based catalysts, exploring the influence of oxidation valence, preparation method, crystallinity, crystal form, and morphology structure. It examines the catalytic performance of binary and multicomponent unsupported manganese-based catalysts, focusing on the use of transition metals and rare earth metals to modify manganese oxide. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of supported manganese-based catalysts is studied, considering metal oxides, molecular sieves, carbon materials, and other materials (composite carriers and inorganic non-metallic minerals) as supports. The reaction mechanism of low-temperature denitrification by manganese-based catalysts and the mechanism of sulphur dioxide/water poisoning are analysed in detail, and the development of practical and efficient manganese-based catalysts is considered.

Preparation and performance study of modified diatomite based PCM for construction

Phase change energy storage technology provides a good solution to the spatial and temporal mismatch of energy use in buildings, but organic solid–liquid phase change materials suitable for the building sector limit their application due to leakage problems. To mitigate the effects of the above problems, diatomite (DME) is designed as the carrier for encapsulation in this experiment. Adsorption performance of DME is improved through double effects of 600°C high-temperature calcination and hydrochloric acid modification. The binary low eutectic mixture was prepared by co-melting of lauric acid (LA) and octadecyl alcohol (OD) with mass ratio of 70:30. Shape-stabilized composite phase change material (SSCPCM) was prepared by vacuum adsorption method with LA-OD and DME with a mass ratio of 35:65 and the melting temperature and latent heat of SSCPCM are 39.10°C and 54.02 J/g. It was experimentally evaluated that the surface impurities of modified DME under microscopic conditions were removed and LA-OD was uniformly embedded in the micropores of DME, and the prepared SSCPCM was able to maintain a thermal inertia of 39°C with good thermal properties and thermal stability, thus SSCPCM could be used as a building energy-saving material to reduce building energy consumption, in addition to expanding the utilization of inorganic mineral materials.

Incorporation of small extracellular vesicles in PEG/HA-Bio-Oss hydrogel composite scaffold for bone regeneration

Stem cell derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for the repair of bone defects. However, low retention of sEVs affects their therapeutic effects. Clinically used natural substitute inorganic bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss) bone powder lacks high compactibility and efficient osteo-inductivity that limit its clinical application in repairing large bone defects. In this study, a poly ethylene glycol/hyaluronic acid (PEG/HA) hydrogel was used to stabilize Bio-Oss and incorporate rat bone marrow stem cell-derived sEVs (rBMSCs-sEVs) to engineer a PEG/HA-Bio-Oss (PEG/HA-Bio) composite scaffold. Encapsulation and sustained release of sEVs in hydrogel scaffold can enhance the retention of sEVs in targeted area, achieving long-lasting repair effect. Meanwhile, synergistic administration of sEVs and Bio-Oss in cranial defect can improve therapeutic effects. The PEG/HA-Bio composite scaffold showed good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, supporting the growth of rBMSCs. Furthermore, sEVs enhancedin vitrocell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. Implantation of sEVs/PEG/HA-Bio in rat cranial defect model promotedin vivobone regeneration, suggesting the great potential of sEVs/PEG/HA-Bio composite scaffold for bone repair and regeneration. Overall, this work provides a strategy of combining hydrogel composite scaffold systems and stem cell-derived sEVs for the application of tissue engineering repair.

Mineralogy and geochemical controls on the distribution of REY-Ga-Se-Nb enrichment in the No. 6 Coal Seam, Soutpansberg Coalfield, South Africa

Coal is being explored as a potential alternative source for rare earth elements (REY + Sc), which are critical for advancing modern technology. Previous research has mainly focused on assessing the concentration and distribution of REY + Sc in coals from South Africa. However, the modes occurrence of these elements in coal is yet to be investigated. This study offers new insights on the mineralogy and inorganic geochemistry of the No. 6 Seam coal from the Soutpansberg Coalfield (South Africa). The objective is to investigate the distribution, enrichment, and modes of occurrence of critical elements such as Ga, Se, Nb, and REY + Sc within this coal. The No. 6 Seam is a medium rank-B, moderate vitrinite (avg. 41.5 vol%) coal, and contains major minerals such as kaolinite, quartz, and minor minerals including muscovite, siderite, dolomite, pyrite, and calcite. The total REY + Sc concentrations in the coal samples range from 79.9 to 332.1 mg/kg (avg. 213.2 mg/kg; whole-coal/rock basis), higher than global averages for hard coal. The upper continental crust (UCC) normalized concentration coefficients (CC) of the coal shows enrichment of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb, and Y. Distinct REY + Sc enrichment patterns are observed across different coal horizons, divided into two categories: light-REY (LREY) and medium-REY (MREY) in the bottom horizon coal [bottom-upper (BU) and bottom-lower (BL)], whereas the middle horizon coal [middle-upper (MU) and middle-lower (ML)] are enriched in medium-REY (MREY) and heavy-REY (HREY). The BU and BL samples show greater REY + Sc enrichment relative to the MU and ML samples. The samples also contain elevated concentrations of Ga (max. 106.1 mg/kg), Se (max. 50.9 mg/kg), and Nb (max. 14.8 mg/kg), exceeding the average values reported for Chinese coals.When considering the correlations between REY + Sc and major oxide elements, minerals, and organic petrographic assemblages, REY + Sc appears to be more closely associated with inorganic fraction, particularly aluminosilicate (such as kaolinite) and carbonate minerals (like dolomite), rather than with the organic fraction. The kaolinite and dolomite represent mostly detrital input and epigenesis, respectively. Gallium in the coal is primarily associated with aluminium oxide-hydroxide, Nb with minerals such as clay, rutile/anatase, and zircon; and Se with pyrite. Redox-sensitive elemental ratios of Al2O3/TiO2 andTiO2/Zr suggest that the detrital components of the No. 6 Seam coals were predominantly derived from a source consisting of felsic-intermediate rocks. These materials likely represent the weathering products of magmatic rocks from the passive-continental margin tectonic framework of the Limpopo Mobile Belt. Paleoclimatic conditions are inferred to be warm-humid to hot, with the peat deposited under suboxic-to-oxic environments. High values of critical REY percentage (REYdef,rel%: 29.85 to 39.75 %) and an outlook coefficient ≥ 0.7 suggest these Soutpansberg coal samples to be promising for REY + Sc recovery along with Ga.

A bacterial cellulose composite separator with high thermal stability and flame retardancy for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Separators play a crucial role in enhancing the safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); however, commercial polyolefin separators exhibit poor thermal stability and are flammable. This study investigates the use of green, environmentally friendly, and renewable bacterial cellulose as a substrate for developing a composite separator (BHM/5). The BHM/5 separator, comprising bacterial cellulose, an inorganic mineral nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) and flame-retardant melamine polyphosphate (MPP), is fabricated via freeze drying and high-temperature pressing. The developed composite separator demonstrates superior thermal stability and excellent flame retardancy compared with commercial polyolefin separators while maintaining structural integrity at 200℃ and exhibiting self-extinguishing properties after ignition. Furthermore, the BHM/5 separator exhibits a high porosity of 74 % and a substantial electrolyte uptake of 459 %, achieving an ion conductivity of 1.44 mS/cm. As a result, the cell of the LiFePO4-Li system assembled demonstrates an initial discharge capacity of 131.35 mAh·g−1 at a current density of 1C and a capacity retention of 95.4 % after 150 cycles.

Influence of pyrolysis time on removal of heavy metals using biochar derived from macroalgal biomass (Oedogonium sp.)

In this study, pyrolysis was performed at different times to convert Oedogonium biomass into biochar. The physicochemical properties show that the pyrolysis time significantly impacts structural and morphological changes in biochar samples. The influence of pyrolysis time on the removal of multiple heavy metals was investigated. Owing to the presence of abundant functional groups, inorganic minerals and porous nature, biochar obtained from a 40 min pyrolysis time showed higher removal efficiency of heavy metals compared to biochars pyrolyzed at 20 mins and 60 mins even with higher concentrations of metal ions. The maximum adsorption capacity was observed 9.33, 10.74, 322.58, 13.70 and 9.11 mg/g with the biochar prepared at the pyrolysis time of 40 mins for Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd, respectively. The adsorption isotherm is well fitted with the Langmuir adsorption model for heavy metals adsorption, and the kinetic study is well-defined by a pseudo second-order model.

Geochemical and mineralogical assessment of environmentally sensitive elements in Neyveli lignite deposits, Cauvery Basin, India.

This research work presents an examination of the concentrations and modes of occurrence of environmentally sensitive elements within lignite deposits, located in Neyveli, within the Cauvery Basin of India. Coal is one of the most complex geologically formed materials, consisting of organic and inorganic matter. The inorganic mineral matter including thecrystalline minerals, non-crystalline mineraloids, and elements with non-mineral associations. These lignite samples underwent complete analysis encompassing macroscopic, microscopic and geochemical assessments. The analysis reveals that the total mineral matter (MM) content, comprising significant proportions of sulphides, carbonate and argillaceous components. Geochemical characterization further elucidates the lignite's properties, with proximate analysis yielding values such as ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon and the Ultimate components analysis reveals the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen. Inorganic mineral matters play a significant role in coal utilization, and also such modes of occurrence of elements provide useful geochemical information on coal formation and coal-bearing basin evolution. In this paper, we assess the associations of elements and minerals, as well as the associations of selected elements including environmentally-sensitive (e.g., S, As, U, and Hg), and some major elements (e.g., Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, and Ti) that have largely occurred in non-mineral forms in these low-rank coals. And also, comparative analysis is conducted between the concentrations of elements within the lignite samples and the values reported for World Clarke Brown Coals (WCBC). Particularly, some of these elements exhibit significantly high environmental sensitivity, demanding careful consideration in lignite extraction and utilization practices.

Process parameter interaction study for mechanical strength of r-HDPE filled calcium carbonate composites

Abstract The increasing issue of plastic waste disposal has drawn attention to the urgent requirement for sustainable solutions. At the heart of this problem is polyethylene, a crucial industrial resin that has significant implications for recycling. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) derived from waste carpet as a sustainable alternative material for structural applications that undergo mechanical loads. The primary focus of this research is to incorporate calcium carbonate an easily obtainable and cost-effective inorganic mineral filler into the rHDPE. This will enhance mechanical strength. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is widely recognized for their reinforcing properties in various polymer composites, and in addition not only improves the mechanical strength of the blend but also reduces the environmental impact associated with plastic and waste carpet disposal. Our experimental approach involves preparing samples with varying compositions of rHDPE and calcium carbonate. This includes carefully considering extrusion process parameters such as screw speed and melting temperature. Mechanical testing was performed using a universal testing machine following the ASTM standard. The findings of this research are expected to open up new avenues for innovative strategies in reducing plastic waste and promoting the sustainable utilization of waste carpets thereby contributing to the broader field of environmental sustainability

Deep recovery of clean coal from coking middlings: Pre-separation in liquid-solid fluidized bed and subsequent flotation

The coking middlings remaining after the production of coking coal contain a significant amount of clean coal, which has the high economic and environmental value if it can be effectively enriched. To improve resource utilization and avoid the negative environmental impacts of coking middlings, this study evaluated a new comprehensive separation process (i.e., pre-gravity separation in liquid-solid fluidized bed and subsequent flotation) to achieve high-yield recovery of clean coal from coking middlings. Preliminary enrichment by gravity separation achieved a combustible recovery rate, a clean-coal yield, and an ash content of 64.43 %, 49.62 %, and 15.89 %, respectively. This product was ground for 20 min to further dissociate clean coal and inorganic minerals and was further enriched by flotation separation. Under optimal flotation conditions (rotational speed, 2200 rpm; mass of collector, 2 kg/t; mass of frother, 200 g/t; and pulp concentration, 40 g/L), a clean-coal combustible recovery rate of 84.19 % was achieved. Overall, the comprehensive separation process achieved a clean-coal product with a high yield of 38.82 % and low ash content of 9.08 %, which is suitable for use as coking coal for steel plants. The tailings, with an ash content of 51.49 % and a yield of 61.18 %, are suitable as fuel for power plants. Therefore, the comprehensive separation process provides good economic benefits.

PSIV-27 Effects of organic complexed or inorganic trace mineral supplementation on cow performance and herd longevity

Abstract Records for Angus-crossbred cows (n = 219) that were born during a 3-yr project to investigate the effects of trace mineral source on beef cow performance were reviewed. For the 3-yr cow project, cows were initially assigned to 1 of 4 groups within spring and fall calving herds. Groups within each herd were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 supplemental trace mineral treatments 1) inorganic sources as Cu, Zn, and Mn in sulfate forms and Co carbonate (ING), or 2) organic sources as Cu, Zn, and Mn amino acid complexed and Co glucoheptonate (ORG). Free choice minerals were provided with appropriate mineral treatments while cattle were maintained on fescue-bermudagrass pastures that were rotated monthly. When forage or hay was limited, treatments were delivered via grain supplements. At weaning, heifer calves remained on their respective dietary treatments through their first breeding season (approximately 15 mo of age). The cow project began with pregnant cows, thus, all heifers weaned in the first year and some in other years (n = 86) were conceived before their dams received the dietary treatments. Most heifers weaned in yr 2 and 3 were conceived while their dams were on their respective dietary treatments (n = 133). After heifers were confirmed pregnant, they re-entered the cow herd. At the conclusion of this project the Cow-Calf Unit continued to keep performance records. Natural breeding occurred after artificial insemination and open cattle were culled annually. Year of performance data (calving, culling, and death records) were analyzed to determine the long-term effects of trace mineral source. MIXED procedures were used of SAS 9.4 with herd (spring/fall calving) and year weaned as random effects and individual heifer as the subject. Previously reported, heifers supplemented with organic trace mineral sources had a tendency for improved reproductive performance (P = 0.09; ING = 66%, ORG = 76.8%) and a decreased percentage of heifers culled (P = 0.07; ING = 33.7%, ORG = 22.1%) compared with heifers receiving inorganic supplementation. However, in subsequent year previous trace mineral supplementation did not influence (P = 0.65) when cows were culled (ING = 3.01 yr, ORG = 3.20 yr). The number of calves produced per cow did not differ (P = 0.45) between previous trace mineral source supplementation (ING = 2.45 calves, ORG = 2.78 calves). With heifers that were conceived on the study, there were no differences when they were culled (P = 0.25; ING = 2.83 yr, ORG = 3.51 yr) or the total calves produced (P = 0.18; ING = 2.24 calves, ORG = 2.95 calves). To conclude, supplementation of heifer calves with different sources of trace mineral did not affect their longevity in the herd, but results suggest further investigation.

26 Trace minerals to improve bull fertility

Abstract Bull fertility is paramount for reproductive success in cow-calf production systems and there are a variety of factors that influence bull fertility. Trace mineral requirements and recommendations have been established for growing and finishing steers, as well as lactating and pregnant cows, yet no specific requirements have been established for young or mature beef bulls. Nonetheless, trace minerals have been shown to have an important role in sexual maturation and semen quality of ruminants. Research performed in rams indicates that zinc deficiency results in reduced testicular development, decreased testicular concentrations of testosterone, and impaired development of seminiferous tubules. Deficiency of Zn has also been reported to negatively impact male fertility in humans, where men diagnosed with infertility responded positively to Zn supplementation. In growing bulls, diets with greater concentrations of organic forms of Zn, Cu, and Mn, tended to result in earlier attainment of puberty compared with control diets containing inorganic minerals. Furthermore, greater liver concentrations of Zn have been negatively correlated with sperm acrosomal damage in growing bulls, based on flow cytometry analyses. More recent research indicates that the use of hydroxichloride-based trace minerals results in greater liver concentrations of Zn and Cu compared with sulfate sources. While evidence indicates that trace mineral status has an important role in bull fertility, further research is required to better understand the contributions of trace minerals to semen quality. In addition, investigating the impact of trace mineral sources with greater bioavailability on semen quality may result in the development of practical recommendations that optimize bull fertility.

24 Maternal supplementation with different sources of trace minerals to beef cattle and its effects on postweaning responses of the offspring

Abstract The goal of this trial was to evaluate the effects of different sources of trace minerals on fetal programing and their impact on cow reproductive and postweaning offspring performance until slaughter. Seventy-two non-lactating, pregnant Angus cows [initial body weight (BW) = 637 ± 13 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 5.5 ± 0.07; and age = 6.1 ± 0.57; exposed to artificial insemination (AI) = 54 and bull = 18] were ranked by BW and BCS and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) Cu, Mn, and Zn from sulfate source (INR; n = 24), 2) Cu, Mn, and Zn from organic source (ORG; n = 24), or 3) Cu, Mn, and Zn from hydroxychloride source (HXD; n = 24). From d 0 to calving, cows remained on the same pasture and were fed individually three times a week. After calving, pairs were assigned to the general herd management, including inorganic mineral supplementation. Calves were weaned at 6 mo of age and were managed as a single group on a backgrounding period for 85 d. Calf blood samples were collected on d -15, 0, 4, 8, 15, 20, and 28 relative to weaning to evaluate stress-related markers. After this period, calves were fed to finish in a commercial feedyard. Cattle were then harvested, and carcass data were recorded. Though not the focus of this trial, there was a numerical improvement (P = 0.22) in overall subsequent pregnancy rate for the HDX (92.1%) compared with the ING (74.3%) and ORG (75.2%) cows. Also, the HDX had a tendency (P = 0.07) for improvement in liver Cu status compared with the other treatments. At weaning, no treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.88) in calf weaning BW and average daily gain from weaning to feedyard receiving. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.22) in the blood stress-related enzymes and metabolites. However, there was a tendency for a decrease in plasma haptoglobin at day 15 post-weaning (P = 0.07) for the calves from HDX supplemented cows relative to other treatments (Figure 1). Which might indicate potential amelioration of inflammation for the calves from cows supplemented with HDX trace minerals during pregnancy. Feedyard growth performance were similar (P ≥ 0.35) across treatments for the offspring (Table 1). No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.17) for carcass traits between treatments (Table 2). Overall, different sources of trace minerals supplemented to late gestating beef cows yield similar effects on offspring performance from weaning and background period until slaughter, whereas a potential amelioration of inflammation was observed in calves born to HDX cows.