Major Minerals Research Articles

The Importance of Prevention When Working with Hazardous Materials in the Case of Serpentinite and Asbestos When Cleaning Monuments for Restoration

Health risks are often overlooked when the consequences are not evident in the short term. In restoration work, some activities can generate particles that may affect the health of workers through inhalation (e.g., cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts composed of stone). Workers at quarries are also exposed to such materials and, therefore, the results of our work can help to increase the risk perception in workers from the stone sector, but also in construction workers in an environment associated with dust. To demonstrate the importance of protection to prevent health hazards, we laser-ablated some samples of serpentinite that contain serpentine minerals as major phase minerals. The powder obtained in filters coupled to the ablation laser was analysed, using tools such as an optical microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, a transmission electron microscope and thermal analysis. The results were very didactic, and the intention is to use them, by way of graphics and diagrams, to build information security sheets that will alert workers to the need of using masks when working, or to use tools with coupled filters such as the one used for our study. The main goal is to demonstrate that the interdisciplinary combination of scientific approaches can be used for the sake of human health.

Study of Physical and Mineral Properties of Soil Clay Landslide Location of IAIN Campus Ambon City

This study aims to determine physical and clay mineral properties of soils and how they affect the occurrence of erosion in the IAIN Campus Ambon. The results indicated that the two soil profiles shows a variety in soil properties. the largest distribution of soil particle density is 2.63 at soil layer P2L3 and the smallest is 2.26 at P1L1, the largest soil pore distribution is 60.12% at P2L1 and the smallest is 29.36% at P1L3, while the largest soil pores ratio distribution is 1.51% at P2L1 and the smallest is 0.42% at soil layer P1L3. The soil porosity reflects the level of the soil ability to pass water flow (permeability) or the speed of water flow to pass through the soil mass (percolation). By the decreasing of soil porosity and pore ratio in layers 3 and 4, the permeability is also slower. The major clay mineral found in both soil profiles is kaolinite, an unwell consolidated secondary clay mineral type 1:1 mixed with quartz, the most weathering resistant primary minerals. These two minerals have lower friction resistance due to the increasing of clay content in the lower soil profiles. The physical and hydrological soil properties as well as the presence of kaolinite and quartz in the lower soil layers are considered to be the cause of the erosion occurrence in the study area (IAIN campus).

FIELD TRIP GUIDE TO THE SERIDÓ PEGMATITE PROVINCE

The pegmatites of the Seridó Pegmatite Province show a granitic bulk mineralogical composition, composed of K-feldspar, albite, quartz, muscovite and occasionally biotite. Detailed mineralogical studies of the major minerals are scarce. There is, on the other hand, a relatively larger number of published contributions concerning pegmatite accessory minerals. This field trip guide focus on the mainly occurrence locations of these last minerals, which are group here by their most frequently recovered rare metals and gems: (1) Ta-Nb: Tantalite-columbite is the main mineral group, even though other rare varieties may occasionally be recovered as microlite, tapiolite, strueverite, simpsonite, ixiolite, among others. Their grain size varies from the centimeter to decimeter scale. The mineralization is disseminated (less frequently), in pockets, or as aggregates of crystals, usually associated with "replacement bodies" at the contact between Zone III and the quartz core. They also occur sporadically in Zone II and occasionally in homogeneous pegmatites, as crystals in subcentimeter to centimeter scale, frequently disseminated in the quartz-feldspar-muscovite groundmass. In this case, they display lamellar habit and normally lower Ta concentration. (2) Be: Beryl is the main Be-mineral present. Its grain size varies from centimeter to meter, it is normally prismatic and shows diverse colors (white, green, blue, pink, yellow), with green and white prevailing. It occurs in Zones II, III and IV (quartz core), as well as in association with the "replacement bodies". In homogeneous pegmatites, it occurs as centimetric crystals, disseminated in the groundmass. Some pseudoconical forms are also observed, and contain muscovite and quartz inclusions. The gem varieties (aquamarine, morganite, heliodor) are scarce. Beryl and the Ta-Nb minerals, are the main ores exploited in these pegmatites. (3) Li: Li-minerals recovered from the pegmatites are spodumene, lepidolite and amblygonite. The spodumene prevails over amblygonite and lepidolite, although the reserves of Li are still not completely known. Spodumene occurs in individual crystals or aggregates in decimeter to meter dimensions, rarely forming individualized zones. Lepidolite occurs mainly in albitized pegmatites associated with deep blue tourmalines (named Paraíba Tourmaline). Amblygonite occurs in pockets of decimeter to meter width and may be associated with other phosphates such as lithiophilite, triphylite, siclerite, tavoríte, among others. (4) Sn: Cassiterite is the main Sn-ore, although Sn is also present in the crystallographic structure of Ta-Nb minerals. It is found disseminated in centimeter grain size in the "replacement bodies" or in Zone I of heterogeneous pegmatites, and occurs occasionally in some homogeneous pegmatites. Cu (e.g. djurleite), U (e.g. uraninite) and REE (e.g. xenotime) minerals are considered important resources exploted or as potential for further exploration.

Elemental composition and mineralogy of NW Venezuelan Guasare coals: Provenance study and role of illite in methane sorption capacity

A series of coal seams (groups 4 to 11) of Paleocene age in the Marcelina Formation have been open pit exploited in two mines (Paso Diablo and Mina Norte) in the Guasare Coalfield (NW Venezuela). An investigation has been conducted on the elemental composition, mineralogy, and coalbed methane (CBM) in Guasare coals. For this study, 46 core coal samples of 16 seams (groups 2 to 7) were collected from 16 exploratory boreholes that were drilled in both mines. It was also considered unpublished proximate-ultimate and gross calorific data of other 66 coals of 31 seams intersected in most of these wells. The coals under study showed low ash yields (3.4 wt % on average) and were classified as high volatile bituminous A. Mean values of trace element and lanthanide (REE) contents in Marcelina coals generally indicate depletion compared to average values for world hard coals. The statistical evaluations indicate that elements (except Se) show inorganic affinity or intermediate association and mixed mode of occurrence. La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, and Th/Cr ratios support a felsic or metamorphic felsic source for the mineral matter present in Marcelina coals. Most coal samples exhibited similar normalized REE patterns, showing light REE enriched, as well as negative Ce and Eu anomalies. The comparison of REE patterns to those of some nearby granitoids suggests that Marcelina coals received a supply of sediments from theses granitic source rocks. The mineralogical compositions of representative coal samples are notably similar, kaolinite and quartz were noted as the major mineral species in all coal seams. The measured gas volumes available for CBM production from Marcelina seams vary approximately between 5 and 11 cm3/g. Variation in the illite content has an appreciable positive effect on gas adsorption capacity of Guasare coals. Lastly, a numerical model of the gas generative potential of the coals in the Marcelina Formation was also developed.

Iron oxidation state in serpentines and magnesian chlorites of subduction-related rocks

Abstract. The ferric iron content in hydrothermally altered ultrabasic rocks and their major minerals, serpentines and Mg-chlorites, is important for establishing the oxidation state budget from oceanic ridges to subduction zones, in carbonaceous chondrites, and for modeling phase equilibria. A compilation of literature Mössbauer spectroscopic data on serpentines and magnesian chlorites from high-pressure ophiolites yields much lower ferric-to-total-iron ratios (Fe3+ / Fetotal) than those obtained on similar samples by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), leading to contradictory estimates of the ferric iron budget of subduction zones. New Mössbauer analysis of antigorite and Mg-chlorite samples from suites of high-pressure ophiolitic terrains of various Phanerozoic ages confirms the low and homogeneous values previously obtained by this technique, while lizardite inherited from oceanic hydrothermal alteration is ferric iron rich. We argue that XANES values may be biased by photo-oxidation when samples have a high Mg content, which is the case for serpentines and chlorites from subduction zones. Photo-oxidation is less important in Fe-poor phyllosilicates of the mica and talc families and does not affect the Fe-rich serpentines (greenalite, cronstedtite) of meteorites or Fe-rich terrestrial phyllosilicates. Mössbauer Fe3+ / Fetotal ratios of serpentine confirm the occurrence of a major redox change at the lizardite–antigorite transition near 300–400 ∘C rather than at the dehydration of antigorite at 500–650 ∘C in serpentinites from high-pressure ophiolites.

Stable W Isotope Measurements of Geological Reference Materials and Tungsten Ore Minerals by Double Spike MC‐ICP‐MS

This study presents high‐precision W isotopic measurement results using the 180W‐183W double spike technique with MC‐ICP‐MS. The effects of isobaric and polyatomic interferences on W isotopic measurements were evaluated. The δ186/184W values were not significantly affected when the solution had Hf/W ≤ 3 × 10‐4, Ta/W ≤ 1, Os/W ≤ 0.06, Ce/W ≤ 0.0075, Nd/W ≤ 3.5 and Sm/W ≤ 5. The intermediate measurement precisions of both standard solutions (NIST SRM 3163 and Alfa Aesar W) and geological reference materials (NOD‐A‐1) were better than ±0.024‰ (2s). We also obtained a precision of 0.026‰ for a minimum sample loading mass of 5 ng, allowing the analysis of samples with low W contents. Replicated measurements of geological reference materials (AGV‐2, BCR‐2, BHVO‐2, GSP‐2, RGM‐1, SDC‐1, NOD‐A‐1 and NOD‐P‐1) yielded δ186/184W values ranging from 0.017‰ to 0.144‰. The δ186/184W values of two major tungsten ore minerals (scheelite and wolframite) were reported and compared herein. Scheelites had systematically slightly heavier W isotopic compositions than wolframites, which may reflect differences in the crystal structure. The resolvable variations of stable/mass‐dependent W isotopic compositions in rocks and ore minerals make W isotopes a novel tool for studying hydrothermal mineralisation processes and the W cycle of geological reservoirs.

Composition, environment, and economic value of the Permian to Cretaceous coated grains from Zagros and the Persian Gulf

Ooid grainstone/packstone carbonate facies of the Dalan, Kangan, and Arab formations are the main hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Persian Gulf. Based on detailed petrographic and petrophysical analyses, sedimentological and mineralogical features of the Permian to Late Cretaceous carbonate and iron-rich coated grains from Zagros and the Persian Gulf were investigated. Frequent ooids in these formations indicate a high-energy environment and a wave-dominated shallow carbonate platform. Because of wide-spread Permian–Triassic epiric seas and long-lasting periods of arid and hot climate, Permian–Triassic carbonate ooids have more vertical and lateral distribution in comparison with Late Jurassic carbonate ooids. Dolomite, calcite, and anhydrite are the major minerals of carbonate ooid grains. Early Cretaceous iron-rich ooids have been deposited above a major Late Aptian disconformity during the highstand systems tract. Ooid ironstone bulk sample X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that goethite, siderite, fluorapatite, calcite, quartz, and pyrite are the major phases of ooid ironstone deposits. This layer of iron bearing ooids could have economic importance in its outcrops in the Zagros area. Late Cretaceous iron-rich coated grains (pisoid–oncoids) were deposited above the Sarvak exposure surface during the Late Cretaceous, long-lasting sea-level fall on the Arabian Plate. Boehmite, diaspore, hematite, and goethite are the main minerals of these kind of iron-rich deposits. Late Cretaceous karst-type bauxite deposits have also been reported from different sections of the Zagros area and have economic value for mining.

Seismic signals induced by the Metasomatism of mantle wedge by siliceous melts: Insights from the elasticity of orthopyroxene at high pressure and temperature

Large amounts of silica held by slabs during subduction prefer to concentrate into the eclogite melts and further lead to the metasomatism of the overlying mantle wedge. However, the metasomatism process mediated by siliceous melts in the mantle wedge and the seismic signals associated remain poorly constrained. Peridotite in the mantle wedge is sufficiently silica undersaturated. Therefore, SiO2-rich melts would react with olivine in the peridotite to form orthopyroxene (opx). The local enrichment of opx has also been proposed to account for the observed low VP/VS ratio in the mantle wedges of a few subduction zones, revealing the metasomatism by silica saturated melts there. But the anomalously low VP/VS regions in a few subduction zones are inconsistent with the widespread metasomatism of the mantle wedge. In this study, we determined the elasticity of Fe-bearing opx (Mg0.875Fe0.125)SiO3 at high pressure and temperature (P-T) conditions. The VP/VS ratio of opx has a strong dependence on the pressure and temperature conditions, and only exhibits low VP/VS at low pressure and high temperature. Although the enrichment of opx may be widespread, it can only produce a discernible low VP/VS ratio at subduction zones with proper thermal conditions. Together with the elasticities of other major minerals in the upper mantle, we investigated the effect of opx enrichment on VP/VS ratio at mantle wedge conditions. The VP/VS ratio linearly decreases with the opx volume fraction (Ω), and the relationship can be described as VP/VS = 1.772 − 0.142Ω. Combining our high-quality mineral elasticity data with seismic tomography and thermal structure, we constrained the mineral proportions in the northern wedge of the Alaska subduction zone. The opx enriched area coincides well with the anomalously low VP/VS domain, indicating the strong metasomatism by siliceous melts in this mantle wedge.

Milk’s inorganic content analysis via laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

In the present work, the inorganic content of different milk samples is investigated by Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. Milk samples of different animal origin, in liquid, lyophilized powder, and ashed forms were studied using both infrared (1064 nm) and visible (532 nm) laser excitation conditions and the optimum experimental conditions for the measurement of the inorganic elements present in low concentration, were determined. Spectral features of major (Ca, Na, Mg and K) and minor minerals (P, Zn, Cu and Si) were detected and identified. The LIBS results for the different milk samples were found to correlate perfectly with the results obtained from atomic absorption measurements, demonstrating the potential of LIBS technique for the fast and in-situ qualitative characterization of the inorganic content of different animal origin milk samples.

ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL CONTENTS IN RAW MATERIAL OF RICH MINERALS SEA SALT

The mineral content of seawater is a natural raw material to produce rich mineral sea salt. Rich mineral sea salt is a consumption salt with a NaCl content of <50% used to live a low sodium diet for a healthy lifestyle. In general, traditional sea salt was produced with the multistage evaporation method to obtain a NaCl content of ≥ 94.7%, whereas the production of rich mineral sea salt uses a total evaporation method and then removes the salt flower at a certain concentration to get low sodium chlorine and contain other natural minerals. This study aims to analyze the chemical content of the raw material of rich mineral sea salt. The location of seawater used as raw material for rich mineral sea salt is Camplong District, Sampang Regency. Samples were obtained from sea level with a distance of ± 400 m from the coastline and carried out during high tide conditions. The chemical analysis of seawater samples consists of Na, Mg, Ca, K, Fe, Cl− dan SO42−. The analysis method is based on the Indonesian National Standard of environmental quality test. The results of the major mineral analysis showed that the largest mineral content of seawater was calcium (Ca2+) at 492.350±10.395 mg/L and Sodium (Na+) at 482,000±1.979 mg/L. In contrast, the smallest mineral content is iron mineral (Fe2+) of < 0.08 mg/L. These results will be used for preliminary data before producing naturally rich mineral sea salt.

Pyrolysis of antibiotic mycelial residue for biochar: Kinetic deconvolution, biochar properties, and heavy metal immobilization

The safe disposal of antibiotic mycelial residue (AMR), a hazardous waste, is a pressing problem owing to the spread of antibiotic and heavy metal pollution. In this study, AMR pyrolysis at different temperatures and heating rates was investigated to prepare valuable biochar for heavy metal immobilization. The results showed that AMR decomposition mainly involved three pseudo-reactions, with average activation energies of 252.4, 149.8, and 219.7 kJ/mol, that fitted a three-dimensional diffusion model. Increasing the pyrolysis temperature and heating rate decreased the yield and volatile matter content of biochar, but the ash content, fixed carbon content, and aromaticity increased. The AMR-derived biochar had a favorable fuel property (18.1–19.8 MJ/kg) and stability against degradation in soil. Calcium oxalate hydrate, a major mineral in AMR, degraded during biochar formation. Furthermore, high pyrolysis temperature promoted the residual fractions of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in biochar, more so than did the heating rate, inducing a low potential ecological risk. In particular, the leaching rate of Zn decreased from 46.9% in AMR to 0.3% in biochar obtained at 700 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/min. This study elucidates the formation process and physicochemical properties of AMR biochar, which helps in the harmless utilization of AMR as a carbon resource.

A Comparative Study on the Nutrients, Mineral Elements, and Antioxidant Compounds in Different Types of Cruciferous Vegetables

Studies on the diversity within and among cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) variants are essential for the development of healthy diets. However, most studies on them have been limited to a single species, with little integrated analysis between them. In this study, the diversity within and among these species and varieties is assessed by determining the contents of 15 major characteristic nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals in 12 varieties of cabbage, 9 varieties of cauliflower, and 12 varieties of Chinese cabbage cultivated under the same conditions. The results show that there are significant differences in the compositional distributions of cabbage, cauliflower, and Chinese cabbage. Cabbage has the highest contents of soluble sugars (27.73 mg·kg−1 FW), flavonoids (5.90 mg·g−1 FW), and Fe (46.90 mg·kg−1 DW). Cauliflower is an ideal source of soluble protein (603.04 mg·kg−1 FW), polyphenols (1.53 mg·g−1 FW), glucosinolates (25.27 μmol·g−1 FW), and Cu (4.25 mg·kg−1 DW). Chinese cabbage is rich in vitamin C (0.45 mg·g−1 FW) and minerals (K, Ca, Mg, P, Mn, and Zn, at 9206.67 mg·kg−1 DW, 3297.00 mg·kg−1 DW, 3322.79 mg·kg−1 DW, 5614.78 mg·kg−1 DW, 15.36 mg·kg−1 DW, and 21.87 mg·kg−1 DW, respectively). There is a correlation between the quality, antioxidant properties, and minerals of the three species. In principal component analysis, a wide distribution of cabbage varieties and a high degree of overlap with the confidence ellipse of cauliflower are observed, indicating that certain cabbage varieties share compositional characteristics with cauliflower. These findings provide a reference for selecting varieties with higher nutritional value and antioxidant properties, as well as breeding new varieties.

Garnet mineralization associated with late magmatic and hydrothermal-metasomatic processes in dunites of the Nizhny Tagil clipyroxenite-dunite massif, Central Urals

The miarolitic dunites of the Nizhny Tagil massif (Central Urals), the structure of miaroles and the principles of co-occurrence of minerals are studied. Garnets from miaroles are characterized in details and are compared with those from chromitites and metasomatites after dunites. The structure of miarolitic dunites and miaroles is described using ontogenic approaches. The structure and composition of garnets are studied by SEM and LA-ICP-MS. Three assemblages of garnets are established in rocks of the Nizhny Tagil massif: Cr-andradite in miarolitic dunites, uvarovite in massive veined chromitites and demantoid in metasomatites after dunites. Garnets from all assemblages belong to the ugrandite group and are characterized by specifc features of chemical composition including higher Cr2O3 content. Garnets are also characterized by contrasting concentrations of trace elements, such as V, Mn and Ti, as well as differences in REE pattern. A paragenetic sequence of formation of major rock-forming minerals is suggested for dunites, chromites and metasomatites after dunites of the Nizhny Tagil massif.

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Paleocene Coal from the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel Coalfields of Pakistan

AbstractPakistan is rich in coal resources, which amount to around 186 billion tons. The Paleocene Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coalfields are located in the Central Salt Range Punjab Province and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, respectively. Padhrar coal has not been studied in detail and the Darra Adam Khel coalfields are newly‐discovered, so no research has been done, due to security considerations. In this study, an attempt has been made to study the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals, in order to learn about the coal quality, element enrichment mechanism, sedimentary medium conditions and potentially valuable elements for coal utilization. The Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals are low to medium ash, low moisture content, high in volatiles and high total sulfur coal. The vitrinite reflectance in Darra Adam Khel coal is higher than in Padhrar coal, indicating either a greater burial depth or the effects of Himalayan tectonism. The vitrinite content is dominant in the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals, followed by inertinite and liptinite, the major minerals including quartz, clay minerals, calcite and pyrite. The trace elements Ni, As, Be Zn, Ge, Mo, Ta, W, Co and Nb, Sn, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th, Cd, In, Be, V, Cr, Zr, Ag, Li, W and Co are concentrated in some of the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coal samples, respectively. The Padhrar coal shows positive Ce, Eu and Gd anomalies, with most of the Darra Adam Khel coal showing negative Ce, Eu and positive Gd anomalies with high LREE. The Al2O3/TiO2 values indicate that the sediment source of the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals is mostly related to intermediate igneous rocks. The Sr/Ba, SiO2 + Al2O3, Fe2O3 + CaO + MgO/SiO2 + Al2O3 and high sulfur content in the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals indicate epithermal and marine water influence with a tidal flat, coal‐forming environment and a deltaic coal‐forming environment, respectively.

Synthesis and structural analysis of CaFe2O4-type single crystals in the NaAlSiO4-MgAl2O4-Fe3O4 system

AbstractOrthorhombic CaFe2O4-structured (Cf) Na-rich aluminous silicate (space group Pbnm) is a major mineral of metabasaltic rocks at lower mantle conditions and can, therefore, significantly affect the physical properties of subducted oceanic crusts. We attempted to synthesize single crystals of Cf-type phases in the systems NaAlSiO4, NaAlSiO4-MgAl2O4, NaAlSiO4-MgAl2O4-Fe3O4, and NaAlSiO4-MgAl2O4-Fe3O4-H2O at 23–26 GPa and 1100–2200 °C. Under dry conditions, single crystals of Cf-type phase up to 100–150 μm in size were recovered from 23 GPa and 2000–2200 °C. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and composition analyses suggest that the synthesized Cf-type phases have a few percent of vacancies in the eightfold-coordinated site with Na, Mg, and Fe2+ and partially disordered Al and Si in the octahedral sites. Iron-bearing Cf-type phases have 32–34% Fe3+ that is hosted both in the octahedral sites and in the eightfold-coordinated site. In NaAlSiO4-MgAl2O4-Fe3O4-H2O system, no formation of Cf-type phase was observed at 24 GPa and 1100–2000 °C due to the formation of hydrous Na-rich melt and Al-rich oxides or hydroxides, suggesting the possible absence of Cf-type phase in the hydrous basaltic crust. The single-crystal syntheses of Cf-type phases will be useful for investigating their physical properties, potentially improving models of lower mantle structure and dynamics.

Investigating the textural and physico-mechanical response of granites to heat treatment

This study investigates the petrographic changes associated with heat treatment of texturally variant granites from northwest Pakistan. The corresponding effects on the physico-mechanical properties have also been analyzed. Detailed microscopic observations distinguish collected rocks into (i) Alkali feldspar micro-porphyritic variety of Ambela granite (AFG) (ii) coarse grained Malakand granite (MG) (iii) mega-porphyritic Utla granite (UG). The non-destructive tests including ultrasonic pulse velocity, Schmidt rebound hardness, porosity, specific gravity and water absorption of studied granites are markedly influenced by temperature variation. Particularly at temperature ≥600 ⁰С, a drastic decreasing trend observed with temperature rise. Significant instability in minerals has been noted with increasing temperature shown by the initiation of thermally induced fractures and widening of pre-existing cracks. Pre-existing fractures in major minerals including feldspars and quartz expand with increasing temperature accompanied by the novel fractures induced due to high thermal stresses that also effects the physical and mechanical properties. The relatively more altered UG is more prone to textural changes associated with heat treatment and the effects can be seen at lower temperatures than other studied fresh granites.

Phytochemical Composition of the Fruits and Leaves of Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.)—Conventional vs. Organic and Those Wild Grown

Nutrition is an influential determinant of the risk of present-day metabolic diseases. Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are extraordinary berries with a high nutritional and bioactive component complex. They have a number of major essential minerals and trace elements as well as dietary fibre and other important constituents. This study aimed to analyse and compare raspberry fruits and leaves originated from organic versus conventional agricultural practices and wild grown for the contents of basic composition (water, crude fat, total protein, ash, digestible carbohydrates and dietary fibre) and selected minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, selenium, barium, lithium, and beryl) as well as selected antioxidant properties (total polyphenols, total carotenoids, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity by methods of ABTS and FRAP). This study was carried out regardless of climatic and agro-technical factors and was of a more consumer-oriented nature, in order to recognize the diversity of raspberry fruits and leaves from more or less monitored crops. The basic composition, mineral content and selected antioxidative properties of raspberry fruits and leaves are fundamentally different. Raspberry fruits have a lower content of protein and ash, and higher levels of dietary fibre and carbohydrates in comparison to fruits. The biggest difference is the amount of protein, whose content in leaves is two to three times higher versus fruits. Raspberry leaves have been found to have a higher mineral content than raspberry fruits and were characterized by up to five times the amount of total polyphenols, with respect to raspberry fruit, regardless of source. The content of total carotenoids was found in some cases to be 100 times higher in raspberry leaves, in comparison to fruit, regardless of origin. It has not been definitely identified, both for raspberry fruits and leaves, which method of growing is the most advantageous in terms of levels of basic nutrients, selected minerals and antioxidant properties.

Mineral precipitation and hydrochemical evolution through evaporitic processes in soda brines (East African Rift Valley)

Soda lakes of the East African Rift Valley are hyperalkaline, hypersaline lakes extremely enriched in Na+, K+, Cl−, CO32−, HCO3−, and SiO2. In this paper, we investigate the chemical evolution in these lakes and the production of chemical sediments by salt precipitation via evaporation. Water samples from tributary springs and three lakes (Magadi, Nasikie Engida and Natron) have been experimentally studied by in-situ X-ray diffraction during evaporation experiments to characterize the sequence of mineral precipitation. These data are complemented by ex-situ diffraction studies, chemical analyses and thermodynamic hydrochemical calculations producing detailed information on the activity of all solution species and the saturation state of all minerals potentially generated by the given composition. Major minerals precipitating from these samples are sodium carbonates/bicarbonates as well as halite. The CO3/HCO3 ratio, controlled by pH, is the main factor defining the Na‑carbonates precipitation sequence: in lake brines where CO3/HCO3 > 1, trona precipitates first whereas in hot springs, where CO3/HCO3 ≪ 1, nahcolite precipitates instead of trona, which forms later via partial dissolution of nahcolite. Precipitation of nahcolite is possible only at lower pH values (pCO2 higher than −2.7) explaining the distribution of trona and nahcolite in current lakes and the stratigraphic sequences. Later, during evaporation, thermonatrite precipitates, normally at the same time as halite, at a very high pH (>11.2) after significant depletion of HCO3− due to trona precipitation. The precipitation of these soluble minerals increases the pH of the brine and is the main factor contributing to the hyperalkaline and hypersaline character of the lakes. Villiaumite, sylvite, alkaline earth carbonates, fluorapatite and silica are also predicted to precipitate, but most of them have not been observed in evaporation experiments, either because of the small amount of precipitates produced, kinetic effects delaying the nucleation of some phases, or by biologically induced effects in the lake chemistry that are not considered in our calculations. Even in these cases, the chemical composition in the corresponding ions allows for discussion on their accumulation and the eventual precipitation of these phases. The coupling of in-situ and ex-situ experiments and geochemical modelling is key to understanding the hydrogeochemical and hydroclimatic conditions of soda lakes, evaporite settings, and potentially soda oceans of early Earth and other extraterrestrial bodies.

Adsorption of Hydrated Pr3+ and NH4+/Mg2+ Ions onto the (001) Surface of Montmorillonite: A DFT Analysis with Experimental Verification

Montmorillonite is a major mineral present in ion-adsorption rare earth ores, and the microscopic adsorption states of rare earth ions on its surface are of a great significance for the efficient exploitation of ion-adsorption rare earth ores. In this article, density functional theory calculations were used to investigate the adsorption mechanisms and bonding characteristics of hydrated Pr, Mg and NH4 ions on the (001) surface of montmorillonite. Pr3+ exhibited a directed tendency geometry with Pr(H2O)103+, which was adsorbed onto montmorillonite by hydrogen bonding with an adsorption energy of −1182 kJ/mol, and one coordinated H2O ligand was separated from the first hydration layer of Pr. Both hydrated Mg and NH4 ions were adsorbed onto the montmorillonite surface through hydrogen bonds, and the adsorption energies were −206 and −188 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating that the adsorption stability of the hydrated Mg ion was slightly higher than that of the hydrated NH4 ion, but both were lower than that of hydrated Pr (−1182 kJ/mol). Hence, higher concentrations of Mg and NH4 ions than rare earth ions would be necessary in the leaching process of ion-adsorption rare earth ores. Additionally, desorption experiments revealed that the recovery of Pr3+ by Mg2+ with a concentration of 38 mmol/L is 80%, while it is only 65% with the same concentration of NH4+, and the concentrations of Mg2+ and NH4+ were much higher than that of Pr3+ in lixivium, which is consistent with the DFT calculations.

High Intake of Sodium Chloride for 28 Days Causes No Effect on Serum FGF23 Concentrations in Cats.

FGF23 is an acknowledged parameter to assess kidney health. As chronic kidney failure is one of the most common diseases in aging cats, dietary influences on renal health warrant investigation. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate potential correlations between dietary sodium chloride and FGF23. In a total of two trials, 11 cats were included. In the first trial, the cats were fed a complete and balanced control diet; in the second trial, sodium chloride was added (8 g/kg/DM)). Blood, urinary, feed, and faecal samples were analysed for major minerals. FGF23 and creatinine were measured in blood and urine samples. Serum phosphate and FGF23 were unaffected by high sodium chloride intake, thus showing no correlation between serum FGF23 and sodium concentrations. Apparent phosphorus digestibility was significantly increased, however, by high sodium chloride intake, whereas apparent digestibility of calcium was unaffected. The present study confirms differences in FGF23 and sodium chloride interaction in cats compared with other species. Further research regarding the correlation between sodium chloride and phosphate homeostasis is warranted.