Mineral Formation Research Articles

Mechanistic Insights into the Formation of Dumbbell-Shaped Carbonate Minerals: A microscale study

Dumbbell-shaped carbonate minerals are widely recognized as a distinctive morphology induced by microorganisms. Understanding their morphological evolution and growth mechanisms is essential for elucidating bacterial-mediated carbonate mineralization processes. In this study, we used the mineralizing bacterium Curvibacter sp. strain HJ-1 to induce the formation of dumbbell-shaped carbonate minerals within a rapid crystallization system with a Mg/Ca ratio = 5. A range of microscale analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and transmission electron microscopy, were employed to systematically investigate the morphological changes and crystallographic orientation of these minerals. The results reveal that the formation process involves the aggregation of Ca-Mg nanoparticles at both ends of the structure, with bacterial cells acting as a template. These findings offer preliminary insights into the formation mechanisms of dumbbell-shaped minerals and provide a scientific basis for biogenic analysis of field samples.

On the Restoration Damage of the Historical City Wall of Mühlhausen, Thuringia, Germany

ABSTRACT Gypsum-bearing rocks and mortars were often used to build historical masonries. In many cases, the restoration of such buildings with unsuitable binders resulted in severe damages of the masonry due to the formation and swelling of hydrous sulfate minerals. Here, we have studied an extreme case of damage, which occurred due to inappropriate restoration of the historical city wall in Mühlhausen (Thuringia, Germany). To understand the causes for the fatal wall degradation, we collected samples from the wall interior during its deconstruction and analyzed them by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and LA-ICP-MS. The investigations reveal the formation of concentric reaction zones of secondary ettringite and gypsum, which occur particularly around emplaced anchors at the contact between injected cement and gypsum-bearing masonry materials. The swelling in ettringite reaction rings produced concentric cracks around anchors, in which gypsum precipitated from sulfate-bearing solutions. This process of swelling, cracking, and precipitation repeated in periods of water entry and resulted in the formation of multiple laminated gypsum layers in a transition zone. We conclude that the fatal damage of the city wall of Mühlhausen is primarily due to ettringite formation, because gypsum precipitated in empty cracks, likely exerting no extensional forces on the masonry structure.

Effect of Fungal Metabolism on Zn Minerals Formation: The Case of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum

Soil fungi are significantly resistant to heavy metals, which allows them to be used in biotechnologies for environmental bioremediation. In order to clarify the prospects for using the fungi in Zn-detoxifying technologies, we investigated in vitro the effect of fungal metabolism on Zn minerals formation. The cultivation of fungi with different acid-producing activities (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum) was carried out in a liquid Czapek–Dox nutrient medium with Zn concentrations from 250 to 2000 µmol within 28 days. The quantitates of low-molecular-weight organic acids, phosphates, and hydrophosphates ions in the medium were determined through chromatography–mass spectrometry; analysis of biomineralization products was carried out through powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It was found that Zn in concentrations 250–500 μmol acts as a physiologically essential element, activating the growth of fungal mycelium, while at high concentrations (1000–2000 μmol), Zn acts as a toxic heavy metal, inhibiting fungal growth. Zn also activates the formation of oxalic acid by both species of fungi. But A. niger strongly acidified the medium, while P. chrysogenum leaves the medium pH close to neutral or slightly alkaline. Oxalate and phosphate crystallization occur with the participation of both fungal species. The ratio of biogenic oxalates and phosphates is directly dependent on the acid-reducing capacity of fungi. The solid solutions of katsarosite–glushinskite of the isodimorphic series with the general formula (Zn,Mg)C2O4·2H2O (Mg ions comes from Czapek–Dox medium) were detected at all Zn concentrations in a wide range of pH (from 2 to 9.0). The transition from monoclinic (α-modifications) to orthorhombic (β-modifications) occurs at the ratio Mg/Zn > 1. Fungal zinc phosphate hopeite Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O was formed at a near-neutral pH at high Zn concentrations (1000 and 2000 µmol/L). In the Zn example, it was shown that not only oxalate but also phosphate fungal biomineralization can be used for the environment detoxification of heavy metals. The application of phosphate biomineralization seems promising in the case of severe pollutions. To create a near-neutral medium favorable for the formation of phosphates, it is advisable to use soil fungi non-producing or weakly producing organic acids (for example, P. chrysogenum).

P0166 Changes in bone mineral density in young patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are an urgent problem of modern gastroenterology, which is associated with an increase in morbidity, a lifelong recurrent course, and the prevalence of the disease mainly among young people of working age. Extracellular manifestations in CD and UC include damage to the bone system in the form of impaired bone mineralization with the possible development of osteoporosis (OP). In this regard, patients with IBD have a high risk of developing osteoporotic fractures. Methods The aim of the study was to evaluate the absolute values of bone mineral density (BMD) in young patients with IBD. 96 patients with a verified diagnosis of IBD were examined: 41 patients had CD, 55 had UC; men -50, women - 46. The average age of the patients was 29 [25;35] years. The average age of IBD debut was 24 [19.5;29] years. All patients underwent a general clinical examination, as well as a two-adsorption X-ray densitometric examination of the lumbar spine and proximal femur on the right and left with the determination of BMD and bone mineral content (BMC). The data obtained were correlated with the NHANES III database. Results The average index of the Z-criterion (L1-L4) was -0.4 [-1.4;0.4]. The average Z index (hip neck) was -0.4 [-1.2;0.5]. The average BMD value at the level of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) was 1.175 [1.07;1.28] (g/cm2). The average total BMC was 53.49 [45.83;60.04] g. The average BMD value at the level of the neck of the right femur was 0.99 [0.88;1.09] (g/cm2). The average value of the total BMC in the same place was 24.86 [22.35;28.58] g. The average BMD value at the level of the neck of the left femur was 0.97 [0.88;1.09]. The average total BMC value was 25.75 [22.34;28.82]. 13.5% (13 out of 96 patients) showed a decrease in bone mass below the chronological age. Conclusion Despite the young age of the patient, a significant proportion of patients (13.5%) have deviations in BMD from normal values. Also, the absolute values of BMD and bone mineral content differ from the values when compared with the reference interval in the NHANES III database.

Nitrification inhibitor promotes fertilizer N stabilization in soil as organic forms during a growing season of maize: a field 15N tracer study

There is limited knowledge regarding the impact of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) and straw application on fertilizer N retention and in-season release. We conducted a trial to study the transformation of 15N-labeled urea in soils during the growing season of maize. To facilitate multiple destructive samplings throughout the season, we utilized a larger plot (25 m2) and a lower abundance 15N-fertilizer (1.193%) than usual. Soil extractable mineral N, mineral fixed ammonium, and organic N (ON) recovered 20 ± 21% (mean ± standard deviation), 6 ± 5%, and 25 ± 6% of the applied fertilizer N across three sampling stages of the growing season. On average, the bioavailability of fertilizer N in extractable mineral form was four times higher than that of mineral fixed ammonium. In contrast, fertilizer-derived ON represented a relatively stable N pool, maintaining high content throughout the growing period and becoming the major form (82%–93%) in the pool of total soil 15N at the physiological maturity stage of maize. Moreover, the co-application of nitrapyrin (a type of NI) significantly promoted fertilizer N storage in the ON form while the effect of straw was not significant. In conclusion, the NI-induced promotion of fertilizer-derived ON likely plays a critical role in storing fertilizer N for subsequent cultivations, rather than providing N nutrients for crop uptake during the current season.

Effects of Replacing Inorganic Sources of Copper, Manganese, and Zinc with Different Organic Forms on Mineral Status, Immune Biomarkers, and Lameness of Lactating Cows.

(Objectives) The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of half-replacement of the supplementary sulfate sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn with methionine-hydroxy-analog-chelated (MHAC) mineral or amino-acid-complexed (AAC) mineral forms in diets on the mineral status, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness of lactating cows. (Methods) Sixty multiparous Holstein cows (158 ± 26 days in milk; body weight: 665 ± 52 kg; milk yield: 32 ± 7 kg/day) were randomly assigned into one of three dietary treatments (n = 20 per group): (1) MHAC: 50% replacement of sulfate minerals with MHAC forms. (2) AAC: 50% replacement of sulfate minerals with AAC forms. (3) S: 100% sulfate minerals (control). Their Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness were measured monthly. Repeated-measure mixed models were used to evaluate the effects on trace mineral status over time. As the responses with the MHAC and AAC forms were similar, the treatments were also analyzed as organic trace minerals (OTMs, combining the MHAC and AAC groups, n = 40) versus inorganic trace minerals (ITMs, the S group, n = 20). (Results) Cows supplemented with OTMs had higher concentrations of Cu and Mn in their serum (p ≤ 0.05), a higher hoof hardness (p ≤ 0.05), and a lower incidence of lameness compared to those with ITMs on d 90. There were no statistical differences (p > 0.10) in the concentrations of IgA, IgG, or ceruloplasmin, but there were significant differences (p = 0.03) in the concentrations of IgM in the serum as fixed effects of the diet treatments during the whole trial. On d 30 and 90, the serum IgA concentrations of the cows supplemented with OTMs tended to be higher (0.05 < p ≤ 0.10) than those in the cows supplemented with ITMs. (Conclusions) The half-replacement strategy showed that the MHAC and AAC sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn additives had similar effects on the production performance, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness of the lactating cows. The long-term replacement strategy with OTMs led to the enhancement of the trace mineral concentrations in their body fluids, blood immune biomarkers, and hoof health.

Porosity and mineralogy in the Lajas tight gas sandstone reservoir, Neuquén Basin, Argentina

ABSTRACT In specific subsurface conditions, the sandstones of the Lajas Formation represent a tight gas reservoir in a deltaic mouth-bar system. Therefore, understanding the diagenetic processes that affected these sandstones is a first step towards reservoir quality prediction and production optimization.14C-PMMA autoradiography can be used to characterize the porosity distribution at centimeter-to-micrometer scales. The mineral phases can be associated with specific porosities using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in the backscattered-electron imaging mode (BSEi) and can be combined with elemental mapping using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) analysis. For bulk analysis, porosity mapping is useful for characterizing the constrictivity and the tortuosity of the porous network created by the geological processes related to the basin’s evolution (e.g., compaction, dissolution, fracturing, cataclasis). 14C-PMMA autoradiography offers a reliable porosimetry method which is adaptable to most rocks. In our study, the superimposition of porosity maps and mineral maps revealed that: 1) secondary porosity, deriving from feldspar dissolution in medium- to coarse-grained sandstone, and the varying degree of dissolution are both influenced by grain size and degree of cementation, 2) mudstone rip-up clasts have homogeneous porosities (3–4%), 3) the host rock’s porosity varies widely (1–8%), 4) bioturbated siltstone and sandstone present higher porosities within the trace fossils, mainly associated with organo-pores (primary porosity in the organic matter), mineral formation (pyrite precipitation), and clay development (microporosity). Integrating these petrophysical and mineralogical observations with the interpretation of the sedimentary and structural processes that affected the lithologies analyzed allows the following generalizations: 1) the highest porosity and permeability occur in samples representing high-energy environments of deposition (deltaic channel infills and mouth bars), 2) deformation bands cannot be considered fairways for fluid migration, as they have a lower porosity than the sandstone matrix, mainly because dilational shear bands underwent cementation and compactional shear bands underwent cataclasis.

Revealing Multistep Phase Separation in Metal Alloy Nanoparticles with In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Phase separation plays a crucial role in many natural and industrial processes, such as the formation of clouds and minerals and the distillation of crude oil. In metals and alloys, phase separation is an important approach often utilized to improve their mechanical strength for use in construction, automobile, and aerospace manufacturing. Despite its importance in many processes, the atomic details of phase separation are largely unknown. In particular, it is unclear how a different crystal phase emerges from the parent alloy. Here, using real-time in situ transmission electron microscopy, we describe the stages of the phase separation in face-centered cubic (fcc) AuRu alloy nanoparticles, resulting in a Ru phase with a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) crystal structure. Our observation reveals that the hcp Ru phase forms in two steps: the spinodal decomposition of the alloy produces metastable fcc Ru clusters, and as they grow larger, these clusters transform into hcp Ru domains. Our calculations indicate that the primary reason for the fcc-to-hcp transformation is the size-dependent competition between the interfacial and bulk energies of Ru domains. These insights into elusive, transient steps in the phase separation of alloys can aid in engineering nanomaterials with unconventional phases.

Influencing factors and quantitative prediction of gas content of deep marine shale in Luzhou block

The exploration and development of deep marine shale gas has made significant breakthroughs, but factors influencing gas contents of deep marine shale are elusive, and quantitative prediction methods of gas content needs to be refined urgently. In this study, the deep marine shale of Longmaxi Formation in Luzhou area was taken as an example, vitrinite reflectance analysis, kerogen microscopy experiment, TOC content analysis, mineral composition analysis, gas content measurement, isothermal adsorption experiment, physical property analysis and argon ion polishing scanning electron microscopy experiment were carried out to find out factors affecting the gas content of deep marine shale, and a gas content prediction model has been worked out. Conclusions below have been reached: the content of adsorbed gas is mainly affected by Ro, TOC content, porosity, water saturation, clay mineral content, formation temperature and pressure; the content of free gas is mainly controlled by porosity, water saturation, formation temperature and pressure; according to the prediction models, the adsorbed gas content, free gas content and total gas content of each well were quantitatively calculated, and the study area was divided into Class I (with a total gas content ≥ 11 m3/t), Class II (with a total gas content between 9 m3/t and 11 m3/t), and Class III (with a total gas content < 9 m3/t) gas-bearing areas.

Investigation of secondary mineral formation in potable water intake wells

The intensification of the operational efficiency of water intake wells, their reliability and safety for the population are considered relevant in terms of the operational practice of water supply systems for urban areas. Due to the lack of regulatory and legislative frameworks for water intake wells, inadequate maintenance protocols, as well as untimely routine and major repairs, many of these wells operate inefficiently, become clogged, and prematurely come out of action. A considerable percentage of non-functional wells are put into conservation without any restoration. Instead, new wells are drilled, causing significant harm to the environment and the earth's interior. In order to restore non-functional wells and enhance the efficiency of those still in operation, it is essential to investigate the processes that lead to the substantial accumulation of sediment, and to identify methods for their removal and prevention. The construction of water intake wells involves casing pipes and wire or mesh filters, which consist of frameworks with slot openings of various diameters. All components are made of steel, and are thus susceptible to corrosion and biofouling. They exhibit low efficiency, reliability, and durability. Important indicators include consideration of the material composition of sediments, their structural and mineralogical characteristics, as well as the mechanisms of sediment formation. The paper presents the results of the investigation of chemical, physicochemical, biological, and bacteriological clogging of water intake well filters, as well as discovers the mechanisms of these processes, develops diagnostic tools, introduces new technologies and systems for the restoration of non-functional wells, and, finally, provides guidelines for their effective operation.

Mineral forms of phosphorus in ooidal iron ores of the Marsyaty deposit (Northern Urals)

Horizons enriched in phosphorus are identifed in ooidal ironstones underlying the oxide-carbonate manganese ores of the Marsyaty deposit (Northern Urals). The maximum P2O5 content reaches 6.37 wt. % in a quartz sandstone interbed with ooids consisting of Fe3+ oxyhydroxides and is associated with authigenic fuorapatite. In iron oxyhydroxide ooidal ores, phosphorus is present mainly as apatite, which forms massive and radial zones in both the ooids and the matrix. In siderite ooidal ores, the phosphate minerals include apatite and hydrous Al and Ca silicate-phosphates, possibly a mineral of the crandallite-goyazite series and perhamite. They occur as radial aggregates emphasizing the zonation of carbonate ooids and common in the matrix. Phosphorus is also part of an authigenic rhabdophane-like mineral flling the radial and concentric cracks in iron oxyhydroxide ooids. Some phosphorus is associated with detrital monazite and apatite. Phosphorus for the formation of phosphates was most likely sourced from organic relics, whereas seawater and minerals unstable under sedimentation and diagenesis conditions were the source of cations. The formation of crystalline phosphates is associated with diagenetic processes, during which the organic relics were fermented and replaced by mineral phases, while the minerals metastable in shallow marine basin were decomposed with desorption of elements captured by Fe3+oxyhydroxides from seawater.

Physical and chemical oceanographic conditions of the Barents and Kara Seas according to the latest expedition data

The goal of the work: assessment of summer oceanographic conditions of the Barents and Kara Seas.Materials and methods: the data presented in the work were obtained on the 96rd cruise of the R/V «Akademik Mstislav Keldysh» (July 25, 2024–August 31, 2024). During the expedition, hydrological and chemical characteristics (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, silicates, mineral and organic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon) were measured from the surface to the bottom. Chemical analysis was carried out in the ship’s laboratory, according to certified methods for sea and fresh waters. Dissolved organic carbon samples were using a filtration through membrane filters (0.45 μn) and fixed with hydrochloric acid for further determination using high-precision TOC–L equipment in a stationary laboratory in Moscow. In total, 13 oceanological sections and 183 complex oceanological stations were completed.The practical significance of the research: assessment of the production potential of the economically significant seas of the European Arctic for Russia in the area of maximum climate changes, replenishment of the monitoring system of hydrological and biogeochemical characteristics based on ship observations in accordance with the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 29, 2022 No. 3240-r.

Protein-Guided Biomimetic Calcification Constructing 3D Nitrogen-Rich Core-Shell Structures Realizing High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Biomimetic calcification is a micro-crystallization process that mimics the natural biomineralization process, where biomacromolecules regulate the formation of inorganic minerals. In this study, it is presented that a protein-assisted biomimetic calcification method for the in situ synthesis of nitrogen-doped metal-organic framework (MOF) materials. A series of unique core-shell structures are created by utilizing proteins as templates and guiding agents in the nucleation step, creating ideal conditions for shell growth. To further understand the influence of the protein and organic ligand on the morphology of the MOF shell, the competing mechanism toward metal ions is supposed. Through systematic experiments and analyses, a strategy to construct unique precursor structures by controlling calcification nucleation is proposed. After carbonization, protein-containing precursors exhibit exceptional porous characteristics, stability, and high nitrogen content. These attributes make them promising materials as sulfur hosts in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSB). Electrochemical tests confirm that biomimetic calcification-assisted 3D carbonaceous structure can effectively immobilize dissolved polysulfides, demonstrating strong adsorption and catalytic capabilities. This discovery not only opens up new avenues for employing biomimetic calcification as a sustainable method for batteries but also enlightens the fields of materials science, catalytic chemistry, and energy storage.

Strange, Subtle Spirits in the Akbarian Cauldron. The Spiritual Recipes of Muḥyī al-Dīn Ibn ʿArabī

Abstract Himma is the oft-used term for spiritual energy, charisma and a person’s ability to cause preternatural feats and bend the world to their will in the writings of the Sufi scholar, poet and philosopher Muḥyī al-Dīn Ibn ʿArabī (d. 1240). It was thought to imbue the pages of religious treatises, as well as amulets, talismans, and the graves of advanced spiritual practitioners. Ibn ʿArabī was personally convinced that any spiritual endeavor would lead to naught without himma. The present study is dedicated to Ibn ʿArabī’s proposed method of harnessing the special type of power imbuing the corporeal forms of animals, plants and minerals through food. We will examine the properties of the Akbarian spiritual cuisine and the culinary recipes Ibn ʿArabī recorded to help his readers transcend the world of gross matter and gain proximity to the Divine.

Petrology of the Sandstone-Type Uranium Target Layer and Its Uranium Existence Form in the Telaaobao Mineral Area, Ordos Basin.

In recent years, the Telaaobao Mineral Area in the Northwestern Ordos Basin has been newly discovered as a uranium mineralization area with its ore-bearing target layer located within the Lower Cretaceous Huanhe Formation, belonging to a new area and a new layer, and has great uranium deposit formation potential. In order to deeply study the issues of the ore-bearing target in this area, such as the petrology, mineralogy, and uranium mineralization of the ore-bearing sandstone, based on the data from field geological investigation and drill core logging, the petrological characteristics of the ore-bearing sandstone of the target layer are preliminarily interpreted using a polarizing microscope and a scanning electron microscope, and the uranium mineral composition, uranium occurrence state, and uranium deposit mineralization are investigated through the electron probe microanalysis technique in this paper. The results show that the target layer sandstone in the study area has the characteristics of proximal deposit and has undergone significant epigenetic alteration and transformation, producing favorable conditions for uranium- and oxygen-containing water transportation and uranium mineralization. The uranium minerals are dominated by the independent coffinite with the UO2 content ranging from 40.93 to 60.45%, followed by the titanium-uranium oxides. The uranium minerals occur in various forms, mainly in the edge or fissure of the debris particles, in the edge of the framboidal pyrite, around the biotite or within its cleavage fissures, and on the surface of the chlorite. In addition, a preliminary uranium mineralization model was also established in the Telaaobao Mineral Area. The uranium mineralization in the Telaaobao Mineral Area results from the combined action of the infiltrating and ascending fluids. The uranium- and oxygen-containing fluids from the source area infiltrate downward into the target sandstone layer and meet the ascending reducing fluids from the depth, producing a redox barrier in Huanhe Formation, within which U6+ is reduced to U4+ for precipitation, leading to the formation of uranium mineralization.

Impact of rock mineralogy on reactive transport of CO2 during carbon sequestration in a saline aquifer

Deep saline aquifers offer a vast long-term storage capacity for CO2. The diverse mineral compositions in CO2 geological storage systems complicate the reactive transport of CO2. Despite extensive research on carbon sequestration in saline aquifers, the impact of rock mineralogy on the CO2 trapping mechanisms needs further investigation. This study addresses this gap by employing numerical simulations to investigate how different minerals affect the reactive transport of CO2 during injection into saline aquifers. A compositional simulation model was created, wherein CO2 is injected for 25 years, followed by a 3000-year shut-in period. Various parameters, including CO2 plume migration, changes in pH, water density variations, mineral dissolution and precipitation, and porosity changes in the reservoir rock, are examined to understand the complex CO2–brine–rock interactions. The effect of formation mineralogy on CO2 trapping mechanisms was investigated. To do so, a sensitivity study was conducted and then, special cases with extreme mineral concentrations were studied. The simulation results highlight the profound effects of different minerals on the CO2 trapping mechanisms. Quartz exhibits minimal dissolution, while calcite plays a crucial role, initially dissolving due to low pH and later precipitating after around 300 years. Anorthite dissolution provides ions for kaolinite precipitation, and the release of calcium ions from anorthite dissolution contributes to carbonate minerals precipitation. Porosity changes in the reservoir rock are observed, with regions experiencing an increase due to early calcite dissolution and subsequent changes associated with mineral precipitation. Sensitivity analysis showed that Anorthite and Illite facilitate more CO2 mineralization, with Anorthite and Illite showing 0.68 and 0.46 correlation with mineral trapping, respectively. Conversely, minerals like Calcite and Kaolinite positively correlated with CO2 solubility, with correlations of + 0.21 and + 0.23 respectively, without significantly promoting its conversion into mineral forms, while Quartz, K-Feldspar, and Dolomite show minor effects on CO2 trapping mechanisms. Elevating Anorthite concentrations speeds up CO2 mineralization, ensuring secure storage in saline aquifers, with a minimum threshold concentration of 0.05 volume fraction; beyond this point, no further changes in CO2 mineralization are observed. Formation brine salinity significantly affects CO2 solubility and, consequently, mineral trapping, as higher salinity levels hinder CO2 dissolution and restrict its availability for geochemical reactions with rock minerals. This study offers insights that can inform reservoir characterization and management practices, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of carbon sequestration efforts.

Laboratory experiments of carbon mineralization potential of the main terrestrial basalt reservoirs in China

Against the background of realizing the goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, using basaltic rocks for carbon mineralization is one of the most promising approaches to reduce the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This study conducted a series of experiments to assess carbon mineralization in nine basalt samples from the main terrestrial basalt reservoirs in China within CO2-H2O/brine-rock systems at low temperatures (≤35 °C). The results indicate that the secondary carbonates formed in the CO2-H2O/brine-basalt system are predominantly calcite rather than Mg-carbonate minerals at low temperatures (≤35 °C). Hence, at low temperatures (≤35 °C), basalt rich in Ca-bearing minerals promotes the formation of stable carbonate minerals more effectively than basalt containing Mg-bearing minerals. Furthermore, under conditions of low temperatures (≤35 °C) and pressures of approximately 3 MPa, the results suggest that alkaline olivine basalt, with a higher content of Ca-minerals and typical alkaline minerals (nepheline and Na-sanidine), exhibits the highest pH value and the highest amount of calcite. Hence, the alkaline minerals, nepheline and Na-sanidine, serve as pH buffers to increase the pH and promote the precipitation of calcite within CO2-H2O– basalt systems at low temperatures (≤35 °C). Among the nine evaluated basalts, basalt from the Shandong Linqu-Changle volcanic basin exhibits the highest rate of carbon mineralization at low temperatures (≤35 °C). Hence, Cenozoic alkaline olivine basalt from Shandong Linqu-Changle volcanic basin is one of the most promising basalt reservoirs in China for future in- situ carbonation. As for ex- situ carbonation, compared with olivine, diopside or Ca-plagioclase may be more appropriate for increasing ocean negative emissions.

Skeletal and dental tissue mineralization: The potential role of the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi complex and the endolysosomal and autophagic transport systems.

This paper presents a review of the potential role of the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi complex and intracellular vesicles in mediating events leading to or associated with vertebrate tissue mineralization. The possible importance of these organelles in this process is suggested by observations that calcium ions accumulate in the tubules and lacunae of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. Similar levels of calcium ions (approaching millimolar) are present in vesicles derived from endosomes, lysosomes and autophagosomes. The cellular level of phosphate ions in these organelles is also high (millimolar). While the source of these ions for mineral formation has not been identified, there are sound reasons for considering that they may be liberated from mitochondria during the utilization of ATP for anabolic purposes, perhaps linked to matrix synthesis. Published studies indicate that calcium and phosphate ions or their clusters contained as cargo within the intracellular organelles noted above lead to formation of extracellular mineral. The mineral sequestered in mitochondria has been documented as an amorphous calcium phosphate. The ion-, ion cluster- or mineral- containing vesicles exit the cell in plasma membrane blebs, secretory lysosomes or possibly intraluminal vesicles. Such a cell-regulated process provides a means for the rapid transport of ions or mineral particles to the mineralization front of skeletal and dental tissues. Within the extracellular matrix, the ions or mineral may associate to form larger aggregates and potential mineral nuclei, and they may bind to collagen and other proteins. How cells of hard tissues perform their housekeeping and other biosynthetic functions while transporting the very large volumes of ions required for mineralization of the extracellular matrix is far from clear. Addressing this and related questions raised in this review suggests guidelines for further investigations of the intracellular processes promoting the mineralization of the skeletal and dental tissues.

Invited Review: The impact of the dairy food matrix on digestion and absorption.

The nutritional value of any food product has historically been measured by the calorific value of individual components, harking back to the days of the development of the bomb calorimeter. A fuller understanding of nutrition later took into account the need for specific components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, that ere known to be required for good human health and growth. In milk and milk products, these include casein and whey proteins, lactose, milk fat triacylglycerides, minor lipid components (both charged and neutral), calcium, and micronutrients. Whey proteins are known to be richer in essential amino acids, compared with casein, and also to contain branched chain amino acids for muscle growth. Calcium is found in the form of the calcium phosphate mineral and is dispersed, but largely insoluble in milk. All of this information does not take into account interactions between milk components, and therefore can be considered as a reductionist nutritional approach. This review takes a structural and physical chemical approach to understand how digestibility and nutritional delivery is impacted by microstructures and nutrient component interactions, with a focus on mechanistic explanations.

Effect of supplementing corn diet for laying hens with vitamin A and trace minerals on carotenoid content and deposition efficiency in egg yolk.

This study investigated the effects of supplementing laying hen's diet with vitamin A (5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 IU/kg) and trace minerals (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and Se) in inorganic and organic form on the carotenoid content and deposition efficiency in egg yolk. Hen's diet consisted of two commercial dent corn hybrids (soft- and hard-type), which differed in their carotenoid profile. The feeding trial was conducted with 252 Lohmann Brown hens allocated in 84 cages that were randomly assigned to 12 dietary treatments (2 hybrids × 3 vitamin A levels × 2 trace mineral forms). After depletion, hens were fed diets without added pigment for 7 wk. Deposition efficiency was calculated based on the carotenoid content in yolk and diets, yolk weight, egg production and diet intake. Tested hybrids significantly differed in the content of total and individual carotenoids in egg yolk, with the exception of except β-cryptoxanthin. Lutein was the main carotenoid in the soft-type hybrid and zeaxanthin in the hard-type one. Lower vitamin A levels tended to increase the yolk content of provitamin A carotenoids and the deposition efficiency of all carotenoids for both hybrid types. In addition, the highest content of lutein in egg yolk was found when the soft-type hybrid was supplemented with the lowest vitamin A level. In contrast, trace minerals showed a relatively small effect on carotenoid content and deposition efficiency. However, a significant hybrid × vitamin A × trace mineral interaction existed mainly because the hard-type hybrid had the highest deposition efficiency of all carotenoids except α-cryptoxanthin when diet was supplemented with organic trace minerals and the lowest vitamin A level. In conclusion, supplementing hen's diet with the lowest vitamin A level improved the content of provitamin A carotenoids in egg yolk for both hybrids as well as lutein content for the soft-type hybrid, whereas organic trace minerals improved the deposition efficiency of most carotenoids only for the hard-type hybrid.