Variation In Mineral Composition Research Articles

Experimental study of shale-fluids interaction during oxidative dissolution with hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite and sodium persulfate

The drastic decline of shale gas production after fracturing depresses the development of this unconventional gas resource. Although shale oxidant stimulation can dissolve unstable composition to enhance permeability, the shale-fluids interaction during this stimulation process is still not yet clear. In this study, the organic-rich shale collected from the Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation of Yichang, Hubei province, China was selected to react with three oxidants, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8) at formation temperature. Variation of water chemistry, mineral composition and micromorphology were analyzed to reveal the mechanism of shale oxidative dissolution and evaluate its influence on shale permeability enhancement. Results showed that pyrite and OM can be discrepantly oxidized with different oxidants. At the same oxidation duration, the acidic environment was beneficial for carbonate dissolution, while the alkaline environment was favorable to the dissolution of dolomite and tectosilicate minerals such as quartz, albite, illite and chlorite. Nevertheless, the serious thermal decomposition of H2O2, precipitation of gypsum and ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) occurred during shale-fluids interaction at formation temperature might impede the enhancement of shale permeability. The oxidative dissolution of shale also brought about the release of trace elements, which might result in groundwater pollution. For the in-situ application of shale oxidative dissolution, difficulties such as thermal decomposition, secondary minerals precipitation and possible groundwater pollution should be considered further in the future.

Evaluating sulfur-free lignin as a sustainable additive for soil improvement against frost resistance

Abstract This study investigates using Sulfur-Free Lignin (SFL) as a stabilizer to reinforce soil for civil engineering construction. To comprehensively evaluate the engineering performance of SFL stabilized soil, 3, 7, 10, 12 and 15% mixtures were tested and the influence of climate factors (assessed subjecting the soil to different freeze-thaw cycles) was also considered. The experimental program investigated mechanical strength (unconfined compressive strength) and physicochemical properties, which included grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, variation of elemental and mineral composition, pH, cation exchange capacity, X-ray diffraction/fluorescence and thermal conductivity. In addition, micro-characterization through SEM and pore size distribution was also performed. A considerable improvement of the mechanical properties was observed, which increases with SFL content up to 12%. This was based on changes in the physical and not chemical properties, hinting that the stabilization mechanism consists in physical binding unlike for traditional soil stabilizers. Moreover, it was found that SFL addition improved frost resistance. Based on these results, utilizing SFL as a soil stabilizer for application in earthworks shows great potential and would promote the bio-ethanol industry and engineering construction to be more sustainable and greener, particularly because it does not risk inducing soil pH contamination unlike traditional chemical agents.

Bestimmung von Mineralstoffen in Blättern von 14 Apfelunterlagen aus der Abrissvermehrung

Very little is known about the mineral composition in the leaves of apple (Malus) rootstocks. Hence, in this study, variations in mineral composition were investigated among fourteen apple rootstocks (P.16, P.22, M.9, B.469, O.3, Mac.9, M.26, Pi.80, M.7, M.2, B.118, MM.11, M.25 and A.2) which have different growth vigor on a loamy soil in the stool bed conditions. Nitrogen (N) was determined by Kjeldahl method. Phosphorus (P) was analyzed using vanadate molybdate colorimetric method. Potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The study results showed that the differences in mineral contents in leaves among apple rootstock genotypes were statistically significant. No problems were found in achieving adequate leaf N, P and Fe uptake of any rootstock. However, it was found to be lack of the K, Ca, Mg and Mn uptake in the majority of the rootstocks. Mac.9 rootstock, followed by B.469, showed high performance with in regard to the uptake of K, Ca and Mg. In general, the uptake of Fe, Ca and Mg of dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks were higher than those of vigorous rootstocks. Consequently, P.19, B.469, Mac.9 and M.26 rootstocks had adequate performances in the uptake of all macro and micro elements examined.

Monsoon-influenced variation of clay mineral compositions and detrital Nd-Sr isotopes in the western Andaman Sea (IODP Site U1447) since the late Miocene

Nd-Sr isotopes (εNd, 87Sr/86Sr) of detrital particles, clay mineral compositions, and δ13C of sediment organic matter (δ13CSOM) at the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 353 Site U1447 in the western Andaman Sea were measured to reveal the sediment provenance changes and/or weathering intensity variations in association with the Indian monsoon intensity change. The shipboard age model based on biostratigraphic data and paleomagnetic reversals shows that IODP Site U1447 preserves late Miocene (~10 Ma) sediments. Nd/Sr isotope systematics demonstrates that the sediments originated mainly from the Myanmar region, including the Irrawaddy River, Salween River, Sittang River and Indo-Burman-Arakan Ranges without a significant change of sediment provenance since the late Miocene. Thus, temporal variations of clay mineral compositions, represented as smectite/(illite + chlorite) [S/(I + C)], indicate the long-term variations of physical/chemical weathering intensity attributable to intensity changes of Indian winter/summer monsoon. A gradual decreasing trend of S/(I + C) ratios indicates stronger physical and/or weaker chemical weathering since the late Miocene, as a result of strengthening of Indian winter monsoon (and/or weakening of Indian summer monsoon), which seems be closely related to global cooling since the late Miocene. Distinct decrease of S/(I + C) ratios occurred at ~9.2–8.5 Ma, ~3.6 Ma, ~2.4 Ma, and ~1.2 Ma, which may be attributed to the combined effect of both global cooling and Tibetan Plateau Uplift as a local response. In addition, δ13CSOM values at IODP Site U1447 were higher at ~3.5 Ma and after 1.5 Ma when S/(I + C) ratio was minima, which may imply an increase of C4 plant in Myanmar region as a result the strong Indian winter monsoon (or weak Indian summer monsoon).

Baffin Bay/Nares Strait surface (seafloor) sediment mineralogy: further investigations and methods to elucidate spatial variations in provenance

The goal of the paper is to ascertain whether there are significant regional variations in sediment mineral composition that might be used to elucidate ice sheet histories. The weight percentages of nonclay and clay minerals were determined by quantitative X-ray diffraction. Cluster analysis, an unsupervised learning approach, is used to group sediment mineralogy of 263 seafloor/core top samples between ∼80°N and 62°N. The optimum number of clusters, based on 30 indexes, was three for the weight percentage data but varied with data transformations. Maps of the distribution of the three mineral clusters or facies indicate a significant difference in weight percentages between samples from the West Greenland and Baffin Island shelves. However, several indexes support a larger number of clusters and similar analyses of the spatial distribution and defining minerals of nine mineral facies indicated a strong association with the original three clusters and with broad geographic designations (i.e., West Greenland shelf, Baffin Island fiords, etc). Classification Decision Tree analysis indicates that this difference is primarily controlled by the percentages of plagioclase feldspars versus alkali feldspars.

Coarse muscovite veins and alteration in porphyry systems

Coarse muscovite veins and alteration occur in porphyry copper and porphyry molybdenum-copper systems within the Laramide arc in Arizona, as well as at the Yerington district in Nevada. This work describes coarse muscovite in veins and altered wall rock in porphyry systems in this region and documents mineral assemblages, mineral compositions, spatial and temporal relationships, and hydrogen isotopic compositions. Coarse hydrothermal muscovite is documented in the roots of porphyry Cu ± Mo systems, as well as in and above the ore bodies in porphyry Mo-Cu systems, and it is compared to coarse hydrothermal muscovite (greisen) in lode Sn-W-Mo systems.Basin and Range extension has exposed coarse hydrothermal muscovite in several Laramide and Jurassic porphyry Cu (±Mo) systems, at paleodepths of ~3 to 12 km: Miami-Inspiration, Sierrita-Esperanza, Copper Basin (Crown King), Granite Mountain (roots of the Ray porphyry system), Gunnison (Texas Canyon stock), Grayback (Kelvin-Riverside district), Sycamore Canyon, the New Cornelia mine (Ajo district), and two systems in the Yerington district. Muscovite is the dominant mica in these coarse muscovite veins and associated alteration, with common K-feldspar and albite (An00-06), common accessory hematite, rutile, pyrite, and apatite, and rare accessory chalcopyrite, fluorite, molybdenite, wolframite, and scheelite. Coarse hydrothermal muscovite yields δD compositions that suggest formation from fluids that are dominantly magmatic-hydrothermal in origin. Whole-rock compositions of coarse hydrothermal muscovite show common gains in K and loss of Ca ± Na. Coarse muscovite veins and alteration in porphyry copper systems postdate mineralized potassic veins and form too deeply to overlap with shallower acidic forms of alteration (sericitic, advanced argillic).Variation in mineral assemblage, mineral compositions, and mineralization of coarse hydrothermal muscovite correlate with the composition of Laramide stocks. Porphyry Mo-Cu systems contain coarse muscovite alteration assemblages with the highest mineral diversity and trace-element enrichment. Coarse muscovite veins and alteration in porphyry Mo-Cu systems related to stocks ranging from quartz monzonite to granite in composition form at shallower paleodepths and occur within and above the associated orebodies. In contrast, coarse muscovite veins and alteration associated with subalkaline porphyry copper systems occur at deeper levels, in some cases overlapping with the bottom of potassic alteration and the ore body but extending well into the roots of the system in the underlying granitoid cupola. In these latter systems, zones of coarse muscovite alteration typically are poorly mineralized and mineral assemblages are less varied. These characteristics suggest that coarse muscovite-forming fluids are predominately of magmatic-hydrothermal origin and exsolved from late-stage, fractionated magmas of the larger pluton that sourced porphyry stocks and dikes responsible for porphyry copper mineralization. In some instances, however, the exposed coarse muscovite alteration is associated with a petrologically unrelated, commonly more felsic, later intrusion, rather than being related to late exsolution of fluid from the same crystallizing stock or batholith.

Variation in fruit chemical and mineral composition of Kenyan guava (Psidium guajava L.): Inferences from climatic conditions, and fruit morphological traits

There is limited knowledge about the impact of climatic conditions and fruit morphological traits on the nutritional composition of the guava fruit. Fruits were gathered from 128 guava trees across four geographically diverse regions of Kenya. The fruits were morphologically characterized and analysed for their chemical and mineral composition. The ascorbic acid content correlated positively only with total annual precipitation, while total soluble solids (TSS) correlated positively with mean annual temperature. TSS correlated negatively with pulp weight and was higher in white-fleshed fruits than in the red-fleshed types. The mineral content of the fruits correlated negatively with most of the fruit weight- and size-based morphologicaltraits, as well as with the total annual precipitation, but positively with fruit seed proportion. This information could act as a guide in the selection of specific regions for upscaling guava production and aid in the selection of accessions for improvement programmes that enhance guava fruit nutritional composition.

Granite Hydrolysis to Form Deep Brines

Reaction path calculations suggest that water fixation by zeolite and chlorite formation can account for much of the high salinity of deep brines in contact with deep granites, as well as their Ca/Na ratios, which reflect the rock-dominated chemistry of such brines. Resultant brines, undiluted by the influx of shallower fresher waters, are likely to be at equilibrium with laumontite, chlorite, calcite, dolomite, anhydrite/gypsum, K-feldspar, quartz, plagioclase, and possibly halite. The growth of laumontite and chlorite consumes water, causing the concentration of residual salts to increase during the formation of such brines. In these analyses, the major trends suggest that these fundamental processes drive this outcome naturally. Predicted phase assemblages and end-point water compositions are relatively unaffected by the chemistry of the starting/reacting fluid. Additionally, mineralogical and mineral compositional variations both appear to have no major impact on brine formational trends. More precise analysis involves the use of Pitzer coefficients and considers Br/Cl exchange in the alteration phases. Explicit consideration of silicate dissolution points to water availability as a key control over granite alteration. Diffusion-limited water availability appears to lead to stagnant systems dominated by the increasing brine density and Ca/Na ratios with depth. Alteration phases tend to decrease permeability and porosity, further isolating such systems from the flow of shallower dilute fluids.

Isotope disequilibrium during partial melting of metasedimentary rocks

Abstract The chemical composition of partial melts is buffered by the rock forming minerals that participate in the melting reactions and by the solubility of accessory phases in these melts. Both depend on the melting conditions. The chemical composition of restite depends on the restite mineralogy and may be highly variable. Partial melts and restite show contrasting Sr and Nd isotopic compositions if the various mineral phases of the protolith have developed contrasting Sr and Nd isotopic compositions by radiogenic in situ ingrowth, which depends on the parent-to-daughter ratios and time. We present chemical and isotope data from different leucosome-restite pairs that differ by 8 to 68 eSr-units and 0.2 to 6.2 eNd-units, respectively. As the Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of the partial melts show little variation for comparable protoliths, the difference in Sr and Nd isotopic composition is related to the restites, whose variable compositions largely reflect variations in the mineral assemblages. We present Li and B concentration and isotope data from a cm-scale profile across the contact between leucosome and restite. Lithium has systematically lower concentrations and higher δ7Li in the leucosome than in the restite. There is a sharp change in δ7Li at the contact between restite and leucosome. In contrast, B shows only minor variations in concentration and isotopic composition across the contact zone. Our data indicate that (i) the Li and B isotopic compositions of the leucosome are controlled by different minerals (ii) isotope fractionation of Li and B by diffusion processes is of subordinate importance on the handspecimen scale, even at magmatic conditions.

Outlier Detection for Minor Compositional Variations in Taxonomic Abundance Data

To understand the activities of complex microbial communities in various natural environments and living organisms, we need to capture the compositional changes in their taxonomic abundance. Here, we propose a new computational framework to detect compositional changes in microorganisms, including minor bacteria. This framework is designed to statistically assess relative variations in taxonomic abundance. By using this approach, we detected compositional changes in the human gut microbiome that might be associated with short-term human dietary changes. Our approach can shed light on the compositional changes of minor microorganisms that are easily overlooked.

Sedimentary and geochemical characteristics of the Triassic Chang 7 Member shale in the Southeastern Ordos Basin, Central China

The Ordos Basin is the largest petroliferous basin in China, where the Chang 7 Member shale serves as the major source rock in the basin, with an area of more than 100,000 km2. So far, sedimentary and geochemical characterizations have rarely been conducted on the shale in shallow (< 1000 m) areas in the southeastern part of the basin, but such characterizations can help identify the genesis of organic-rich shale and promote the prediction and recovery of shale oil. In this paper, several outcrop sections of the Chang 7 Member in the Tongchuan area were observed and sampled, and sedimentary and geochemical characterizations were conducted for the well-outcropped YSC section. The study results show that the Chang 7 Member shale is widely distributed laterally with variable thickness. The organic-rich shale is 7–25 m thick in total and exhibits obvious horizontal variation in mineral composition. In the eastern sections, the shale contains organic matter of Type II2–III and is low in thermal maturity, with high clay mineral content, low K-feldspar content, and no pyrite. In the western sections, the shale contains Type II1 organic matter and is low in thermal maturity, with high clay mineral, K-feldspar, and pyrite contents. The YSC section reveals three obvious intervals in vertical mineral composition and organic abundance. The Chang 7 Member organic-rich shale (TOC > 10%) contains mainly sapropelite and liptinite, with Type II kerogen. It is generally characterized by a hydrocarbon potential of more than 70 mg/g, low maturity, and shallow–semideep lacustrine facies. In the western sections, the shale, still in a low maturity stage, has a higher hydrocarbon potential and is optional for shale oil recovery. However, the Chang 7 Member shale in the study area is highly heterogeneous and its shale oil recovery is practical only in the organic-rich intervals.

Protracted fluid-metasomatism of the Siberian diamondiferous subcontinental lithospheric mantle as recorded in coated, cloudy and monocrystalline diamonds

Five typical coated diamonds (from Udachnaya, Yubileynaya, and Aikhal kimberlite pipes) with untypically low microinclusion abundances and four monocrystalline diamonds (Udachnaya, Mir, Nyurbinskaya pipes) that exhibit thin intermediate microinclusion-bearing zones were examined in details for growth structures, characteristic infrared absorption and photoluminescence, and composition of microinclusions. The internal structures of diamonds of both types imply that fluid inclusions entrapment in diamonds does not necessarily relate to the terminal stage of rapid fibrous growth. Instead, nitrogen aggregation state in some diamonds showed that both fibrous coats and inclusion-bearing layers might experience an annealing during mantle residence long enough to pre-date the ultimate kimberlite eruption, whereas the diamonds with internal inclusion-bearing zones also experienced later protracted history of monocrystalline growth. The presence of chloride-carbonate-silicate fluids/melts in monocrystalline diamonds indicate their generation from media generally similar to that observed in some fibrous diamonds. However, the composition of these metasomatizing fluids is different for the mantle beneath Udachnaya (mostly carbonatitic) and other pipes (Aikhal, Yubileynaya, Mir; variable abundance of silicic high-density fluids). The abundance of silica-rich fluids record either a heterogeneous distribution of eclogites in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, or the operation of silica-rich slab-derived fluids. The inclusion abundance as well as the type of growth (fibrous or monocrystalline) is considered to be controlled by the volume of fluid fluxes; in this case, fluid consumption leads to decreasing growth rates, diminishing inclusion entrainment and stability of layered octahedrons. The detected minor compositional variations of high-density fluids in these diamonds may be due to local scale thermal perturbation in the host source and/or limited chemical heterogeneity of the parental fluid. The high amount of chlorides in high-density fluids from monocrystalline diamonds provide a new evidence for compositions of fluids/melts acting as primary metasomatic agent in the deep mantle of Siberian craton.

Characterization of Iron in Lake Towuti sediment

Sediments collected from Lake Towuti, an ultramafic-hosted lake in Indonesia, preserve a visible alternating pattern of red and green sediments due to variations in clay mineral and Fe-oxide composition and abundance consistent with changes in iron oxidation state through time. Spectral, mineralogical, and chemical analyses on soils, river, and sediment samples from across the lake and its catchment were carried out to better understand the starting composition of these sediments and the processes that affected them before and after deposition. Despite high Fe abundances in all samples and abundant Fe oxides in lateritic source regions, mineralogical analyses (X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy) of the modern lake sediment show almost no well-crystalline iron oxides. In addition, sequential Fe extractions suggest an increasing proportion of easily extractable, poorly crystalline (X-ray amorphous) material with burial depth. XRD, bulk chemistry, and visible-near infrared (VNIR) spectral reflectance measurements demonstrate that clay mineralogy and bulk chemistry can be inferred from VNIR data. These results provide evidence for variations in Fe mineralogy and crystallinity based on location in this source to sink system. Understanding how the mineralogy and chemistry of sediments within a ferruginous lake basin are affected by transport, chemical alteration, physical alteration, and deposition from source to sink on Earth, and the degree to which these trends and underlying processes can be inferred from chemical and spectral properties, may provide useful direction in assessing paleoenvironmental conditions in other terrestrial lakes as well as ancient lacustrine environments preserved in the stratigraphic record of Mars.

Contributions of Scientific Ocean Drilling to Understanding the Emplacement of Submarine Large Igneous Provinces and Their Effects on the Environment

The Ontong Java Plateau (OJP), Shatsky Rise (SR), and Kerguelen Plateau/Broken Ridge (KP/BR) represent three large igneous provinces (LIPs) located in oceanic settings. The basement lavas have been investigated through scientific ocean drilling and, in the case of the OJP, fieldwork on the emergent obducted portions of the plateau in the Solomon Islands. Such studies show that these three LIPs have very different characteristics. For example, the KP/BR still has an active hotspot, whereas the OJP and the SR do not. The OJP is remarkable in its compositional monotony across the plateau (the Kwaimbaita geochemical type), with minor compositional variation found at the margins (the Kroenke, Singgalo, and Wairahito types). Shatsky Rise shows more compositional variation and, like the OJP, has a dominant lava type (termed the type) in the early stages (Tamu Massif), but subsequent eruptions at the Ori and Shirshov massifs comprise isotopically and trace element enriched lavas, likely reflecting a change in mantle source over time. The KP/BR has highly variable basement lava compositions, ranging from lavas slightly enriched above that of normal mid-ocean ridge basalt in the northern portion (close to the South East Indian Ridge) to more enriched varieties to the south and on Broken Ridge, with a continental crust signature present in lavas from the southern and central KP/BR. The OJP and the KP/BR appear to have formed through punctuated magmatic events, whereas the SR was formed by one relatively long, drawn out event. The formation of oceanic LIPs has in many (but not all) cases been synchronous with oceanic anoxic events. This paper focuses on three oceanic plateaus to emphasize the debate surrounding the environmental impact such LIPs may have had, and also highlights the contributions of scientific ocean drilling to our knowledge of oceanic LIP formation and evolution. This new knowledge allows planning for future oceanic LIP drilling.

Salinity-enhanced Release of Trace Metals from Sandstone and Variations in Mineral Compositions after Water-rock Interactions in the Presence of Supercritical CO2

ABSTRACT This research is aimed toward an understanding of the effects of the chemical characteristics and mineral compositions of sandstone and formation water based on saline water-rock-supercritical CO2 interaction simulation experiments. These experiments were conducted to assess whether toxic trace elements could be dissolved and released in formation water from sandstone in a CO2 storage layer after CO2 geological sequestration, thus affecting groundwater quality. The experimental results reveal that the concentrations of Cd and Pb in the water under examination exceeded the national primary drinking standard as a result of saline/fresh water-rock-supercritical CO2 interactions after 40 d of sandstone immersion in saline/fresh water and 20 d of interaction. In addition, the Mn concentration in the saline/fresh water exceeded the national secondary drinking standard after 40 d of sandstone immersion and 20–80 d of interaction. However, Cd, Pb, and Mn were released to a greater extent (in terms of concentration, 2-fold for Cd, 7-fold for Pb, and 1.7-fold for Mn) in the presence of salinity, revealing that salinity may enhance the dissolution of Cd, Pb, and Mn after 20 d of saline water-rock-scCO2 interaction. After a long period of supercritical CO2-sandstone interaction, the trace metals previously mobilized can be immobilized again by an increase in alkalinity due to aragonite dissolution.

Barrel-to-barrel variation of phenolic and mineral composition of red wine

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of barrel-to-barrel variability on chemical characteristics of red wine. An experimental trial was carried out involving two red wines from the Portuguese DO Dão and independent replicates of French oak barrels (Quercus sessilifloraSalisb.) from three different cooperages. After six months of aging, comprehensive chemical characterization of the wines took place: general physical-chemical analysis by FTIR, phenolic composition and chromatic characteristics, major mineral elements (K, Mg, Ca, Na, and Fe) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), minor and trace elements (Li, Be, Ti, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, W, Tl, Pb, and U) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In respect to barrel effect, significant differences between replicates were observed for phenolic composition, especially polymerized pigments, flavonoids and color intensity. Regarding major, minor and trace elements, no significant differences were observed between barrel replicates with exception of iron and copper.

Modeling mafic carbonation efficiency using mafic rock chemistries from Nevada, USA

Mineral carbonation is one of the many ways that are being actively investigated to sequester point-source carbon dioxide emissions. However, relations between reaction conditions, variations in reactant mineral composition, and carbon sequestration potential are poorly understood. In this study we used reaction path geochemical modeling to evaluate carbon sequestration potential during ex-situ mineral carbonation of ten mafic rock samples from Nevada, USA. Models were run using arbitrary dissolution kinetics at temperatures between 0 and 200 °C. A subset of models were run using true dissolution kinetics. In the models, carbon is sequestered in 5 mineral phases: magnesite, siderite, dolomite, calcite, and dawsonite, with magnesite and dolomite the most abundant. Dawsonite sequesters carbon at T > 150 °C in most of the arbitrary kinetics models but is not a significant carbon sink in the models using true dissolution kinetics. The arbitrary kinetics models resulted in 4.5–13 mol of carbon sequestered per kg of reacted mafic rock. True kinetics models only resulted in 1–2 mol of carbon sequestered, but the models only reacted 12.5 to 15 wt percent of the mafic rock inputs. Product minerals using the arbitrary kinetics model have volumes 150%–470% larger than the reactant volumes, whereas using true kinetics the models have a modest increase. Modeling presented herein confirms several areas of Nevada as having potential for mafic rock carbonation, some of which are located near existing coal- and natural gas-fired power plants. As shown in this study, reaction path modeling is a vital and inexpensive tool to help optimize costs and reaction conditions for ex-situ mafic rock carbonation projects.

Assessing and modifying China bentonites for aflatoxin adsorption

Bentonites have been used to reduce or to diminish the toxicity of aflatoxins to animals and humans. Due to bentonites' large variations in mineral composition, and the dominant mineral smectite can differ in interlayer cation composition, charge density, charge origin, bentonites demonstrated more than ten fold of differences in aflatoxin adsorption capacity. To maximize the efficiency of local bentonites for aflatoxin detoxification, modifications of bentonites are often needed. The objectives of this study are to asses and to modify selected bentonites from China for aflatoxin detoxification. Thirteen Chinese bentonites were collected and evaluated for montmorillonite contents. A 6-fold difference in aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) adsorption capacity among these 13 natural bentonites were observed. Six bentonites, representing the low-, medium-, and high- adsorption for AfB1, were selected for detailed assessment and modification. The clay fractions of the bentonites (Na-saturated) were harvested and exposed to the following three treatments: (1) Ca saturation (Ca_), (2) Mg saturation and heating (Mg_Heat), (3) Mg saturation and heating then Ca saturation (Mg_Heat_Ca), respectively. These three treatments enhanced the AfB1 adsorption capacity of the six bentonites and the relative efficiency of the treatments follows the order of Mg_Heat_Ca>Mg_Heat>Ca_ in most of the six bentonites. Calcium saturation or heating can improve the clays' adsorption affinity and capacity for AfB1 mainly because of the reduction of cation exchange capacity (CEC). This assumption was confirmed by the change of CEC and single-point AfB1 adsorption capacity of bulk bentonites before and after heating. Our adsorption data suggest that some Chinese bentonites are generally suitable for AfB1 adsorption, and high selectivity can be achieved by optimizing their charge density. Similar approach should be applicable to other local bentonites worldwide.

Increased production of polyhydroxyalkanoates with controllable composition and consistent material properties by fed-batch fermentation

The copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with predefined composition was produced by Haloferax mediterranei in fed-batch bioreactor fermentations from volatile fatty acids (VFA). Shake-flask cultivations from a C4:0/C5:0 mix were initially performed at 37 °C and 49 °C with surfactants in order to identify the conditions resulting in the highest copolymer production: PHBV accumulations up to 37% by dry weight and volumetric productivities greater than 5.0 mg L−1 h−1 were obtained at 49 °C and at 37 °C with Tween 80. When the cultivation at 37 °C with Tween 80 was scaled-up to a fed-batch bioreactor fermentation, the maximum reported intracellular copolymer content from VFA of 59% by dry weight was produced as well as a twofold increase in productivity to 10.2 mg L−1 h−1. A C4:0/C5:0 feed mix containing 44 mol% C5:0 was fed and the PHBV synthesised had the desired composition of 43 mol% HV. The copolymer showed an average molecular weight of 2.1 × 106 g/mol and melting temperatures below 102.0 °C. PHBV with bespoke composition and minimal variation in material properties were consistently produced, proving the scalability and reproducibility of the cultivation strategy. The reliable synthesis of copolymers showing minor variations in composition and properties is a step forward towards the widespread use of polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Coupled Kinetics of Ferrihydrite Transformation and As(V) Sequestration under the Effect of Humic Acids: A Mechanistic and Quantitative Study.

In natural environments, kinetics of As(V) sequestration/release is usually coupled with dynamic Fe mineral transformation, which is further influenced by the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). Previous work mainly focused on the interactions between As(V) and Fe minerals. However, there is a lack of both mechanistic and quantitative understanding on the coupled kinetic processes in the As(V)-Fe mineral-NOM system. In this study, we investigated the effect of humic acids (HA) on the coupled kinetics of ferrihydrite transformation into hematite/goethite and sequestration of As(V) on Fe minerals. Time-resolved As(V) and HA interactions with Fe minerals during the kinetic processes were studied using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, chemical extractions, stirred-flow kinetic experiments, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results, we developed a mechanistic kinetics model for As(V) fate during Fe mineral transformation. Our results demonstrated that the rates of As(V) speciation changes within Fe minerals were coupled with ferrihydrite transformation rates, and the overall reactions were slowed down by the presence of HA that sorbed on Fe minerals. Our kinetics model is able to account for variations of Fe mineral compositions, solution chemistry, and As(V) speciation, which has significant environmental implications for predicting As(V) behavior in the environment.