Sand Quality Research Articles

Silane-free superhydrophobic coatings from ball-milled nanosand using eco-friendly polymeric modifiers

A simple immersion method is proposed to develop durable superhydrophobic cotton fabric from low-cost, fluorine and silane-free eco-friendly materials, to address the growing environmental concerns led by hazardous surface modifiers. Herein, silica sand nanoparticles (SS NPs) were synthesized by mechanical ball-milling approach, from a least reported silica abundant natural source, Cherthala sand. Cherthala a small town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala is noted for its high quality sand with 96.5% silica. The synthesis of SS NPs was optimized based on ball-to-powder weight ratio (BPR) and milling time using Central Composite Design of response surface methodology. Minimum crystallite size (∼26 nm) and maximum turbidity (355 NTU) were obtained for the trial loaded with 20:1 BPR and processed for 10 hours. In a traditional nano-coating approach, the milled SS NP was employed as the roughness-enhancer along with polymeric binder for adhesion; silicone oil and stearic acid to lower the surface energy. The standardized coating mixture exhibited maximum water contact angle 158.9 ± 7.6°, long-term water repellency, chemical stability after 12 hours standing in acidic and alkaline pH and more than five detergent washing cycles. The coated fabrics were resilient to O2-plasma, UV-irradiation and adhesive peel test. The study also presented the practical scope of the developed eco-friendly coatings for oil-water separation and in wearable smart textiles. Thus, the present work offers a scalable sustainable route to develop silica NP-based functional textiles with same comfort, touch-proof, and breathability.

Improvement of the Sand Quality by Applying Microorganism Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation to Reduce Cement Usage

This research aimed to study the utilization of microorganisms in the soil. These microorganisms were applied to improve the quality of soil and sand to reduce cement consumption. The process of microbial-induced precipitation of calcium carbonate (MICP) was used in this study, a bonding process to create a binding between sand particles from the naturally occurring processes of microorganisms. The study was conducted to determine the maximum growth rate of bacteria (maximum growth curve) of five strains as follows Proteus mirabilis TISTR 100, Bacillus thuringiensis TISTR 126, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 118, Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 and Bacillus megaterium TISTR 067 in Nutrient Broth (NB) culture medium at 37°C. Christensen's Urea Agar slant (UA) was a preliminary screen for urease-producing bacteria. The color change of indicator color was seen in the slant, comparing the results (+) and control (-). The researchers have selected bacterial strains capable of producing significant amounts of enzymes to hydrolyze urea. It was found that the amount of calcium carbonate sediment produced by five strains of bacteria, namely Proteus mirabilis TISTR 100, Bacillus thuringiensis TISTR 126, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 118, Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 and Bacillus megaterium TISTR 067 had the amount of sediment produced as follows: 3.430, 3.080, 2.590, 1.985, and 1.615 mg/ml, respectively. It was found that the species Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 does not produce the most calcium carbonate sediment. Nevertheless, it made the sand samples stick together tightly and form the perfect lumps. Therefore, improving the sand's composition has shown the potential to apply the MICP process to reduce the cement used.

Reservoir characterization of GABO field in the niger delta basin using facies and petrophysical analyses

This study investigates the GABO field in the onshore Niger Delta Basin using well logs and core samples, with a focus on rock type distribution, reservoir continuity, and petrophysical properties to enhance hydrocarbon exploration accuracy. The research involved detailed analysis of core descriptions and images from GABO-20, along with petrophysical data from wells GABO-4, GABO-12, GABO-13, GABO-20, and GABO-51, aiming to identify rock types, evaluate reservoir quality, and determine the spatial distribution of petrophysical properties. The methodology included rigorous well log quality checks, data correlation between wells, petrophysical property evaluation, and lithofacies description. The analysis revealed thirty-five hydrocarbon-bearing zones, with GABO-20 showing average shale fraction values between 0.111 and 0.335, total porosity ranging from 0.242 to 0.329, and hydrocarbon saturation from 0.667 to 0.923, indicating substantial porosity and hydrocarbon saturation conducive to extraction. Well correlations demonstrated excellent sand-shale continuity within the reservoir intervals. Lithofacies analysis of the GABO-20 core identified eight distinct facies, including shale poles, liquid-rich shales, and sandstone poles, revealing a complex distribution of reservoir qualities with significant variations in potential. Cores 1 and 2 exhibited favourable conditions for hydrocarbon production, while Core 3 showed lower reservoir quality due to increased clay content. The depositional settings of the GABO field, particularly in the lower delta plain and delta front zones, showed well-developed reservoir bodies with moderate potential in the tidal zone and little potential in the shaly prodelta environment. This distribution highlights the complexity of the deltaic system and its implications for reservoir modeling and utilization. Reservoir zones associated with High-Quality Reservoir Facies exhibited strong petrophysical properties, suggesting excellent hydrocarbon production potential. The study underscores the importance of detailed reservoir characterization to optimize recovery strategies, offering valuable insights into the distribution and quality of reservoir sands, reducing subsurface uncertainty, and emphasizing the integration of facies and petrophysical approaches for a better understanding of reservoir characteristics in the GABO field.

Improved high quality sand fly assemblies enabled by ultra low input long read sequencing

Phlebotomine sand flies are the vectors of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. High-quality reference genomes are an important tool for understanding the biology and eco-evolutionary dynamics underpinning disease epidemiology. Previous leishmaniasis vector reference sequences were limited by sequencing technologies available at the time and inadequate for high-resolution genomic inquiry. Here, we present updated reference assemblies of two sand flies, Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis. These chromosome-level assemblies were generated using an ultra-low input library protocol, PacBio HiFi long reads, and Hi-C technology. The new P. papatasi reference has a final assembly span of 351.6 Mb and contig and scaffold N50s of 926 kb and 111.8 Mb, respectively. The new Lu. longipalpis reference has a final assembly span of 147.8 Mb and contig and scaffold N50s of 1.09 Mb and 40.6 Mb, respectively. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologue (BUSCO) assessments indicated 94.5% and 95.6% complete single copy insecta orthologs for P. papatasi and Lu. longipalpis. These improved assemblies will serve as an invaluable resource for future genomic work on phlebotomine sandflies.

Investigation of uniformity in fused quartz crucibles for Czochralski silicon ingots

As there is an increased demand for monocrystalline silicon based solar cells, there is an increased interest in stronger and more durable fused quartz crucibles used in the Czochralski process. In this study we focused on the uniformity of hydroxyl impurities in these crucibles, and its potential influence on viscosity of the crucible by combining data from IR-microscopy and a self-made viscosity measurement setup. A half of a fused quartz crucible manufactured from two types of sands was studied, the OH groups content was mapped, and the viscosity at 1500 °C was measured. Local variations in the OH groups content of on average 26.7 ppm difference between the top and the bottom of the crucible were detected. The viscosity measurements further confirmed the crucible’s inhomogeneity as no clear trends or direct correlations to the OH groups content were observed. The correlation between the different sand types used for crucible manufacturing and the OH groups content was also investigated in four samples originating from four different crucibles. Two different trends in the OH groups distribution were found: while two of the studied crucibles showed an increased OH groups content in the boundary between the bubble free and the bubble containing layer, the other two showed an increased and maximum OH groups content in the bubble containing layer, and the link between the sand types and the OH groups content was confirmed. The source of the local inhomogeneities and the two different trends of OH groups distribution can possibly be attributed to the sand quality, the sand particle size, and the difference in the manufacturing process, such as thermal history or distribution of sand.

Sand Quality Improvement Using Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds -Derived UreaseInduced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

Sand Quality Improvement Using Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds -Derived UreaseInduced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

Investigation of the Quality of Flywheel SG Iron Sand Casting Using the Optimized Riser Dimensions: Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation

Investigation of the Quality of Flywheel SG Iron Sand Casting Using the Optimized Riser Dimensions: Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation

Improvement of the Sand Quality by Applying Microorganism-induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation to Reduce Cement Usage

This research determines the Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) process utilized by the bacteria found in Thailand. Many researchers typically use the high-efficiency MICP bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate. However, it is only available in some countries, leading to a high import expense. Therefore, the methodology for using the bacteria capable of producing calcium carbonate in Thailand was investigated. The five pure bacteria strains are obtained from the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), i.e., Proteus mirabilis TISTR 100, Bacillus thuringiensis TISTR 126, Staphylococcus aureus TISTR 118, Bacillus sp. TISTR 658 and Bacillus megaterium TISTR 067. To screen urease production, the bacteria were spread on Christensen's Urea Agar (UA) slant surface via a colorimetric method. All bacteria strains can produce urease enzymes by observing the color changes in the UA. Berthelot's method was used to determine the urease activity. The result shows the bacteria's urease activity: 2389, 1989, 1589, 789, and 589 U/ml, respectively. These directly lead to calcium carbonate production: 3.430, 3.080, 2.590, 1.985, and 1.615 mg/ml, respectively. Despite the bacteria in this research having a low precipitation efficiency compared to the strain used in many research studies, they can improve sand stabilization in 7 days. Proteus mirabilis TISTR 100 was the most stable and effective strain for the MICP process in Thailand. Hence, this research reveals the ability of the local bacteria to bond with the sand particle. Briefly, the improvement of the MICP process in sand stabilization can be improved to reduce imported expenses. In addition, the MICP process can reduce the use of cement in sand stabilization work.

Experimental Study on Surface Segregation Law of Three-Dimensional Accumulation Body of Sand and Stone Particles by Binary Mechanism

Sand and stone materials are one of the important raw materials for infrastructure construction. In recent years, natural sand resources have decreased rapidly. In order to protect rivers and DAMS and ecological balance, local governments have increased the control power of natural sand mining, and replacing natural sand with mechanically broken parent rock formation mechanism sand has become an inevitable trend of the industry development. During the crushing process of parent rock, sand particles of different particle size range are produced, and particle segregation occurs in the process of stacking in the yard, which brings great trouble to the calculation of particle grading and material sample detection, and hinders the large-scale application of machine-made sand. In this paper, three-dimensional stacking tests of irregular particles were carried out to identify the particle distribution on the surface of the stack by digital image technology, analyze the relationship between particle size composition of particle mixture and the particle distribution of the accumulation body, and study the distribution law and segregation characteristics of the accumulation body. The experimental results show that the mixture with different coarse particle content will produce the corresponding distribution on the surface of the accumulation body after the accumulation. On the surface of the accretion body, the content of coarse particles is vertically distributed along the height of the accretion body. The content of coarse particles in the lower part of the accretion body is greater than that in the upper part of the accretion body. The overall segregation coefficient on the surface of the pile decreases with the increase of coarse particle content, and the variation is the largest in the lower part of the pile surface with the initial coarse particle content. Based on the test results in this paper, it provides a basis for formulating the sampling and inspection method of machine-made sand, ensuring the quality of machine-made sand and improving the utilization rate of machine-made sand.

Application Potential of Cavex® Double Effect Hydrocyclone for the Classification of Mine Tailings – A Pilot Scale Study

ABSTRACT The Cavex® Double Effect (DE) hydrocyclone is a double-efficiency classification unit, working as a single stage without the need for additional intermediate equipment such as pumping. The aim of this work is to evaluate the physical response of design and operating variables of the Cavex® DE hydrocyclone on the classification performance of mine tailings. We conducted tests at a pilot level and the subsequent industrial scale, to know the real application potential of the DE hydrocyclones and scopes for future implementation. The result from the study reveals that double classification helps to significantly lower the fine bypass in the underflow to produce the desired quality of sand for tailing dam construction. It is also concluded that the DE hydrocyclones increase the recovery of sand (sand/slime ratio) and also improve the global water recovery in the process when compared with conventional single-stage hydrocyclones.

Characterization of recycled sands and aggregates from selective separation

AbstractThe use of recycling materials from demolished concrete as raw material for structural application represents an opportunity for decreasing the consumption of primary raw materials and waste generation, thus increasing global sustainability. However, this potential is nowadays not fully exploited due to standards limitations and concerns from the construction industry about the negative effect of the recycled sand in the fresh and hardened concrete performance. Thus, most of the recycled sand produced is only reused as roadbed or dumped in the landfill, whereas the recycled coarse aggregate is commonly downcycled when used for lower‐grade applications.This paper presents an overview of the quality properties of recycled materials obtained through advanced recycling technologies designed to separate high‐quality sand and coarse aggregates from hardened cement paste in demolished concrete. The study focuses on evaluating the selective separation technologies implemented in various industrial pilots and examining how the properties of recycled sands and aggregates compare to those of virgin materials of good quality, and their impact on performance.The test results indicate that there is a strong link between recycled sand quality and its effect on workability and strength development of cement‐based materials. This study also identifies critical aggregate parameters based on which one can come up with realistic replacement levels of natural with recycled sands and aggregate without compromising performance in fresh and hardened state. Our intention is to provide sufficient evidence to specifiers and designers that good quality recycled sands can be used in larger amounts in structural concrete.

Toxigenic Escherichia coli with high antibiotic resistance index recovered from sands of recreational beaches of Mumbai, India

Mumbai, India's seven-island city, is known for its sandy beaches as a major tourist attraction, but urbanization and industrialization have weakened the environment. Unregulated sewage disposal and untreated effluents off the coast have made the beach environment vulnerable. Therefore, monitoring water and sand quality at beaches should be mandatory. This study was thus designed to determine the microbiological status of selected sandy beaches, viz. Versova, Juhu, and Girgaon. The study found fecal coliforms in the sand, with stx1 and stx2 genes specific for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli pathotypes in 5.5 % of isolates, whereas the presence of eaeA gene specific for enteropathogenic E. coli pathotype was detected in 12.2 % of isolates, and the presence of the LT and ST genes specific for enterotoxigenic E. coli pathotype was detected in 6.6 % of isolates. Multiple antibiotic-resistant indices indicated high-risk contamination sources. The study suggests routine monitoring of pollution levels at coastal cities' beaches.

Thermal Regeneration of Spent Sand with Furfuryl Binder from an Ecological and Economic Point of View.

The recovery of the grain matrix from spent moulding sand is a constant challenge in making the best possible use of the deposits of quartz sand material, as well as in protecting them. In the case of spent sand with organic binders, the best method to recover the grain matrix is thermal regeneration. However, this method is expensive and requires adequate attention to the emission of harmful compounds into the atmosphere. This paper presents a new concept for implementing the thermal regeneration process. A suitable regeneration temperature was adopted for the furfuryl binder moulding sand, and a change in the design of the device was introduced in the area of the utilisation of gases generated during the combustion of the spent binder. To confirm the assumptions made, and to assess the appropriate suitability of the material recovered, the technological parameters of the material obtained were verified, namely, ignition losses, sieve analysis, bending strength, and pH value. The consumption of media for the process was also analysed from an economic point of view, as well as the emission of BTEX (a mixture of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons-benzene, toluene and three isomers of xylene) gases under different conditions of the process. On the basis of the research conducted, it was concluded that lowering the regeneration temperature of regeneration does not adversely affect the technological parameters of the moulding sand on the regenerate matrix. Changing the design of the regenerator does not result in increased emissions of harmful substances to the environment. Studies indicate that the appropriate setting of thermal regeneration parameters and the optimal design of the employed equipment are favourable factors in reducing the cost of the process while not compromising the quality of the moulding sand and the environmental impact.

The potential of black soldier fly larvae faeces and sludge residue as fertilizer under Cu and Cd stress

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are used to digest municipal sludge, and its excretion and the sludge residue (BSFL sand) have attracted much attention. However, little research has been conducted on the quality of the BSFL sand produced with high concentrations of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) and its effect on plant growth. We collected BSFL sand from previous studies to assess its feasibility as an organic fertiliser. The results showed that with the increase in Cu and Cd concentrations, pH (5.84–6.73), electrical conductivity (2.38–3.37), and organic matter (82–96%) increased continuously, moisture (20–25%), and total nutrients (4.19–5.26%, TN + P2O5+K2O) content decreased. Cu and Cd stress significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the content of free amino acids and fatty acids in the BSFL sand, and the germination index of cucumber seed also decreased continuously (30–73%), especially the mildew phenomenon that occurred in the Cu-1500 (mg/kg) group. In conclusion, BSFL sand can be considered a fertiliser when Cu and Cd concentrations in the initial sludge are lower than 900 and 120 mg/kg, respectively. However, considering the problems of Cu and Cd enrichment, their concentrations should be lower than 222 and 2.54 mg/kg, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis for applying BSFL sands in agricultural production. Environmental implicationStudies on the effects of Cu and Cd on the quality of insect and sludge co-composting products.

Characterization of the Pathogenic Potential of the Beach Sand Microbiome and Assessment of Quicklime as a Remediation Tool.

Beach sand may act as a reservoir for potential human pathogens, posing a public health risk. Despite this, the microbiological monitoring of sand microbiome is rarely performed to determine beach quality. In this study, the sand microbial population of a Northern Adriatic Sea beach sand was profiled by microbiological (CFU counts) and molecular methods (WGS, microarray), showing significant presence of potential human pathogens including drug-resistant strains. Consistent with these results, the potential of quicklime as a restoring method was tested in vitro and on-field. Collected data showed that adding 1-3% quicklime (w/w) to sand provided an up to -99% of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, till 45 days post-treatment. In conclusion, data suggest that accurate monitoring of sand microbiome may be essential, besides water, to assess beach quality and safety. Moreover, first evidences of quicklime potential for sand decontamination are provided, suggesting its usage as a possible way to restore the microbiological quality of sand in highly contaminated areas.

Application of Same-Day Enterococcus qPCR-Based Analyses for Quality Assessment of Shorelines (Water and Sand) at Recreational Beaches

Rapid water-quality monitoring methods for beach water and sand can be helpful for public health authorities to develop comprehensive beach monitoring programs. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Enterococcus qPCR (USEPA 1609.1) method for quality monitoring of beach water and sand-porewater at two Niagara region beaches in Ontario, Canada (Lakeside and Sunset Beaches). While the USEPA 1609.1 method has been validated for beach water, its potential for assessing associated beach sands (which may function as a microbial reservoir) has not been fully explored. All beach water samples (n = 168) passed the qPCR quality control (QC). However, only 20 out of 48 (41.7%) sand-porewater samples passed the qPCR QC, potentially due to interference by soluble inhibitors. The proportion of the sand-porewater samples passing QC improved slightly to 63 out of 120 (52.5%) with a prefiltration step to remove sand and other large particles. The faecal indicator density in the sand-porewater, tested in parallel, did not correlate with the beach water faecal indicator density. Comparing beach water data for the same-day Enterococcus qPCR threshold with the previous-day E. coli culturing-based threshold across all beach days tested, Enterococcus qPCR analyses identified 3 (7%) and 7 (16%) false positive/lost beach days for Lakeside and Sunset Beaches, respectively. Additionally, of the total beach days tested, Enterococcus qPCR analyses identified 2 (5%) and 1 (2%) false negative/health-risk days for Lakeside and Sunset Beaches, respectively. Sand-porewater testing analyses identified days when faecal indicators (in the sand) exceeded beach water quality thresholds. Compared with conventional E. coli culturing, use of the same-day qPCR method would result in fewer beach postings and could identify several additional health-risk days (when the beaches may not be posted). Future studies could include additional prefiltration steps or modifications in the Enterococcus qPCR protocol to improve the method’s applicability for sand quality monitoring.

Artificial Neural Networks as a Tool for Supporting a Moulding Sand Control System Based on the Dependency between Selected Moulding Sand Properties

The article presents the potential for using artificial neural networks to support decisions related to the rebonding of green moulding sand. The basic properties of the moulding sand tested in foundries are discussed, especially compactibility as it gives the most information about the quality of green moulding sand. First, the data that can predict the compactibility value without the need for testing are defined. Next, a method for constructing an artificial neural network is presented and the network model which produced the best results is analysed. Additionally, two applications were designed to allow the investigation results to be searchable by determining the range of values of the moulding sand parameters.

Strategies for Monitoring Microbial Life in Beach Sand for Protection of Public Health.

The 2021 revised guidelines of the World Health Organization recommend monitoring the quality of sand in addition to water at recreational beaches. This review provides background information about the types of beaches, the characteristics of sand, and the microbiological parameters that should be measured. Analytical approaches are described for quantifying fungi and fecal indicator bacteria from beach sand. The review addresses strategies to assess beach sand quality, monitoring approaches, sand remediation, and the proposed way forward for beach sand monitoring programs. In the proposed way forward, recommendations are provided for acceptable levels of fungi given their distribution in the environment. Additional recommendations include evaluating FIB distributions at beaches globally to assess acceptable ranges of FIB levels, similar to those proposed for fungi.

Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism Development Strategy, Bangkalan Regency, Madura

Ecotourism is one of the ecological-based tourism activities, one of which is mangrove ecotourism. Martajasah is one of the mangrove ecotourism areas that have a high potential to be developed because it is adjacent to religious and culinary tourism. The purpose of this study is to determine the profile of tourists and to determine the development strategy of Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism, Bangkalan Regency. The analytical method used in this study is Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). This analysis relates the level of importance of an attribute owned by a particular object with the reality (performance) felt by tourists. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the majority of Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism tourists come from Bangkalan Regency, male with student status, with an average age of 16-25 years. The biggest motivation for tourists to visit Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism is for recreation. The development strategy of Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism is to improve the quality and quantity of white sand, increase the length of the beach, increase the availability of travel agents to make it easier for tourists to go to Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism and increase the number of facilities and infrastructure at the Martajasah Mangrove Ecotourism location.

Combination of extended elastic impedance and rock physics templates for reservoir characterisation in Temblador field, Eastern Venezuela basin

The Temblador Field is located on the southern flank of the Eastern Venezuela Basin. The Oficina Formation, present in the field, represents one of the most important producing Formations in the country. In this project, a detailed characterisation and delimitation of the sands of the Jobo and Morichal Members of the Oficina Formation. The work was outlined in three stages. The first stage consisted of studying the elastic properties of the reservoirs through unconsolidated rock physics modelling through the elaboration of the “Rock Physics Template” (RPT). Likewise, during this phase, different crossed graphs were prepared that allowed lithological discrimination. In the second stage, cubes of elastic properties such as P-wave impedance, S-wave impedance, Mhu-Rho (μρ) and Lambda-Rho (λρ) were obtained through the inversion of the Extended Elastic Impedance. Finally, the third stage consists of the classification of the lithofacies, of the cubes resulting from the inversion, through a Bayesian classification. These results allowed the construction of sand probability maps that allow delimiting the best quality sands within the Jobo and Morichal Members. In this way, the present work provides an additional tool when carrying out reservoir exploration studies, reducing uncertainty when locating a new prospect.