Rich Mineral Research Articles

The geological setting of arsenic enrichment in groundwater of the shallow aquifers of the Tista Floodplain, Rangpur, Bangladesh

Arsenic is present in water samples within the studied active floodplain areas of the Tista river, Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. All the water samples contain less arsenic than the WHO prescribed limit of 10 μg/L. 93.33% groundwater samples have higher Mn content than the permissible limit of 0.01 mg/L of WHO. The heavy metal concentrations of water can be expressed as Fe>Mn>Zn>As on the basis of their mean content. The heavy metals are negatively correlated with the well depth which is indicative of the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the concentrations of heavy metals. The arsenic concentration in water samples is higher in the central part of the study area. The coarser grain size, dominance of physical weathering, elevated topography and the effective flushing of groundwater resulted low concentration of arsenic in the groundwater. The EDS study reveals that arsenic occurs as coating materials of the silicate minerals. The river waters also have arsenic content lower than WHOs permissible limit. The factor analysis reveals that the iron and arsenic is released by the chemical weathering of arsenic bearing minerals like pyrite and arsenopyrite. The Fe and Mn derived in the groundwater by the chemical weathering of iron and manganese bearing minerals such as iron rich clay, silicate minerals and iron sulfides. Â

Study on Remote Sensing Dynamic Monitoring of Geological Environment

<p>With the continuous development of science and technology, remote sensing technology has become more and more mature and more advanced in our country, and the application of remote sensing technology to the monitoring of geological environment is also an important research problem in continuous improvement in recent years. China has a vast land area, rich mineral resources, strong geological diversity and complex geological environment, and the geological exploration of the origin of mineral resources is a prerequisite for the rationality of mineral development. Therefore, the remote sensing dynamic monitoring of geological environment plays a decisive role in mineral development. With the development of mineral resources, China’s mineral environment is getting worse and worse. In order to ensure the long-term development of mineral resources and the safety of mining personnel. Remote sensing dynamic monitoring of geological environment in mineral areas is of great significance. Based on this, this paper will study the remote sensing monitoring data of mining, and provide help for the remote sensing monitoring of geological environment of mineral development in China.</p>

Influence of Different Cooking Methods on the Maillard Reactions of Marine Products

Zhang, S.F., 2020. Influence of different cooking methods on the Maillard reactions of marine products. In: Al-Tarawneh, O. and Megahed, A. (eds.), Recent Developments of Port, Marine, and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 110, pp. 197–200. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Marine products are favored by people for their rich mineral elements and high-quality protein content. However, different cooking methods can lead to the loss of different nutrients in marine products, and trigger different Maillard reactions. With the marine product oysters as an example, this study adopted different cooking methods to explore their influence on the Maillard reactions, and conducted a research on the features of the products. The research results showed that: different cooking methods, cooking times, and cooking temperatures can cause reductions in the content of zinc and protein in oysters. Obviously, with the increase of the cooking time, the Maillard reactions increased as well; under the same cooking time, the degree of Maillard reactions was: fry> boil> steam; with the increase of the cooking temperature, the Maillard reactions showed an enhancing trend. The research in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the entire Maillard reactions during the cooking process of marine products.

Healthy milk snack

Cottage cheese and curd products are presented on the Russian dairy market. The latter are most popular with the addition of flavoring fillers, such as fruit and berry, nut and chocolate, and others. Despite the benefits of cottage cheese and curd products, fast food is currently in great demand. Fast food is food that is designed to satisfy hunger in a matter of minutes. It has both its advantages: fast, tasty, cheap enough; and cons: such products are high in calories, addictive, as they contain flavor enhancers, cause and exacerbate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc. We offer an alternative to classic fast food – the curd product "Curd Fitness Candy". The manufacturing process of the curd product is carried out in the following sequence: acceptance and preparation of raw materials; drawing up a curd mixture and a mixture for glazing (according to the recipe); cooling; molding; glazing; second cooling; packaging and labeling. Technological equipment for the production of curd product includes molding and enrobing machines; refrigeration tunnel. The following ingredients are used as raw material sources for the curd base: cottage cheese, butter, granulated sugar and sweetener; for glaze: butter, melon or watermelon syrup, starch. In order to extend the shelf life of the product by 30%, in addition to the traditional starter culture, a protective culture is introduced in the development of the curd base. The curd product “Curd Fitness Candy” is tasty and healthy; not addictive; stored 30% longer compared to glazed curds without changing the quality characteristics; has an original shape in the form of a star, oval, rhombus, etc.; unconventional colored glaze using melon syrup, watermelon, etc.; colorful design of labeling material; small mass (per bite); rich vitamin and mineral composition; reduced amount of carbohydrates; It belongs to the group of products recommended for reduced nutrition.

Effect of Adding Sago and Sintering to the Properties of Geopolymer Mortar

Geopolymer is an alternative cementitious material produced by rich Alumino Silicate mineral materials (Si-Al) combine with alkaline activator. The objectives in this study are to introduce pores by using sago as pore former and to determine the effect of curing time and sintering process to geopolymer mortar properties. There are three compositions of mortar used in this study with different sago content (10%, 20%, and 30%) and each composition of mortar have different curing time (1, 3 and 7 days). Fly ash, silica powder, alkaline activator (sodium silicate solution (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sago were mixed together based on their composition and the mixture were put into steel cubic mould (50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm) and left at room temperature for curing process. After the mortar reaches their curing time, it will be sintered at 1000 °C. The physical changes of the mortar were analysed before and after the sintering process. The microstructure of mortar was observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Compression test was done to geopolymer mortars by using ADR-Auto 3000 from ELE instrument (ASTM C109 standard) to determine the mechanical properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis used to determine the functional group exist in geopolymer mortar and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the phase. Besides that, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) use to measure percentage elements exist in a mortar. Geopolymer mortar with 10% sago content, 7 days of curing and undergo sintering process have the highest compressive strength (13.46 N) compare to the other geopolymer mortar composition. The 30% sago mortar contain many pores after sintering contributes its brittleness and cannot be tested for compressive strength. Longer curing days give enough time for the geopolymerisation process to create strong Si-O-Al bond or Jadeite (N-A-S-H gels) while sintering process helps to speed up the geopolymerisation process take place in a mortar. Formation of jadeite (N-A-S-H gels) influenced the strength of the mortar. The increasing phase of jadeite increases the strength of the mortar. As sago content increase, the pores in geopolymer also increase but the ratio Al2O3:SiO2 decrease resulting low formation of Jadeite. Hence the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar decrease.

Effect of La2O3 addition on the microstructural evolution and thermomechanical property of sintered low-grade magnesite

The rich mineral resources of magnesite have been decreasing rapidly, while the low-grade magnesite is abandoned, and the requirement on utilization of low-grade magnesite is causing much attention. La2O3 has been introduced as an additive in this study, considering its positive role in the modification of the magnesia matrix. Low-grade magnesite containing 0–3 wt% La2O3 was fired at 1550 °C for 3 h. The effect of La2O3 on the microstructural evolution and thermomechanical property of sintered low-grade magnesite was investigated. The results showed that La2O3 markedly improve the microstructure of sintered low-grade magnesite. The distribution state of the low melting monticellite phases among the periclase grains evolved from distribute continuously to concentrate in isolation at the triple-point junction of the periclase grains, and the generated CaO·3SiO2·2La2O3 based dendrites phases interlaced in the magnesia matrix. The hot modulus of rupture (HMOR) was significantly enhanced with increasing addition of La2O3 due to the low-melting monticellite phases were transformed to CaO·3SiO2·2La2O3 phases based dendrites with large aspect ratio, effectively reducing the availability of monticellite. Besides, the bridging phenomenon resulting due to the dendritic phase exhibited an optimal toughening effect, attributing to the increase in crack deflection and resistance to crack propagation.

Rapid carbon accumulation in a peatland following Late Holocene tephra deposition, New Zealand

Contemporary measurements of carbon (C) accumulation rates in peatlands around the world often show the C sink to be stronger on average than at times in the past. Alteration of global nutrient cycles could be contributing to elevated carbon accumulation in the present day. Here we examine the effect of volcanic inputs of nutrients on peatland C accumulation in Moanatuatua Bog, New Zealand, by examining a high-resolution Late Holocene C accumulation record during which powerful volcanic eruptions occurred, depositing two visible rhyolitic tephra layers (Taupo, 232 ± 10 CE; Kaharoa, 1314 ± 12 CE). Carbon accumulation rates since c. 50 CE, well before any human presence, increased from a background rate of 23 g C m−2 yr−1 up to 110 g C m−2 yr−1 following the deposition of the Taupo Tephra, and 84 g C m−2 yr−1 following the deposition of the Kaharoa Tephra. Smaller but nevertheless marked increases in C accumulation additionally occurred in association with the deposition of three andesitic-dacitic cryptotephras (each ≤ ∼1 mm thick) of the Tufa Trig Formation between the Taupo and Kaharoa events. These five periods of elevated C uptake, especially those associated with the relatively thick Taupo and Kaharoa tephras, were accompanied by shifts in nutrient stoichiometry, indicating that there was greater availability of phosphorus (P) relative to nitrogen (N) and C during the period of high C uptake. Such P was almost certainly derived from volcanic sources, with P being present in the volcanic glass at Moanatuatua, and many of the eruptions described being associated with the local deposition of the P rich mineral apatite. We found peatland C accumulation to be tightly coupled to N and P accumulation, suggesting nutrient inputs exert a strong control on rates of peat accumulation. Nutrient stoichiometry indicated a strong ability to recover P within the ecosystem, with C:P ratios being higher than most other peatlands in the literature. We conclude that nutrient inputs, deriving from volcanic eruptions, have been very important for C accumulation rates in the past. Therefore, the elevated nutrient inputs occurring in the present day could offer a more plausible explanation, as opposed to a climatic component, for observed high contemporary C accumulation in New Zealand peatlands.

The potential of adaptivity of sugar beet sterility maintainers to regulated abiotic factors

Aim. To determine the expression of the adaptive ability of sterility maintainers of sugar beet under different combination of abiotic factors. Methods. Testing breeding materials against agricultural backgrounds with different combinations of controlled abiotic factors: Normal and Large Growing Space; Normal and Rich Mineral Nutrition Background. Results. Genotypes had a specific interaction with a specific background. The range of variation of the effects of the general adaptive ability of the lines on the yield was -2.9 ... + 3.4 and sugar content -0.6…+0.6. With the increased background of mineral fertilizers and different areas of nutrition, respectively, 11 and 9 sources of valuable genes were selected. The elevated mineral fertilizer background over the usual feeding area was the background that distinguished specific combinations with high SAA effects: Ot1/Ot4 (+2.5), Ot3/Ot4 (+0.9), Ot4/Ot2 (+0.9) and Ot6/Ot5 (0.8). In the extended area, the lines Ot1 and Ot2 combined well with the line Ot 4 (respectively +1.1 and +0.9). Conclusions. O-type lines are characterized by a specific response to the controlled abiotic factors. O-type 4 and O-type 6 lines can be attributed to intensive type. Stable on both grounds include the Ot3 line. For the collection of sugar on the ordinary background of mineral fertilizers GAA were preferred lines Ot6 and Ot4, and on the higher - respectively lines Ot6, Ot3 and Ot4. High differential ability of selective with backgrounds with regulated abiotic factors has been established.
 Keywords: sterility maintainers, yield, sugar content, general and specific adaptive ability, the coefficient of plasticity.

Oxidative conditions can lead to exceptional preservation through phosphatization

Abstract Exceptional preservation through phosphatization is primarily controlled by a reduction in pH, favoring the precipitation of apatite over that of calcite. Laboratory experiments have suggested that phosphatization results from anoxic decay. Here we report results of the fine-scale mineralogical characterization of Cretaceous phosphatized fossils of teleost fishes and crustaceans from the Jebel oum Tkout Lagerstätte (Morocco). Data collected using complementary laboratory and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques reveal that oxidative conditions were established at a certain step of decay. Supporting these conclusions are the presence, covering and embedded in the phosphatized tissues, of Fe(III)-rich mineral phases, the precipitation of which was likely biologically induced during decay. The present study highlights that the establishment of oxidative conditions during decay can be compatible with exceptional preservation of fossils through phosphatization.

Transition metal chromophores in glass beads of the classical and Hellenistic period: Bonding environment and colouring role

The delicate blue and green hue of ancient coloured beads from the Classical and Hellenistic period originate from the different transition metal (TM) ions added in the batch materials during glass production. The chemical composition in conjunction with the TM redox are fingerprints of the colour and vitrification process. We report on the structural and colouring/decolouring role of TM in blue and green-blue soda-lime beads from Thebes, central Greece dated back to the Classical and Hellenistic period using non-destructive X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopies. Concerning the TMs redox and their consequent influence on colour, it is established that the major blue colourants are Co2+ and Cu2+, colourless Cu+ dominates in the blue beads, whereas chromophores Fe3+ and Cu2+ give rise to a green-blue hue. The Mn2+ content in the blue beads, whose occurrence is attributed to unintentional addition via the Co rich mineral colourant, counteracts the effect of the moderately higher content of Fe2+ in the raw materials. Based on the XAFS analysis results, we propose that the fractions of all TM under question (Mn, Fe, Co and Cu) were chosen and adjusted properly not only to control the desired colour, but also to ensure the stability of the glass matrix. Indeed, the integrity of the silica matrix should be further enhanced due to the presence of intermediate Fe oxides linking to Cu ions in either planar or linear geometry, while Mn and Co act as typical network formers.

Petrographical characteristics and post-depositional alteration affecting porosity and permeability of Oligocene sandstones, block 15-1/05, Cuu Long basin

Petrographical characteristics and post-depositional alteration studies of sandstones are the two important factors to reservoir rocks, which affect oil and gas storage and permeability of reservoir rocks. This study revealed petrographical characteristics, post-depositional alteration, and their influence on the porosity and permeability of Oligocene sandstones, including C, D, and E and F sequences, block 15-1/05, Cuu Long Basin. The results show that most of the sandstones were arkose, lithic arkose, and sporadically interbedded by feldspathic greywacke. The post-depositional alteration was progressively increasing following the burial depth from early diagenesis of sequence C, to intermediate diagenesis of sequence D and advanced diagenesis of sequence E and F. The post-depositional alterations significantly influenced on the porosity of the Oligocene sandstone were the cementation and mechanical compaction. They reduced the porosity and permeability of the sandstone. Additionally, authigenic clay minerals have a negative effect on permeability in which sandstones were rich illite and illite-smectite clay minerals, and the permeability tended to decrease stronger than others. Our results showed that the potential reservoir rocks of Oligocene sandstones, block 15-1/05 were sequence E and F sandstones that are in well grain sorting, well grain roundness shape, and contained a small number of cement, particularly the absence of illite and illite-smectite.

Induced Polarization as a Proxy for CO2-Rich Groundwater Detection—Evidences from the Ardennes, South-East of Belgium

CO 2 -rich mineral groundwaters are of great economic and touristic interest but their origin and circulation paths in the underground are often poorly understood. A deeper understanding of the system plumbery and the development of non—to minimally—invasive near-surface geophysical methods for the prospection of potential productive areas is therefore of great interest to manage future supply. The objective of this contribution is to assess the ability of the time-domain induced polarization (TDIP) method, combined with the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method, to make the distinction between CO 2 -rich groundwater from non-gaseous groundwater. Three combined ERT/TDIP tomographies were performed above known uplift zones in the south-east of Belgium where thousands of CO 2 -rich groundwater springs exist. On all profiles, important contrasts in both electrical resistivity and chargeability distributions were observed in the vicinity of the upflow zone, also reflected in the normalized chargeability sections computed from the measured data. Low resistivity vertical anomalies extending in depth were interpreted as a saturated fracture network enabling the upflow of deep groundwater to the surface. High chargeability anomalies appearing directly close to the CO 2 -rich groundwater springs were inferred to metallic oxides and hydroxides precipitation in the upper part of the aquifer, linked to pressure decrease and changing redox conditions in the up-flowing groundwater approaching the land surface. The combined interpretation of electrical resistivity and induced polarization datasets provides a very promising method for a robust prospection of CO 2 -rich groundwater.

Spatial and temporal variations in mire surface water chemistry as a function of geology, atmospheric circulation and zonal features in the south-eastern part of Western Siberia

This study analysed the chemistry of water samples collected from mires in the south-eastern part of Western Siberia. The aim was to determine spatial and temporal patterns in the hydrochemistry of mires in relation to the environmental conditions and geological history of the region. The results show that concentrations of Fetotal, Са2+, Mg2+, Na+, and HCO3– ions are higher than those obtained in other regions of Russia and Europe, which is consistent with the geological conditions of Western Siberia. High Fetotal concentrations are associated with the distribution of sedimentary ore in the region's largest iron ore basin, the Bakchar deposit, which is represented by strata of various Cretaceous sedimentsary rock at depths of 150–200 m. The Fe-rich rocks contribute to the high Fe concentrations in deep groundwater that feeds into the fens. The increase in Са2+, Mg2+, Na+, Cl−, and HCO3– in the water resulted from a xerothermic period that occurred in the southern part of Western Siberia (4500–2500 years ago) that increased the carbonation and salinity of the rocks. A feature characteristic of the hydrochemical regime in raised bogs is the transformation of the chemical composition during the year, with a change in dominant anions from HCO3– to Cl− or SO42−. The water in transitional mires and rich fens were characterised by the predominance of HCO3– and Са2+. Studies have shown that the size and stage of development play leading roles in the formation of the water chemistry in the mires. Small bogs and transitional mires were characterised by a rich mineral nutrition; while, the chemical composition of fens was mainly determined by their geomorphologic position and proximity to large river systems. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the functions of peatland ecosystems in Western Siberia and improve water sampling strategies for future research.

Agronomic Efficiency of Feldspar, Quartz Silica, and Zeolite as Silicon (Si) Fertilizers in Sandy Soil

ABSTRACT Partial replacement of synthetic chemical fertilizers by naturally occurring alternatives is environmentally recommended. Feldspars (F), quartz silica (S), and zeolites (Z) are silicon (Si)-rich minerals that may be utilized as Si fertilizers. This study aims to assess the agronomic efficiency (AE) of the mentioned minerals as Si fertilizers and to estimate Si-use efficiency (Si-UE) in sandy soil. A field experiment was carried out (summer seasons of 2016 and 2017) in which F, S, and Z were mixed with surface soil in an application rate 500 mg kg−1 soil with and without potassium humate (K-H, 2 mg kg−1 soil). Treatments were distributed in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates including control before cultivation of soybean (Glycine max L.). Yield (kg ha−1) of soybean, available Si (mg kg−1) in soil and uptake (mg kg−1) of N, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Si by soybean seeds and straw were estimated. The most significant increase was by 67.87% followed by 38.69% was recorded for the S and S K-H treatments, compared to the control. Same treatments showed nonsignificant decrease in the available Si (mg kg−1) that may refer to partial replenishment of plant available Si (PAS) in soil and avoid significant deficiency. Silica treatments resulted in the most significant increase in the uptake (mg kg−1 soil) of Si, N, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn by seeds and almost by straw. Silica was more efficient agronomically than feldspar and zeolite. Absorption of more biocompatible Si-organo species may depend on Si source.

Hematite replacement and oxidative overprinting recorded in the 1.88 Ga Gunflint iron formation, Ontario, Canada

Abstract The 1.88 Ga Gunflint Formation in Ontario, Canada, has played a key role in the development of current models for the deposition of iron formations. The presence of hematite-rich iron formation intercalated with chert stromatolites containing purported cyanobacterial microfossils sparked the idea that biology was the principal driver of Fe2+ oxidation and iron deposition. However, despite the abundance of hematite in the Gunflint Formation, a primary depositional origin has not been established. Here we present evidence for the replacement of Fe-silicate granules by hematite in drill core intersecting the Gunflint Formation. Iron-oxide replacement proceeded inwards from granule boundaries and along intergranular fractures, producing iron oxide–rich rims around Fe-silicate cores. The abundance of organic matter in shaly iron formation implies that the iron-rich mudstones experienced anoxic diagenesis and that coexisting hematite was not depositional but formed after burial. Widespread distribution of the alteration textures indicates that this was a large-scale process and that much of the hematite is not primary. Lifting the veil of oxidative overprinting reveals an iron-rich sediment that was originally more reduced and dominated by Fe(II)-rich minerals. Our results imply that a major assumption underpinning the original model for biological iron oxidation as the driver of iron formation deposition may be flawed, raising broader questions about the origin of hematite in other iron formations and the role of biology in iron deposition in the early oceans.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on haematological parameters and liver enzymes in male Wistar rats

Background: The leaves of Telfairia occidentalis (locally known as Ugu) are widely consumed as part of a staple in the southern region of Nigeria. Its nutritional benefits include its rich mineral contents and antioxidant properties. It has been suggested that the leaf extracts may affect blood parameters. Objectives: To investigate the effects of aqueous extracts of T. occidentalis leaves on haematological indices and liver enzymes in rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing between 150g and 200g were used for the study. They were categorized into four groups of six rats each viz: high-dose, medium-dose, low-dose, and control groups. The leaf extract was administered in doses of 300mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, while the control group received distilled water rather than leaf extracts. Results: There was a dose-dependent decrease in the concentrations of liver enzymes and an increase in blood parameters. There was a significant difference (p = 0.000) in the mean red blood cells countof the control group (7.5±0.2×1012/L) compared to the low-dose group (9.1±0.1×1012/L), the medium-dose group (11.7±0.2×1012/L) and the high-dose group (13.3±0.2×1012/L).For the liver enzymes, there was a significant decrease in the mean AST levels in the high-dose group (42.8±3.5 IU/L), the medium-dose group (53.7±5.7IU/L) and the low-dose group (68.5±3.5IU/L) were compared to the value for the control group (88.6 ±2.5× 1012/L). Conclusions: Using an animal model, Telfairia occidentalis may have hepatoprotective and haemopoietic properties.

Some Quality Properties, Mineral and Heavy Metal Composition of Wild Fruit Traditional Marmalades

In this research, some physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and mineral compositions of marmalades produced by traditional method using Berberis integerrima Bunge (purple barberry), Berberis vulgaris L. (pink barberry), Rosa pimpinellifolia L. (black rosehip), Rosa canina L. (pink rosehip), Malus sylvestris Miller (sour apple), and Vaccinium corymbosum L. (blueberry) wild fruit naturally grown in Bayburt and Trabzon provinces were determined. As a result of the research; pH 2.56-4.18, titration acidity (in terms of citric acid) 0.62-3.40%, dry matter 53.65-64.90%, water soluble dry matter 52.28-64.53%, water activity 0.818-0.894 and HMF (5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural) were detected in the range of 5.81-53.40 mg/kg. As a result of microbiological analysis, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliform group bacteria and yeast-mold were not detected in any of the samples. In the marmalade samples, the macro minerals Ca, K, P and Mg are ranged from 23.56-425.12 mg/kg, 1275.74-5918.10 mg/kg, 21.98-921.26 mg/kg and 125.50-776.23 mg/kg, respectively. Of the micro-minerals Fe 4034.85-22346.74 µg/kg, Mn 531.63-15065.91 µg/kg, Zn 345.40-6250.76 µg/kg, B 2872.99-7300.37 µg/kg, and Ba were found between 689.31-6455.24 µg/kg. The results of heavy metal analysis showed that marmalade samples were within reliable limits. It is concluded that these fruits, which are not usually consumed as table, but have rich mineral composition, characteristic taste and pleasant aroma, can be evaluated in marmalade production. In the years when the yields of wild fruits are high, it can be processed into products with long shelf life such as jam and marmalade and converted into added value can contribute to the regional economy.

Fertilization of Norway spruce forest with wood ash and nitrogen affected both tree growth and composition of chemical defence

AbstractWe fertilized a Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stand on rich mineral soil with 3 t ha−1 of wood ash (ASH), 150 kg ha−1 of nitrogen (N) or a combination of wood ash and nitrogen (ASH + N), in addition to unfertilized control plots. After five growing seasons, we remeasured the trees and took core samples. Current- and previous-year needles were sampled and analyzed for total nitrogen and carbon, low-molecular weight phenolics and condensed tannins. Annual volume increment and standing volume were significantly higher in the ASH + N treatment than in control plots after 5 years. N gave a significant positive effect on basal area growth in the third year, after which the effect diminished. The ASH + N treated trees, on the other hand, showed an increasing basal area growth trend throughout the period. ASH reduced the total concentration of low-molecular weight phenolic compounds significantly in current-year needles. Phenolic acids increased under both ASH and ASH + N, while flavonoids decreased significantly under the same treatments compared to N. By including annual growth rate before fertilization in the analyses, the effect of N-treatment on flavonoids was positive only in trees with higher growth rates, and in those trees the concentration was higher than in both ASH-treated plots and controls. An acetophenone, constituting more than half of the total low-molecular weight phenolics concentration, was strongly reduced under all fertilization treatments. These results demonstrate that in addition to effects on tree growth, fertilization of the forest floor also has a strong influence on other metabolic processes of trees, with potential implications for ecosystem functioning.

Comparative study on Pb2+ removal from aqueous solutions using biochars derived from cow manure and its vermicompost.

Waste emissions have increased the amount of water and soil contaminated with heavy metals such as Pb. To broaden the methods for the recycling and environmental usage of cow manure (CM) and its vermicompost (CV), CM, CV, and their derived biochars produced by the pyrolysis of CM or CV at 350 and 700°C were used as adsorbents for Pb2+ removal in this batch adsorption experiment to reveal their different Pb2+ removal efficiencies and the underlying mechanisms. The batch experiment results revealed that all adsorbents rapidly removed Pb2+ within 30min. A pH between 2.0 and 6.0 positively affected Pb2+ removal by CM and its biochar, whereas that by CV and its biochar was only positively affected by pH between 2.0 and 3.0. CV-derived biochar was more effective in the removal of Pb2+ than the other absorbents, with the maximum adsorption capacities (Qm) fitted from the Langmuir model reaching approximately 230.0mg·g-1 and the desorption rate (DR) being approximately 0.00-0.02%. Material physiochemical characterization, including X-ray diffraction analysis, showed that high pH, high ash content, rich mineral content, and high mineral contents might have been the main reasons for more effective removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions by CV-derived biochar. Fourier-transform infrared analysis indicated that surface functional groups such as -OH, CO, -COO-, and C-O; original and newly produced carbonate; and phosphate in CV also led to more effective Pb2+ removal efficiency from aqueous solution via surface functional group binding. Thus, pyrolyzing CVs may be used to produce biochar as a cost-effective adsorbent for heavy metal remediation in soil and water in the future.

Regional Differences and Spatial Pattern Evolution of Mineral Resources Industry in China

The mineral resources industry is the basic industry of national economy in the world. The distribution of mineral resources industry is often not matched with the areas with rich mineral resources. This paper analyzes the distribution characteristics of industrial added value of mineral resources in the mining and dressing industry, smelting and processing industry in China. Energy and metal mineral resource industries are focused on. The results show that the distribution of each link of the mineral resources industry does not match the resource enrichment area. The scope of the mining and dressing industry has expanded, mainly in the north of China, and the smelting and processing industry continues to gather in the coastal provinces. Energy mining and dressing industry is mainly located in the north of China, and the processing industry is mainly distributed in the middle and east of China. The metal mineral resources industry mainly depends on resource endowment. Metal products industry is different, mainly distributed in the coastal provinces with relatively developed processing technology.