Salt Deposits Research Articles

Engineering of 0D/1D architectures in 3D networks over CDs/PPy-CPP biomass foam with high efficiency on seawater evaporation

Converting waste biomass into solar evaporator foam has been recognized as an effective strategy for waste recycling and solving the problem of water shortage, but problems of salt deposition and mechanical stability seriously hinder their practical application. Herein, this work proposes a sustainable and high mechanical strength biomass foam (CDs/PPy-CPP) evaporator with zero-dimensional/one-dimensional (0D/1D) hierarchical structure by hydrophilic carbon dots (CDs) and tubular polypyrrole (PPy) are seamlessly integrated into the outer surface of the three-dimensional (3D) carbonized pomelo peel (CPP) biomass foam. The evaporator achieved a high-efficient evaporation rate of up to 2.46 kg m−2 h−1 in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 1 sun irradiation, and similarly exhibited outstanding salient evaporation efficiency and resistance to salt deposition in 25 wt% NaCl solution, as well as prominent swage purification ability. Excellent photothermal conversion efficiency is demonstrated attributed to the 0D/1D structure in 3D networks of the CDs/PPy-CPP evaporator, as well as superior mechanical and water transport properties based on the multilayer mesh structure and microscopic water transport pores. The research intends to offer a low-cost, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly approach to obtain multifunctional photothermal biomass foams and demonstrate the potential applications in seawater desalinization and swage purification.

Understanding the Deep Structure of the Essaouira Basin Using Gravity Data: Hydrogeological Inferences for a Semiarid Region in Central-Western Morocco

The Essaouira Basin, located in central western Morocco, faces a significant threat of water shortage due to both the substantially reduced rainfall caused by climate change and the continuously increasing demand for this essential resource. Groundwater resources are being increasingly exploited to meet the needs of the population, whether for agricultural or domestic purposes. Therefore, it has become necessary to intensify investigations across the entire basin, particularly through indirect methods such as geophysical techniques, to accurately delineate the productive zones. In this context, the present study was undertaken to investigate the deep structure of this basin with the aim of comprehending the functioning of its aquifer system. This study is based on the interpretation of gravity data covering the Essaouira Basin. In addition to their qualitative analysis, these data underwent a methodological approach involving transformations to extract meaningful insights. The observed anomalies were interpreted in terms of (i) thickness variations within the slightly folded sedimentary series of the basin; (ii) Paleozoic basement topography; and (iii) the presence of salt deposits. In fact, among the negative anomalies, some coincide with evaporitic deposits that are known either from the geological outcrops or the seismic surveys carried out in the Essaouira Basin within the framework of petroleum exploration programs, while others coincide with areas of increased thickness of sedimentary sequences. The latter include synclines and basement depressions, where the accumulation of groundwater tends to occur; as a result, they constitute suitable zones for the drilling of water extraction wells. Groundwater flows observed in some existing wells are consistent with this hypothesis. The results of the contact analysis approach implemented within the framework of the study reveals the Essaouira Basin is affected by a fault network whose main direction is parallel to the Atlantic margin (i.e., NNE–SSW). This implies that the extensional tectonic phase responsible for initiating the rifting of the Central Atlantic in the Triassic era has primarily impacted the structural configuration of this basin. This study demonstrates the strong potential of the gravity method as a tool to delineate the deep structure of sedimentary basins and to identify potentially productive groundwater zones. The final results will provide important support to decision makers in sustainable groundwater management, especially in vulnerable areas.

Formation-water evaporation and salt precipitation mechanism in porous media under movable water conditions in underground gas storage

Underground gas storage (UGS) plays an important role in large-scale energy (natural gas) storage, while salt deposition may affect the storage and production capacity of UGS. However, salt precipitation mechanism of UGS under movable water conditions is not clear. This work aims at understanding salt precipitation on rock properties of an UGS in porous media under movable water conditions. Firstly, core flooding experiments are performed to establish the relationship between dynamic petrophysical properties and the amount of salt crystals. The dynamic process of salt precipitation at the pore-scale is further captured by microscopic visualization experiments, and the location and morphology of salt crystals at micro-scale are also observed using scan electron microscope (SEM). Results indicate that formation-water evaporation and salt precipitation improve the formation properties when the amount of deposited salt is less than 39 mg/g. After the amount of deposited salt is more than 48 mg/g, formation porosity and permeability can be reduced. The size of salt crystals under movable water (>40 μm) is much larger than that under irreducible water conditions (1 μm–5 μm). This work offers a methodology for analyzing the effect of salt precipitation on the UGS in porous media under movable water conditions.

SUBSURFACE GEOECOLOGY OF THE VERHNEKAMSK POTASSIUM SALT DEPOSIT

The geological environment experiences a significant transformation in any type of economic activity in the form of changes in its structure, properties and state. The exploitation of deposits is accompanied by the extraction and movement of huge masses of rock and captures areas of tens and hundreds of square kilometers. Therefore, the problem of safe field operation is geoecologically relevant.
 This work summarizes the experience of studying the complex of geological and geophysical methods of tectonic structure and dynamic events that occurred at the Verkhnekamsk deposit of potassium salts in the Perm Urals, and also the criteria for their prediction are substantiated.

Submarine basalt xenoliths confirm the occurrence of post-rift volcanism in the Southern Santos Basin, SW Atlantic

We report here the finding and analysis of xenoliths of altered basalt clasts dredged from the top of two exhumed diapirs in the southern Santos Basin (SW Atlantic). The diapirs crossed the stratigraphic column from the Aptian and outcropped on the seafloor. Complemented by seismic data, these findings provide the first direct evidence of an Early Campanian post-rift magmatic event in the southern Santos Basin (SW Atlantic). One 82 Ma Ar–Ar age of these xenoliths indicates that the volcanism developed coeval with the intrusion of the Serra do Mar Alkaline Province rocks on land. The tholeiitic composition of the xenoliths excludes a genetic correlation with the alkaline province. Seismic reflection data indicate the possible source of the xenoliths from a 40-km-wide cluster of volcanic centers and sills located above the Aptian salt deposits (∼115 Ma), between the top-Turonian (90 Ma) and top-Campanian (72 Ma) interval. We suggest that salt diapirism peented the overlaying volcanic units and carried fragments upwards through the entire stratigraphic column to the ocean floor. Our findings stress that salt diapirism is an important mechanism for conveying unreachable subsurface fragments to the surface, particularly the ocean floor. With the expanding knowledge of the seascape worldwide, enhanced exploration of salt diapirism and its xenolith products has the potential of opening new windows to unknown parts of geologic history.

Simulation and experimental research on laser cleaning of glass insulators

The pollution flashover of glass insulators can be effectively mitigated through regular or irregular cleaning. However, the existing cleaning methods are difficult to popularize on a large scale due to labour intensive, high cost or low safety. The effectiveness and safety of laser cleaning on glass insulators has been analyzed in this paper. A number of artificial contaminated and clean glass insulators are tested. By measuring the equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD) and the non-soluble deposit density (NSDD) before and after cleaning, laser cleaning can reduce both of them to different degrees. The main factors affecting the maximum temperature of the contamination layer include the class of pollution, laser power and scanning velocity during laser cleaning. When addressing pollution levels above class b, by employing a laser scanning velocity of 8 m/s and adjusting the laser power within the range of 80–200 W, the pollution class after laser cleaning reduces effectively to class b or lower. To verify the safety of laser cleaning, simulations and experimental analyses are carried out. The result demonstrates that sufficient safety can be satisfied when laser cleaning is applied to clean glass insulators.

Resource recovery from acid mine drainage in membrane distillation crystallization

Acid mine drainage (AMD) remains a global threat with no exception to South African water bodies and the environment. It promotes environmental challenges with emerging concerns on water security and drinking water pollution. This study evaluated membrane distillation crystallization (MDC) towards resource recovery from AMD. To ensure high process performance, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes evaluated in the current study were modified using hydrophobic nanoparticle additives and compared with PTFE-20 reference membrane. The produced permeate flux of PTFE-20 reference membranes and M4 (fSiO2NPs-modified membrane) were 2.426 kg m-2·h-1 and 1.459 kg m-2·h-1, respectively. Similarly, salt rejections were 99.96% and 97.52%, respectively. Based on single crystal x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis, MDC predominantly produced monoclinic gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) with the C2/c space group. Also, crystal properties obtained in fSiO2NPs-modified and PTFE-20 reference membranes were comparable. Though a considerable amount of gypsum was obtained, membrane surfaces were characterized by traces of salt deposit, with possible membrane scaling leading to performance deterioration. The permeate conductivity increased rapidly at the highest water recovery factor, indicating membrane wetting caused by scaling.

IMPACT OF CHLORIDE AND LEAD ION CONTENT IN OPEN WATER SOURCES IN KYZYLORDA REGION ON POPULATION’S CANCER INCIDENCE

Relevance: In 2004-2013, the cumulative cancer incidence was about 200 cases per 100 thousand in Kazakhstan, while in the disaster area of Aral Sea – about 225 cases per 100 thousand. For comparison, cancer incidence in the prosperous region of Karaganda was 140 cases per 100,000 population. As of 2021, the incidence of colorectal cancer in Kyzylorda was 17.73 compared to 5.81 per 100,000 population in 2015.
 Factors of the surrounding macro- and microenvironment are trigger factors for tumor initiation. Salt deposits of the dried Aral Sea in the form of solonchaks spread to the territory of the entire Kyzylorda region. Pesticides and process water have been discharged into rivers for many years, which has led to the accumulation of heavy metal salts in water and soil on the banks of the rivers and in the place of the dried-up Aral Sea, which in turn can affect the increase in cancer incidence.
 The study aimed to study the dependence of cancer incidence on water pollution by ions of chlorine and lead in open water bodies in the Kyzylorda region.
 Methods: Analysis of cancer incidence in 2021 by localization: intestines, stomach, sarcomas, lungs, and melanomas in the Kyzylorda region. Determination of the content of chlorine ions by titration with silver nitrate, spectrophotometric determination of lead ions in the open water sources. Comparative correlation analysis of the concentration of chlorine ions and lead with cancer incidence in this region.
 Results: The maximum permissible chlorine and lead ions concentrations in all studied open water sources of the Kyzylorda region exceeded the norm by 1.024-20.26 times and 1.4-14.1 times, respectively. The presence of chlorides in the water increased intestine cancer incidence by 17% with an approximation certainty of 0.38. The presence of lead in water increased the incidence of melanomas by 22%, with an approximation certainty of 0.79. The correlation coefficient was r=0.618; p=0.07 for exceeding chlorides’ MPC and bowel cancer incidence.
 Conclusion: Heavy metals like lead in water samples in regions with increased cancer incidence indicate a co-dependent relationship of these factors. Pollutants such as chlorides and lead increase intestine cancer and melanoma incidence.

Rhinolith in a 19-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report of a Rare Condition

Rhinolith means formation of stone in the nasal cavity which is an uncommon cause of nasal obstruction. It occurs due to mineralization of an endogenous or exogenous nidus with deposition of mineral salts, calcium and magnesium phosphates. Patients usually present with foul smelling/ purulent nasal discharge, nasal bleeding, nasal obstruction, halitosis, tooth ache or palatal perforation. Endoscopic removal of rhinolith leads to less morbidity which the treatment of choice. We report a case of 19-year-old female with rhinolith on the right nasal cavity which was removed endoscopically.

Thermo-optical performance of building glass under salt sedimentation

The phenomenon of salt sedimentation on the building glass surface occurs in coastal salt-fog climates, leading to the changes in surface heat transfer characteristics and optical properties, which affects the indoor environment and gradually reduces building energy performance. Regrettably, there remains a paucity of research concerning the impact of salt sedimentation on the thermal and optical performances of building glass. This study investigated the salt sedimentation features of building glass using an indoor accelerated test, and explored the relationships between surface heat transfer coefficients, optical properties and salt sedimentation. As the spray duration grew, the sedimented salt stains appeared more dispersed and less dense, but their dimensions increased, exhibiting an exponential growth tendency. The salt sedimentation per unit area grew logarithmically with the spray duration, with the magnitudes being 14.4 to 40.0 mg/m2 and 15.6 to 44.3 mg/m2 under 5% and 10% brine concentration conditions, respectively. The convection heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) and radiative heat transfer coefficient (RHTC) showed a linear monotonic increase with the salt sedimentation, in contrast to the control condition, with the maximum growth rates reaching 178.7% and 97.2%, respectively. The extended CHTC model could be used to calculate the CHTC regarding the impact of salt sedimentation and wind speed. The entire solar spectral transmittance and reflectance was affected by salt sedimentation, and the visible light transmittance, reflectance, hemispherical emissivity, and shading coefficient of low-E and clear glasses all decreased linearly with the increase of salt sedimentation.

Construction of a biomimetic wood structure with cellulose nanofiber/molybdenum disulfide hybrid aerogel for highly-efficient solar-driven interfacial evaporation

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation is a promising solution to water scarcity and pollution problems because it can efficiently convert solar energy into thermal energy and produce sustainable clean water. In this work, inspired by the multi-channel structure in the xylem of plants, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets were selected to construct CNF/MoS2 nanosheets aerogel (CMoA) with vertical pores by directional freeze-drying method. Then we utilized the aerogel as an interfacial solar evaporator. The super-hydrophilic and internal vertical pore structure of this evaporator gives CMoA a high capacity to store and transport water, with a water evaporation rate of 1.81 ± 0.06 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 sun. The vertical pore structure and the strong ability to transport water of the evaporator also enable the salt on the evaporator surface to diffuse into the bulk water in time, without causing salt deposition. Therefore, CMoA has high salt resistance and stability and can achieve fast evaporation even in high-concentration salt water. In addition, CMoA can also produce water at a rate of up to 10.3 kg·m−2 per day in the outdoor environment. By combining the natural bio-based material CNF with the biomimetic wood structure of aerogel, CMoA has a facile water transport process similar to that of plants. Moreover, our CMoA is a monolayer structure, which makes the preparation process simple and less costly. These multiple advantages make CMoA a promising application for future practical desalination work.

IMPACT OF CHLORIDE AND LEAD ION CONTENT IN OPEN WATER SOURCES
 IN KYZYLORDA REGION ON POPULATION’S CANCER INCIDENCE

Relevance: In 2004-2013, the cumulative cancer incidence was about 200 cases per 100 thousand in Kazakhstan, while in the disaster area
 of Aral Sea – about 225 cases per 100 thousand. For comparison, cancer incidence in the prosperous region of Karaganda was 140 cases per
 100,000 population. As of 2021, the incidence of colorectal cancer in Kyzylorda was 17.73 compared to 5.81 per 100,000 population in 2015.
 Factors of the surrounding macro- and microenvironment are trigger factors for tumor initiation. Salt deposits of the dried Aral Sea in the
 form of solonchaks spread to the territory of the entire Kyzylorda region. Pesticides and process water have been discharged into rivers for
 many years, which has led to the accumulation of heavy metal salts in water and soil on the banks of the rivers and in the place of the dried-up
 Aral Sea, which in turn can affect the increase in cancer incidence.
 The study aimed to study the dependence of cancer incidence on water pollution by ions of chlorine and lead in open water bodies in the
 Kyzylorda region.
 Methods: Analysis of cancer incidence in 2021 by localization: intestines, stomach, sarcomas, lungs, and melanomas in the Kyzylorda
 region. Determination of the content of chlorine ions by titration with silver nitrate, spectrophotometric determination of lead ions in the open
 water sources. Comparative correlation analysis of the concentration of chlorine ions and lead with cancer incidence in this region.
 Results: The maximum permissible chlorine and lead ions concentrations in all studied open water sources of the Kyzylorda region exceeded the norm by 1.024-20.26 times and 1.4-14.1 times, respectively. The presence of chlorides in the water increased intestine cancer incidence
 by 17% with an approximation certainty of 0.38. The presence of lead in water increased the incidence of melanomas by 22%, with an approximation certainty of 0.79. The correlation coefficient was r=0.618; p=0.07 for exceeding chlorides’ MPC and bowel cancer incidence.
 Conclusion: Heavy metals like lead in water samples in regions with increased cancer incidence indicate a co-dependent relationship of
 these factors. Pollutants such as chlorides and lead increase intestine cancer and melanoma incidence

Lipid Biosignatures From SO4‐Rich Hypersaline Lakes of the Cariboo Plateau

AbstractModern and ancient hypersaline brines have been identified across the solar system, but the habitability of these environments remains unknown. Here, we evaluate organic matter (OM) production in MgSO4 and Na2CO3 rich hypersaline lakes whose chemistries resemble deposits on Mars such as those identified in Jezero crater. We focus our analysis on lipid biomarkers including fatty acids, alkanes, and ether‐bound lipids in modern brines, salt deposits, and surface sediments. We also report total organic carbon (TOC), carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios, and bulk OC (δ13C and δ15N) isotopes to contextualize the lipid biomarker data. In all lakes, the predominant biosignatures include midchain (12 < C < 23) fatty acids and alkanes suggesting microbial origin. Sediments also incorporate a greater diversity of lipids. Ether‐bound lipids derived from archaea and bacteria constitute a minor but measurable fraction of the lipids. This result contrasts with typical findings from other studies with NaCl brines which contain significant archeal biomass. TOC concentrations in all sediments are high, ranging from 0.7% to 12% with sulfate‐rich sediments having the highest concentrations. The isotopic and elemental compositions of TOC corroborate the biomarker results, showing δ13C values and C/N values indicative of aquatic microbial origin. This richness of organic matter and in situ microbial biosignatures differ from previously studied Cl‐dominated Mars‐analog sites which have shown limited OM production and preservation and acidic SO4‐rich hypersaline environments which were dominated by terrestrial inputs. Overall, our results suggest that MgSO4‐rich hypersaline environments are conducive for life and harbor a rich microbial biomarker landscape.

Corrosion Behaviour of Fe-Based and Ni-Based Alloys in Wet CO2 Gas with and without Chloride Deposits at 750 °C

Corrosion behaviours of Fe–25Cr, Fe–25Cr–2Mn–1Si, Fe–25Cr–20Ni, 310SS, Ni–25Cr, and Ni–25Cr–2Mn–1Si (all in wt%) with and without NaCl–KCl deposits in Ar–60%CO2–20%H2O gas at 750 °C were studied. Without salt deposits, Fe–25Cr performed protectively, while Fe–25Cr–20Ni and Ni–25Cr underwent breakaway oxidation with multilayered scales formed. Adding alloy elements Si + Mn increased the corrosion resistance of all alloys by forming additional Mn-rich oxides and silica. Surface deposits of NaCl–KCl accelerated corrosion, forming porous Fe-rich oxide nodules for Fe–25Cr and thick, porous scales and internal oxidation zones for all other alloys. The protective effect of Si + Mn alloying disappeared in the presence of chlorides. Limited intergranular carbides were observed for all alloys in the gas-only condition. The extent of carburisation increased with the presence of chloride deposits for all Fe-based alloys, but remained unchanged for Ni-based alloys. Corrosion of these alloys at 750 °C is compared with that at 650 °C. The effect of chlorides in volatilising metals at 750 °C is discussed.

A Fully Automatic DEXP Method for Gravity Data and Its Application on a Potash Salt Deposit

We developed an improved depth of extreme point (DEXP) method, characterized as an effective and rapid imaging method that can estimate the depth and distribution of a source quickly. Its main purpose is to solve various challenges. The automatic calculation aspect of the traditional method is often limited; namely, there is a problem with achieving automatic and reliable processing when the observed surface presents undulating topography, and this problem cannot be ignored. Therefore, we propose the addition of the constant method and the hypothetical observed surface method to achieve improvements in the traditional method. Firstly, we test the improved method on the synthetic models to demonstrate its notable advantage: the achievement of a fully automatic calculation without requiring any other additional information such as structural index (SI) values and threshold values. Meanwhile, we also demonstrate its ability and reliability to handle undulating topography with acceptable accuracy for imaging results. Furthermore, we verify the robustness of the improved method by applying it to real gravity data from the potash salt deposit in the Sakhon Nakhon basin, Laos. In this case, the improved DEXP method effectively identified the location of the potash deposit. Moreover, combined with the optimal edge detection method, gravity prospecting for potash salt deposits exhibited significant advantages.

Braving the extremes: foraminifera document changes in climate-induced and anthropogenic stress in Wadden Sea salt marshes

Tidal wetlands are highly dynamic ecosystems that are susceptible to changes in sea level and flooding from storm surges. Among them, salt marshes play a key role in coastal protection as they contribute to wave attenuation through their regulating ecosystem services, thereby promoting sediment deposition and shoreline stabilization. However, the resilience of salt marshes, particularly those that have been modified and cultivated for centuries, is questionable in the face of accelerated sea-level rise (SLR) and increasing run-up heights of storm surges. In this context, this study aims to investigate the historical foraminiferal records of two sedimentary salt marsh archives from the Wadden Sea area (Dithmarschen and North Frisia, Germany) that have been modified to varying degrees by human management activities over the last century. The foraminiferal records document how physico-chemical traits of salt marshes of the central Wadden Sea have responded to storm tide inundation over the last century, providing information about salt marsh stability and vulnerability. Abnormally grown tests of the salt marsh indicator speciesEntzia macrescensincreased in number between 1950 CE and the late 1980s, indicating the concurrent increase of environmental stress caused by the effects of times of increased salt marsh flooding. These trends can be linked to observations of amplified North Sea storm surges, corroborating that salt marsh ecosystems respond to changing climate conditions. Differences in the number of abnormal foraminifera between the studied salt marshes suggest a particularly high vulnerability of intensively human-modified coastal wetland ecosystems to amplified storm climate conditions.

Characterization and Resource Potential of Li in the Clay Minerals of Mahai Salt Lake in the Qaidam Basin, China

The strategic importance of lithium in global development has become increasingly prominent due to the rapid growth of the new energy automotive industry and the continuous advancements in controllable nuclear fusion technology. Lithium minerals in salt lakes possess advantageous characteristics, such as abundant reserves, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. Furthermore, with ongoing improvements in the lithium extraction process, the availability of lithium minerals in salt lakes is expected to further increase. The Qaidam Basin Salt Lake in China has served as the location for the establishment of numerous lithium carbonate production enterprises, resulting in a lithium carbonate production volume of 7 × 104 t/yr in 2022. How to meet the growing need for lithium resources has become an enterprise focus. Nevertheless, there are large amounts of clay minerals in and around the bottom and periphery of the salt lake in the Qaidam Basin, and whether these minerals are of exploitable value, regardless of the state of the occurrence of lithium resources, remains unexplored. To ascertain the attributes, extent, and distribution of the lithium occurrence within the clayey layer of the Qaidam Basin, as well as to assess its resource potential, a total of 87 drill holes were conducted within a designated area of the Mahai Basin, which is a secondary basin in the Qaidam Basin. The subsequent analysis encompassed the examination of the lithium content within the clay minerals, the mineral composition of the clay, and, ultimately, the evaluation of the resource potential within the region. Compared with Quaternary salt lake deposits, brine deposits in gravel pores, and the Paleogene–Neogene Li-bearing salt deposits that have been studied, it is suggested that this is a novel form of a clay-type sedimentary Li deposit within the Qaidam Basin. The findings of this research will serve as a fundamental basis for future endeavors pertaining to the exploration and exploitation of lithium deposits within salt lake areas.

Developing a phenomenological model to simulate single and mixed scale formation during flow in porous media: Coupling a salt precipitation model with an ion transport equation under dynamic conditions

Water flooding and pressure maintenance are recommended to improve oil recovery practices after low recovery of petroleum reservoirs occurs during primary production. Salt crystal formation is a frequent occurrence when using these techniques. Several experimental, numerical, and theoretical studies have been done on the mechanisms underlying scaling and permeability reduction in porous media; however, there has not been a satisfactory model developed. This study developed a phenomenological model to predict formation damage caused by salt deposition. Compared with existing models, which provide a scaling tendency, the proposed model predicts the profile of scale deposition. The salt precipitation model simulates reactive fluid flow through porous media. A thermodynamic, kinetic, and flow hydrodynamic model was developed and coupled with the ion transport equation to describe the movement of ions. Further, a set of carefully designed dynamic experiments were conducted and the data were compared with the model predictions. Model forecasts and experimental data were observed to have an average absolute error (AAE) ranging from 0.68% to 5.94%, which indicates the model's suitability.

Morph-genetic biomimetic multiscale porous hydrogels for high-efficient solar evaporation from seawater

Huge seawater resources are of utmost importance in addressing the increasing and severe water shortage worldwide. However, high-efficiently and sustainably extracting fresh water from seawater through solar evaporation remains a challenging task. Herein, we propose a novel approach based on the morph-genetic biomimetic concept, utilizing a cuttlebone-templated directional porous hydrogel (CTDPH). By etching away the cuttlebone (CaCO3) in the hydrogel network, we have developed a zwitterionic material that exhibits high-efficiency photo-thermal conversion, resistance to salt deposition, and super hydrophilicity, enabling high-efficiency solar evaporation. The resultant CTDPH demonstrates a high level of photo-thermal conversion efficiency, thanks to the incorporation of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) 2D nanosheets. By introducing polyzwitterions into the hydrogel matrix, the CTDPH achieves superhydrophilicity, greatly enhancing the transport of seawater. More importantly, the CTDPH possesses a penetrating oriented macro-porous structure, enabling rapid seawater transportation while effectively preventing salt crystallization. This prevents salt deposition on the surface of the hydrogel even during continuous 12-hour 1.0 sun irradiation. As a result, compared with the MXene-free gels and cuttlebone-reserved gels, this CTDPH can largely increase the seawater evaporating rate from 0.73 or 1.75 to 3.11 kg m-2h−1 under 1.0 sun irradiation. Furthermore, even after undergoing 10 cycles of seawater evaporation, the CTDPH still maintains 91.6% of its original solar evaporation rate (2.85 kg m-2h−1). The CTDPH emerges as a promising contender, offering both high efficiency and sustainability for solar evaporation from seawater, while simultaneously paving the way for innovative approaches to explore other materials and systems in the realm of solar evaporation.

THE INFLUENCE OF SALT DEPOSITS ON THE PRESERVATION OF THE HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENT OF THE MAUSOLEUM OF KHOJA AHMED YASAWI

The article presents the results of environmental monitoring of the state of the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi, which is a monument of architecture and history. Mechanisms of processes of formation and development of salt deposits on its building structures are considered. The prospective application of the sorption method for the elimination and inhibition of corrosive salt destruction processes of monuments is shown based on the superimposition of compressing with the complexing agent Trilon B (disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).