Silicate Concentrations Research Articles

Environmental Parameters Related to Hypoxia Development and Persistence in Jinhae Bay from 2011 to 2016 and Their Potential for Hypoxia Prediction

Jinhae Bay, a semi-enclosed bay on the southern coast of Korea, is a major aquaculture area that forms a spawning ground and nursery for commercially important fishes. Since the late 1960s, industrial and domestic waste from adjacent cities and industrial complexes has been released into the region, resulting in chronic hypoxia and red tides. As a central site of environmental monitoring efforts for aquaculture and fisheries in southeastern Korea, Jinhae Bay was surveyed every 2 months usually, and every 2–3 weeks during the hypoxia season, with the seawater properties observed at approximately 31–34 stations. The maximum area and duration of hypoxia in Jinhae Bay occurred in 2016 (316 km2 and 26 weeks, respectively), with minima of area in 2013 (213 km2) and duration in 2011 (15 weeks). Correlation analyses of the seawater properties, weather parameters, and hypoxia indices showed that the hypoxic area was positively correlated with the surface-water temperature, air temperature, and rainfall; the minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations were negatively correlated with the air and water temperatures and bottom-water nutrient levels; and the water stability was negatively correlated with the surface-water salinity and positively correlated with both the surface- and bottom-water nitrate and silicate concentrations. These findings imply that the air temperature and precipitation may be important factors in the development and persistence of hypoxia in Jinhae Bay via the control of the stratification intensity and eutrophication of the water column. Therefore, we tested these parameters for their potential to predict hypoxia. Based on our results, we propose the following trends of hypoxia in Jinhae Bay: the initial hypoxia development generally depends on the criteria of an air temperature ≥ 19.5 °C for 1 week and total precipitation > 100 mm over 4 weeks, and it becomes more severe (≥50% coverage) under strong eutrophication, mainly due to organic matter discharge following heavy rainfall, based on the logarithmic correlation with the 4-week rainfall (R2 = 0.6). Therefore, the hypoxic area index can be predicted using its linear regression relationships with the 1-week air temperature and 4-week precipitation (R2 = 0.56). This study tested the prediction of the hypoxic area based on a simple calculation method and weather parameter criteria, and it demonstrated the potential of this method for precisely forecasting hypoxia in combination with biogeochemical models or other mathematical solutions to prevent massive fishery damage.

Enhancing mechanical property, osteogenesis and angiogenesis of 3D-plotted β-tricalcium phosphate bioceramic scaffolds incorporated with magnesium silicate: In Vitro and In Vivo study

The balance between porosity and compressive strength, as well as the pro-osteogenic and pro-angiogenesis effects of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are not satisfactory in the clinical application even though it has good biocompatibility, osseointegration and osteoconductivity. Herein, different contents (10, 20 and 30 wt%) of magnesium silicate (Mg2SiO4, MS) and β-TCP composite bioceramic scaffolds (MS/β-TCP) were fabricated by three-dimensional fiber deposition (3DF) technology. The physicochemical, in vitro osteogenic and angiogenic properties, the early (6 weeks) cranium defect repair effects in rats and the underlying molecular mechanism on accelerating osteogenic differentiation of MS/β-TCP were systematically investigated. The results showed that MS compounding not only promoted the sintering of β-TCP and significantly enhanced the compressive strength, but also greatly improved its osteogenic and angiogenic performances, such as the viability, adhesion, and proliferation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), ALP activity and the expression of adhesion-related, osteogenesis-related and angiogenesis-related genes. The in vivo experiments presented that 10MS/β-TCP had more new bone formation and better angiogenesis compared to β-TCP and Blank. Analysis of the transcriptome sequencing results confirmed that the Wnt signaling pathway was involved in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation in mBMSCs by the MS/β-TCP composite bioceramic scaffold. The MS/β-TCP holds great potential in bone repair and regeneration.

Bioactivity and characterization of Wollastonite-Li-silicate glass

Glasses were prepared from nominal wollastonite-lithium silicate in the ratios of 87.5/12.5, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and glasses respectively. However, the glass of 25/75 ratio run through devitrification into lithium silicate and little quartz whereas, the other three ratios formed transparent glasses. The thermal behavior of glasses shows a decrease in the main exothermic temperature; which goes along with an increase in the lithium silicate content. Sintering of such glasses at the crystallization temperature given by differential thermal analysis (at 607 °C + 705 °C and at 661 °C) or at one step at 1000 °C, indicates the formation of three phases of pseudowollastonite [Ca3(Si3O9)], wollastonite (CaSiO3), and lithium silicate (Li2SiO3). The results of the in-vitro test by means of soaking in SBF for two weeks tracked by scanning the sample's surface and measuring the calcium and phosphorous ions using induced coupled plasma (ICP) in the SBF, exhibited that samples had improved talent to accelerate the mineralization of calcium phosphate and that the ratio of Ca/P declined from 2.55 to 1.86 upon increment of the Li2O ratio. The X-ray analysis shows the formation of hydroxyapatite on the sample’s surfaces. The biocompatibility and thermal properties of the premeditated glass ceramics secure exceptional properties and can be used to impress different biomedical applications.

Scenarios of temporal environmental alterations and phytoplankton diversity in a changing bay in the East China Sea

In the context of global change, the stressors of warming and eutrophication have significant ecological implications in coastal waters. In order to examine the diversity of phytoplankton and its relationship with water quality, we conducted a survey of phytoplankton community compositions and their correlation with environmental changes over four seasons in a eutrophic bay located in the East China Sea. Through a systematic analysis, we identified diatoms and dinoflagellates as the primary dominant groups, with the species Skeletonema costatum, Skeletonema marinoi, Biddulphia sinensis, Thalassiosira eccentrica, Leptocylindrus danicus, Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis, Coscinodiscus jonesianus, and Chaetoceros knipowitschi as the most abundant species in all seasons. Significant seasonal alterations were observed in both environmental settings and phytoplankton species richness, dominance, and abundance. The phytoplankton community varied in its response to diverse aquatic environments and was principally affected by temperature, silicic acid concentrations, and suspended solids. Elevated temperatures were found to promote an increase in phytoplankton abundance. However, no clear evidence of diatom and dinoflagellate succession in relation to N:P ratio was observed across seasons. Water quality analysis illustrated that the majority of the study area exhibited a mid-eutrophic with severe organic pollution. The abundance of phytoplankton was significantly influenced by eutrophication and organic pollution. The accelerated warming process related to coastal nuclear power plants and nutrient regime alterations significantly affect the temporal shift of the phytoplankton community. These findings contribute valuable insights into the effects of eutrophic environments on the structure of phytoplankton communities in coastal aquatic systems.

Enhancing Dry Sliding Wear Resistance of Pure Mg by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Ceramic Coatings Using Silver Addition

This study investigated the wear effect on ceramic coated Mg by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation. Three series of PEO coatings were prepared; one of was the effect of silicate electrolyte (5, 8, and 10 g/L) concentrations and the other was the effect of coating time (5, 10, 15 min), last one was the effect of AgNO3 (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 g/l) additive. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties were analyzed by microhardness and linear wear test. The unlubricated wear resistance was observed by linear ball-on-disc tribometer. With increasing the silicate concentration, the average pore size and porosity percentage and the surface roughness increase. On the other hand, with increasing the coating time, the surface morphology gradually becomes flat. The coating time caused more compact and homogenous appearance. The surfaces coated with the addition of silver were obtained smoother and denser. The wear resistance of the high time coated Mg was significantly improved. The best wear resistance was obtained with silver-reinforced coatings.

Comprehensive Analysis of Geopolymer Materials: Properties, Environmental Impacts, and Applications

The advancement of eco-friendly technology in the construction sector has been improving rapidly in the last few years. As a result, multiple building materials were developed, enhanced, and proposed as replacements for some traditional materials. One notable example presents geopolymer as a substitute for ordinary Portland concrete (OPC). The manufacturing process of (OPC) generates CO2 emissions and a high energy demand, both of which contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. The implementation of geopolymer concrete (GPC) technology in the construction sector provides a path to more sustainable growth and a cleaner environment. This is due to geopolymer concrete’s ability to reduce environmental pollutants and reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. This is achieved through its unique composition, which typically involves industrial byproducts like fly ash or slag. These materials, rich in silicon and aluminum, react with alkaline solutions to form a binding gel, bypassing the need for the high-energy clinker production required in OPC. The use of such byproducts not only reduces CO2 emissions but also contributes to waste minimization. Additionally, geopolymer offers extra advantages compared to OPC, including improved mechanical strength, enhanced durability, and good stability in acidic and alkaline settings. Such properties make GPC particularly suitable for a range of construction environments, from industrial applications to infrastructure projects exposed to harsh conditions. This paper comprehensively reviews the different characteristics of geopolymers, which include their composition, compressive strength, durability, and curing methods. Furthermore, the environmental impacts related to the manufacturing of geopolymer materials were evaluated through the life-cycle assessment method. The result demonstrated that geopolymer concrete maintains positive environmental impacts due to the fact that it produces fewer carbon dioxide CO2 emissions compared to OPC concrete during its manufacturing; however, geopolymer concrete had some minor negative environmental impacts, including abiotic depletion, human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and acidification. These are important considerations for ongoing research aimed at further improving the sustainability of geopolymer concrete. Moreover, it was determined that silicate content, curing temperature, and the proportion of alkaline solution to binder are the major factors significantly influencing the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. The advancement of geopolymer technology represents not just a stride toward more sustainable construction practices but also paves the way for innovative approaches in the field of building materials.

Performance evaluation of sulfidated nanoscale iron for hexavalent chromium removal from groundwater in sequential batch study.

Chromium [Cr] contamination in groundwater is one of the serious environmental concerns due to the carcinogenicity of its water-soluble and mobile hexavalent [Cr(VI)] form. In spite of the existence of multiple precipitation and adsorption-based Cr(VI) remediation technologies, the usage of sulfidated nano zerovalent iron (S-nZVI) has recently attracted researchers due to its high selectivity. Although S-nZVI effectively immobilized Cr(VI), its long-term performance in multiple shifted equilibrium has not been explored. In this contribution, influences of S-nZVI dosage, initial concentration of Cr(VI), pH, ionic strength, total hardness, sulfate, carbonate, and silicate were probed in ultrapure water. Further experiments were performed in synthetic groundwater to investigate the effects of initial concentration of Cr(VI) in the pH range of 4-8 for 1g L-1 S-nZVI dosage. Cr(VI) removal rate was quantified in groundwater without pH fixation. Finally, a comparative study between conventional nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) and S-nZVI was conducted in sequential batch reactors to investigate their respective efficiencies during repeated usage. Mechanistic interpretation of the processes governing the immobilization of Cr(VI) was done by integrating the results of these experiments with the metadata. While aggregation due to magnetic properties and rapid oxidation of Fe decreased the efficiency of nZVI with repeated usage, sulfidation minimized the passivation and favored an extended reducing environment because of continuous electron transfer from iron and sulfur components.

Damage constitutive model of lunar soil simulant geopolymer under impact loading

Lunar base construction is a crucial component of the lunar exploration program, and considering the dynamic characteristics of lunar soil is important for moon construction. Therefore, investigating the dynamic properties of lunar soil by establishing a constitutive relationship is critical for providing a theoretical basis for its damage evolution. In this paper, a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device was used to perform three sets of impact tests under different pressures on a lunar soil simulant geopolymer (LSSG) with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) contents of 1%, 3%, 5% and 7%. The dynamic stress–strain curves, failure modes, and energy variation rules of LSSG under different pressures were obtained. The equation was modified based on the ZWT viscoelastic constitutive model and was combined with the damage variable. The damage element obeys the Weibull distribution and the constitutive equation that can describe the mechanical properties of LSSG under dynamic loading was obtained. The results demonstrate that the dynamic compressive strength of LSSG has a marked strain-rate strengthening effect. Na2SiO3 has both strengthening and deterioration effects on the dynamic compressive strength of LSSG. As Na2SiO3 grows, the dynamic compressive strength of LSSG first increases and then decreases. At a fixed air pressure, 5% Na2SiO3 had the largest dynamic compressive strength, the largest incident energy, the smallest absorbed energy, and the lightest damage. The ZWT equation was modified according to the stress response properties of LSSG and the range of the SHPB strain rate to obtain the constitutive equation of the LSSG, and the model's correctness was confirmed.

Recycling Ash and Slag Waste from Thermal Power Plants to Produce Foamed Geopolymers

Ash and slag waste (ASW) from coal combustion creates significant environmental and economic challenges. A promising method of ASW recycling is alkali activation with geopolymer material formation. This study investigates the influence of activating solution components (sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate) on the formation of porous geopolymers using ASW of different origins. The sodium hydroxide content of 0–4 wt.% and the sodium silicate content of 17–25 wt.% were studied. An increase in sodium hydroxide resulted in decreased density, but it adversely affected the strength. An increase in sodium silicate led to a compromised porous structure with relatively high density and compressive strength. An optimal composition, S19N3, comprising 3 wt.% of sodium hydroxide and 19 wt.% of sodium silicate obtained porous geopolymers with uniformly distributed 1.4–2 mm pores and a corresponding density of 335 kg/m3, a compressive strength of 0.55 MPa, a porosity value of 85.6%, and a thermal conductivity value of 0.075 W/(m·K). A mechanism for porous geopolymer formation was developed, including the interaction of alkaline components with ASW and a foaming agent, foaming, curing, and densification. The mechanism was examined using ASW from the Severodvinsk CHPP-1. This study allows for the optimization of geopolymer mixtures with various waste sources and the utilization of waste materials in the construction industry.

Modified Lignin-Based Cement Solidifying Material for Improving Engineering Residual Soil.

Although lignin improves the strength and modulus of soil, it is less active when unmodified, and it exhibits more limited effects on soils in combination with traditional Ca-based curing agents. Lignin-solidified soil also exhibits deficiencies, such as poor durability under dry-wet cycling conditions, and thus, the amelioration effect is limited. This study investigated the enhancement of cement-solidified soil using hydroxylated lignin with sodium silicate and quicklime used as activators to improve the engineering performance and durability of the treated soil. Using respective cement, sodium silicate, quicklime, and lignin contents of 7%, 0.4%, 0.2%, and 0.2% with respect to the dry mass of the slag soil, the strength and cohesion of the composite-solidified soil were 1.5 times those of cement-solidified soil, whereas the internal friction angle increased by 5.1°. At a solidifying age of 14 d, the penetration resistance almost doubled, indicating a significant improvement in the bearing capacity of the soil. The results suggest that modified lignin-based admixtures may significantly enhance the performance of cement-solidified soil. The cement curing admixture used in this study provides theoretical and technological support for curing agent preparation and the utilization of slag.

Chemical and genetic characterization of the ungrouped pallasite Lieksa

ABSTRACTThe meteorite Lieksa was found in 2017 in Löpönvaara, Finland, and later donated to the Finnish Museum of Natural History. Here, we report siderophile element concentrations, genetic isotopic data, and a metal–silicate segregation age for the meteorite. The ~280 g Lieksa is ~80% metal and ~20% silicate and oxide inclusions by volume, with the inclusions consisting primarily of Fe‐rich olivine. Due to Lieksa's silicate content, coupled with a texture characterized by metal enclosing the silicates, it has been classified as a pallasite. Lieksa's olivine and bulk chemical characteristics are distinct from those of the known pallasite and iron meteorite groups, consistent with its classification as ungrouped. The meteorite exhibits a flat, chondrite‐normalized highly siderophile element pattern, consistent with an origin as an early crystallization product from a metallic melt with chondritic relative abundances. Molybdenum, Ru, and 183W isotopic data indicate that Lieksa formed in the non‐carbonaceous (NC) domain of the solar nebula. Radiogenic 182W abundances for Lieksa yield a model metal–silicate segregation age of 1.5 ± 0.8 Myr after calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion formation, which is within the range established for other NC‐type pallasite and iron meteorite parent bodies.

Interaction Mechanism between Slags and Alkali Silicate Activators: An Approach Based on the Al Phases.

In this study, we examined the early-stage interaction of three types of slag and six activators with different chemical compositions. To determine the degree of hydration (DOH) and hydrate assemblage in alkali-activated slag (AAS), we employed EDX, XRD, and NMR analyses. We found that with increasing silicate concentration in the activator, the DOH in the AAS varied, whereas the proportion of C-(N)-A-S-H increased and the other Al-containing phase decreased. When examining the impact of the activator on glass dissolution, it is apparent that an index based on the degree of depolymerization of the glass structure correlates with the DOH and the proportion of hydrotalcite in the AAS. Coupled with the activator's modulus, this index can be utilised to elucidate the dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism that governs the interaction between the activator and slag.

Diversity of Ceratium Schrank (Dinophyceae) species in the surface waters of Dhamra, Odisha, Eastern India

Aim: To study the diversity of Ceratium Schrank (Dinophyceae) species in the surface waters of Dhamra, Odisha, Eastern India. Methodology: The present study was carried out at six GPS coordinated stations in the coastal waters of Dhamra, Odisha during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon periods (March 2021, October 2021 and February 2022). Standard methods were followed for measuring sea surface temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, salinity, silicate, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate. Samples were collected by filtration as well as towing method. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were carried out for the identification of Ceratium species. Results: A total of twenty-eight species of Ceratium were observed. Out of the reported twenty-eight species, C. massiliense var. armatum and C. breve var. breve have not been reported earlier in the coastal waters of Dhamra, Odisha. Diversity of Ceratium species was influenced by various parameters. Analyses of water quality parameters, showed that the transparency, salinity, alkalinity, nitrite and phosphate were maximum during pre-monsoon whereas temperature and silicate concentration were higher in monsoon. Similarly, during post-monsoon, pH and nitrate concentration were maximum. Availability of nutrients might have probably influenced the distribution of Ceratium species in the coastal waters and one of the sources was from the riverine influx. Interpretation: Abundance of Ceratium species is probably regulated by alkalinity, high transparency, salinity and phosphate concentration in the surrounding water. Dhamra coastal water is conducive for the growth of Ceratium sp. which primarily uses phosphate for developing the horns. Key words: Abundance plot, Bray-Curtis, Ceratium, Dinophyceae, Species diversity

Classification of shale lithofacies with minimal data: Application to the early Permian shales in the Ordos Basin, China

Shale lithofacies classification is one of the key components of shale reservoir evaluation. Typically, a significant amount of laboratory X-ray diffraction (XRD) data acquired on many shale samples collected in a large number of boreholes is required to constrain the mineral composition that enables classifying shale lithofacies at the basin scale. This procedure is costly and time consuming. Here, we propose a supervised machine learning method to predict the mineral composition of shale samples, including the clay and silicate content. The main advantage of our approach is that it only uses conventional logging data and a small number of XRD measurements of core samples, combined with XGBoost algorithm, to predict shale lithofacies, which can reduce the cost and improve the efficiency of reservoir evaluation. We apply our method on the early Permian shales in the Ordos Basin, China, because these shale rocks have a high potential of gas production. However, these formations are also highly heterogeneous, making them challenging to explore and exploit. Therefore, it is critical to perform detailed lithofacies classification analysis at the basin scale before gas production. Our result show that the gamma ray, neutron porosity, and density measurements are the critical logging data that control the model predictions. These parameters are known to be sensitive to clay content, thereby supporting the robustness of model predictions. Applying the model to different wells to classify shale lithofacies, results that these shale formations are dominated by three types of lithofacies. We characterize the different shale lithofacies by microscopy images and gas adsorption measurements, and demonstrate that our results are consistent with previous studies, verifying the accuracy and applicability of our machine learning method to classify shale lithofacies.

Micropore Structure of Deep Shales from the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formations, Southern Sichuan Basin, China: Insight into the Vertical Heterogeneity and Controlling Factors

The microscopic pore throat structure of shale reservoir rocks directly affects the reservoir seepage capacity. The occurrence and flow channels of shale gas are mainly micron–nanometer pore throats. Therefore, to clarify the microstructural characteristics and influencing factors of the deep organic-rich shales, a study is conducted on the marine shale from the Upper Silurian to Lower Ordovician Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin. Petrographic lithofacies division is carried out in combination with petro-mineralogical characteristics, and a high-resolution scanning electron microscope, low-temperature nitrogen and low-temperature carbon dioxide adsorption, and micron-computed tomography are used to characterize the mineral composition and pore structure qualitatively and quantitatively, upon which the influencing factors of the microstructure are further analyzed. The results show that with the increase in burial depth, the total organic carbon content and siliceous mineral content decrease in the Wufeng formation to Long-11 subsection deep shale, while clay mineral content increases, which corresponds to the change in sedimentary environment from anoxic to oxidizing environment. Unexpectedly, the total pore volume of deep shale does not decrease with the increase in burial depth but increases first and then decreases. Using total organic carbon (TOC), siliceous mineral content showed a good correlation with total pore volume and specific surface area, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.7, confirming the predominant role of these two factors in controlling the pore structure of deep shales. This is mainly because the Longmaxi shale is already in the late diagenetic stage, and organic matter pores are generated in large quantities. Clay minerals have a negative correlation with the total pore volume of shale, and the correlation coefficient is 0.7591. It could be that clay minerals are much more flexible and are easily deformed to block the pores under compaction. In addition, the longitudinal heterogeneity of the deep shale reservoir structure in southern Sichuan is also controlled by the thermal effect of the Emei mantle plume on hydrocarbon generation of organic matter and the development of natural microfractures promoted by multistage tectonic movement. Overall, the complex microstructure in the deep shales of the Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin is jointly controlled by multiple effects, and the results of this research provide strong support for the benefit development of deep shale gas in southern Sichuan Basin.

Water quality at the end of the Mississippi River for 120 years: the agricultural imperative

AbstractArchived water quality data collected between 1901 and 2019 were used to reconstruct annual averages of various forms of C, N, P, and silicate concentrations and alkalinity in the lower Mississippi River. During this interval the average annual nitrate concentrations doubled pre-dominantly from fertilizer applications and tiling, silicate concentrations decreased by half as diatom sedimentation increased as dams were built, and alkalinity increased 16%. Variances in silicate concentrations were proportional to river discharge before 1980 and concentrations have been stable since then. Average annual temperatures, discharge and alkalinity increased simultaneously around 1980; this suggests that there was greater weathering thereafter and is supported by the positive relationships between variations in alkalinity and variations in nitrate, phosphate, and silicate concentrations. The conversion of forests and grasslands into farmlands and improved drainage resulted in less evapotranspiration, a higher percent of precipitation going into streams and altered soil water bio-geo-chemistries. Field trials demonstrating soil health improvements resulting from more live roots and soil cover and greater biodiversity demonstrate water quality improvements and no effect on farm profitability. Lowering nitrate loading to the coastal waters will reduce summertime hypoxic waters formation offshore, but alkalinity in the river will increase further with climate warming.

Understanding Chemical and Mineralogical Composition of Nahartangi Nephrite from Goshta

The geochemical mineralogical characteristics of the Nahartangi nephrite deposit in the Goshta district of Nangarhar province are investigated in this research. Nephrite is a Cyclosilicate mineral with a high silicate content. Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 is its chemical formula, and it is monoclinic. It's been discovered in metamorphic rocks across the arena. The nephrite zone of Nahartangi is linked to the Jalalabad structural band and the ophiolite complex. Jalalabad is a region in eastern Afghanistan, southeast of Nuristan. As a result, this belt is associated with the upper or late Cambrian. The age of the rocks in this quarter is related to the Archean-Mesoproterozoic AR-PR2. This manuscript offers the first systematic mineralogical and geochemical observation of the Nahartangi nephrite deposit electronic probe Microanalysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and mineralogical analysis. The Nahartangi nephrite was investigated using an XRF and petrographic microscope. According to field research, dolomitic marble is involved in Nahartangi nephrite deposits close to the intrusive granitoids. According to petrographic investigations, nephrite is mostly made up of fine-grained actinolite, schist, and dolomite, all of which are metamorphic minerals. Through every phase, nephrite samples had low Fe/(FeO+MgO) values (8.2524.17%) according to geochemical analysis, and SiO2 (81.30%), Al2O3 (3.22), and CaO (17.41%) were also low and 1.21% NiO content, as well. Chemical records analysis and interpretation of Mg+Fe percentages indicate that actinolite is the type of nephrite. The formation of veins and hydrothermal lenses in contact with serpentinite and carbonates has produced nephrite deposits. Dolomitic marble rocks are the specific rocks found near the study area. The economy and value are immediately impacted by color and its transparency. The presence of Mg elements causes the nephrite from the Goshta district to appear green.

Thermodynamic modelling of cements clinkering process as a tool for optimising the proportioning of raw meals containing alternative materials

The valorisation of waste or by-products in Portland clinker production is a promising alternative for developing sustainable cements. The complexity of the chemical reactions during clinkering demands an adequate dosing method that considers the effect of feedstock impurities to maximise the potential substitution of natural resources by waste or by-products, while guaranteeing the clinker reactivity requirements. This study proposes a raw meal proportioning methodology for optimising co-processing of natural feedstocks with alternative raw materials in clinker production, intending to reduce the content of natural raw materials needed, while promoting an optimal clinker reactivity. A thermodynamic modelling sequence was developed considering the variability of raw materials composition and heating temperatures. The model was then validated by comparing simulation outcomes with results reported in previous studies. An experimental case study was conducted for validation of the proposed method using a spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (SFCC), a by-product from the oil industry as an alternative alumina source during clinkering. The modelling simulations indicated that substitution of natural feedstocks by 15 wt% SFCC promotes the formation of reactive clinkers with more than 54% tricalcium silicate (C3S). Mixes with the potential to form the highest C3S were then produced, and heating microscopy fusibility testing was applied for evaluating the clinkers’ stability. The main factors governing the reactivity and stability of the clinker phases were the melt phase content, alumina modulus, and formation of C3S and dicalcium silicate (C2S). The self-pulverisation of clinker during cooling was observed in selected mixes, and it is potentially associated with high viscosity and low Fe content in the melt phase. The proposed framework enables optimisation of the dosing of raw meals containing alternative alumina-rich feedstocks for clinker production and allows a deeper interpretation of limited sets of empirical data.

Spreading of the Amazon River Plume

Results of a joint Russian-Brazilian expedition to study the dynamics of continental river runoff in the ocean associated with the Amazon plume are presented. The stations of the study region covered the seaward part of the Amazon plume. The work was carried out in the dry season (November). The data of in situ measurements and satellite data show that the most desalinated and rich in suspended particulate matter and chlorophyll-a waters were localized on the shallow inner shelf. The horizontal and vertical structure of the thermohaline fields indicates the presence of a well-pronounced river plume about 15 m thick. The decrease in salinity in the plume relative to the background values exceeded 6 PSU even at 300–400 km from the river mouth. The plume waters were characterized by increased concentrations of suspended matter. The best approximation to the in situ measurements is provided by the SMOS satellite salinity data and reanalysis GLORYS12. Chemical determinations in the surface layer in the area of the plume reveal elevated concentrations of silicates, phosphates, and nitrites compared to the seaward part.

Macro-micro characteristics of geopolymer-stabilized saline soil in seasonal frozen soil region

Chemical stabilization is an effective approach to address various engineering problems related to saline soil, including salt heaving, frost heaving, dissolution, and corrosion. Through unconfined compression strength (UCS) test, x-ray diffraction (XRD) test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), this research investigates the macroscopic strength characteristics, microscopic mineral composition, and pore structure variation of quicklime, fly ash and sodium silicate joint solidifying sulfate saline soil under various freeze-thaw cycles, and discusses its solidification mechanism. The results indicate that when the contents of fly ash and sodium silicate are held constant, the unconfined compressive strength of the solidified soil increases first and then decreases with the increase of quicklime content. Additionally, the peak strength occurred at a quicklime content of 3 %; The strength of all the solidified soils decreased with the increase of the freeze-thaw cycles and the solidified soils with the optimum quicklime content has a relatively strong ability to resist freezing and thawing; The influence of quicklime content on solidification is reflected in the formation of hydrate gels and the variation of pore structure; The influence of freeze-thaw cycle on solidification is reflected in the destruction of solidified pore structure.