Sr Source Research Articles

The preparation of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ and Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ phosphors by a direct silicon nitridation process and Sr(NO3)2 as strontium and oxygen sources

The green-emitting SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ and red-emitting Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ phosphors for white LED application were prepared by direct silicon nitridation and Sr(NO3)2 as Sr and O2 sources. In addition, the effect of related synthesis parameters, including nitridation temperature, the particle size of silicon on the photoluminescence behaviors, and the microstructures of phosphors, were explored in detail. Results showed that the Sr2SiO4 and SrSi2O2N2 phases were first presented at 1370 °C. Then, the Sr2SiO4 phase gradually disappeared, and a pure SrSi2O2N2 phase was obtained. The emission intensity of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors at 530 nm increased with nitridation temperatures from 1370 to 1450 °C under 370 nm UV excitation. When the nitridation temperature was further raised to 1470 °C, the ratios of nitrogen to oxygen and Si to Sr increased. The Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ phase was formed by dissipating SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+. Further, the particle size of starting silicon impacts the emission intensity and thermal quenching of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors. The smaller the particle size of Si powders, the stronger are the emission intensity at 530 nm and thermal quenching resistance of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors. The higher N/O ratio also leads to a slightly lower emission intensity and thermal quenching resistance of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+. Moreover, the possible formation reaction mechanism of SrSi2O2N2 and Sr2Si5N8 was also discussed.

Jet-loaded cold atomic beam source for strontium.

We report on the design and characterization of a cold atom source for strontium (Sr) based on a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (MOT) that is directly loaded from the atom jet of a dispenser. We characterize the atom flux of the source by measuring the loading rate of a three-dimensional MOT. We find loading rates of up to 108 atoms per second. The setup is compact, easy to construct, and has low power consumption. It addresses the longstanding challenge of reducing the complexity of cold beam sources for Sr, which is relevant for optical atomic clocks, quantum simulation, and computing devices based on ultracold Sr.

Tracing changes in base cation sources for Arctic tundra vegetation upon permafrost thaw

Upon permafrost thaw, the volume of soil accessible to plant roots increases which modifies the acquisition of plant-available resources. Tundra vegetation is actively responding to the changing environment with two major directions for vegetation shift across the Arctic: the expansion of deep-rooted sedges and the widespread increase in shallow-rooted shrubs. Changes in vegetation composition, density and distribution have large implications on the Arctic warming and permafrost stability by influencing the albedo, the snow accumulation and the litter decomposition rate. A better understanding of these cumulated effects of changing vegetation on warming and permafrost requires assessing the changes in plant nutrient sources upon permafrost thaw, nutrient access being a limiting factor for the Arctic tundra vegetation development. In this study, we determined the influence of permafrost degradation on the base cation sources for plant uptake by using the radiogenic Sr isotope ratio as a tracer of source, along a permafrost thaw gradient at Eight Mile Lake in Interior Alaska (USA). As plants take up Sr from the exchangeable soil fraction with no measurable fractionation, we determined the differences in 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the exchangeable Sr between shallow and deeper soil horizons, and we compared the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of foliar samples for three Arctic tundra species with contrasted rooting depths (Betula nana, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, and Eriophorum vaginatum) upon different permafrost thaw conditions. The higher foliar 87Sr/86Sr ratios of shallow-rooted Arctic tundra shrubs (B. nana, V. vitis-idaea) was consistent with a shallow source of soil exchangeable Sr from surface soil horizons, whereas the lower foliar 87Sr/86Sr ratios of deep-rooted Arctic tundra sedges (E. vaginatum) reflected a source of Sr from deeper soil horizons. There is a shift between poorly and highly thawed soil profiles towards lower foliar 87Sr/86Sr ratios in both deep- and shallow-rooted plant species. This shift supports that micro-landscape variability in the exchangeable base cation reserve with soil depth represents a key source of readily available nutrients for both shallow- and deep-rooted plant species upon permafrost thaw. This study highlights a key change in plant nutrient source to consider upon thaw. This finding lies beyond the common view that nutrient release at the permafrost thaw front preferentially benefits deep-rooted plant species.

δ26Mg, δ44Ca and 87Sr/86Sr isotope differences among bedrock minerals constrain runoff generation in headwater catchments: An acidified granitic site in Central Europe as an example

Magnesium, calcium and strontium isotope systematics were studied in a Central European headwater catchment underlain by granite. The Uhlirska catchment (Czech Republic) is recovering from acidification following 40 years of acid rain. A combination of isotope and non-isotope data was used to constrain the origin of base cations in runoff. Whole-rock δ26Mg, δ44Ca values and 87Sr/86Sr ratios were complemented by isotope analysis of apatite, biotite, plagioclase, orthoclase and titanite. Isotope composition of Mg, Ca and Sr in precipitation, throughfall and runoff was monitored for 12 months.Soil, soil solutions and Norway spruce tissues were also analyzed. Non-isotope data included a 24-year time-series of input/output Mg and Ca fluxes. Biotite was the likely main source of geogenic Mg. Apatite and plagioclase were the likely main sources of geogenic Ca, and plagioclase was the likely main source of geogenic Sr. Magnesium in biotite was isotopically too heavy to dominate runoff. Calcium in apatite and plagioclase was isotopically indistinguishable from whole-rock Ca and could play a major role in runoff generation. Plagioclase had a significantly lower 87Sr/86Sr ratio than bulk bedrock, close to the low 87Sr/86Sr ratio of runoff. Plagioclase weathering was consistent with a sizeable geogenic Sr contribution to runoff but if only bulk-rock 87Sr/86Sr was considered predominance of geogenic Sr in runoff would be unlikely. Higher Mg, Ca and Sr runoff fluxes, compared to deposition, suggested geogenic control of runoff. A decrease in runoff fluxes of Mg and Ca coincided with a decrease in deposition fluxes but there may not be a causal relationship pointing to a large atmospheric contribution of base cations to runoff. Decreasing fluxes of base cations via runoff were mostly related to decreasing sulfate export accompanying retreat of acidification. Mg/Ca/Sr isotope systematics at Uhlirska are discussed in light of analogous data from four other headwater catchments.

Geochemical behavior of stable strontium isotopes during continental weathering process: A review

Continental weathering, an important geological process that affects the formation and evolution of the earth, involves the interaction of matter and energy among the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Stable Sr isotope (δ88/86Sr) is a novel non-traditional stable isotope. It has been widely discussed in tracing continental weathering, studying marine Sr cycle, and analyzing biogeochemical behavior in recent years. Its combination with 87Sr/86Sr can indicate the source of Sr and the mass fractionation of geological processes, which has incomparable advantages over other isotopic systems, such as Li, Mg, and Ba. However, owing to the small mass difference (2%) between 86Sr and 88Sr, fractionation is not significant, which makes the measurement of the ratio δ88/86Sr difficult and limits its application to trace continental weathering.In this study, major developments and challenges in using stable Sr isotopes to trace continental weathering are reviewed, when considering high-precision testing methods, characteristics of δ88/86Sr in natural reservoirs, and geochemical behaviors. The high-precision measurement methods currently used for stable Sr isotopes mainly include multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), both of which involve chemical purification by a cation exchange column or Sr specific resin, coupled with various methods for quality discrimination correction. The present analytical precision for the determination of δ88/86Sr in geological samples is 0.02‰ ∼ 0.08‰. The δ88/86Sr varies widely in natural reservoirs. In particular, the range of δ88/86Sr values in extraterrestrial reservoirs, the biosphere, the lithosphere, and the hydrosphere are -1.73‰ to +0.66‰, -0.87‰ to +0.85‰, -0.20‰ to +0.53‰ and -0.45‰ to +0.66‰, respectively. Stable Sr isotope fractionation occurs in the processes of differential dissolution of primary minerals (Δ88/86Sr = -0.13‰), formation and adsorption of secondary minerals (Δ88/86Sr = -0.15‰), precipitation of carbonate (Δ88/86Sr = -0.20‰), and biological processes (Δ88/86Sr = -0.15‰), which causes the δ88/86Sr in fluid (solid) phase to δ88/86Sr increases (decrease). Previous research on the fractionation mechanisms and constraint conditions of stable Sr isotopes during continental weathering is insufficient. Thus, promoting a wide application of stable Sr isotopes to trace continental weathering through the combination of field profiles, laboratory experiments and theoretical calculation is urgently warranted.

Chemical and isotopic evolution of flowback fluids from the Utica Gas Shale Play, Eastern Ohio USA

Hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids were collected from two Utica/Point Pleasant well pads in eastern Ohio. One site was in the wet gas zone (UPPW), while the site ∼50 km south consisted of four wells on the same pad in the dry gas zone (UPPS). Samples of input fluids also were collected before and during hydraulic fracturing. Flowback fluids are Na-Ca-Cl brines with total dissolved salt (TDS) concentrations that increase over several months from ∼100 to 200 g/L. The slightly higher TDS of the dry gas fluids are in part due to recycled flowback used as input fluids, and in part due to lower volume of water used in hydraulic fracturing. Concentrations of most major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, Sr2+, Fe, Mn, Cl−, Br−) are similar for the five wells sampled, although small but systematic changes occur in the major element ratios over time.Most notably, an increase in the Sr/Cl ratio corresponds to an increase in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the fluids, suggesting interactions with a more radiogenic Sr source in the subsurface. Dissolved Ba concentrations and Ra activities were different between the two sites, reflecting a high SO42− fluid used at the UPPW site, and water-rock reactions occurring during hydraulic fracturing at the UPPS site.Water oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δD) isotopes for input fluids used in the UPPW4 well and fresh water used for the UPPS wells fall on the Global Meteoric waterline (GMWL). Flowback fluids from both sites are relatively enriched in δ18O and δD compared to the input, but do not appear to follow a simple mixing trend, suggesting reaction and isotopic exchange with carbonates and fractionation due to imbibition in the rock. Cl isotopes, δ37Cl in the FP fluids varied from ∼ −0.43 to +0.13‰, the largest variation was observed in the earlier stages of flowback, while in the later stages δ37Cl exhibited a small but systematic increase over time, suggesting diffusion control of isotopic composition.Some of the trace species measured (dissolved Fe, Mn, thiosulfate and organic acids) do not follow the same trends as the major ions, suggesting contributions from input fluids, or microbially mediated reactions are exerting control on their concentrations. Input water chemistry exerts an important control on the Sr and Ba concentrations in flowback water. High SO42− in the input fluids used for hydraulically fracturing the wet gas well leads to precipitation of barite-celestite in flowback fluids.

Surface stability of SrNbO3+δ grown by hybrid molecular beam epitaxy

4d transition metal oxides have emerged as promising materials for numerous applications including high mobility electronics. SrNbO3 is one such candidate material, serving as a good donor material in interfacial oxide systems and exhibiting high electron mobility in ultrathin films. However, its synthesis is challenging due to the metastable nature of the d1 Nb4+ cation and the limitations in the delivery of refractory Nb. To date, films have been grown primarily by pulsed laser deposition (PLD), but development of a means to grow and stabilize the material via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) would enable studies of interfacial phenomena and multilayer structures that may be challenging by PLD. To that end, SrNbO3 thin films were grown using hybrid MBE for the first time using a tris(diethylamido)(tert-butylimido) niobium precursor for Nb and an elemental Sr source on GdScO3 substrates. Varying thicknesses of insulating SrHfO3 capping layers were deposited using a hafnium tert-butoxide precursor for Hf on top of SrNbO3 films to preserve the metastable surface. Grown films were transferred in vacuo for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to quantify elemental composition, density of states at the Fermi energy, and Nb oxidation state. Ex situ studies by x-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy illustrate that the SrHfO3 capping plays an important role in preserving the crystalline quality of the material and the Nb 4d1 metastable charge state under atmospheric conditions.

Electrifying lasers for the transformer industry

AbstractBR Technologies is enabling a transformer manufacturer to cut its insulation paper in a unique way by using lasers integrated into its machines. The SR 15i CO2 laser sources from Luxinar are cutting crepe paper, which is used as an insulation layer inside the electrical transformers that are sold to power grid suppliers.

Electrifying lasers for the transformer industry

PhotonicsViewsVolume 19, Issue 4 p. 50-51 Laser CuttingFree Access Electrifying lasers for the transformer industry How CO2 laser sources are being used for paper cutting First published: 01 September 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/phvs.202270414AboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract BR Technologies is enabling a transformer manufacturer to cut its insulation paper in a unique way by using lasers integrated into its machines. The SR 15i CO2 laser sources from Luxinar are cutting crepe paper, which is used as an insulation layer inside the electrical transformers that are sold to power grid suppliers. Volume19, Issue4August/September 2022Pages 50-51 RelatedInformation

Isotopic and trace element data of Tissint indicate a homogeneous strewn field, mobilization of Sr, REE, and Pb during shock metamorphism, and limits on the incorporation of martian surficial materials in impact melt glass

The Tissint strewn field has produced over 16 kg of material that has minimal terrestrial weathering and/or contamination. Tissint, along with 16 other incompatible trace element (ITE)-depleted shergottite specimens with igneous crystallization ages spanning 327–2403 Ma, were ejected together from Mars 1.1 m.y. ago. Despite the geochemical similarities of fragments from the Tissint strewn field, there are reported discrepancies in age determinations from different fragments that raise the possibility that the strewn field may be heterogenous. There are also questions about whether the shock ejection event incorporated martian soil components into impact glass, and the sources of radiogenic Sr and Pb that have been measured from leachate fractions in previous studies. An impact melt-rich fragment of Tissint was analyzed by LA-ICPMS for rare-earth element (REE) and highly siderophile element (HSE) concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions. Leachate and residues from 8 specimens representing separate individual fragments collected from the strewn field were analyzed for Rb-Sr. Unleached fractions of the 8 specimens were also analyzed for Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf.The measured REE and HSE concentrations of impact melt glass and associated sulfide measured by LA-ICPMS are consistent with bulk rock compositions of Tissint and show no evidence for incorporation of more ITE-enriched martian surface components. Measured Pb isotopic compositions confirm that the impact melt glass and associated sulfide contain no evidence for incorporation of more radiogenic materials than the Pb compositions inherited from the primary magma. In situ Pb isotopic data from sulfide likely represents the most robust method for constraining initial Pb isotopic compositions of shergottites whereas approaches that rely on leaching and digestion may not remove all mineral and/or crack surface contaminants.Rubidium-strontium analyses of the 8 Tissint specimens indicate that labile components hosting HCl-soluble Rb and Sr are not in isotopic equilibrium with the igneous assemblage and that the washed residues are in isotopic equilibrium with the igneous assemblage. The Sr isotopic compositions of the leachate are within the range of ‘more ITE-enriched’ depleted shergottites, perhaps indicating sources from the igneous pile on Mars. The radiogenic Sr component could represent crack and mineral surface coatings of volatilized materials derived from nearby depleted shergottite rock units during the impact ejection process but are not radiogenic enough to represent ITE-enriched crust or mantle components.The Lu-Hf isotopic data from the specimens indicate no evidence of contamination or element mobility, whereas the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic systems show evidence for element mobility and potential mixing with an isotopic component not in equilibrium with the igneous phases. The calculated ages using data compiled from Brennecka et al. (2014), and Grosshans (2013) for Lu-Hf, Rb-Sr, and Sm-Nd are 571 ± 84 Ma, 590 ± 49 Ma and 559 ± 39 Ma, respectively. These data indicate that the specimens analyzed here are cogenetic and the Tissint strewn field appears to be homogeneous.

Substantial submarine groundwater discharge in the estuaries of the east coast of India and its impact on marine strontium budget

The concentration and isotopic compositions of dissolved Sr (87Sr/86Sr) were measured in four major estuaries of the east coast of India, including those of the Ganga (Hooghly), Mahanadi, Godavari, and the Krishna during their peak discharge period, July-September 2013, along with particulate matters in some of them. Dissolved Sr displays strong conservative behaviour in all four estuaries within the analytical uncertainties, emphasizing simple mixing between river water and seawater. Sr isotopic composition, however, behaved non-conservatively in all four estuaries. Dissolved 87Sr/86Sr of many samples in these estuaries deviate significantly from the theoretical mixing line defined by seawater and river water, indicating some additional sources of radiogenic Sr in all four estuaries. Such deviation in the Ganga estuary could result from a minor dissolution of suspended material with very radiogenic Sr in the turbid zone of the estuary. However, several lines of evidence support submarine groundwater discharge as an important source of Sr in these estuaries. We used an inverse modelling approach to characterize the significance of submarine groundwater discharge and quantified its fluxes from the four estuaries based on 87Sr/86Sr in this study, highlighting its potential to estimate groundwater contribution to the water budget in estuaries. The fluxes of submarine groundwater discharge from the estuaries of the east coast of India is estimated to be ∼ 11000 ± 900 m3s−1, dominated by the Ganga-Brahmaputra system, and delivers ∼ 1.1 ± 0.06 × 109 moles of Sr annually with quite radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr, 0.7228, comparable to their riverine fluxes. These estuaries contribute 0.3 – 0.7% to the global submarine groundwater discharge derived Sr. This study reveals a large supply of radiogenic Sr from submarine groundwater discharge which further increases the requirement of less radiogenic Sr to balance the continental radiogenic Sr in the global marine Sr budget.

87Sr/86Sr Ratios and Atmospheric Noble Gases in Theistareykir Geothermal Fluids: A Record of Glacial Water

The determination of the current and past recharge sources, as well as the reconstruction of the timing of the recharge in geothermal reservoirs, is required in order to correctly assess the resource potential of these systems. Theistareykir is a newly developed geothermal field close to the well-known exploited fields of Krafla and Námafjall in NE Iceland. In this study, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios measured in deep geothermal fluids are presented and, together with the Cl and noble gas signatures, are used to place constraints on the fluid sources. The Cl/Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios show a peculiar and unique composition among Icelandic geothermal fluids. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios range from 0.70355 to 0.70671, suggesting the presence of a significant seawater component—possibly marine aerosols added to rain or snowfall—as well as an additional source of Sr leached from local basalts. Moreover, a correlation between the atmospheric noble gas (ANGs) elemental ratios Ne/Ar, Kr/Ar and Xe/Ar, and the 87Sr/86Sr ratios is observed. The latter results from the mixing of meteoric water with Sr leached from local basalts, meteoric water containing unrelated Sr from seawater, and recharge water with ANGs derived from trapped air bubbles in snow. We suggest that the combined ANGs and Sr seawater signatures are representative of a glacial water source derived from the melting of compacting snow.

Multiple geochemical, mineralogical and isotopic approaches to constrain the deposition conditions of Gazlıgöl travertines, western Turkey

Owing to the complex tectono-magmatic evolution within the Alpine-Mediterranean belt, Turkey hosts numerous geothermal springs, which actively precipitate travertine deposits. In this study, we investigate geochemistry, stable and isotopic, mineralogical features, and depositional conditions of fissure-ridge travertines in the Gazlıgöl area, western Anatolia. U/Th age data of the studied travertines, which are precipitated by CO2-rich waters depressurized during episodic seismic events, vary from 279 ± 82 to 110 ± 61 ka revealing a prolonged seismic activity from middle to late Pleistocene. Gazlıgöl travertines composing chiefly of calcite have δ18O values in the range of −18.5 to −16.4‰ (VPDB) and δ13C values between 1.8 and 2.4‰ (VPDB). Δ47 values of samples vary from 0.584 to 0.638‰ and crystallization temperatures are estimated in a wide range between 36 ± 6 and 68 ± 4 °C. Considering the oxygen isotope fractionation between calcite and water (Δ18OCc-water), δ18O of paleofluids which precipitated the Gazlıgöl travertines was computed in the range of −14.9 to −10.6‰ (VSMOW), which is similar to the isotope composition of modern thermal waters (−13.1 to −10.9‰, VSMOW) of meteoric derivation in the study area. 87Sr/86Sr values of Gazlıgöl travertines fall in a narrow range from 0.720667 to 0.720837, suggesting that bedrocks in the Gazlıgöl area are the source of Sr in calcite bands. Like other travertines in western Anatolia, REE compositions of Gazlıgöl fissure samples are significantly lower than basement lithologies, which might be attributed to insufficient time for the interaction of CO2-bearing waters with the host rock because of their rapid ascent.

Calcium and strontium stable isotopes reveal similar behaviors of essential Ca and nonessential Sr in stream food webs

AbstractRecent studies showed the potential of stable isotopes of the macronutrient calcium (δ44/40Ca) and nonessential strontium (δ88/86Sr) as new trophic level indicators in terrestrial vertebrates and marine teleost fishes. In this study, we tested whether similar Ca and Sr isotopic fractionation trends existed in macroinvertebrate‐dominated stream food webs compared to vertebrates despite their physiological differences. We have determined the δ44/40Ca and δ88/86Sr values as well as the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of stream macroinvertebrates and small gobies and their potential metal sources (stream water, periphyton, and terrestrial plant litter) in upper and lower reaches of two streams in the Lake Biwa catchment, central Japan. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios revealed that stonefly nymphs, crustacea, and gobies mostly relied on aquatic Sr sources. Higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios of some crane fly and caddisfly larvae, mayfly, dobsonfly, and dragonfly nymphs indicated greater terrestrial contributions via plant litter. Positive correlations between the δ44/40Ca and δ88/86Sr values implied that similar Ca and Sr sources existed, and that Ca and Sr stable isotopes underwent similar fractionation trends although Sr was not essential. The δ44/40Ca and partly the δ88/86Sr values were positively correlated with Sr/Ca ratios and negatively with δ15N values indicating trophic effects on Ca and Sr stable isotopes. The enrichment of 44Ca and 88Sr in large filter‐feeding caddisfly larvae was a notable exception from these trophic trends. Our data confirm that the trophic 44Ca and 88Sr depletion observed for marine teleost fishes and terrestrial vertebrates also applied to macroinvertebrate‐dominated stream food webs despite their different physiologies indicating that shared mechanisms of Ca and Sr isotopic fractionation may exist at the cellular or molecular level between these taxa.

Synchrotron FTIR Microspectroscopy Investigations on Biochemical Changes Occurring in Human Cells Exposed to Proton Beams

Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy using a synchrotron radiation source (SR-μFTIR) has great potential in the study of the ionizing radiation effects of human cells by analyzing the biochemical changes occurring in cell components. SR-μFTIR spectroscopy has been usefully employed in recent years in some seminal work devoted to shedding light on processes occurring in cells treated by hadron therapy, that is, radiotherapy with charged heavy particles (mainly protons and carbon ions), which is gaining popularity as a cancer treatment modality. These studies are particularly useful for increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy cancer treatments with charged particles that can offer significant progress in the treatment of deep-seated and/or radioresistant tumors. In this paper, we present a concise revision of these studies together with the basic principles of μFTIR spectroscopy and a brief presentation of the main characteristics of infrared SR sources. From the analysis of the literature regarding the SR-μFTIR spectroscopy investigation on human cells exposed to proton beams, it is clearly shown that changes in DNA, protein, and lipid cell components are evident. In addition, this review points out that the potential offered by SR-μFTIR in investigating the effects induced by charged particle irradiation have not been completely explored. This is a crucial point for the continued improvement of hadron therapy strategies.

Assessment of the heavy metal sources and concentrations in the Nador Lagoon sediment, Northeast-Morocco

This study investigates the heavy metals (HM) and sulfurs concentration, enrichment level and potential sources in the bottom sediments of Nador lagoon, North-East Morocco. 50 samples of sediments from Nador lagoon heavy metals were analyzed by ICP-MS, while their spatial distribution and source identification were evaluated by Enrichment Factor (EF), QGis Inverse Distances Weighted (IDW) interpolation models, multivariate statistical techniques (Principal Component Analysis - Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering - Pearson correlation matrix), Positive matrix factorization (PMF model) and grain size/organic matter analysis. The average heavy metal concentrations in the sediments are in the decreasing order: Sr > Ba > V > Zr > Zn > Cr > Rb > La > Cu > Pb > Ni > Ce > Nd > Co > Sc > Nb > Ga > Th > Y > Hf, and the Sulfurs. The results showed that the average concentrations of the S, Sr, Pb, and Nd in bottom sediments were higher than their background contents. The EF values demonstrated that HM contents were enriched by anthropogenic activities, especially for Sr and S, and secondly for Th, V, Ce, Nd, and Pb. The potential HM and sulfurs identified sources showed that: 1) Ga, Y, Hf, Nb, Rb, Sc, Zr, Nb, Co, Zn, Th, Ni, V, Ba, Cr, and Cu were derived industrial activities related to stealing and mining; 2) Wastewater treatment station and lagoon watershed were the main sources of Sr in the lagoon; 3) Zn, Cu, and Pb also linked to sulfurs, mostly origin from agriculture inputs and mining activities; 4) Ce, Cr, and Ni linked to sulfurs, mainly origin form metallurgical activities and solid wastes. The results suggest that heavy metal concentrations were significantly affected anthropogenic activities. Severe enrichment of Sr was found in the lagoon ecosystem with no correlation with carbonates, with four sources of heavy metals apportioned by Geostatistics and Positive matrix factorization. Solid waste, water waste and industrial activities were the main anthropogenic source. Lutite fraction and organic matter show a high accord with heavy metals concentration distribution.

Chemical weathering and Sr flux from the silicate lithology dominated fluvial system: Insights from major ions, dissolved Sr and 87Sr/86Sr of the Teesta headwaters, Sikkim Himalaya

Weathering and erosion in Himalayan river systems have an important role in global geochemical cycles and elemental distribution among various reservoirs. The present study has investigated major ions, Sr concentrations and Sr isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) in dissolved loads of the Teesta River System (TRS), which is located in the lower reaches (Sikkim Himalaya) of the Brahmaputra basin and covers ∼2% of the later. The above mentioned chemical analyses in the TRS have been studied to (i) quantify chemical weathering fluxes, (ii) decipher sources of Sr and 87Sr, (iii) assess lithological controls on dissolved components and (iv) test the fidelity of 87Sr/86Sr as a direct proxy for silicate weathering. The dissolved 87Sr/86Sr in the TRS ranges from 0.73269 to 0.85452 (mean ∼0.76) which is more radiogenic compared to that of the Ganga (∼0.73) and the Brahmaputra (∼0.74) at their outflow, indicating the importance of the TRS in Sr isotopic evolution of global ocean water. A positive correlation between Sr and SO42− concentrations in the TRS water indicates the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) mediated weathering in its catchment. Our study suggests carbonate lithology as a chief source of dissolved Sr to the river, whereas 87Sr is mainly derived from silicates, vein calcites and calc-silicates. Poor correlation between dissolved 87Sr/86Sr and silicate weathering indices ((Na*+K)/TZ+, SiO2/TDS, silicate cationic weathering rate (Xsil)) suggests either weathering of non-silicate rocks (carbonate, vein calcite, calc-silicate) and/or incongruent weathering (preferential 87Sr release) control dissolved 87Sr fluxes. The dissolved Sr and 87Sr flux to the Bay of Bengal (through the Brahmaputra River) have been estimated to be 1 × 107 moles/yr and 7.1 × 105 moles/yr, respectively which are 0.03% of the global riverine supply to the oceans.

Lithogeochemical and isotopic characterization of Devonian molybdenite mineralization in the Pabineau Falls Granite, northeastern New Brunswick, Canada

An unusual molybdenite occurrence in northeastern New Brunswick, referred to herein as the Pabineau Lake Mo (PLM), is situated to the south of Bathurst. This occurrence consists of high-grade molybdenite-bearing granites that occur within the large Pabineau Falls Granite (PFG). To help evaluate the evolution of this occurrence, a large composite sample containing disseminated, very coarse molybdenite (up to 5.02 wt% MoS2) was collected from mineralized granitic blocks excavated from a blasted trench. Although the host rocks are assumed to be PFG, being the only defined intrusive body in the area, major- and trace-element geochemical data together with U-Pb geochronological results suggest that the molybdenite is hosted by an intrusion distinct from the PFG. The radiogenic Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic data of the host intrusion are consistent with Gander Zone granites of the Appalachians orogenic system.The PLM's granitic host rock is characterized by a high silica content (78.93 wt% SiO2), an enrichment in incompatible elements, and a high molybdenum content. The high initial 87Sr/86Sr of 0.71268, negative εNd of −1.28, and high Pb isotope ratios together with trace- and major-element concentrations indicate a moderately to highly radiogenic Sr source and derivation from a significant amount of supracrustal materials, with a contribution from the upper mantle; a source similar to that proposed for the Gander Zone Siluro-Devonian granitic bodies. A positive εHf (+1.34) also suggests involvement of sedimentary components. This is consistent with elevated Cr (20 ppm) and Ni (20 ppm). The involvement of a pelagic sedimentary component is invoked to explain the enrichment in elements commonly associated with mafic compositions.A new precise, LA ICP-MS zircon crystallization age of 390±1 Ma makes the PLM host granite Middle Devonian, which argues against a direct relationship with the older PFG (397.2±1.9 Ma). The new age opens the possibility of an as yet undelineated, mineralized intrusion within the Gander Zone, which has perhaps been missed during previous investigations due to the extensive glacio-fluvial cover and very limited bedrock exposures. Alternatively, the younger age could be attributed to very slow cooling and/or intra-pluton fractionation, resulting in a younger much more fractionated phase of the PFG. However, there is no geochemical evidence for such a prolonged continuous fractional crystallization process.Notably, recent geophysical surveys on the Bathurst Mining Camp indicate that the PFG is substantively larger than its surface expression as it continues to the east beneath the Carboniferous unconformity.Comparing ages of PLM and PFG with the nearby Nicholas-Denys Granodiorite (381±4 Ma) and Antinouri Lake Granite (372±4 Ma), it appears that magmatic activity in the region occurred every 10 Myr over a span of about 30 Myr.Collectively, this evidence suggests the potential of significant buried intrusions within this tectonic belt of the Gander Zone. At the PLM, this might include exposure of an otherwise hidden intrusion that is younger and much more fractionated than the PFG. More detailed geophysical and geochemical analyses would be required to revise the current geological map and, most importantly, trace unmapped units at depth to possible additional mineralized sequences.

Molecular beam epitaxy of phase-pure antiperovskite Sr3SnO thin films

The antiperovskite oxide Sr3SnO has attracted substantial interest due to its topologically non-trivial band structure. Sr-deficient Sr3-xSnO can become superconducting, making it a candidate intrinsic topological superconductor. Here, we show that epitaxial, phase-pure Sr3-xSnO films can be synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) using solid Sr and SnO2 sources. We show that Sn-rich growth conditions result in a large amount of a Sn-rich impurity phase, which is challenging to detect in x-ray diffraction. Carrier densities and the amount of the impurity phase change systematically with the growth conditions, indicating that MBE provides excellent control over the films' stoichiometry. We discuss the electrical properties, including quantum interference phenomena, which support the topological nature of the films.

Nucleosynthesis signatures of neutrino-driven winds from proto-neutron stars: a perspective from chemical evolution models

ABSTRACT We test the hypothesis that the observed first-peak (Sr, Y, Zr) and second-peak (Ba) s-process elemental abundances in low-metallicity Milky Way stars, and the abundances of the elements Mo and Ru, can be explained by a pervasive r-process contribution originating in neutrino-driven winds from highly magnetic and rapidly rotating proto-neutron stars (proto-NSs). We construct chemical evolution models that incorporate recent calculations of proto-NS yields in addition to contributions from asymptotic giant branch stars, Type Ia supernovae, and two alternative sets of yields for massive star winds and core-collapse supernovae. For non-rotating massive star yields from either set, models without proto-NS winds underpredict the observed s-process peak abundances by 0.3–$1\, \text{dex}$ at low metallicity, and they severely underpredict Mo and Ru at all metallicities. Models incorporating wind yields from proto-NSs with spin periods P ∼ 2–$5\, \text{ms}$ fit the observed trends for all these elements well. Alternatively, models omitting proto-NS winds but adopting yields of rapidly rotating massive stars, with vrot between 150 and $300\, \text{km}\, \text{s}^{-1}$, can explain the observed abundance levels reasonably well for [Fe/H] < −2. These models overpredict [Sr/Fe] and [Mo/Fe] at higher metallicities, but with a tuned dependence of vrot on stellar metallicity they might achieve an acceptable fit at all [Fe/H]. If many proto-NSs are born with strong magnetic fields and short spin periods, then their neutrino-driven winds provide a natural source for Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Ru, and Ba in low-metallicity stellar populations. Conversely, spherical winds from unmagnetized proto-NSs overproduce the observed Sr, Y, and Zr abundances by a large factor.