Total Mineral Composition Research Articles

Comparative Study of Sample-Preparation Techniques for Quantitative Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Humic Substances by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Five sample-preparation techniques were compared to quantify 31 elements in coal humic substances (HS) by ICP–AES from the viewpoints of complete isolation and speciation of elements. They include, for bulk composition, preparation of an aqueous colloidal HS solution followed by direct injection of the sample without decomposition and ashing followed by metaborate fusion; for element speciation, preparation of an aqueous colloidal HS solution followed by centrifugation and direct analysis without decomposition for water-soluble species; treatment with boiling nitric acid; and microwave-assisted treatment with nitric acid at 250 °C for acid-isolated species. The results of analysis significantly depend on the selected method of sample preparation due to specific features of HS, the simultaneous presence of many inorganic components in wide concentration ranges, and a significant fraction of the organic matrix; therefore, the total mineral composition of HS, both macro- and microcomponents, requires a combination of decomposition methods.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЙ ЭОЛОВЫЙ МОРФОЛИТОГЕНЕЗ: ИЗУЧЕННОСТЬ, РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ

Актуальность исследования экзогенных процессов, в том числе дефляции, обусловлена как положительным, так и отрицательным воздействием их на природные компоненты и хозяйственную деятельность человека. Кроме того, не до конца выявлены особенности региональной миграции вещества при развитии этих процессов и интенсивность аккумуляции эолового наноса, его вещественный состав. Изучение факторов развития эрозии и дефляции в геосистемах юго-востока Томской области показало, что природные и социально-экономические факторы региона благоприятны для развития эоловых процессов. Цель: оценка интенсивности аккумуляции эолового осадка и его вещественного состава в ландшафтах юго-востока Томской области. Объекты: природные и антропогенные комплексы Томь-Яйского междуречья в пределах бассейна р. Басандайки – правого притока р. Томи. Методы: полевые (маршрутные) наблюдения с отбором проб, лабораторные и аналитические исследования. Результаты многолетних наблюдений показали, что в холодный период года эоловые процессы в агроландшафтах юго-востока лесной зоны Западно-Сибирской равнины проявляются ежегодно, но с разной степенью интенсивности. Наиболее активно они развиваются в малоснежные годы. В гранулометрическом составе эолового наноса преобладает пыль, в минералогическом – кварц и мусковит. Эоловые отложения содержат значительное количество элементов питания растений – гумуса – до 10 %. Не исключая притока атмосферных выпадений из других регионов, считаем, что основная масса эолового осадка ключевых участков (юго-восток Томской области) в холодное время года имеет местное происхождение, об этом свидетельствует большое сходство его гранулометрического, химического и минералогического состава с почвами региона.

The Problem of Comprehensive Analysis of Organic Agriculture as a Factor of Environmental Safety

Abstract The paper analyses certain aspects of organic agriculture and emphasises the need for an integrated approach in its research. The necessity of using ecologically safe agricultural production as a component of the development of modern civilized states is pointed out in the paper. The method of direct conductometry has been used to study the total mineral composition of plowed soils, which is considered as a component of “green” chemistry methods. The electrical conductivity of aqueous extracts of arable soils, in which mineral and organic fertilizers are applied, is measured. The obtained data vary between 10 and 220 μS. In the paper, for the first time, the regularities of fluctuations of the data of electrical conductivity of aqueous extracts of arable soils, in which various plant cultures had been grown, were revealed and mineral nitrogen fertilizers or organic fertilizers were introduced. Lower data of electrical conductivity are characteristic of plowed soils, in which mineral fertilizers are applied, which indirectly indicates their depletion. The advantage of using organic fertilizers as a necessary component of organic agriculture has been confirmed. It is noted that a promising area of the research is a complete use of an integrated approach to the organic agriculture being farmed in various European countries.

Проявления карбонатитов на кварцевом месторождении “Жила № 175” (Уфалейский блок, Южный Урал)

The subject of the study are manifestations of carbonatites in the quartz deposit “Vein № 175” - the largest deposit of granular quartz of Ufalei block in the Southern Urals. In the vein № 175 new outcrops of carbonatites are described; thin sections, plates and polished sections from 58 selected samples are made. Mineralogical and petrographic analysis of carbonatites and host rocks was carried out using Axiolab ZS and Olimpus BX 51 polarization microscopes with digital prefixes. The total mineral composition was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Fluid inclusions were studied in a Linkam THMSG-600 microcooler using the Olimpus BX 51-52 microscope and the LinkSistem 32 DVNS software. It was established that the deposition of vein quartz preceded to the formation of carbonatites. The quartz vein inherited a tectonic structure which controlled the deposition of carbonate material. The fragments of carbonatite bodies are observed throughout the quartz veins, where they have been preserved. It is established that the carbonatites of the “Vein 175” differ from the carbonatites of the Vishnevogorsk alkaline complex by a low content of rare metal minerals characteristic of carbonatites: pyrochlore, zircon, columbite, eshenite and monazite. It is obvious that the source of rare-metal minerals in the carbonatites of the Vishnevye Mountains, as well as in the magmatic carbonatites of zonal massifs with ultrabasic alkaline complexes, is the substance from which the alkaline rocks were formed. Carbonate rocks of these complexes concentrate rare-metal minerals and have the mantle spectrum of rare and rare-earth elements in their composition. The source of the carbonate material of “Veins № 175” can be sedimentary carbonates lying at the base of the crystalline basement. The absence of rare-metal minerals in the carbonatites confirm this thesis.

Ověření modifikovaného referenčního vzorku mléka ve smyslu jeho vhodnosti pro kalibraci metody infračervené analýzy pomocí hodnocení fyzikálních vlastností

Routine milk analyses using the efficient indirect infra-red method are important for the milk food chain quality. The reliability of the results depends on the calibration quality. It is important to use a relevant set of reference calibration samples (RCSs). RCSs with right range of values can be prepared using various methods. This paper was aimed to balance the impacts of dilution for decrease of main components in RCSs because of minimal change of matrix interference effects. Cow milk samples (MSs) were diluted (4/1) using distilled water, NaCl solution and a solution with specific composition (SC; because of disturbance in the balance of the milk matrix (NaCl 1.145; KCl 0.849; K2HPO4 1.8463; citric acid 1.7; urea 0.3 g / l)) for reduction in main milk components. Fat (F), crude protein (CP), lactose (L), milk freezing point (MFP), osmolality (OS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in all (original as well as modified) MSs. The lowest MFP and OS were in the original milk −0.5559 °C and 274.5 mOsmol/kg. The MFP was increased to −0.4369 °C and osmolality decreased to 217.83 ­mOsmol/kg by the addition of water. The MFP was decreased (−0.4903 °C) and returned to original milk value by the addition of NaCl solutin. MFP was −0.4788 °C due to SC addition. The decrease was less than for NaCl. The ability of other SC components (K2HPO4, KCl, citric acid and urea) to MFP decrease is less than for NaCl solution. EC was highest for NaCl set 4.69 mS / cm, EC for SC was 4.48 mS / cm (P < 0.001). The original MSs set showed EC 4.27 mS / cm. The SC was the nearest to original MSs in terms of total mineral composition. ECs for both modifications differed (P < 0.001) from original MSs. The procedure is applicable for balance of interference effects of milk matrix because of relevant calibration.

Influence of mineral particle size and choice of suitable parameters for ore sorting using near infrared sensors

Near infrared sensor-based sorting is an emerging preconcentration technology which holds promise for many mineral processing applications, such as elimination of calcite and clay waste from ore. Preconcentration serves to increase the processing efficiency as well as to reduce the total processing cost through the rejection of unwanted gangue. Given small-scale heterogeneity in complex ores, i.e. assorted minerals occurring side-by-side inside an area of measurement, the total mineral composition may not be easily discerned from a near infrared spectrum. Hence, mineral identification and subsequent classification involves the analysis of absorption features in terms of feature depth, width, position, and level of spectral reflectance. This research investigates the near infrared spectral characteristics of minerals as a function of particle size fraction, specifically for individual minerals commonly found in malachite-rich copper ores. Samples of pure minerals are crushed and sieved into different size fractions and scanned with a near infrared line scanner. It was found that the presence of characteristic absorption features and their wavelength position were a better identification parameter than the reflectance level. The implication for preconcentrating a typical malachite-rich copper ore through near-infrared based sorting is discussed.

Dietary values of wild and semi-wild edible plants in southern Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical studies have shown that many wild plant species are sporadically consumed alongside regular food sources in developing countries. Many plants of wild and semi-wild origin are consumed in the remote parts of southern Ethiopia. Dietetic values of Ethiopia’s non-crop food plants, though important in prevention of malnutrition and contribution to food security, remains shrouded for lack of chemical information. The chemical composition of popularly used wild edibles in Hamar and Konso (Xonso) of southern Ethiopia was examined. The most preferred 15 semi-wild and wild edible plants were selected using a mix of standard ethnobotanical field methods. Edible parts of target plants were collected with local participants, lyophilized and analyzed for proximate composition, amino acids, minerals and antinutritional factors. The wild edibles constituted good amounts of nutrients essential in human diet. Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) gave 1.5-5.8% ether extractives and total mineral composition of 12.5%-25.6%; Ca being highest (1100 - 3419 mg %) and exceptionally high for Justicia ladanoides (6177 mg %). Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn ranged from 11.7-23.14, 175-2049, 3.4-9.9 and 1.2-3.3 mg %, respectively. All GLVs contained ≥20% protein, highest in Coccinia grandis (36.3%). The latter species and Trigonella foenum-graecum yielded high lysine level. Anti-nutrients of concern include phenolics (158-1564 mg %) and tannins (448-2254 mg %) in GLVs and phenolics (1997mg %) and tannins (6314 mg %) in Ximenia caffra fruits. Total oxalates in mg % were high in Amaranthus graecizans (14067), Celosia argentea (12706) and Portulaca quadrifida (10162). Bulk consumption of monotype edible plant part in one meal may lead to nutritional and health impairment. However, traditional processing methods lower most of the anti-nutritionals and their respective risks. New food composition tables that integrate indigenous knowledge and nutritional content of the semi-wild and wild edibles are recommended. Wild edibles can be considered to improve livelihood security and reduce malnutrition in tune with the Millennium Development Goals aimed at reducing poverty and hunger.

Mineralogy, geochemistry, and reserve estimation of the Euphrates limestone for Portland cement industry at Al-Najaf area, South Iraq

This study deals with the mineralogical and geochemistry of the Euphrates Formation (Lower Miocene) in Bahr Al-Najaf area in order to assess the lithofacies of the Euphrates Formation for Portland cement manufacturing. Petrographic and mineralogical studies were carried out on 210 core samples, collected from 21 boreholes, and showed that calcite is the dominant mineral with few amounts of quartz, gypsum, feldspar, and a rare amount of dolomite. Clay mineral suites (palygorskite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite) formed about 5% from the total mineral composition. Palygorskite precipitated directly in alkali shallow water rich with Si and Mg ions. Chemical weathering of feldspar under acidic conditions participated in formation of Kaolinite. Geochemistry showed that there is no high variation in chemical constituents with depth, and the average of CaO (51.5), MgO (0.83), SO3 (0.54), SiO2 (4.3), Fe2O3 (0.45), Al2O3 (0.93), L.O.I (40.7), Na2O3 (0.08), K2O (0.14), and Cl- (0.1) qualified the lithofacies of Euphrates Formation to be raw materials suitable for manufacturing the Portland cement. Triangle Block method is applied to estimate the reserve on square area (2 × 2 km2) which is computed to be 63 million tons of medium-tough limestone as potential probable reserve.

Physical and spectroscopic characterization of Pakistani honey

Saif-ur-Rehman, Zia Farooq Khan, and Tahir Maqbool. 2008. Physical and spectroscopic characterization of Pakistani honey. Cien. Inv. Agr. 35(2):199-204. Honey is a naturally sweet and viscous fl uid produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from the nectar of r fl owers that, by defi nition, does not include any other substances. The objectives of this work were to characterize Pakistani honey, physically and chemically in relation to international standards, and to study the effects of adulteration with sugar syrup on the physical properties of honey. For this purpose, 200 honey samples obtained from 15 different locations in Pakistan, ranging from desert to hilly areas, were collected in 2005-2006. Samples were prepared by the acid digestion method. Physical properties, conductance, surface tension, and pH were determined using digital instruments. The most abundant minerals found in Pakistani honey samples were K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co, with K accounting for almost 83% of the total mineral composition. Most Pakistani honey samples met international standards. However, some samples showed altered parameters, refl ecting possible adulteration. A considerable change in viscosity was observed only in adulterated honey samples containing more than 50% of a saturated sugar solution.

Physical and spectroscopic characterization of Pakistani honey. Cien. Inv. Agr. 35(2):199-204.

Honey is a naturally sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybees ( Apis mellifera ) from the nectar of flowers that, by definition, does not include any other substances. The objectives of this work were to characterize Pakistani honey, physically and chemically in relation to international standards, and to study the effects of adulteration with sugar syrup on the physical properties of honey. For this purpose, 200 honey samples obtained from 15 different locations in Pakistan, ranging from desert to hilly areas, were collected in 2005-2006. Samples were prepared by the acid digestion method. Physical properties, conductance, surface tension, and pH were determined using digital instruments. The most abundant minerals found in Pakistani honey samples were K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co, with K accounting for almost 83% of the total mineral composition. Most Pakistani honey samples met international standards. However, some samples showed altered parameters, reflecting possible adulteration. A considerable change in viscosity was observed only in adulterated honey samples containing more than 50% of a saturated sugar solution.

A STUDY OF MAGNESITES OF PROVENANCE FROM THE GOLUBOE DEPOSIT (KRASNOYARSKII KRAI) AND THEIR LABORATORY TESTS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS AT THE KOMBINAT MAGNEZIT JOINT-STOCK CO.

Results of a preliminary study of the composition and properties of magnesites of provenance from the Goluboe deposit (Krasnoyarskii Krai, Russia) are reported. All magnesites, irrespective of their varietal, structural, and textural features, can be considered as acceptable raw materials. The concentration of impurities and inclusions in a high-quality magnesite does not exceed 1.5%, whereas in low-quality magnesites (2nd grade) they are within 3 – 8% of the total mineral composition. The heat-assisted beneficiation or calcination of raw magnesite yields a material with 98% MgO and a CaO-to-SiO2 ratio greater than 3, which provides means for producing high-quality periclase powders. Tests conducted under industrial conditions show that using technologies of fine grinding, pelletizing, and calcination at 2100°C makes it possible to prepare dense periclase clinker. Calcination of lumpy magnesite at still higher temperatures is not an efficient technique for dense periclase powders. Clinker technology is shown to be the best way towards obtaining periclase and periclase-containing powders using raw magnesite from the Goluboe deposit.

Response of sand‐grown tomato supplied with varying ratios of nitrate/ammonium to constant and variable root temperatures

Abstract Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is commercially grown in a wide range of climatic conditions. There is a need to understand nutrient uptake by tomato at various climatic conditions in order to devise the specific nutrient supply to this important crop. Tomato seedlings, at the first flower blooming stage, were transplanted into 6‐L pots of washed sand. Four root temperature regimes (day/night, °C) 12/12, 16/08, 17/17, and 30/20, and four temperatures of the shoots 20/20, 25/25, 25/15, and 30/20 were controlled separately for the shoots and roots. All four growth cabinets had the same day length of 13 h and light intensity of 400 μmole/m2/s measured on top of the canopy, The relative humidity was 85%. The nutrient solutions contained 10 mM N in three ratios of nitrate:ammonium (NO3:NH4)—10:0, 8:2, and 6:4 each in three replications in each growth cabinet. The water consumption, fresh and dry weight, water soluble nutrient in the plant, exudate composition at the end of the experiment and total mineral composition in the shoots were determined. The transpiration ratio for the high root temperatures was 190 g H2O/g DM. Based on rate of water uptake, plant growth on the 16/08°C root regime was significantly higher than that of 12/12°C root regime, despite the fact that the average temperature on time was the same in both treatments. Low root temperatures decreased the concentrations of cations in the plant but had no effect on the balance between cations and anions (C‐A). Increasing NH4 proportion decreased C‐A in the plant. At root temperature of 12°C, potassium (K) and NO3 were present at high concentration in the exudate but soluble NO3 in the shoot was the lowest. The result suggests that nitrate reduced in the shoot produced organic anions that are left in the shoot and their charge balance that on K, due to slow root growth at low temperatures. Higher DM was produced by the NO3 only form at low variable root temperature than in the treatments that contained NH4. At low root temperature, the K selectivity against sodium (Na) was reduced. This suggest that, at low root temperatures, high K concentration in the nutrient solution might he needed.