Chemistry, mineralogy and radioactivity in posidonia oceanica meadows from North-Western Sicily

This paper presents measurements of major, minor, metal trace elements and radionuclides in sediments and in Posidonia oceanica samples from north-western Sicily (Italy). The mineralogical and chemical composition of sediments were determined by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence techniques, respectively. A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in P. oceanica samples and in sediments. Specific activities of selected radionuclides have been determined by high-resolution gamma spectrometry. Standard statistical analysis was used to assess correlations between different elements and different sample types.     

May a comprehensive mineralogical study of a jackstone calculus and some other human bladder stones unveil health and environmental implications?

This paper represents the first result of an active collaboration between the University of Sannio and the San Pio Hospital (Benevento, Italy), started in the 2018, that aims to a detailed mineralogical investigation of urinary stones of patients from Campania region. Herein, selected human bladder stones have been deeply characterized for clinical purposes and environmental biomonitoring, focusing on the importance to evaluate the concentration and distribution of undesired trace elements by means of microscopic techniques in the place of conventional wet chemical analyses. A rare bladder stone with a sea-urchin appearance, known as jackstone calculus, were also investigated (along with bladder stones made of uric acid and brushite) by means a comprehensive analytical approach, including Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and Simultaneous Thermal Analyses. Main clinical assumptions were inferred according to the morpho-constitutional classification of bladder stones and information about patient’s medical history and lifestyle. In most of the analyzed uroliths, undesired trace elements such as copper, cadmium, lead, chromium, mercury and arsenic have been detected and generally attributable to environmental pollution or contaminated food. Simultaneous occurrence of selenium and mercury should denote a methylmercury detoxification process, probably leading to the formation of a very rare HgSe compound known as tiemannite.

     

Chemistry,mineralogy and radioactivity in posidonia oceanica meadows from North-Western Sicily

This paper presents measurements of major, minor, metal trace elements and radionuclides in sediments and in Posidonia oceanica samples from north-western Sicily (Italy). The mineralogical and chemical composition of sediments were determined by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence techniques, respectively. A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to measure concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in P. oceanica samples and in sediments. Specific activities of selected radionuclides have been determined by high-resolution gamma spectrometry. Standard statistical analysis was used to assess correlations between different elements and different sample types.     

Mineralogy and chemistry of urinary stones: patients from North Jordan

Urinary stone diseases are increasing in the Middle East. The majority of urinary stone cases are found in the northern part of the country. Stone samples taken from patients living in the Irbid area were collected from Princess Basma Hospital. The present study concentrates on the mineralogical and chemical composition of the urinary stones and on the effective environmental factors that assist in developing the different types of urinary stones. Using X-ray diffraction techniques, the mineralogical composition of the urinary stones was found to be as follows: oxalate, cholesten, and uric acid, with cystine stones occuring more frequently than the others. Cholesten and calcium oxalate stones are the most dominant types of stones. Calcium oxalate is the most common type of oxalate stone. Calcium oxalate is represented in: whewellite, wheddellite, and calcium carbonate oxalate hydrate minerals, in addition to other minerals such as brushite, ammonium phosphate, vaterite, valleriite, and bobierrite from other types of stones. Bobierrite (phosphate group) is a new mineral reported in urinary stones, and this has not been determined in any previous study worldwide. Apatite (calcium phosphate) is deduced using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The SEM technique determined crystal forms and systems, shapes, morphological features, and the names of the minerals forming urine stones, while optical properties are studied by polarizing microscope. X-ray fluorescence technique determined the concentrations of major and some trace elements. It revealed that Ca is the main constituent of the urinary stones, especially those composed of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. The concentration of trace elements was Ba = 1.57, P = 3.61, Fe = 1.78, S = 2.08, Zr = 4.63, Mo = 3.92, Cu = 1.89, Co = 1.56, and F = 4.2% and was higher in the urinary stones of Jordanian patients than in foreigners in the country. Questionnaires completed by patients suggest that the most significant factors directly effecting the formation of stones are water, climate conditions, food rich in protein and rich in different chemicals. Moreover, some drugs and diseases might also help in developing other stones.     

Physicochemical characterization of sterilized muds for pharmaceutics/cosmetics applications

Clays and muds have been used for centuries as cosmetics or pharmaceutical products for various therapies. The suitability of muds and clays for health- and beauty-related applications depends on their physicochemical properties, mineralogical composition, particle characteristics and toxicity. In this work, the physicochemical characterization of 12 mud specimens from different natural spa resorts in Greece and one from Israel (Dead Sea) is presented. All specimens were sterilized at 121 °C for 20 min, because of their intended use. The Greek mud specimens were collected from various locations in Macedonia, Western Greece and Northeast Aegean. All muds were characterized concerning their mineralogical, chemical components as well as their morphological characteristics using appropriate methods [powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), nitrogen absorption specific surface area measurements (BET), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy]. The concentrations of F^?, Cl^?, NO₃^? and SO₄^2? anions at equilibrium with the mud specimens were measured by ion chromatography. Total calcium concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the concentration of total N, C, H and S in the solids was measured using elemental analysis. Moreover, total phenolic concentration (TPC) in distilled water equilibrated with the mud specimens was measured as an index for their antioxidant properties. Several muds were found to present high TPC. Several of the examined mud specimens were found to have the potential use as pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Based on the physicochemical characteristics of the mud specimens examined, possible improvement in their use and applicability has been suggested.     

Utilization of the waste phosphogypsum for the Portland cement clinker production

This paper presents the results of investigation on the utilization of the phosphogypsum for the Portland cement clinker production. Characterization of the phosphogypsum and raw materials for rotary kilns was performed. Phosphogypsum, in quantities of 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%, was added to raw meal from regular production of rotary kiln and then the homogenization of raw meals and their chemical characterization was done. High temperature DTA and thermo‐microscopic investigations have been performed also. Raw meals without and with the addition of phosphogypsum have been laboratory sintered. Chemical composition of Portland cement clinkers has been defined and potential clinker phase composition has been calculated according to Bogue's formula from the chemical composition. Results are very encouraging regarding the energy consumption and Portland cement clinker quality. Phosphogypsum could be successfully applied as mineralizer in cement production, because with its addition, better composition of Portland cement clinker at the same sintering conditions could be obtained.     

大气气溶胶中元素种态研究

应用化学逐级提取流程对国际原子能机构（简称IAEA）气溶胶、室内和室外气溶胶、煤飞灰中元素的组成和种态进行了分析,应用仪器中子活化法测定了各种态中元素的含量,计算出元素在各种态中的分配比例。按照气溶胶中元素不同种态的环境和生物活性以及主要来源来分类,评述了元素在环境和生态系统中的吸收和转化能力,并对气溶胶中元素对环境的影响作出了初步的探讨。实验数据表明,气溶胶中的不同元素在各种态中的分布是有差异的。地壳来源元素中,Sc,Al,Fe和Ti主要分布在不溶物态中,稀土元素主要分布在氧化物态和不溶物态;不溶物态沉降到地表后不易进行迁移和转化,对环境的影响较小;氧化物态性质比较活泼,可以在大气中发生化学反应。Mn在气溶胶中主要分布在水可溶态和氧化物态,环境可交换性要比Al,Fe,Ti等大得多。人为来源元素的环境可交换态的比例都比较高,这说明它们通过干、湿清除过程沉降到地表后,水可溶态可以直接进入水循环;碳酸盐、氧化物和有机物态可以在适当的条件下与环境中的其他物质发生化学反应,生成易溶于水的化合物进入生态环境中,对环境影响较大。     

Elemental concentrations in aerosols at the Belgian coast versus seasons and air mass trajectories

Marine aerosols have extensively been monitored in the framework of a research project to investigate the inorganic and organic nutrient fluxes of the atmospheric nitrogen input into the North Sea. As a part of this project bulk analysis was also performed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) on a total of 366 samples in order to provide detailed elemental composition. Samples have been clustered per campaign and differences were related to backward trajectories. Elements as Cl, Si, and S appeared to be the best tracers for coastal aerosols. Therefore they have been chosen to represent each campaign and to map the seasonal variations. It is clear that Cl is an excellent tracer for oceanic trajectories, while a less clear correlation between the soil dust components and the air mass trajectories is found.     

Distribution and speciation of heavy metals in Apulian coastal sediments

In the framework of the Interreg II Project Italy–Greece, distribution and speciation of trace metals in surface coastal sediments of Apulian regions were studied. A sequential extraction technique was used to determine the chemical association of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, Mn, Cu and Cd) with major sedimentary phases (acid soluble phases, easily reducible fraction and oxidizable matter). The relationship between the metals' content and the grain-size composition of the sediments was also considered: generally the elements resulted associated with the fine fraction, even if in some cases (Cu in the oxidizable phase) the opposite behaviour was observed. The studied area is not particularly polluted, except for some defined zones, as for example Brindisi's harbour. Speciation analysis revealed that the major part of the heavy metals are not easily mobilizable and bioavailable. Even in this case, there are some exceptions to the general behaviour: Cu and Pb in several samples are largely present in the oxidizable phase, which even if not immediately available can become a source of associated elements when redox conditions change.     

Groundwater chemistry and the Balkan endemic nephropathy

Until now failure has been a common feature of all attempts to elucidate the aetiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), a peculiar kidney disease known to exist only in south-eastern Europe. However, whatever the cause, many epidemiological data point to water as a vehicle of the unknown agent(s). We addressed the issue by reexamining multielement hydrogeochemical data obtained by one of us (WME) in the field, as well as other relevant pieces of evidence.Well water samples were obtained from 18 households heavily affected by BEN, and situated in nine villages scattered over six distinct endemic areas. Control samples were taken from non-affected households exposed to the BEN environment (2), as well as from neighbouring non-endemic villages (5).In terms of the chemical composition of well water, considerable differences between the areas were observed. As a rule the water chemistry of BEN-affected households was rather similar to control samples but there were large variations within each of the two groups.Though none of the wide range of geochemical and hydrogeological parameters have been positively implicated as related to BEN, water-borne chemicals still remain a clue to be pursued, particularly in relation to ultratrace concentrations of bioessential elements and organics.     

Mineralogical studies of human urinary calculi from Natal

Knowledge of the composition of human urinary calculi within a geographical area can lead to an understanding of the epidemiology of renal stone disease. Studies in the Durban area, with its high incidence of kidney and bladder stones, indicate that calcium oxalate is the overwhelmingly dominant (circa 80%) component, followed by uric acid. An important feature is the low occurrence of phosphate stones, especially those containing struvite.     

Mineralogical,compositional and isotope characterization of human kidney stones (urolithiasis) in a Sri Lankan population

In order to understand the processes of stone formation, compositional, spectroscopic, mineralogical and crystallographic characteristics of human urinary stones collected from patients in Sri Lanka were investigated in detail. The data showed that the majority of urinary calculi were calcium oxalate, either whewellite or weddellite. Other solid phases of stones were composed of struvite, uricite and hydroxylapatite. However, mixed compositions were common except for whewellite stones which occur frequently in pure form. Scanning electron microscope observations and associated energy-dispersive X-ray analyses revealed that whewellite or weddellite was well crystalized compared to other stones types, while phosphate stones were mostly cryptocrystalline. The average δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of stones were − 32.2‰ (− 37.3 to − 17.4‰) and − 24.2‰ (− 26.7‰ to − 8.9‰), respectively. The δ¹³C values were highly depleted compared to North American and European urinary stones. This may be due to food habits of Asians who consume rice as the staple food.

     

Identification of Mn-oxide minerals in some soils from Devon,UK, and their varying capacity to adsorb Co and Cu

A number of Mn-oxide minerals in soils from a farm in North Devon have been tentatively identified using a combination of advanced analytical techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning electron microprobe (SEMP), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and bulk chemical analysis by wet digestion followed by inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). The minerals lithiophorite and hollandite are thought to occur throughout the study area although there is considerable geographical variation in the proportions of minerals present. Bimessite, vernadite, romanechite, todorokite and cryptomelane may also be present, although in smaller amounts. The use of SEMP, together with a simple sorption experiment, has allowed a study of the extent of uptake of Co and Cu by different Mn-oxide minerals. Lithiophorite appears to take up Co and Cu more effectively than hollandite within a pH range of 4–6.     

Geochemical forms of trace metals in mangrove sediments—Red Sea (Egypt)

Seven sediment samples from mangrove sediments of the Red Sea were taken in order to evaluate the possible contamination of the sediments by trace metals (iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)). Sequential extraction techniques were performed to study the different geochemical forms of these metals. X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed to correlate the mineralogical composition with the geochemical forms of the studied elements. The results of Fe and Mn contents indicate that they are in large part from lithogenous origin. The elevated concentrations are associated with the residual form ranged from 70 to 93% for Fe and 46 to 70% for Mn. The percentage of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in the non-residual form was much greater than that of the residual fractions. This reflects the high mobility and bioavailability of these metals in mangrove sediments of the Red Sea. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of silicate components including quartz, feldspars and clay minerals in some locality. Non-silicate components recorded in the study area as calcite as well as, Mg-calcite. Quantitatively both components i.e. silicate and carbonate varied according to their source material.     

Geochemical forms of trace metals in mangrove sediments—Red Sea (Egypt)

Seven sediment samples from mangrove sediments of the Red Sea were taken in order to evaluate the possible contamination of the sediments by trace metals (iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)). Sequential extraction techniques were performed to study the different geochemical forms of these metals. X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed to correlate the mineralogical composition with the geochemical forms of the studied elements. The results of Fe and Mn contents indicate that they are in large part from lithogenous origin. The elevated concentrations are associated with the residual form ranged from 70 to 93% for Fe and 46 to 70% for Mn. The percentage of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in the non-residual form was much greater than that of the residual fractions. This reflects the high mobility and bioavailability of these metals in mangrove sediments of the Red Sea. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of silicate components including quartz, feldspars and clay minerals in some locality. Non-silicate components recorded in the study area as calcite as well as, Mg-calcite. Quantitatively both components i.e. silicate and carbonate varied according to their source material.     

Composition élémentaire (C,H, N) de Sphaeroma serratum et S. hookeri (Crustacea: Isopoda)

The elementary composition (C, H, N) of Sphaeroma serratum and Sphaeroma hookeri has been studied in different natural populations and also in individuals maintained in laboratory cultures. Changes in elementary composition have been observed in the natural communities. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that food may influence the isopod's chemical composition. These results provide an explanation fom the intraspecific differences which appear to characterize natural populations.     

Single particle analysis of ambient aerosols in Shanghai during the World Exposition, 2010: two case studies

ATSI Model 3800 aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ATOFMS) was deployed for single-particle analysis in Shanghai during the World Exposition (EXPO), 2010. Measurements on two extreme cases: polluted day (1st May) and clean day (25th September) were compared to show how meteorological conditions affected the concentration and composition of ambient aerosols. Mass spectra of 90496 and 50407 particles were analyzed respectively during the two sampling periods. The ART-2a neural network algorithm was applied to sort the collected particles. Seven major classes of particles were obtained: dust, sea salt, industrial, biomass burning, organic carbon (OC), elementary carbon (EC), and NH₄-rich particles. Number concentration of ambient aerosols showed a strong anti-correlation with the boundary layer height variation. The external mixing states of aerosols were quite different during two sampling periods because of different air parcel trajectories. Number fraction of biomass burning particles (43.3%) during polluted episode was much higher than that (21.6%) of clean time. Air parcels from the East China Sea on clean day diluted local pollutant concentration and increased the portion of sea salt particle dramatically (13.3%). The large contribution of biomass burning particles in both cases might be an indication of a constant regional background of biomass burning emission. Mass spectrum analysis showed that chemical compositions and internal mixing states of almost all the particle types were more complicate during polluted episode compared with those observed in clean time. Strong nitrate signals in the mass spectra suggested that most of the particles collected on polluted day had gone through some aging processes before reaching the sampling site.     

ZnO NPs对水培小麦(Triticum aestivum L)种子不同发育阶段的影响

氧化锌纳米颗粒(ZnO NPs)是目前应用最为广泛的纳米材料之一,已有研究表明其对生物体具有显著的毒性效应。为了研究ZnO NPs的毒性与种子发育阶段的关系,选择小麦(Triticum aestivum L)作为受试植物,将处于不同发育阶段的小麦种子置入ZnO NPs悬浮液中进行培养,研究了ZnO NPs对水培小麦种子不同发育阶段的影响。结果表明,虽然ZnO NPs对处于吸胀阶段、萌动阶段和发芽阶段的小麦都可以产生毒性,但是毒性的大小随小麦发育阶段的不同而表现出明显的差异(P0.05)。在60 mg·L-1暴露浓度下,用ZnO NPs对处于吸胀阶段、萌动阶段和发芽阶段的小麦种子进行处理,小麦根长的抑制率分别为37.8%、80.2%和95.7%;就萌动阶段和发芽阶段而言,ZnO NPs的毒性与其浓度有关,浓度越大毒性越大,即具有显著的浓度效应。上述研究结果对于全面准确地评价ZnO NPs毒性具有重要的意义。     

Biomineralogy of human urinary calculi (kidney stones) from some geographic regions of Sri Lanka

Kidney stones (urinary calculi) have become a global scourge since it has been recognized as one of the most painful medical problems. Primary causative factors for the formation of these stones are not clearly understood, though they are suspected to have a direct relationship to the composition of urine, which is mainly governed by diet and drinking water. Sixty nine urinary calculi samples which were collected from stone removal surgeries were analyzed chemically for their Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe and phosphate contents. Structural and mineralogical properties of stones were studied by XRD and FT-IR methods. The mean contents of trace elements were 1348 mg kg⁻¹ (Na); 294 mg kg⁻¹ (K); 32% (Ca); 1426 mg kg⁻¹ (Mg); 8.39 mg kg⁻¹ (Mn); 258 mg kg⁻¹ (Fe); 67 mg kg⁻¹ (Cu); 675 mg kg⁻¹ (Zn); 69 mg kg⁻¹ (Pb); and 1.93% (PO₄³⁻). The major crystalline constituent in the calculi of Sri Lanka is calcium oxalate monohydrate. Principal component analysis was used to identify the multi element relationships in kidney stones. Three components were extracted and the first component represents positively correlated Na-K-Mg-PO₄³⁻ whereas the␣second components represent the larger positively weighted Fe–Cu–Pb. Ca–Zn correlated positively in the third component in which Mn–Cu correlated negatively. This study indicates that during the crystallization of human urinary stones, Ca shows more affinity towards oxalates whereas other alkali and alkaline earths precipitate with phosphates.Contribution from the Environmental Geology Research Group (EGRG), Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.     

Lipid composition and partitioning of deepwater chondrichthyans: inferences of feeding ecology and distribution

The composition of lipids and fatty acids was determined for the livers, muscle, pancreas, kidney and stomach fluids of deepwater chondrichthyan species (including 11 squaliformes, 3 chimaeriformes, 1 hexanchiforme and 3 carcharhiniformes) caught as bycatch from continental waters off south-eastern Australia. The lipid class, fatty acid and fatty alcohol composition differed markedly in each tissue and in each species. The lipid and fatty acid composition of large, lipid-rich (38–70% wet weight, ww) livers demonstrated the multifunctional role of this organ in: lipid distribution, storage and biosynthesis, and buoyancy regulation. In the liver, the importance of certain lipids (including squalene, diacylglyceryl ethers, triacylglycerols and to a lesser extent wax esters) as mediators of buoyancy varied according to lifestyle and habitat. Less variability was observed in the muscle profiles, characterized by low lipid content (<1.0% ww) and high relative levels of polar lipids (>70%). The lipid and fatty acid profiles of the kidney and pancreas showed the highest intraspecific variability, suggesting these organs also have complex roles in lipid storage and metabolism. Overall intra- and interspecific differences in the tissue fatty acid profiles could be related to differences in a number of factors including phylogeny, habitat (depth), buoyancy regulation and diet and presumably also reflect different ecological roles. The lipid and fatty acid profiles are the first published for Rhinochimaera pacifica, Chimaera lignaria and Figaro boardmani and the first to demonstrate interspecific variation in lipid profiles of various tissues of deepwater chondrichthyans. The application of multivariate analysis to lipid class and fatty acid tissue profiles in chondrichthyans inferred dietary differences and metabolic preferences between species and habitats. These results have important implications for the future use of fatty acids as dietary tracers in chondrichthyan research.