Mineralogical,geochemical and microfabric evidences of gypsum crusts: a case study from Budapest

High levels of SO₂ and particulate pollution enable the rapid development of gypsum-rich weathering crusts in Budapest. Two types of white crusts, thin and thick ones, and two forms of black crusts, laminar and framboidal ones, were studied in limestone buildings of the parliament and Citadella. The percentage of crust cover and damage categories were documented on selected walls. Petrographic, XRD, XRF and sulphur isotope analyses were performed under laboratory conditions to understand the mechanism of crust formation. White crusts found both on exposed and sheltered walls display a calcite-rich layer with gypsum, while black crusts are enriched with gypsum. The sulphur isotopic composition of white and black crusts overlaps, but the crusts are slightly enriched in heavy isotopes compared to rainwater. S content, Si/Al ratios and particulates in black crusts suggest that air pollution (SO₂, dust) contributes to black crust formation. The accumulation of sulphur and Zn enrichment of white crusts were also documented indicating that under high pollution levels, even these compound can accumulate on exposed facades.     

Urban and rural limestone weathering; the contribution of dust to black crust formation

A novel approach of studying dust, black crust and host limestones by using various techniques is presented in this paper. Samples were collected from limestone monuments located in rural, urban and industrial areas in Germany and Hungary. The paper focuses on differences in the mineralogical composition, major and trace element distribution of materials and their total polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentration having different exposure to air pollutants. High concentration of gypsum was found in laminar and dendritic black crusts and even in the dust of both urban and rural areas, despite the low concentration of SO₂ in rural atmospheric environments. The black crusts show a typical microfabric with distinct layers of various gypsum–calcite mineral associations, silt-sized mineral fragments and black particle content. In dust, newly formed gypsum crystals were found along with mineral fragments, and siliceous and, less frequently, carbonaceous fly ash particles. High concentration of lead was found both in the samples of urban and rural areas of Germany and Hungary. Lead mostly accumulates in dust and also in the black crust. Highest lead concentrations were found not on the surface of the black crust, but close to the crust/limestone boundary according to LA-ICPMS analyses. It indicates that despite the ban of leaded petrol, lead is still present in the dust and the in the soiled zones of the built environment. Similarly to lead, no significant difference in the total PAH content of dust and crust samples were found in the two countries. Dusts are equally enriched in PAH in both countries, whereas black crusts contain fewer amounts. Most of the aqueous extracts of the samples were saturated with respect to sulphate, which also indicate the presence of gypsum, whilst in some German samples unsaturated conditions were detected. In summary, by using a combination of these analytical techniques, it was possible to distinguish rural and urban samples and to outline the role of dust in bringing pollutants to the stone surface. It is suggested that the analysed dust and stone samples indicate not only present, but also the past, pollution fluxes and as a consequence stones similar to sediments or surface waters can be used as environment indicators.     

Morphology and mineralogy of weathering crusts on highly porous oolitic limestones, a case study from Budapest

Black crusts are very common on limestones in polluted urban environments, but white crusts are less frequently developed. On the soft, porous and inherently weak oolitic limestone of Budapest both crusts are frequent, and indeed white ones are more common on the stone walls of the studied fortress. In this paper, black and white crusts and the host rock have been described using morphological criteria, mineralogical analyses (XRD, DTA), elements analyses (microprobe) and micro-morphological (SEM) tests. The analyses have shown that on white crusts the surface dissolution is combined with the precipitation of gypsum and calcite in the pores and accumulation of gypsum on the underside of the crust. Thin white crusts are removed by a combination of salt crystallisation (gypsum) and frost action while very thick stone layers scale off due to freeze-thaw cycles. Black crusts are enriched in gypsum relative to white crusts. Gypsum accumulates on the crust surface and signs of dissolution have not been observed. Airborne particulates (flyash, silt-sized quartz, and organic debris) adhere to the crust surface of sheltered black crusts. These particles are later incorporated into the expanding gypsum crystals, that are visible on the underside of the crust. The host rock also contains gypsum, but it is washed off the surface when the crust is removed. Further exposure of the host rock may lead to the dissolution of calcite crystals as it is observed by SEM. The micro-environment influences the crust formation and adherence of the crusts. On frequently wet and dry surfaces crust removal is more common. The crust serves as a protective layer on the stone surface, but this protection is temporary since trigger mechanisms such as salt crystallisation or frost action can cause rapid surface loss.Special Issue: Stone decay hazards     

The effect of air pollution on stone decay: the decay of the Drachenfels trachyte in industrial, urban, and rural environments—a case study of the Cologne, Altenberg and Xanten cathedrals

Severe stone deterioration is evident at the Cologne cathedral. In particular, the “Drachenfels” trachyte, which was the building material of the medieval construction period, shows significant structural deterioration as well as massive formation of gypsum crusts. The present article investigates crust formation on limestone, sandstone, and volcanic rock from the Cologne cathedral as well as from the Xanten and Altenberg cathedrals. These three buildings, showing varying degrees of deterioration, are located in different areas and exposed to varying industrial, urban, and rural pollution. Thin laminar and black framboidal crusts form on calcareous as well as silicate stone. The lack of a significant intrinsic calcium and sulfur source for the formation of the gypsum crusts on the Drachenfels trachyte indicates major extrinsic environmental impact: a sufficient offer of SO _x from pollutant fluxes as well as external calcium sources (e.g., pollution, mortars, neighboring calcite stones). Chemical analyses reveal strong gypsum enrichment within the crusts as well as higher concentrations of lead and other pollutants (arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tin, etc.), which generally can be linked to traffic and industry. The formation of weathering crusts in an industrial environment is clearly distinguishable from that in rural areas. Scanning electron microscopy observations confirm that the total amount of pollution is less at the Altenberg cathedral than at the Cologne and Xanten cathedrals. XRF analyses show that the formation of gypsum occurs in lower amounts at Altenberg. This correlates well with the measured SO₂ content and the intensity of the decay at the different locations. Furthermore, the different types of crusts, e.g., framboidal and laminar, can be differentiated and assigned to the different locations. The black weathering crusts on the silicate Drachenfels trachyte contribute to the degradation of the historic building material. They enhance mechanical moisture-related deterioration processes and the decay by chemical corrosion of rock-forming minerals. Although SO₂ concentrations in air have shown a strong decrease over the past 30 years, degradation in connection with weathering crusts is still observed. This indicates that not only contemporary or recent emissions, but also past pollutant concentrations have to be considered.     

Black crusts on travertine: factors controlling development and stability

The travertine buildings of Budapest show extensive black crust formation, which is related to high concentration of atmospheric pollution and a continental climate. Laminar black crusts, framboidal black crusts and leached white surfaces are compared. Physical properties (Schmidt hammer rebound, Duroscope rebound), mineralogical composition and elemental composition are measured. Framboidal black crusts contain more than 50% of acicular gypsum. The crust surface displays idiomorphic rosette-like gypsum crystals with particulates, calcite and gypsum crystal aggregates. The sulphur isotopic composition of the black crusts pinpoints the involvement of rain and dust in crust formation. Thick framboidal black crust has the lowest strength while thin laminar black crust and white dissolved surfaces show minor decrease in surface strength compared to unaltered travertine. The crusts adhere to the travertine surface and rarely show mechanical decay forms that are typical features of porous limestone ashlars in Budapest.     

Palygorskite from cave sediments: case study from Wadi Haqil,United Arab Emirates

The x-ray powder diffraction identification of clay minerals both in bulk samples and in separated clay fraction confirmed the presence of palygorskite in samples of cave sediments from Wadi Haqil (the western slopes of Musandam Mountains; Ras Al-Khaimah Emirate, UAE). Samples contain quartz, gypsum, smectite, kaolinite, calcite, and palygorskite, some of them chlorite, illite, feldspars, and goethite. Calcite dominates in most samples; smectite prevails in clay fraction. After heating, the 001 reflection of chlorite shifts to higher diffraction angles and its intensity decreases; these features indicate that the chlorite represent a Fe-dominant species. Unit-cell dimensions of major phases as refined by the Rietveld method are in agreement with literature data. Chemical composition of palygorskite was derived from unit-cell dimensions as follows: MgO content is 11–14 wt% and Al₂O₃ 10–13 wt%. Clay mineralogy is only hard to ascertain from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images even after being combined with the energy-dispersive spectrometer data. The SEM was also used to characterize gypsum grains; they often display flow deformation features. Studied cave sediments represent palygorskite-bearing weathering products and desert soils re-deposited from the cave surroundings by slope processes and wind and/or surface runoff. The mixture with other clay minerals, quartz, feldspars, etc. supports this interpretation. Fine-grained quartz fraction is probably wind-blown. Gypsum and calcite are the precipitates (crusts and/or cements), although gypsum can also be re-deposited from omnipresent gypsum-cemented surface sediments.     

Origin and evolution of major salts in the Darling pans,Western Cape,South Africa

Sediment and water samples from 12 saline pans on the semi-arid west coast of South Africa were analysed to determine the origin of salts and geochemical evolution of water in the pans. Pans in the area can be subdivided into large, gypsiferous coastal pans with 79–150 g/kg total dissolved salt (TDS), small inland brackish to saline (2–64 g/kg TDS) pans and small inland brine (168-531 g/kg TDS) pans that have a layer of black sulphidic mud below a halite crust. The salinity of coastal pan waters varies with the seasonal influx of dilute runoff and dissolution of relict Pleistocene marine evaporite deposits. In contrast, inland pans are local topographic depressions, bordered on the north by downslope lunette dunes, where solutes are concentrated by evaporation of runoff, throughflow and groundwater seepage. The composition of runoff and seepage inflow waters is determined by modification of coastal rainfall by weathering, calcite precipitation and ion exchange reactions in the predominantly granitic catchment soils. Evaporation of pan waters leads to precipitation of calcite, Mg–calcite, dolomite, gypsum and halite in a distinct stratigraphic succession in pan sediments. Bicarbonate limits carbonate precipitation, Ca limits gypsum precipitation and Na limits halite precipitation. Dolomitisation of calcite is enhanced by the high Mg/Ca ratio of brine pan waters. Brine pan waters evolve seasonally from Na–Cl dominated brines in the wet winter months to Mg–Cl dominated brines in the dry summer months, when 5–20 cm thick halite crusts cover pan surfaces. Pan formation was probably initiated during a drier climate period in the early Holocene. More recent replacement of natural vegetation by cultivated land may have accelerated salt accumulation in the pans.     

广西桂林石灰土元素迁移特征及影响因素——以会仙峰丛谷地石灰土为例

碳酸盐岩的化学风化是岩溶关键带各圈层相互作用的主要形式,风化壳中蕴含重要气候环境和物质循环信息。通过对广西桂林会仙峰丛谷地石灰土的化学风化强度及元素迁移特征的研究,并与滇黔湘和青藏高原的岩溶风化壳的对比分析,结果表明:（1）会仙石灰土化学蚀变指数（CIA）均值为92.14,与贵州兴义岩溶风化壳相当,反映炎热潮湿气候下的强烈化学风化;白云岩风化壳CIA与灰岩风化壳相当,CIA值主要受“不溶物”含量的影响;地形上,从上坡到下坡,从坡地到谷地,垂向剖面从浅部到深部,碳酸盐岩风化壳的CIA值呈减小趋势;（2）包括会仙石灰土在内的中国南方碳酸盐岩风化壳的CIA值与纬度成负相关,青藏高原地区和北方地区碳酸盐岩风化壳的CIA值与纬度不存在相关性,可能受晚第三纪以来印度板块俯冲推挤,青藏高原地区构造抬升和夷平面变形的影响;（3）与硅酸盐风化壳、黄土剖面不同,碳酸盐岩风化壳CIA和Na/K（摩尔比值）不存在相关性,但CIA和K/Al（摩尔比值）则存在显著负相关,可采用K/Al来表征碳酸盐岩剖面的风化程度,其主要是受可溶成分的快速淋失影响;会仙石灰土、贵州兴义风化壳较其他风化壳更接近Al端,化学风化程度更高;（4）会仙石灰土的化学成分与中国其他地区碳酸盐岩风化壳基本一致,剖面上分布均匀;与上陆壳相比,Na、K、Ca、Mg表现为亏损,其他元素为富集;和下伏碳酸盐岩的稳定元素Ti相比,除了Cr、Fe、P、Al富集或不变外,其他元素都发生明显的迁移淋失;会仙风化壳元素的迁移性由强到弱为:Ca ? Mg ? B ? Na ? N ? Cd ? Zn ? As ? K ? Pb ? Si ? Mn ? Al ? Cr ? Fe ? P,高含量Ca、Mg的快速溶失对其他元素的迁移性有重要影响。      

发育完整的灰岩风化壳及其矿物学和地球化学特征

对于碳酸盐岩土覆土壤成因、尽管碳酸盐岩风化残积成土说被多数学者认同,但由于碳酸盐岩中酸不溶物含量极低,在风化成土过程中会伴随着巨大的体积缩小变化,原岩结构和半风化带无法保留,从而缺失了探索上覆土壤物质来源的重要中间环节,使得这种观点缺乏野外宏观证据的支持。最近,我们在贵州、湖南等地发现了数个以泥质灰岩和泥质白云岩为基岩的碳酸盐岩风化壳剖面,尚保留有较好的原岩结构,具有明显的风化壳分带和过渡现象。这些风化壳剖面的发现为深入研究碳酸盐岩风化成土过程提供了良好的研究场所。本文选取了较为典型的吉首泥灰岩风化壳剖面,从矿物学地球化学的角度来探讨碳酸盐岩风化壳的形成过程和发育特征,结果表明该风化壳既遵循非碳酸盐岩（主要是结晶岩类）风化壳的发育特征,也具有自己独特的地球化学演化规律。风化壳总体特点受碳酸盐中的酸不溶物矿物组合及化学成分的影响甚至控制,风化非碳酸盐风壳相似的发育特征。吉首泥灰岩风化壳剖面的发育特征和作者早先提出 的碳酸盐岩风化成土的两阶段模式是一致的,即以碳酸盐矿物大量淋失、酸不溶物逐渐堆积或残积为特征的早期阶段和残积物进一步风化成土的阶段,后一阶段的演化类似非碳酸盐岩类的风化过程。     

Structure, chemistry and origins of gypsum crusts in southern Tunisia and the central Namib Desert

Gypsum crusts are broadly defined as accumulations at or within about 10 m of the land surface from 0.10m to 5.0 m thick containing more than 15% by weight gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) and at least 5.0% by weight more gypsum than the underlying bedrock. The deposits are often, but not invariably, consolidated owing to cementation by gypsum. The crusts are found in many of the world's deserts where mean monthly potential evaporation exceeds mean monthly precipitation throughout the year. Using structural, fabric and textural criteria, three main types of crust may be distinguished:(1) bedded crusts, found either at or beneath the land surface, which are made up of discrete horizontal strata up to 0.10 m thick, each showing a gradation in gypsum crystal size from less than 50 μm at the top to more than 0.50 mm at the base; (2) subsurface crusts, of which there are two forms, one made up of large, lenticular crystals (up to 0.50 m in diameter)—the desert rose crusts—and the other, a mesocrystalline form, with gypsum crystals up to about 1.0 mm in diameter; and (3) surface crusts, which are subdivided into columnar, powdery and cobble forms, all of which are made up of predominantly alabastrine gypsum (crystallites less than 50 μm in diameter). In southern Tunisia and the central Namib Desert, bedded crusts are found around ephemeral lakes and lagoons. They are characterized by size-graded beds, gypsum contents of 50–80% by weight and comparatively high concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and iron. They are interpreted as shallow-water evaporites which accumulate when saline pools evaporate to dryness. Desert rose crusts or croûtes de nappe generally contain 50–70% by weight gypsum, and have higher sodium concentrations than the second subsurface form. Texturally they are characterized by poikilitic inclusion of clastic material within large lenticular crystals. They are interpreted as hydromorphic accretions, which precipitate in host sediments at near-surface water tables through the evaporation of groundwater. The second form of subsurface crust—the mesocrystalline—often occurs in close association with the various surface forms. Unlike the hydromorphic crusts, they are not restricted to low-lying terrain. They are characterized by gypsum contents reaching 90% by weight, and have a close chemical and textural similarity to columnar surface crusts. This mesocrystalline form represents an illuvial accumulation; the surface forms—excluding the bedded crusts—are exhumed examples at various stages of solutional degradation. Subsurface precipitation of gypsum from meteoric waters containing salts leached from the surface, results in displacive gypsum accumulation in the soil zone. In southern Tunisia, the gypsum is derived from sand and dust deflated from evaporitic basins; in the central Namib, salts dissolved in fog water are the most likely source. Where other salts are present, differential leaching may form two-tiered crusts, calcrete—gypsum or gypsum—halite, if rainfall is sufficient to mobilize the less soluble salt yet insufficient to flush the more soluble. Gypsum crust genesis is restricted to arid environments, and if their susceptibility to post-depositional alteration is acknowledged, they can provide valuable palaeoclimatic indicators.     

Major element geochemistry of purple soils/rocks in the red Sichuan Basin, China: implications of their diagenesis and pedogenesis

Major element compositions and chemical weathering features of the purple soils and their corresponding rocks in the Red Sichuan Basin, China were studied in this paper to infer the diagenetic features of the purple rocks and the pedogenetic features of the purple soils. The results showed that all of the rock and soil samples, except those from Yibin, have strongly similar major element compositions and the distribution patterns of their major element compositions are similar to those of the upper continental crust. Chemical index of alteration, chemical index of weathering and Na₂O/K₂O indicate that the purple soils and rocks have similar chemical weathering intensities, whereas the Al₂O₃–CaO* + Na₂O–K₂O (A–CN–K) relationship, suggests that chemical weathering was strong during diagenesis of the purple rocks, but weak during pedogenesis of the purple soils. Variations in major element compositions of the purplish rock samples, except that from Yibin, do not primarily reflect differences in compositions of the sediment source, sediment recycling and potassium metasomatism, and therefore the effects of chemical weathering on the major element compositions were mainly dependent on climate condition and the residence time of material exposed to chemical weathering. Chemical weathering of the purple rocks reached only moderate degrees under the general influence of warm and humid climate during Jurassic and Cretaceous. Warmer and more humid climate conditions partly resulted in stronger chemical weathering of rocks in the southern region of the basin than in the central and western region, whereas shorter residence time of material in upslope position partly resulted in weaker chemical weathering of rocks in the eastern region than in the central and western region. The same climate and stable tectonic setting led to comparable chemical weathering intensities of rocks in the Ziliujing and Jiaguan Formations. Gradually colder and dryer climate from Early Jurassic to Middle Jurassic then to Late Jurassic and shorter residence time in tectonically active setting of Middle Jurassic and late Late Jurassic resulted in the following order of chemical weathering intensity of the purple Jurassic rocks: Ziliujing Formation ? Shaximiao Formation ≈ Suining Formation > Penglaizhen Formation.     

Assessment of trace element contamination in soils around Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India

Concentrations of trace elements such as As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to agriculture and geogenic activities in Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India. This area is affected by the geogenic fluoride contamination. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Forty-four soil samples were collected from the agricultural field from the study area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. Soil samples were analyzed for trace elements using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Data revealed that soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Ba (370–1,710 mg/kg), Cr (8.7–543 mg/kg), Cu (7.7–96.6 mg/kg), Ni (5.4–168 mg/kg), Rb (29.6–223 mg/kg), Sr (134–438 mg/kg), Zr (141.2–8,232 mg/kg) and Zn (29–478 mg/kg). The concentration of other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high EFs for some trace elements obtained in soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides used for agricultural or may be due to natural geogenic processes in the area. Comparative study has been made with other soil-polluted heavy metal areas and its mobility in soil and groundwater has been discussed. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

张家界地区风化壳的性质与夷平面形成环境

通过野外考察、室内测试分析及区域对比,对张家界地区风化壳的性质与夷平面的形成环境进行探讨。地貌学、古岩溶、风化壳等特征综合验证了张家界地区夷平面的存在;风化壳化学特征及区域对比表明,夷平面形成于湿热的晚第三纪,其后形成剥夷面。夷平面上风化壳分层明显,自上而下分为腐殖土层、残积层、半风化基岩层和基岩层;化学分析表明风化壳具有粘土含量高、富铝化程度低的特点,湿热的夷平面环境使风化壳脱硅富铁铝作用较弱,形成硅铝风化壳。综合区域对比可知,张家界地区海拔为1 100~1 300 m的一级夷平面形成于晚第三纪湿热的环境;低于夷平面的砂岩平台组成剥夷面(800~950 m),大约形成于晚上新世到早更新世之间。     

岩溶地区缺失原岩残余结构红色风化壳的粒度分布特征及成因指示——以贵州平坝为例

选择和使用合适的示踪指标，是揭示岩溶地区红色风化壳物质来源的关键。粒度参数在古环境研究中被大家广泛采用，但是在风化壳物源示踪方面还是新的尝试，尤其在我国。本文选择贵州中部平坝县3个下伏基岩为白云岩的缺失原岩结构的红色风化壳剖面，通过基岩酸不溶物和 剖面的粒度分析，表明红色风化壳物质对下伏基岩有很好的继承性。粒度参数随剖面深度呈规律变化，揭示了标准残积风化壳的发育特征。     

Mechanism of fluoride enrichment in groundwater of hard rock aquifers in Medak,Telangana State,South India

A total of 194 groundwater samples were collected from wells in hard rock aquifers of the Medak district, South India, to assess the distribution of fluoride in groundwater and to determine whether this chemical constituent was likely to be causing adverse health effects on groundwater user in the region. The study revealed that the fluoride concentration in groundwater ranged between 0.2 and 7.4 mg/L with an average concentration of 2.7 mg/L. About 57% of groundwater tested has fluoride concentrations more than the maximum permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. The highest concentrations of fluoride were measured in groundwater in the north-eastern part of the Medak region especially in the Siddipeta, Chinnakodur, Nanganoor and Dubhaka regions. The areas are underlain by granites which contain fluoride-bearing minerals like apatite and biotite. Due to water–rock interactions, the fluoride has become enriched in groundwater due to the weathering and leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals. The pH and bicarbonate concentrations of the groundwater are varied from 6.6 to 8.8 and 18 to 527 mg/L, respectively. High fluoride concentration in the groundwater of the study area is observed when pH and the bicarbonate concentration are high. Data plotted in Gibbs diagram show that all groundwater samples fall under rock weathering dominance group with a trend towards the evaporation dominance category. An assessment of the chemical composition of groundwater reveals that most of the groundwater samples have compositions of Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl^? > Ca²⁺–Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? > Ca²⁺–HCO₃ ^? > Na⁺–HCO₃ ^?. This suggests that the characteristics of the groundwater flow regime, long residence time and the extent of groundwater interaction with rocks are the major factors that influence the concentration of fluoride. It is advised not to utilize the groundwater for drinking purpose in the areas delineated, and they should depend on alternate safe source.     

Fluoride pollution in soils and waters of Koohbanan region, southeastern Iran

Dental fluorosis occurs because of fluoride over-absorption during tooth calcification and maturation. We studied fluoride concentration in water and soil samples of the Koohbanan region in Kerman province of southeastern Iran and the effects of calcium chloride and gypsum treatments in decreasing the amount of fluoride in water samples of this region. The results indicate that the high amount of fluoride in the water samples of Koohbanan region is not in agreement with the recommended amount of fluoride concentration for drinking water by World Health Organization (that is 1–1/5 mg/l). Applying calcium chloride and gypsum treatments decreased the amount of fluoride in the water samples showing that utilizing calcium chloride (6 mg/l) or gypsum (12 mg/l) can lower the fluoride concentration in the water samples of Koohbanan, and thus solve the observed dental fluorosis problem.     

Hydrochemistry of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) for assessment of fluoride in Chinnaeru river basin,Nalgonda district, (AP) India

Hydrochemical studies were conducted in Chinnaeru river basin of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India, to explore the causes of high fluorides in groundwater and surface water causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in local population. The concentration of fluoride in groundwater ranges from 0.4 to 2.9 and 0.6 to 3.6 mg/l, stream water ranges from 0.9 to 3.5 and 1.4 to 3.2 mg/l, tank water ranges from 0.4 to 2.8 and 0.9 to 2.3 mg/l, for pre- and post-monsoon periods, respectively. The modified Piper diagram reflects that the water belongs to Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^? to Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? facies. Negative chloroalkali indices in both the seasons prove that ion exchange between Na⁺ and K⁺ in aquatic solution took place with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ of host rock. The interpretation of plots for different major ions and molar ratios suggest that weathering of silicate rocks and water–rock interaction is responsible for major ion chemistry of groundwater/surface water. High fluoride content in groundwater was attributed to continuous water–rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluorite bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evaporation conditions. The low calcium content in rocks and soils, and the presence of high levels of sodium bicarbonate are important factors favouring high levels of fluoride in waters. The basement rocks provide abundant mineral sources of fluoride in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite, mica and apatite.     

内蒙古二连盆地凝灰岩潜山多期风化壳形成及油气成藏效应

火山喷发的多期性是导致凝灰岩潜山纵向多期风化壳(带)发育的重要原因。从地球化学、测井响应特征和岩石学 证实了二连盆地凝灰岩潜山多期风化壳(带)的存在及其特征:(1)哈31井凝灰岩地层在1062~1080 m和1165~1179 m两 个井段表现为 K,Na,Ca 等元素淋滤,CIA 指数较大,而 Al,Fe,Mn,P 等元素相对富集,S/A 指数变小;(2)这两个层段 测井响应表现为风化壳的特征,而且其测井曲线在纵向上具旋回特征并有连井上的可对比性;(3)不同喷发期次形成的凝 灰岩结构、组分以及粒度不同。凝灰岩潜山多期风化壳(带)的存在对潜山油气藏的形成具有重要作用,成藏效应主要表 现在储集层垂向分带性、风化壳油藏(晚期风化壳中)和内幕油藏(早期风化壳中)纵向叠置和复式油气聚集成藏模式等 3 个方面。文中对多期凝灰岩古风化壳的认识扩展了火山岩潜山的勘探深度,为火山岩潜山内幕油气勘探提供了理论依据。     

Re–Os geochronology of the Cambrian stage-2 and -3 boundary in Zhijin County,Guizhou Province,China

The black shale series that formed in the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition are important stratigraphic records of the co-evolution of the paleo-ocean, -climate, and -biology. In this study, we measured Re–Os isotopic compositions of the black shale in the Niutitang Formation from the Gezhongwu section in Zhijin, Guizhou Province. The samples had high Re and Os contents, with Re ranging from 21.27 to 312.78 ng/g and Os ranging from 0.455 to 7.789 ng/g. The Re–Os isotope isochron age of 522.9 ± 8.6 Ma implies deposition of the Niutitang black shale predated the Chengjiang Fauna, providing an age constraint for the expansion of oceanic anoxia in the study area. The initial ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os ratio of 0.826 ± 0.026 indicates that enhanced continental weathering might have triggered the expansion of the oceanic anoxia.