Influence of shape characteristics of talc mineral on the column flotation behavior

Column flotation, which is a very effective process in mineral processing especially for easily floatable minerals, is one of the most important new developments to emerge in mineral processing technology in the last years. In this study, the flotation behavior of talc products having different particle shapes produced by different grinding mills (ball and rod mill) was determined by using column flotation process. Shape characteristics of the particles were investigated by the two dimensional measuring technique based on the particle projections obtained from the SEM microphotographs using a COREL Draw 10.0 program. The results showed that particles possessing higher elongation and flatness properties were recovered better during column flotation, whilst roundness and relative width had a negative effect on the flotation behavior of the talc mineral studied. Consequently, as the shape of the particles produced by the mill deviated from the ideal sphere, their floatability was increased.     

江西滑石矿成矿条件及成因分析

通过对长丰、禾源两滑石特征的介绍，分析了滑石矿的成矿地质条件，探讨了该区滑石矿的成因类型。     

铁含量对滑石脱水动力学的影响及其地质意义

在常压下研究了2种不同铁含量滑石的原位X射线衍射高温脱水反应。选取粒径2~5μm的2种不同铁含量的滑石样品,在常压、空气氛围下进行了同步辐射原位X射线衍射脱水实验。实验结果表明,铁含量高的滑石脱水温度明显偏低,2个滑石样品在常压下发生明显脱水反应的温度相差达127℃以上。滑石在常压下的脱水动力机制为随机成核和生长机制,符合Avrami方程。将实验数据拟合Avrami方程得出:n=1.669。由实验结果可以推测,不同铁含量的滑石脱水深度可能有几十到上百千米的差别,研究铁含量与滑石脱水动力的相关性对于了解俯冲带浅-中源地震的成因机制具有重要意义。     

盐分对黏性土的沉积特性与表面电位影响研究

为了明晰黏土矿物和盐分浓度在沉积过程中所起的作用及物理机制,选取高岭土、膨润土及两者组成的混合土进行粒径分析试验、沉积试验和Zeta电位测试。结果显示,盐分环境下高岭土和膨润土的平均粒径增大,部分黏粒组向粉粒组转化。高岭土在蒸馏水环境下和盐水环境下,最终都形成土-水的稳定分界面,但是絮凝稳定时间在盐分环境下更短。膨润土在蒸馏水环境下处于稳定的分散体系中,在盐水环境下迅速絮凝沉积。混合土在蒸馏水环境下,上部澄清层和下部沉淀层之间存在土颗粒的悬浮层,且该层的高度最终稳定;盐水环境下,混合土则迅速的发生土水分离。随着NaCl浓度增加,膨润土和高岭土的Zeta电位绝对值降低,因此胶粒组的絮凝行为对平均粒径产生影响,进而影响其沉积特性。     

Effect of divalent cations on the kinetics of Fe(III) complexation by organic ligands in natural waters

We have investigated the kinetics of Fe(III) complexation by several organic ligands including fulvic acid, citrate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Particular attention was given to examination of the effect of competitive divalent cations (Me: Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) at concentrations typical of seawater on the complexation rate. All experiments were conducted in 0.5 M NaCl solution buffered with 2 mM bicarbonate at pH 8.0 in the absence and presence of Me (25 μM-250 mM). The rate constants of complex formation determined by using the competitive ligand (5-sulfosalicylic acid) method combined with visible spectrophotometry ranged from 3.3 × 10⁴ to 3.2 × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. The mechanism of complexation was then examined based on a kinetic model. When EDTA was used as a ligand, Me at concentrations comparable to the ligand markedly retarded the rate of iron complex formation due to the predominance of an adjunctive pathway (where iron-ligand complex is formed via direct association of iron to Me-ligand complex). In contrast, the competing effect of Me on iron complexation by citrate and fulvic acid was observed only when the Me concentration was in excess of the ligand by more than a factor of 10-1000. The kinetic model suggests that iron complexation by fulvic acid occurs predominantly via a disjunctive pathway (where iron complexation by ligand occurs after dissociation of Me from Me-ligand complex) at concentrations of divalent cations and natural organic matter typical of natural waters including seawater and freshwater.     

Effect of aluminum and chromium on the germination and growth of two Vigna species

The study deals with the effect of metal toxicity (aluminum, chromium and combination of both the metals) on seed germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length and dry biomass of Vigna radiata and V. sinensis. Chromium adversely affected the seedling by significantly reducing the growth whereas aluminum did not show such effect in both the species. Percentage of germination was good in both the species at different concentration of treatment (aluminum, chromium and combined treatment). Shoot length was also not much affected in V. sinensis as it was greatly inhibited in V. radiata. Both the species showed the purpling of stem. Dry biomass of V. radiata showed positive effect than V. sinensis. However, dry biomass decreased to a lesser extent when treated with aluminum, chromium and combined treatment as compared to control.     

Effect of aluminum and chromium on the growth and germination of mesquite (Prosopis juliflora swartz.) DC.

Prosopis seeds were grown under controlled environment in solution of aluminum and chromium at different concentration alone as well as combined together. The effect of these metals was studied on seed germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length and dry biomass. Aluminum and chromium alone, and combined together showed no effects on germination and dry biomass. Chromium alone was found toxic to root, shoot and seedling length. However, application of different concentrations of aluminum increased the root, shoot and seedling growth. It may be concluded that aluminum is not as toxic as chromium, and their combined treatment showed the intermediate effect by ameliorating the impact of one another.     

Effect of surface oxide/hydroxide products on the collectorless flotation of copper-activated sphalerite

The change in collectorless flotation of sphalerite with pH and Cu(II) concentration was correlated with the type and proportion of species present on the sphalerite surface. The solution and surface species were determined using a combination of analytical techniques including zeta potential measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An optimum copper concentration for maximum sphalerite flotation was identified, beyond which flotation decreased. This decrease in flotation coincided with the precipitation of copper hydroxide in neutral to mildly alkaline pH conditions. The hydrophobic polysulfide and hydrophilic copper hydroxide species were the main surface species influencing sphalerite flotation.     

Phytotoxic effect of aluminum and chromium on the germination and early growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties Anmol and Kiran

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic effect of aluminum and chromium on the germination and early growth of two wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties Anmol and Kiran. Seed were treated with 40, 80, 120 and 160 ppm of aluminum and chromium solution individually and in combined form. Observations were made on seed germination, root, shoot and seedling length, and dry biomass. Seed germination and dry biomass showed no effect of aluminum, chromium and combined treatment. Root, shoot and seedling length of both the varieties showed significant (P<0.05) decrease as compared to control. The growth was also reduced as the concentration of aluminum and chromium increased. Seedling length decreased in both the varieties at all the concentration of different treatment of aluminum, chromium and combined treatment. Attempts are being made in different laboratories to construct novel plants using genetic manipulation technologies that may have a greater tolerance to the presence of toxic metals. The results of the present study may help in understanding the mechanisms involved and their possible use in pytoremediation.     

Effect of oxidation potential and zinc sulphate on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite

The effects of oxidation potential (Eh) and zinc sulphate on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite were investigated at pH 9.0. The flotation recovery of these minerals is Eh dependent with maximum separation obtained at 275 mV SHE. Zinc sulphate addition improved this mineral separation at an Eh value of 275 mV by selectively depressing pyrite flotation. A different result was obtained at lower Eh values where zinc sulphate addition improved chalcopyrite flotation but had no or little effect on pyrite flotation. These opposite effects of zinc sulphate on mineral flotation were reconciled by examining the surface species of these minerals. The selective depression of pyrite flotation by zinc sulphate was also confirmed in the flotation of two copper ores.     

液液萃取对邻苯二甲酸酯单体稳定碳同位素比值分馏的影响初探

邻苯二甲酸酯(PAEs)是地下水中主要的有机污染物,其单体的稳定碳同位素比值变化特征有望作为其溯源与过程示踪的依据,为更好地控制其对环境的污染提供可靠的信息.研究表明,在样品前处理过程中涉及一些物理变化过程,有机污染物的稳定碳同位素分馏效应不明显.本文应用液液萃取对样品进行前处理,气相色谱-同位素比值质谱联用法( GC - IRMS)测定地下水中5种邻苯二甲酸酯单体,包括邻苯二甲酸二甲酯(DMP)、邻苯二甲酸二乙酯(DEP)、邻苯二甲酸二丁酯(DBP)、邻苯二甲酸二(2-乙基己基)酯(DEHP)、邻苯二甲酸二异丁酯(DIBP)的稳定碳同位素比值,探讨PAEs在液液萃取过程中5种单体稳定碳同位素比值分馏情况.分析结果表明,萃取前后PAEs的碳同位素比值没有显著的变化,说明液液萃取可以作为GC - IRMS测定邻苯二甲酸酯单体稳定碳同位素比值的前期预处理方法.     

环境中典型植物生长调节剂分析测试技术研究进展

近年来,植物生长调节剂被广泛应用于农业领域,主要有加速或延缓种子萌发、打破植物休眠、刺激或减少芽伸长、诱导开花结果以及影响衰老过程等功效,对植物的生长有着重要作用。但是,由于其施用量不断增加,导致植物生长调节剂在环境介质中被多次检出,且经过一系列环境行为产生的中间产物可能具有更强的毒性,严重威胁环境安全乃至人体健康。通过总结植物生长调节剂分析测试相关国内外研究文献发现,果蔬、肥料和土壤等固态基质样品的前处理多采用固相萃取方法,而水体、食用油和营养液等液态基质样品的前处理则多以液液萃取方法为主。同时,大多数植物生长调节剂的辛醇水分配系数在0~4之间,具有极强的亲水性,而高效液相色谱-串联质谱法(HPLC-MS/MS)具有较低检出限和较高准确度等优点,使其成为目前使用最多的植物生长调节剂分析测试技术。其次,部分植物生长调节剂沸点低、易挥发,也可以采用气相色谱法或气相色谱-质谱联用法(GC-MS)进行检测。几种常用分析测试技术检出限的大小顺序大致为：气相色谱法>液相色谱法>色谱-质谱联用法,其中,色谱-质谱联用法的仪器检出限可低至10-5mg/kg。但是,由于大部分植物生长调节剂溶解度高、自然衰减速率快,导致其在土壤和水体等复杂环境基质中的检出浓度偏低,关于土壤和水体中痕量植物生长调节剂及其中间产物的分析测试问题仍亟待解决。未来,相关研究应聚焦于植物生长调节剂中间产物的分析测试,并开发基于新材料、新技术的植物生长调节剂分析测试方法。     

Ab initio quantum-mechanical modeling of pyrophyllite [Al2Si4O10(OH)2] and talc [Mg3Si4O10(OH)2] surfaces

Bulk and slab geometry optimizations and calculations of the electrostatic potential at the surface of both pyrophyllite [Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂] and talc [Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂] were performed at Hartree–Fock and DFT level. In both pyrophyllite and talc cases, a modest (001) surface relaxation was observed, and the surface preserves the structural features of the crystal: in the case of pyrophyllite the tetrahedral and octahedral sheets are strongly distorted with respect to the ideal hexagonal symmetry (and basal oxygen are located at different heights along the direction normal to the basal plane), whereas the structure of talc deviates slightly from the ideal hexagonal symmetry (almost co-planar basal oxygen). The calculated distortions are fully consistent with those experimentally observed. Although the potentials at the surface of pyrophyllite and talc are of the same order of magnitude, large topological differences were observed, which could possibly be ascribed to the differences between the surface structures of the two minerals. Negative values of the potential are located above the basal oxygen and at the center of the tetrahedral ring; above silicon the potential is always positive. The value of the potential minimum above the center of the tetrahedral ring of pyrophyllite is ?0.05 V (at 2 Å from the surface), whereas in the case of talc the minimum is ?0.01 V, at 2.7 Å. In the case of pyrophyllite the minimum of potential above the higher basal oxygen is located at 1.1 Å and it has a value of ?1.25 V, whereas above the lower oxygen the value of the potential at the minimum is ?0.2 V, at 1.25 Å; the talc exhibits a minimum of ?0.75 V at 1.2 Å, above the basal oxygen.     

Effect of phosphate, silicate, and Ca on the morphology, structure and elemental composition of Fe(III)-precipitates formed in aerated Fe(II) and As(III) containing water

We investigated Fe(III)-precipitates formed from Fe(II) oxidation in water at pH 7 as a function of dissolved Fe(II), As(III), phosphate, and silicate in the absence and presence of Ca. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to characterize the morphology, structure and elemental composition of the precipitates. Results from our companion X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) study suggested that the oxidation of Fe(II) leads to the sequential formation of distinct polymeric units in the following order: Fe(III)-phosphate oligomers in the presence of phosphate, silicate-rich hydrous ferric oxide (HFO-Si) at high Si/Fe (>0.5) or 2-line ferrihydrite (2L-Fh) at lower Si/Fe (∼0.1-0.5), and lepidocrocite (Lp) in the absence of phosphate at low Si/Fe (<0.1). Results from this study show that the size of the polymeric units increased along the same sequence and that the aggregation of these polymeric units resulted in spherical particles with characteristic surface textures changing from smooth to coarse. The diameter of the spherical particles increased from 15 to 380 nm as the molar ratio (P + Si + As)/Fe(II) in the starting solution decreased and larger spherical particles precipitated from Ca-containing than from Ca-free solutions. These trends suggested that the size of the spherical particles was controlled by the charge of the polymeric units. Spherical particles coagulated into flocs whose size was larger in the presence than in the absence of Ca. Further observations pointed to the importance of Fe(II) oxidation and polymerization versus polymer aggregation and floc formation kinetics in controlling the spatial arrangement of the different polymeric units within Fe(III)-precipitates. The resulting structural and compositional heterogeneity of short-range-ordered Fe(III)-precipitates likely affects their colloidal stability and their chemical reactivity and needs to be considered when addressing the fate of co-transformed trace elements such as arsenic.     

Effect of humic acid on the pH-dependent adsorption of terbium (III) onto geological materials

Mobilization of actinides by interaction with humic colloids in aquifers is essentially determined by the geochemical conditions. In this study, the pH dependence of the influence of humic acid on metal adsorption on a variety of geological solids (kaolinite, phyllite, diabase, granite, sand) was investigated for Tb(III) as an analogue of trivalent actinides, using ¹⁶⁰Tb as a radiotracer. Humic material was radiolabelled with ¹³¹I to allow experiments at low DOC concentrations, as encountered in subsurface systems in the far-field of a nuclear waste repository. For all solids, a changeover from mobilization to demobilization is observed on acidification. Except for phyllite, the reversal occurs at slightly acidic pH values, and is thus relevant in respect of risk assessments. A composite distribution model was employed to reproduce the changeover on the basis of the underlying constituent processes. For this purpose, humate complexation of Tb(III) and adsorption of humic acid as a function of pH were investigated as well. Although the ternary systems cannot be constructed quantitatively by combining the binary subsystems, the relevant interdependences are adequately described by the composite approach. For a more general discussion in view of the diversity of natural organic colloids, adsorption isotherms of various humic and fulvic acids on sand were compared.     

Control of Fe(III) site occupancy on the rate and extent of microbial reduction of Fe(III) in nontronite

A quantitative study was performed to understand how Fe(III) site occupancy controls Fe(III) bioreduction in nontronite by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32. NAu-1 and NAu-2 were nontronites and contained Fe(III) in different structural sites with 16 and 23% total iron (w/w), respectively, with almost all iron as Fe(III). Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that Fe(III) was present in the octahedral site in NAu-1 (with a small amount of goethite), but in both the tetrahedral and the octahedral sites in NAu-2. Mössbauer data further showed that the octahedral Fe(III) in NAu-2 existed in at least two environments- trans (M1) and cis (M2) sites. The microbial Fe(III) reduction in NAu-1 and NAu-2 was studied in batch cultures at a nontronite concentration of 5 mg/mL in bicarbonate buffer with lactate as the electron donor. The unreduced and bioreduced nontronites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the presence of an electron shuttle, anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS), the extent of bioreduction was 11%-16% for NAu-1 but 28%-32% for NAu-2. The extent of reduction in the absence of AQDS was only 5%-7% for NAu-1 but 14%-18% for NAu-2. The control experiments with heat killed cells and without cells did not show any appreciable reduction (<2%). The extent of reduction in experiments performed with a dialysis membrane to separate cells from clays (without AQDS) was 2%-3% for NAu-1 but 5%-7% for NAu-2, suggesting that cells probably released an electron shuttling compound and/or Fe(III) chelator. The reduction rate was also faster in NAu-2 than that in NAu-1. Mössbauer data of the bioreduced nontronite materials indicated that the Fe(III) reduction in NAu-1 was mostly from the presence of goethite, whereas the reduction in NAu-2 was due to the presence of the tetrahedral and trans-octahedral Fe(III) in the structure. The measured aqueous Fe(II) was negligible. As a result of bioreduction, the average nontronite particle thickness remained nearly the same (from 2.1 to 2.5 nm) for NAu-1, but decreased significantly from 6 to 3.5 nm for NAu-2 with a concomitant change in crystal size distribution. The decrease in crystal size suggests reductive dissolution of nontronite NAu-2, which was supported by aqueous solution chemistry (i.e., aqueous Si). These data suggest that the more extensive Fe(III) bioreduction in NAu-2 was due to the presence of the tetrahedral and the trans-octahedral Fe(III), which was presumed to be more reducible. The biogenic Fe(II) was not associated with biogenic solids or in the aqueous solution. We infer that it may be either adsorbed onto surfaces of nontronite particles/bacteria or in the structure of nontronite. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that natural nontronite clays were capable of supporting cell growth even in medium without added nutrients, possibly due to presence of naturally existing nutrients in the nontronite clays. These results suggest that crystal chemical environment of Fe(III) is an important determinant in controlling the rate and extent of microbial reduction of Fe(III) in nontronite.     

Effect of phosphate, silicate, and Ca on Fe(III)-precipitates formed in aerated Fe(II)- and As(III)-containing water studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

We studied the local coordination and structure of Fe(III)-precipitates formed in aerated Fe(II)- and As(III)-containing water (buffered to pH 7 by 8 mM bicarbonate) using synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the K-edges of Fe, P, Ca, and As. Dissolved phosphate, silicate, and Ca at different ratios relative to each other and to Fe affect the forming Fe(III)-phases in a complex manner. The high affinity of phosphate for Fe(III) results in the predominant precipitation of Fe(III)-phosphate as long as dissolved phosphate is present, with Fe(III) polymerization limited to small oligomers. In Ca-containing solution, Ca uptake by Fe(III)-Ca-phosphate involves the linkage and coagulation of negatively charged Fe(III)-phosphate oligomers via Ca-O-P bonds. In the absence of phosphate, dissolved silicate at Si/Fe ratios above ∼0.5 results in the formation of hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) with mainly edge-sharing Fe-Fe linkage. At lower Si/Fe ratios of ∼0.5-0.1, mainly 2-line ferrihydrite (2L-Fh) with both edge- and corner-sharing Fe-Fe linkage forms. Only in the absence of phosphate at low Si/Fe ratio, lepidocrocite (Lp) forms. In solutions containing sufficient Fe(II), aeration results in the sequential precipitation of Fe(III)-(Ca-)phosphate, HFO or 2L-Fh (depending on solution Si/Fe), and finally Lp. The amount and oxidation state of As co-precipitated with Fe(III) are controlled by the co-oxidation of As(III) with Fe(II), which increases with initial Fe/As ratio, and the competitive uptake of phosphate, As(V) and less strongly sorbing silicate and As(III). This study demonstrates that the diversity and sequence of short-range-ordered Fe(III)-precipitates forming by Fe(II) oxidation in near-neutral natural waters depend on water chemistry. Because differences in the colloidal stability and biogeochemical reactivity of these phases will affect the fate of associated major and trace elements, the different Fe(III)-precipitates and their specific biogeochemical properties must be taken into account when addressing nutrient and contaminant dynamics at redox boundaries in natural and engineered systems.     

The effect of isosaccharinic acid and gluconic acid on the retention of Eu(III), Am(III) and Th(IV) by calcite

Calcite is an important component of many potential host rocks currently under consideration for the disposal of radioactive wastes. Even in the chemically disturbed zone formed around a cementitious repository, this mineral remains largely unaffected by the hyper-alkaline waters migrating out of the near field. Thus, due to its abundance and geochemical stability, calcite could play an important role in the retardation of radionuclides released from a repository for nuclear wastes. Actinides are an important class of elements present in almost all radioactive waste streams, and for this reason, investigations of their retention behaviour under representative chemical conditions are particularly relevant to assessing safe disposal in the long term. Organic ligands originating from the degradation of cellulosic materials in the repository or present as cement additives could possibly reduce the retardation of tri- and tetravalent actinides due to the formation of stable metal–ligand complexes in solution. In this study, isosaccharinic acid (ISA) and gluconic acid (GLU) have been taken as representatives of cellulose degradation products and concrete admixtures, respectively. Batch-type sorption experiments have been conducted to investigate the effect of ISA and GLU on the retardation of ¹⁵²Eu, ²⁴¹Am and ²²⁸Th by calcite. ¹⁵²Eu and ²⁴¹Am are representatives of the trivalent lanthanides and actinides, respectively, and ²²⁸Th is a representative of the tetravalent actinides.High ISA and GLU concentrations in solution were found to significantly affect the sorption of the radionuclides. R_d values for Eu(III) and Am(III) decreased significantly at ISA concentrations above 10⁻⁵ M and at GLU concentrations above 10⁻⁷ M. The critical concentration limits were similar for Th(IV), that is 2 × 10⁻⁵ M in the case of ISA and 10⁻⁶ M in the case of GLU. The effects of ISA and GLU on the immobilisation of Eu(III), Am(III) and Th(IV) were interpreted in terms of complex formation in solution. In the case of Eu(III) and Am(III) in ACW, the metal–ligand complexes were found to have a 1:1 stoichiometry. Complexation constants of these aqueous ISA and GLU complexes with Eu(III) and Am(III) were determined and discussed in connection with the presently unclear situation concerning the stability constant of the $\mathrm{Eu}(\mathrm{OH}{)}_3^0$ species. In the case of Th(IV) in ACW, it was assumed that a Th(IV)–ISA–Ca complex and a Th(IV)–GLU–Ca complex are formed, both having a 1:2:1 stoichiometry. The complexation constants of these complexes were determined and compared with the literature data.Assuming maximum concentrations for ISA and GLU in the pore water of the disturbed zone of a cementitious repository based on representative near-field conditions ([ISA]_aq = 3 × 10⁻⁶ M, [GLU]_aq = 10⁻⁷ M), it is predicted that the formation of aqueous ISA and GLU complexes would not significantly affect Eu(III), Am(III) and Th(IV) sorption on calcite.     

零价铁去除Cr（Ⅵ）的批实验研究

零价铁去除Cr(Ⅵ)的一系列批实验结果表明：水溶液中发生的氧化还原反应符合准一级反应；对于相同粒度的铁屑(比表面积2．89m^2／g)，固液比由05g／100mL增加到2．0g／100mL，Cr(Ⅵ)质量浓度达到排放标准所需反应时间从26．7min降为3．6min；在固液比相同、原水中Cr(Ⅵ)质量浓度不超过30mg／L时，原水质量浓度增大，达到饮用水标准的反应时间增加；其他条件相同，升高温度可提高零价铁与Cr(Ⅵ)的反应速率。     

北京地区某基坑边坡支护变形分析及建议

通过北京地区某基坑开挖工程中的变形情况,分析该工程基坑边坡变形的根本原因,同时通过该工程的情况,反思在岩土工程设计及施工过程中遇见该类饱和的细颗粒地层时应当注意的事项,最后对在此类地层中施工时的一些难点提出了解决方法。