Adsorption of metal ions on bed sediments

Abstract

The adsorption of lead and zinc ions on bed sediments of the River Kali in western Uttar Pradesh, India, has been studied. The role of the coarser sediment fraction (210–250 μm) in controlling metal pollution has been elucidated and compared to those of the clay and silt fractions. The parameters controlling metal uptake, viz., solution pH, sediment dose, contact time, and particle size have been evaluated. The optimum contact time needed to reach equilibrium is of the order of 45 min for both the metal ions. The extent of adsorption increases with an increase of pH. Furthermore, the adsorption of the metal ions increases with increasing adsorbent doses and decreases with adsorbent particle size. The two geochemical phases of iron and manganese oxide act as the active support material for the adsorption of the metal ions.     

CONTRIBUTION TO SIGNAL BY ELEMENTS OF THIN VERTICAL CONDUCTING VEIN IN DIPOLAR EM SYSTEMS*

As an extension of the eddy current pattern computed by Koefoed and Kegge (1968) for a thin vertical infinitely-conducting half-plate in presence of oscillating magnetic dipoles, this paper computes the contribution to the (electro-) magnetic anomaly at the receiver by each element of the vein separately. Twelve contour diagrams for such elemental contributions are presented as samples. Two points of general interest stand out: (1) The contributions from different portions of the vein are not all of one sign; the contribution from one part may cancel that from another; and (2) The portion of the vein nearest to the transmitter-receiver system does not necessarily make the largest contribution to the total measured signal.     

SOME RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS FOR LOCATION OF ANCIENT GOLD WORKINGS,KOLAR, INDIA *

On an experimental basis, observations were made with various geophysical methods to locate the ancient gold workings in Kolar Gold Fields, Kolar, India. The results of experimental surveys indicated that two-electrode resistivity surveys with two spacings followed by limited trenching would be able to locate about 70 percent of the ancient workings, at 55-60 percent of the cost of conventional trenching.     

GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING FOR BARITE *

A case history is presented for the exploration of barite with the electrical resistivity method. Altogether eight locations were recommended out of which six correspond to barite bodies. In the present case the gravity method, which is commonly used for the location of barite because of its high density contrast with the host rocks, has failed, perhaps due to small size of the ore bodies.     

THEORETICAL BROADSIDE RESISTIVITY PROFILES OVER AN OUTCROPPING DYKE

Theoretical broadside resistivity profiles over an outcropping dyke of infinite depth extent with three Wenner configurations (namely Alpha, Beta and Gamma), Schlumberger, and two-electrode configurations of various electrode spacings and for various reflection factors are presented. The broadside profiles qualitatively indicate that the shape of the anomaly is invariant with the electrode configurations. The various electrode configurations can be arranged in decreasing order of magnitude of anomalies as Beta Wenner, Alpha Wenner, Schlumberger, Gamma Wenner, and two-electrode. The broadside Wenner profiles also show larger anomalies compared to those in inline profiles.     

Estimation of temporal variation of sediment yield using GIS / Estimation de la variation temporelle de l'exportation sédimentaire grâce à un SIG

Abstract

A GIS-based method is proposed for computation of temporal variation of sediment yield during isolated storm events. Data from three Indian catchments, namely Karso and Nagwa in Jharkhand and Kharkari in Rajasthan, have been used. The Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) GIS package was used for (a) catchment discretization into cell areas using grid networks, (b) evaluation of the spatial variation in catchment topographical characteristics and land use, and (c) presentation of the results obtained. The process of sediment delivery from grid cells to the catchment outlet is represented by the topographical characteristics of the cells. Unit sediment graphs for the catchments are derived by translation of the sediment yield from the grid cells and routing through a linear storage reservoir. The proposed method is found to provide satisfactory estimates of the temporal variation of sediment yield during isolated storm events. The total sediment yield of a storm event may also be computed using the proposed method.     

Depositional environments of the Senonian chert, phosphorite and oil shale sequence in Israel as deduced from their organic matter composition

In the Upper Cretaceous sequence of the Negev (southern Israel) the organic matter in phosphorites and cherts differs from that associated with oil shales in its higher content of humic substances and lower kerogen content, and in its more intensive microbial alteration. The n-alkane distribution pattern of the oil shales, phosphorites and cherts indicates that marine biota, probably algae, are the main organic precursors of their organic matter. In some of the oil shales, however, some contribution of terrestrial organic matter is also evident. Similar high phytane/pristane ratios indicate that the organic matter in the oil shales as well as in the phosphorites and cherts accumulated under reducing conditions. The main differences in the organic matter composition are attributed to early diagenetic processes rather than to different biotic precursors or to late modifications due to temperature-induced maturation. The depositional model suggested for the sequence involves upwelling conditions at the boundary between the deep Tethys and the shallow shelf, which induced high organic productivity deep into the inner shelf. Bottom water circulation enabled intensive microbial alteration of the organic matter, followed by a winnowing process leading to phosphorite formation. Since humification is considered an oxygen-consuming reaction, these processes favoured the formation of oxygen-enriched humic substances and the oxidation of humic substances already present. These humic substances are relatively resistant to further alteration and their conversion into kerogen is thus retarded. Subsequently, syndepositional tectonic activity resulted in the introduction of less saline water, restriction of bottom-water circulation and the establishment of a density stratification in the water body. Consequently, aeration of the bottom layer and the sediments was inhibited, microbial alteration was reduced and later winnowing processes were prevented. Such conditions favoured the formation of kerogen directly, rather than through humic substances, and also favoured the preservation of most of the organic matter in the form of oil shale deposits instead of phosphorites.     

The Petrogenesis of A-type Magmas from the Amram Massif, Southern Israel

The (     

Trend analysis and change point detection of annual and seasonal precipitation and temperature series over southwest Iran

This paper presents results of trend analysis and change point detection of annual and seasonal precipitation, and mean temperature (TM), maximum temperature (TMAX) and minimum temperature (TMIN) time series of the period 1950–2007. Investigations were carried out for 50 precipitation stations and 39 temperature stations located in southwest Iran. Three statistical tests including Pettitt’s test, Sequential Mann–Kendall test (SQ-MK test) and Mann–Kendall rank test (MK-test) were used for the analysis. The results obtained for precipitation series indicated that most stations showed insignificant trends in annual and seasonal series. Out of the stations which showed significant trends, highest numbers were observed during winter season while no significant trends were detected in summer precipitation. Moreover, no decreasing significant trends were detected by statistical tests in annual and seasonal precipitation series. The analysis of temperature trends revealed a significant increase during summer and spring seasons. TMAX was more stable than TMIN and TM, and winter was stable compared to summer, spring and autumn seasons. The results of change point detection indicated that most of the positive significant mutation points in TM, TMAX and TMIN began in the 1990s.     

Assessing the vulnerability to soil erosion of the Ukai Dam catchments using remote sensing and GIS

Abstract

The investigation of basins for planning soil conservation requires a selective approach to identify smaller hydrological units, which would be suitable for more efficient and targeted conservation management programmes. One criterion, generally used to determine the vulnerability of catchments to erosion, is the sediment yield of a basin. In India, sediment yield data are generally not collected for smaller sub-catchments and it becomes difficult to identify the most vulnerable areas for erosion that can be treated on a priority basis. An index-based approach, based on the surface factors mainly responsible for soil erosion, is suggested in this study. These factors include soil type, vegetation, slope and various catchment properties such as drainage density, form factor, etc. The method is illustrated with a case study of sub-catchments immediately upstream of the Ukai Reservoir located on the River Tapi in Gujarat State, India. The area is divided into 16 watersheds and different soil, vegetation, topography and morphology-related parameters are estimated separately for each watershed. Satellite data are used to evaluate the soil and vegetation indices, while a GIS system is used to evaluate the topography and morphology-related indices. The integrated effect of all the parameters is evaluated to find different areas vulnerable to soil erosion. Two watersheds were identified as being most susceptible to soil erosion. Based on the integrated index, a priority rating of the watersheds for soil conservation planning is recommended.