An EFTEM/HRTEM high-resolution study of the near surface of labradorite feldspar altered at acid pH: evidence for interfacial dissolution-reprecipitation

Using an approach combining high-resolution and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM and EFTEM), we have studied with Å to nm-spatial resolution the interfacial region that delimits the near-surface altered zone and non-altered labradorite feldspar after dissolution under acid pH conditions. The interface is characterized by extremely sharp and spatially coincident changes in structure and chemistry. The 500-nm-thick altered zone is depleted in interstitial cations (Ca, Na, K) and Al, a framework element, whereas it is enriched in H, O, and Si. Modeling H⁺-alkali interdiffusion within a 500-nm-thick altered zone shows that volume interdiffusion cannot reproduce the sharp chemical interfaces measured by EFTEM. Based on these new data, we propose that the near-surface altered zone is a result of interfacial dissolution-reprecipitation, and not of preferential leaching of cations and interdiffusion with H⁺. This implies an intrinsic dissolution process that is stoichiometric, where the breaking of bonds and release of interstitial cations and framework elements (Al, Si, and O) to solution occur contemporaneously at equal relative rates from the original fluid–mineral interface.     

An XPS study of the dissolution kinetics of chrysotile in 0.1 N oxalic acid at different temperatures

The dissolution of chrysotile is studied in regard to the surfaces analysis by photoelectron spectrometry. After leaching of chrysotile (Provenance: Thetford; about 200 mg of fibers of 1 cm length) in nonstirred 0.1 N oxalic conditions, the composition of the mineral surfaces is determined by XPS; kinetic curves of dissolution are given in the range 22–80°C. Two conditions for the rate-limiting step are involved for the explanation of the dissolution: diffusion of Mg²⁺ through the fibrous gel or dissociation of chrysotile. By the former, some values of the diffusion coefficient are proposed: D varies from 5·10^?19 cm²s^?1 to 5·10^?16 cm²s^?1, in the range 22–80°C. By the second model, the leaching rate is estimated from 3 Å (22°C) per h to 250 Å (80°C) per h. For the 2 models, the activation heat energy is in the range 15–20 Kcal.     

Social acceptability of a marine protected area: The case of Reunion Island

This paper examines variations in social acceptability of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) prior to implementation. The influence of a number of factors, including socio-economic characteristics, perception of coral resources state of health and attitudes towards non-compliance with regulations are analysed. During May 2006, 640 questionnaires were distributed to school children around Reunion Island, Western Indian Ocean, for completion by their parents, following an informal educational activity made in school. From a 73% (n = 469) response rate, results showed that 78% of participants were in favour of the MPA. Analysis further identified that those supportive of the MPA were generally from higher socio-professional categories, had a negative perception of the coral reef ecosystem's health and were not originally from Reunion. In contrast, locals (born in Reunion) from lower socio-professional categories or with no employment activity and having a positive perception of the health status of coral reefs offered no opinion on the MPA. Attitudes towards enforcement and compliance highlighted that SCUBA divers, fishers and jet skiers attributed a higher value to the protection of the coral reef environment through enforcement of MPA regulations than to their own use of the coral reef resource. When asked about the use of penalties to deter non-compliance, swimmers were awarded the lowest fines, followed by SCUBA divers, fishers then jet skiers being awarded the highest fines. Thus, the more severe the act of non-compliance by a resource user group was perceived to be, the more these users themselves disapproved of non-compliant behaviour and supported use of high penalties. The survey design through focusing on school children's parents, demonstrated a simple and cost-effective method for data collection while providing environmental education, which could be employed in similar case studies elsewhere.     

Coastal environment assessment procedure for sustainable wastewater management in tropical islands: the Mayotte example

The recent evolution of the coastal environment is characterized by an increase of human potential impacts: coastal zone is located at the cross-road of sectoral issues which give rise to a number of often competing uses. Today, the main challenges in the coastal environment management are not derived from “technical problems” but correspond to the global coastal management and to the means to harmonize the different uses. This new approach has generated the need to apply systemic concepts which are able to describe and analyze large and complex systems. In the coastal zone — and especially in sensitive environments such as tropical island surrounded by coral reefs, lagoons or boat channels — one of the major challenges is to conciliate the waste waters and pipe outfalls management and the ecological preservation. The paper presents the results which have been obtained with a global approach for the definition of a sustainable wastewater management strategy in highly sensitive coastal areas located in Mayotte, (Comoros archip, Indian Ocean). This example allows to explain and identify the necessary tools and essential procedures as hydrodynamic modelling or public participation. From this application, a procedure for a coastal environment assessment procedure is formulated and proposed.     

Hydrotalcite-like solid solutions with variable SO 4 2− and CO 3 2− contents at 50° C

Hydrotalcite-like solid solutions have been synthesized by coprecipitation in basic solutions with variable SO ₄ ^2? /CO ₃ ^2? ratios. Chemical determination of CO ₃ ^2? in the interlayer was impossible because of the presence of minor hydromagnesite. SO ₄ ^2? was determined both by chemical analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the two methods giving similar results. A Raman spectrometry gave additional data on the SO ₄ ^2? /CO ₃ ^2? ratio. Then, the stoichiometry of the anionic interlayers, X _s , X _c , and X _OH were determined, and the influence of X _s on the c′ parameter (increasing from c′=7.97 Å to c′=8.63 Å between X _s =0 and X _s =1) was characterized. In addition, a partitioning curve of SO ₄ ^2? and CO ₃ ^2? between aqueous solutions and hydrotalcite-like compounds was established. Its general shape strongly suggests a miscibility gap between a sulfate-rich end and a carbonate-rich solid solution (maximum SO ₄ ^2? /CO ₃ ^2? about 0.2). This result explains why most of the hydrotalcites synthesized during experimental alteration of basaltic glasses by sea-water (a sulfate-rich solution) are CO ₃ ^2? -rich solid solutions.     

Characterization of site conditions (soil class,V<Subscript>S30</Subscript>, velocity profiles) for 33 stations from the French permanent accelerometric network (RAP) using surface-wave methods

Data provided by accelerometric networks are important for seismic hazard assessment. The correct use of accelerometric signals is conditioned by the station site metadata quality (i.e., soil class, V_S30, velocity profiles, and other relevant information that can help to quantify site effects). In France, the permanent accelerometric network consists of about 150 stations. Thirty-three of these stations in the southern half of France have been characterized, using surface-wave-based methods that allow derivation of velocity profiles from dispersion curves of surface waves. The computation of dispersion curves and their subsequent inversion in terms of shear-wave velocity profiles has allowed estimation of V_S30 values and designation of soil classes, which include the corresponding uncertainties. From a methodological point of view, this survey leads to the following recommendations: (1) perform both active (multi-analysis surface waves) and passive (ambient vibration arrays) measurements to derive dispersion curves in a broadband frequency range; (2) perform active acquisitions for both vertical (Rayleigh wave) and horizontal (Love wave) polarities. Even when the logistic contexts are sometimes difficult, the use of surface-wave-based methods is suitable for station-site characterization, even on rock sites. In comparison with previous studies that have mainly estimated V_S30 indirectly, the new values here are globally lower, but the EC8-A class sites remain numerous. However, even on rock sites, high frequency amplifications may affect accelerometric records, due to the shallow relatively softer layers.