Sediments of the Wala catchment and reservoir, Jordan: Geochemical analysis

Author(s):  
Esraa Tarawneh ◽  
Jonathan Bridge ◽  
Neil Macdonald

<p>This study reports data from field sampling of catchment and reservoir bed sediments undertaken in October 2013 in the Wala catchment, Jordan, and findings of geochemical analysis of the sediments. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between sediments from different locations within the catchment and those deposited within the reservoir. This is set within the overall context of an attempt to rationalise the use of modelling in a data-poor environment. Can targeted, limited acquisition of geochemical information within a logistically challenging environment add value to existing datasets in respect of ground truth for model predictions of sediment provenance within the catchment? Channel bed sediments were collected from sub-catchment outlets throughout the Wala catchment and shallow cores (c. 500 mm) extracted from three locations around the Wala reservoir. XRF and particle size analysis were performed on all samples and the data analysed in respect of mineralogical and pollutant geochemical signatures. Contrary to evidence from temperate lake studies, there was no strong record of discrete event-driven deposition at the Wala, likely due to reworking of sediments during high-flow recharge events following complete draw-down of the reservoir in the highly intermittent hydrological setting. Pollutant geochemistry shows variations consistent with patterns of land-use in the catchment, with levels of Pb, Co, Cu and Cr associated with urbanised regions in the north and west of the region. Sampled concentrations, particularly those of the reservoir sediments, are typically below thresholds for environmental health concern. However, combined with the modelled bias in flow and sediment inputs from this region (driven by asymmetric rainfall distribution), this emphasises a potential concern for future management of water quality and protection of groundwater during aquifer recharge.</p>

2014 ◽  
Vol 798-799 ◽  
pp. 33-38
Author(s):  
Zélia Maria Peixoto Chrispim ◽  
Maria da Gloria Alves ◽  
Luciana Lezira Pereira de Almeida ◽  
Jonas Alexandre ◽  
Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo ◽  
...  

Slip is a semifluid clayey type of material used in the ceramic industry for coating earthware products, such as bricks and tiles, thus providing distinct surface colors or patterns. In the present work a characterization was conducted to identify the mineralogical as well the chemical and physical properties of geological materials existing in the slip used by industries in the north region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The basic natural materials composing a slip, namely clay and kaolin, are responsible for changes not only the slip plasticity but also in its viscosity and adhesion to the surface of the ceramic piece. The slip characterization was performed in terms of particle size analysis, Atterberg limits and actual grain density. The chemical composition was obtained by X-ray fluorescence and the thermal properties by differential thermal analysis. The results indicated that marked differences exist between slip from distinct origins. A few slip samples failed to present the required properties.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 035-054
Author(s):  
Kombienou Pocoun Damè

This study addresses the specificities of soils in low-income countries. These infertile soils are characterized by low levels of agricultural productivity and the disappearance of long-term fallow, which is gradually giving way to shorter-term fallow and sedentary agriculture. The overall objective was to assess the physico-chemical characteristics of the soils of the Boukombe watersheds in the north-west of Atacora in Benin. Soil studies of 15 farm sites from which soils were sampled at the [0-20] cm horizon with 30 composite samples and statistical analyzes were performed. The results of particle size analysis showed predominance (68%) of a textural dimorphism with a sandy loam character and a relatively stable structure. The soils are generally acidic (pH ≤ 5), sodium in places and poor in Organic Matter (0.3%), particularly in the plateau. Mountain lands have soils richer in OM (4%), but poor in nitrogen with a content of between [0.02-0.14%], the C / N ratio at 3% lower than 12. The contents nutrients and minerals are accumulated at the bottom of slopes (2.23% carbon, 0.14% nitrogen) and at the top of slopes (14ppm of phosphorus) under Fonio. These soils remain in a fragile state, subjecting them to the process of intense erosion. The degradation, silting up and progressive acidification of soils constitute the main constraints of agricultural production, the solution of which is based on restoring their fertility by rehabilitating dikes and removing silt.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 434
Author(s):  
Emma L. Jackson ◽  
Nathan B. English ◽  
Andrew D. Irving ◽  
Andrew M. Symonds ◽  
Gordon Dwane ◽  
...  

Maintenance dredging for shipping channels is required to maintain safe and efficient navigational channels and berths in ports around the world. Sediment that refills dredged channels can enter ports via alluvial transport of eroded materials from upstream and adjacent catchments, from marine transport due to tidal currents and wind driven currents and from longshore drift. Identifying the provenance of sediment infilling navigational channels allows port operators to mitigate and manage sediment transport, potentially reducing dredging requirements and costs. Further, understanding sediment sources can inform options for beneficial reuse or disposal of dredged sediments. A multi-faceted approach was used to assess whether sediment provenance in the Port of Gladstone could be characterized. A combination of particle size analysis, rare earth element composition, carbon stable isotope ratios, strontium isotopes, and beryllium-7 radioisotopes was employed. Samples were collected at accumulation locations within the navigational channel. Potential sediment sources were sampled from sites of longshore drift to the south of the Port of Gladstone, and intertidal sand and mud representative of transport from currents. Fluvial sediment samples were collected during dry and wet season conditions and from the three main local catchments. Potential source sediment samples yielded identifiable differences with respect to rare earth elements, while beryllium-7 isotope analysis indicated recent deposition of sediments from mudflats or catchment within the channels. The approach used here provided insights into the source of recently deposited sediments to the dredged channels, enabling managers to make informed decisions on mitigation and management strategies.


2014 ◽  
Vol 634 ◽  
pp. 139-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana M. Matos ◽  
Telma Ramos ◽  
J. Sousa-Coutinho

Over the last decades, extensive research has been undertaken to minimize the use of Portland cement by increasing the amount of various supplementary cementing materials since currently global concrete production accounts for more than five percent of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. The granite cutting industry produces large amounts of wastes. Managing large amounts of sludge can be rather problematic for its producers, which must find appropriate places for storage and deposition. The experimental program carried out involved characterization of granite dust from a quarry in the north of Portugal, including chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser particle size analysis. Subsequently, mechanical and durability properties (alkali-silica reaction and resistance to penetration of chloride ions) were evaluated in mortar produced with different dosages of cement replacement, as well as, different levels of fineness of ground granite. It could be concluded that finely ground granite dust can originate a denser cement matrix and improve durability without compromising fresh behavior or strength.


Author(s):  
EL- Assal I. A. ◽  
Retnowati .

Objective of the present investigation was enthused by the possibility to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of hydrophilic drug acyclovir. Also study vitro and vivo drug delivery. Methods: Drug loaded SLNs (ACV-SLNs) were prepared by high pressure homogenization of aqueous surfactant solutions containing the drug-loaded lipids in the melted or in the solid state with formula optimization study (Different lipid concentration, drug loaded, homogenization / stirring speed and compritol 888ATO: drug ratio). ACV - SLN incorporated in cream base. The pH was evaluated and rheological study. Drug release was evaluated and compared with simple cream- drug, ACV – SLN with compritol 888ATO and marketed cream. The potential of SLN as the carrier for dermal delivery was studied. Results: Particle size analysis of SLNs prove small, smooth, spherical shape particle ranged from 150 to 200 nm for unloaded and from 330 to 444 nm for ACV loaded particles. The EE% for optimal formula is 72% with suitable pH for skin application. Rheological behavior is shear thinning and thixotropic. Release study proved controlled drug release for SLNs especially in formula containing compritol88 ATO. Stability study emphasized an insignificant change in SLNs properties over 6 month. In-vivo study showed significantly higher accumulation of ACV in stratum corneum, dermal layer, and receptor compartment compared with blank skin. Conclusion: AVC-loaded SLNs might be beneficial in controlling drug release, stable and improving dermal delivery of antiviral agent(s).


Circular ◽  
1985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence J. Poppe ◽  
A.H. Eliason ◽  
J.J. Fredericks

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