The current state of hydrochemical indicators of Lake Kenon– the cooling reservoir of the TPP

A characteristic is given of the current hydrochemical state of the water of Lake Kenon, which is used as a reservoir - a cooler for the Chita TPP. For over 50-years of operation of the station located on its shore, under the conditions of anthropogenic impact, there has been a sharp change in the chemical type of the lakeʼs water. Currently, the predominant anion is the sulfate ion. Above the MPC standard for water of water bodies of fishery significance are the content of magnesium and sulfates and the trace elements: fluorine, vanadium, strontium, molybdenum, copper, tungsten. The concentrations of boron, lithium, bromine are relatively increased, in some samples - iron, manganese, aluminum and barium.

On Concept of Hybrid in Colloid Sciences

The concepts hybrid and hybridization are common in many scientific fields, as in the taxonomic parts of botany and zoology, in modern genetic, and in the quantum–mechanical theory of atomic–molecular orbitals, which are of foremost relevance in most aspects of modern chemistry. Years later, scientists applied the concept hybrid to colloids, if the particles’ domains are endowed with functionalities differing each from the other in nature and/or composition. For such denomination to be fully valid, the domains belonging to a given hybrid must be recognizable each from another in terms of some intrinsic features. Thus, the concept applies to particles where a given domain has its own physical state, functionality, or composition. Literature examples in this regard are many. Different domains that are present in hybrid colloids self-organize, self-sustain, and self-help, according to the constraints dictated by kinetic and/or thermodynamic stability rules. Covalent, or non-covalent, bonds ensure the formation of such entities, retaining the properties of a given family, in addition to those of the other, and, sometimes, new ones. The real meaning of this behavior is the same as in zoology; mules are pertinent examples, since they retain some features of their own parents (i.e., horses and donkeys) but also exhibit completely new ones, such as the loss of fertility. In colloid sciences, the concept hybrid refers to composites with cores of a given chemical type and surfaces covered by moieties differing in nature, or physical state. This is the result of a mimicry resembling the ones met in a lot of biological systems and foods, too. Many combinations may occur. Silica nanoparticles on which polymers/biopolymers are surface-bound (irrespective of whether binding is covalent or not) are pertinent examples. Here, efforts are made to render clear the concept, which is at the basis of many applications in the biomedical field, and not only. After a historical background and on some features of the species taking part to the formation of hybrids, we report on selected cases met in modern formulations of mixed, and sometimes multifunctional, colloid entities.

Chapter 2.1b Ferrar Large Igneous Province: petrology

The Lower Jurassic Ferrar Large Igneous Province consists predominantly of intrusive rocks, which crop out over a distance of 3500 km. In comparison, extrusive rocks are more restricted geographically. Geochemically, the province is divided into the Mount Fazio Chemical Type, forming more than 99% of the exposed province, and the Scarab Peak Chemical Type, which in the Ross Sea sector is restricted to the uppermost lava. The former exhibits a range of compositions (SiO2 = 52–59%; MgO = 9.2–2.6%; Zr = 60–175 ppm; Sri = 0.7081–0.7138; εNd = −6.0 to −3.8), whereas the latter has a restricted composition (SiO2 = c. 58%; MgO = c. 2.3%; Zr = c. 230 ppm; Sri = 0.7090–0.7097; εNd = −4.4 to −4.1). Both chemical types are characterized by enriched initial isotope compositions of neodymium and strontium, low abundances of high field strength elements, and crust-like trace element patterns. The most basic rocks, olivine-bearing dolerites, indicate that these geochemical characteristics were inherited from a mantle source modified by subduction processes, possibly the incorporation of sediment. In one model, magmas were derived from a linear source having multiple sites of generation each of which evolved to yield, in sum, the province-wide coherent geochemistry. The preferred interpretation is that the remarkably coherent geochemistry and short duration of emplacement demonstrate derivation from a single source inferred to have been located in the proto-Weddell Sea region. The spatial variation in geochemical characteristics of the lavas suggests distinct magma batches erupted at the surface, whereas no clear geographical pattern is evident for intrusive rocks.

Occurrence of Botryococcus terribilis Komárek & Marvan in a small sandpit lake: The first report from Serbia

Alkaline saline ponds and lakes are habitats with unique biodiversity. The green alga of the genus Botryococcus was accidentally discovered during a micro-algal survey of these habitats in Serbia. Species B. terribilis was found and identified for the first time in Serbia in the small sandpit lake of the Rusanda Nature Park. The first sampling was incomplete due to the unknown origin of the orange-red surface scum. After the identity of the species had been confirmed, three additional samplings were conducted aiming to collect phytoplankton and water samples for physical and chemical analyses. Major anions and cations were analysed in order to characterize the chemical type of sandpit lake, as well as nutrient content. Sandpit lake is an alkaline water body that belongs to sodium bicarbonate chemical type. Morphometric analysis of B. terribilis was performed using light and transmission electron microscopy. B. terribilis was found to be numerous in the phytoplankton community in late autumn and winter. Species from the genus Botryococcus are known as a rich source of different lipids and this discovery can be the first step in the further biotechnological application of this species in sustainable biofuel production.

Geochemical features of Eurasian evaporites in the context of the chemical evolution of seawater in Phanerozoic

Studies of evaporites provide new data to characterize the seawater chemistry in the Early Paleozoic and Middle Mesozoic. In particular, we studied the fluid inclusions in halite from Ordovician (China) and Cretaceous (Laos) evaporites. The corresponding sections on the plot of Ca/SO4 oscillations curve in the Phanerozoic seawater are updated. The calcium content in seawater concentrated to halite precipitation stage was 45.6 mol %, 485 million years ago and 24.3 mol % 112.2–93.5 million years ago. By analyzing the previously published and new factual material, it is established that in Permian evaporites the sulfur isotopic composition is inversely correlated with the sulfate ion content in evaporite basin brines. Thus, the evolution of seawater chemistry in Permian is confirmed by the evolution of the isotopic composition of dissolved seawater sulfate. According to the generalization of 38 Phanerozoic marine evaporite formations, it was found that the peculiarities of the clay minerals associations correlate with the change of the seawater chemical type. Clay minerals associations precipitated from the SO4-rich seawater are characterized by a larger set of minerals, among which smectite and mixed-layered minerals often occur; Mg-rich clay minerals (corensite, paligorskite, sepiolite, talc) also occur. Instead, in the associations of evaporite clay minerals formed from the Ca-rich seawater are represented by the smaller amount of minerals, and Mg-rich minerals are extremely rare. The increased content of magnesium in seawater of SO4-rich type is the main factor in the formation of Mg-rich silicates in evaporites. The composition of clay minerals associations depends on the evaporate basin brine concentration; with its increase, unstable minerals are transformed, which theoretically leads to a decrease in the number of minerals in the associations. However, it was found that evaporite deposits of higher stages of brine concentration often still contain unstable clay minerals – products of incomplete transformation of a significant amount of pyroclastic material from coeval volcanic activity. The main factor determining the composition of clay minerals associations of Phanerozoic evaporites was the seawater (and basin brines) chemical type. Geochemical studies of scattered organic matter and fluid inclusions with hydrocarbon phase in evaporites of the Upper Pechora Basin (overlying oil and gas deposits) indicate the presence of allochthonous bitumoids and allow to use this method to predict oil and gas potential of other areas. Analysis of the results of oil and gas exploration in a number of areas of the Transcarpathian Trough indicates the presence of fluid-saturated reservoirs and the prospects for the discovery of new accumulations of hydrocarbons. Geochemical studies proved the effectiveness of gas-flow survey method for oil and gas exploration, assessing the prospects for fluid saturation of seismic structures.

Controls on Associations of Clay Minerals in Phanerozoic Evaporite Formations: An Overview

Information on the associations of clay minerals in Upper Proterozoic and Phanerozoic marine evaporite formations suggests that cyclic changes in the (SO4-rich and Ca-rich) chemical type of seawater during the Phanerozoic could affect the composition of associations of authigenic clay minerals in marine evaporite deposits. The vast majority of evaporite clay minerals are authigenic. The most common are illite, chlorite, smectite and disordered mixed-layer illite-smectite and chlorite-smectite; all the clay minerals are included regardless of their quantity. Corrensite, sepiolite, palygorskite and talc are very unevenly distributed in the Phanerozoic. Other clay minerals (perhaps with the exception of kaolinite) are very rare. Evaporites precipitated during periods of SO4-rich seawater type are characterized by both a greater number and a greater variety of clay minerals—smectite and mixed-layer minerals, as well as Mg-corrensite, palygorskite, sepiolite, and talc, are more common in associations. The composition of clay mineral association in marine evaporites clearly depends on the chemical type of seawater and upon the brine concentration in the evaporite basin. Along with increasing salinity, aggradational transformations of clay minerals lead to the ordering of their structure and, ideally, to a decrease in the number of minerals. In fact, evaporite deposits of higher stages of brine concentration often still contain unstable clay minerals. This is due to the intense simultaneous volcanic activity that brought a significant amount of pyroclastic material into the evaporite basin; intermediate products of its transformation (in the form of swelling minerals) often remained in the deposits of the potassium salt precipitation stage.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Decontamination Fluids on the Level of Biological Contamination of Firefighter Suits

The scope of tasks of chemical and ecological rescue procedures includes prevention of terrorist attacks with biological weapons. After each action, firefighters are obliged to clean and disinfect their outfits to prevent the potential spreading of harmful microorganisms. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of decontamination fluids used to disinfect firefighter’s suits. Two types of clothes were analyzed: special combat clothing (NOMEX), and the heavy gas-tight chemical type 1a suit. Swabbed places were cut out and sterilized mechanically using detergent and alcohol. Each time, smears were made on sterile glass, fixed in pure ethanol and stained using the Gram method. After this, the staining samples were air dried and photographed under a light microscope at magnification 1000×. Each smear was made in triplicate and the relative number of stained microorganisms was analyzed using ImageJ software. The results showed that detergent significantly decreased the number of pathogens in the chest area on the NOMEX suit and the type 1a-gas-tight clothing and was more effective than alcohol, especially in case of the NOMEX suit. In conclusion, the detergent was more efficient in decontaminating the NOMEX outfit than the heavy gas-tight clothing, whose surface was better cleaned by the alcohol.

Students discover the rocks and minerals that are behind the chemical elements of the Periodic Table.

<p>This work is aimed at young people at the age of 14 to 15 years old.</p><p>The work is based on the study of the Periodic Table. Students show a great interest in learning about the history of the periodic table, as well as the details of each chemical element individually. They want to know how it was discovered, the scientist who did it, in which rock we can find it, where we use it, its properties, and much more.</p><p>Combining the two sciences, Geology and Chemistry, we make a blank Periodic Table with dimensions of 2m to 1,5m. We also make cards with the elements.</p><p>The aims are:</p><ul><li>- To help students study the periodic table through various table games and learn not only the names of chemical elements but their inseparable relationship with the Earth and man.</li> <li>- To make it clear that everything we need and use has its origins in the Earth.</li> <li>- To emphasize the origins of the chemical elements in the minerals and the rocks.</li> </ul><p>For every element there are several cards. An example is Al (Aluminum). For Al, there is a card with the chemical symbol of Al, a card with the picture of Bauxite (the rock from which we get aluminum), a card with the materials made of Al, a card with a small quiz about some of its chemical or physical properties, etc. Τhe cards have colors depending on the group that the chemical elements belong to. There are also cards with the history behind a chemical element.</p><p>Students are divided into groups, in which they then pick up different cards and try to place the chemical elements in the correct box in the periodic table.</p><p>Another game they like to play is to pick a card with the element’s symbol on and try to guess the name of the element and to associate it with the suitable mineral or rock card.</p><p>In addition, the students are given atoms and bonds simulations, as well as the chemical type of a mineral and a picture or a real part of a rock, in which we find the mineral. Their goal is to construct the mineral using the simulations and the written directions. Ιn this way, they also recognize the rocks in which the chemical elements are found.</p><p>The most interesting in the above process is that students prepare the cards themselves. Thus, they are also actively involved in the process of creating their own periodic table.</p><p>In 2019, the scientific world celebrated the 150th anniversary since the creation of the periodic table. Our students, after playing such games as the above, decided to celebrate the International Year of P.T. by painting their own periodic table on canvas.</p><p>Their work is now hanging in a central school area.</p>

Chemical Type Variation of Groundwater in Borobudur and Surroundings Area, Magelang District

Hydrogeological surveys have been carried out in the Borobudur area and its surroundings, the northern part of the West Progo Hills to the Magelang intermountain plains. The purpose of this study is to determine the variations in groundwater’s chemical types in the study area and to interpret the hydrochemical processes. Primary data was taken in the field, including groundwater data and rock petrology. Physical / chemical data of groundwater were obtained from laboratory test results. Data analysis includes hydrochemical analysis using the Stiff, Piper, and Durov diagrams. The result shows that groundwater in the study area has a wide variety of chemical types, namely Ca, Mg - bicarbonate; Ca, Mg, alkaline – bicarbonate; Alkaline, Ca – chloride, and Alkaline - chloride. Groundwater in the study area is fresh (type Va) to brackish (type Vc), with low -moderate TDS content (119 - 6,810 ppm), and soft calcium carbonate hardness (6.0 - 16.6 ppm). Hydrochemical processes occur in groundwater are simple dissolution and cation exchange caused by clay materials originating from Quaternary deposits or weathering of Old Andesite Formation volcanic breccia. In addition, the presence of brackish water in Karangrejo and Candirejo may be triggered by mixing with fossil water.

Increasing of filtration characteristics of ore bodies in borehole uranium mining

There is a description of technology by borehole uranium mining in Kazakhstan. The factors which affect for reduction of filtration characteristics in productive reservoirs are studied in detail and described an effective method for increasing borehole uranium production. The processes that occur during borehole mining of uranium with the use of sulfuric acid as solvent, as well as the conditions and reasons for reducing the productivity of geotechnical wells during their operation are considered. The results of experimental work on the intensification of borehole uranium mining in complex mining and geological conditions are analyzed and discussed, comparative graphs of the content of uranium in the productive solution, the flow rate of wells, the degree of extraction and the volume of production before and after the experiments are constructed. The results of experimental work on the efficiency of borehole uranium production, the content of uranium in PS and the productivity of wells, with predominance of the chemical type of sedimentation, are positively evaluated. The optimal parameters for the intensification of borehole uranium production in complex mining and geological conditions are recommended, and method for using complex of multi-purpose chemical reagents in combination with traditional methods of well regeneration is developed.