Effects of fluidized gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum on non-target freshwater and sediment dwelling organisms

Fluidized gas desulfurization gypsum is a popular agricultural soil amendment used to increase calcium and sulfur contents, and reduce aluminum toxicity. Due to its surface application in conservation tillage systems and high solubility, the soluble components of gypsum may be transferred with agricultural runoff into receiving waters. The current study measured toxicity of gypsum to Ceriodaphnia dubia, Pimephales promelas, Chironomus dilutus, and Hyalella azteca. Solutions at 2,400 mg gypsum/L (maximum solubility) produced no observable toxicity to C. dubia and P. promelas. Mixtures of a control sediment and gypsum indicated no observed toxicity effects for H. azteca, although effects were noted at 25% dilution for C. dilutus. Data suggest gypsum is not harmful to freshwater organisms at concentrations expected in the agricultural environment.

Method for the in situ calibration of a passive phosphate sampler in estuarine and marine waters

Passive samplers for phosphate were calibrated in the laboratory over a range of flow velocities (0-27 cm s(-1)) and ionic strengths (0-0.62 mol kg(-1)). The observed sampling rates were between 0.006 and 0.20 L d(-1). An empirical model allowed the estimation of these sampling rates with a precision of 8.5%. Passive flow monitors (PFMs), based on gypsum dissolution rates, were calibrated for the same range of flow velocities and ionic strength. Mass loss rates of the PFMs increased with increasing ionic strength. We demonstrate that this increase is quantitatively accounted for by the increased gypsum solubility at higher ionic strengths. We provide a calculation scheme for these solubilities for an environmentally relevant range of temperatures and salinities. The results imply that co-deployed PFMs can be used for estimating the flow effect on the in situ sampling rates of the phosphate samplers, and we expect that the same may hold for other passive samplers.

A method of identification of abnormal glow curves in individual monitoring using CaSO4:Dy teflon TLD and hot gas reader

In the present study, a method of identifying abnormal glow curves to electronically screen the glow curves of TL readout is presented. The method is based on the fact that the shape of an abnormal glow curve differs from the shape of a normal one. A few criteria for defining the normal shape of glow curves are arrived at by analysing the glow curves of dosemeters exposed to various doses in laboratory conditions and read at different elapsed time post irradiation. About 300 glow curves of dosemeters used for monthly monitoring were analysed as per these criteria and the effectiveness of the method is observed for total counts as low as 150 µSv equivalent.

Gypsum treated fly ash as a liner for waste disposal facilities

Fly ash has potential application in the construction of base liners for waste containment facilities. While most of the fly ashes improve in the strength with curing, the ranges of permeabilities they attain may often not meet the basic requirement of a liner material. An attempt has been made in the present context to reduce the hydraulic conductivity by adding lime content up to 10% to two selected samples of class F fly ashes. The use of gypsum, which is known to accelerate the unconfined compressive strength by increasing the lime reactivity, has been investigated in further improving the hydraulic conductivity. Hydraulic conductivities of the compacted specimens have been determined in the laboratory using the falling head method. It has been observed that the addition of gypsum reduces the hydraulic conductivity of the lime treated fly ashes. The reduction in the hydraulic conductivity of the samples containing gypsum is significantly more for samples with high amounts of lime contents (as high as 1000 times) than those fly ashes with lower amounts of lime. However there is a relatively more increase in the strengths of the samples with the inclusion of gypsum to the fly ashes at lower lime contents. This is due to the fact that excess lime added to fly ash is not effectively converted into pozzolanic compounds. Even the presence of gypsum is observed not to activate these reactions with excess lime. On the other hand the higher amount of lime in the presence of sulphate is observed to produce more cementitious compounds which block the pores in the fly ash. The consequent reduction in the hydraulic conductivity of fly ash would be beneficial in reducing the leachability of trace elements present in the fly ash when used as a base liner.

EXAFS speciation and phytoavailability of Pb in a contaminated soil amended with compost and gypsum

Due to unregulated uses of lead pellets for hunting purposes in Japan, soils and sediments in some river basins and wetlands have become highly contaminated with Pb. Deterioration of natural vegetation has occurred sporadically in these areas, and therefore revegetation is needed for ecological restoration. The objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of surface applications of compost and gypsum amendments on Pb availability to a watercress plant (Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton) and molecular-scale speciation of Pb in soil solid phases. The compost and gypsum amendments significantly decreased dissolved Pb and Sb in pore water. The concentration of Pb in aboveground plant tissues was 190mg kg(-1) in the control soil and was reduced to <20mg kg(-1) in the compost and gypsum-amended soils. The concentration of Sb in plants grown in the control soil was 13mg kg(-1), whereas that in the soils receiving compost and gypsum decreased below detectable levels. Redox potential was higher in vegetated soils (ave. 349mV) than in the unvegetated soils (ave. 99mV) due to oxygen introduced by plant roots. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy illustrated that Pb occurred as Pb sorbed on birnessite and/or ferrihydrite (Pb-Mn/Fe, ~60%) and Pb sorbed on organic matter (Pb-org, ~15%), and galena (PbS, ~10%) in the vegetated and unvegetated control soils. The compost amendment increased the proportion of Pb-org by 2-fold than in the control soils. The amended soils with plant growth decreased the proportion of Pb-Mn/Fe phases by half of that without plant growth. Galena and anglesite (PbSO(4)) were not detected in compost-amended soils and even in gypsum-amended soils since a significant soil reduction to anoxic levels did not occur in the entire soil. The present study indicated that, under flooded conditions, surface applications of compost and gypsum amendments reduced plant Pb uptake from the Pb contaminated soil.

Carbon and sulfur cycling by microbial communities in a gypsum-treated oil sands tailings pond

Oil sands tailings ponds receive and store the solid and liquid waste from bitumen extraction and are managed to promote solids densification and water recycling. The ponds are highly stratified due to increasing solids content as a function of depth but can be impacted by tailings addition and removal and by convection due to microbial gas production. We characterized the microbial communities in relation to microbial activities as a function of depth in an active tailings pond routinely treated with gypsum (CaSO(4)·2H(2)O) to accelerate densification. Pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA gene sequences indicated that the aerobic surface layer, where the highest level of sulfate (6 mM) but no sulfide was detected, had a very different community profile than the rest of the pond. Deeper anaerobic layers were dominated by syntrophs (Pelotomaculum, Syntrophus, and Smithella spp.), sulfate- and sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB, Desulfocapsa and Desulfurivibrio spp.), acetate- and H(2)-using methanogens, and a variety of other anaerobes that have been implicated in hydrocarbon utilization or iron and sulfur cycling. The SRB were most abundant from 10 to 14 mbs, bracketing the zone where the sulfate reduction rate was highest. Similarly, the most abundant methanogens and syntrophs identified as a function of depth closely mirrored the fluctuating methanogenesis rates. Methanogenesis was inhibited in laboratory incubations by nearly 50% when sulfate was supplied at pond-level concentrations suggesting that in situ sulfate reduction can substantially minimize methane emissions. Based on our data, we hypothesize that the emission of sulfide due to SRB activity in the gypsum treated pond is also limited due to its high solubility and oxidation in surface waters.

Ambient gamma radiation levels (indoor and outdoor) in the villages around Jaduguda (India) using card-based CaSO₄: Dy TL dosemeters

A systematic study of the gamma radiation levels (indoor and outdoor) in the villages surrounding the uranium-enriched regions around Jaduguda, India has been undertaken by monitoring selected dwellings in six villages. Each dwelling unit was monitored for a total duration of 1 y. The gamma radiation measurements were carried out using card-based CaSO(4): Dy thermoluminescent dosemeters. The estimated average annual gamma dose values for indoor and outdoor were 980 and 924 (µGy y(-1)), respectively, for the entire region studied. The maximum indoor and outdoor gamma doses experienced in North Dungridih and South Dungridih villages were 1305 and 1223 (µGy y(-1)), respectively. The minimum indoor and outdoor gamma dose values observed in Chatikocha village were 624 and 696 (µGy y(-1)), respectively. Seasonal variation of the indoor gamma values was not observed during the year; however, a small variation was seen with the type of building materials used for construction purposes. A statistical analysis was attempted to characterise the distribution of terrestrial gamma radiation obtained in the study area. The average quarterly indoor gamma values for spring, summer, monsoon and winter seasons as prevalent in the regions were 267±71, 262±54, 213±91, 238±66 (µGy 90 d(-1)), respectively. The annual effective doses to the local population residing in the selected dwelling units were estimated to be 0.6 and 0.1 (mSv y(-1)) for indoor and outdoor, respectively, using an occupancy factor of 0.8 and 0.2.

Full arch scans: conventional versus digital impressions--an in-vitro study

The digital intraoral impression has become a central part of the CAD/CAM technique. The objective of the present study was to compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of digital impressions of the full arch with that of conventional impressions on the in-vitro model. For this purpose, a master model was acquired with a new reference scanning process, the measuring trueness of which was +/- 4.1 microm and the precision +/- 2.5 microm. On the one hand, conventional impressions and then plaster models (n = 5) were produced from this master model, and on the other hand, digital impressions were made with the Cerec AC Bluecam and the Lava COS system (each n = 5). The plaster models were also scanned with the reference scanner. The available data records were superimposed and the differences determined. The deviation from the master model defines the trueness of the impression method. The deviations of the models among one another demonstrate the precision of the method. The trueness of the impressions was 55 +/- 21.8 microm in the conventional impression group, for digital impressions with Cerec Bluecam it was 49 +/- 14.2 microm and for digital impressions with Lava COS 40.3 +/- 14.1 microm. The precision was 61.3 +/- 17.9 microm for conventional impression with Impregum, 30.9 +/- 7.1 microm for digital impression with the Cerec Bluecam and 60.1 +/- 31.3 microm for digital impression with Lava COS. These in-vitro results show that accuracy of the digital impression is similar to that of the conventional impression. These results will have to be confirmed in further clinical studies.

Raman spectroscopic identification of phthalic and mellitic acids in mineral matrices

Raman spectroscopy has many advantages for planetary exploration, and the Raman technique is currently being developed for future space missions. The Raman microspectroscopic study of organic acids (phthalic and mellitic acids) in experimentally prepared mixtures with halite and gypsum was performed using near infrared 785 nm and visible 514 nm excitation wavelengths. Gypsum and halite matrices were chosen as analogues of Martian minerals. Carboxylic acids mixed with mineral powders were also investigated through a UV-transparent crystal of gypsum and halite (approximately 2 mm, resp. 5 mm thick), thereby creating a type of artificial inclusion that could potentially be present in Martian minerals. The detection limit of phthalic acid mixed in mineral matrices and analyzed through crystals was 1 wt% using both excitation wavelengths. A Raman mellitic acid signal was obtained at a concentration as low as 1 wt% in halite matrix, and at a concentration of 5 wt% when analyzed through halite crystal. In the case of mellitic acid mixed with gypsum and for analyses through a gypsum crystal, the detection limit is 5 wt% using both excitation wavelengths.

Evaluation of colloidal silica suspension as efficient additive for improving physicochemical and in vitro biological properties of calcium sulfate-based nanocomposite bone cement

In the present study new calcium sulfate-based nanocomposite bone cement with improved physicochemical and biological properties was developed. The powder component of the cement consists of 60 wt% α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate and 40 wt% biomimetically synthesized apatite, while the liquid component consists of an aqueous colloidal silica suspension (20 wt%). In this study, the above mentioned powder phase was mixed with distilled water to prepare a calcium sulfate/nanoapatite composite without any additive. Structural properties, setting time, compressive strength, in vitro bioactivity and cellular properties of the cements were investigated by appropriate techniques. From X-ray diffractometer analysis, except gypsum and apatite, no further phases were found in both silica-containing and silica-free cements. The results showed that both setting time and compressive strength of the calcium sulfate/nanoapatite cement improved by using colloidal silica suspension as cement liquid. Meanwhile, the condensed phase produced from the polymerization process of colloidal silica filled the micropores of the microstructure and covered rodlike gypsum crystals and thus controlled cement disintegration in simulated body fluid. Additionally, formation of apatite layer was favored on the surfaces of the new cement while no apatite precipitation was observed for the cement prepared by distilled water. In this study, it was also revealed that the number of viable osteosarcoma cells cultured with extracts of both cements were comparable, while silica-containing cement increased alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells. These results suggest that the developed cement may be a suitable bone filling material after well passing of the corresponding in vivo tests.

Long-term and long-range migration of radioactive fallout in a Karst system

Mountainous areas are often covered by little evolved soils from which deposited radionuclides can potentially leak into the vadose zone. In the Swiss Jura mountains, we observed unusual isotopic ratios of nuclear weapon test (NWTs) fallout with an apparent loss of NWTs plutonium relative to ¹³⁷Cs of Chernobyl origin in thinner soils. Here, we studied the karstic watershed of a vauclusian spring to determine the residence times of plutonium, ²⁴¹Am, and ⁹⁰Sr deposited by global fallout and their respective mobility in carbonaceous soils. The results show that ⁹⁰Sr is washed most efficiently from the watershed with a residence time of several hundred years. The estimated plutonium residence time is more than 10 times higher (in the range of 5000-10,000 years), and the ²⁴¹Am residence time is double that of plutonium. The spring water ²⁴¹Am/²³⁹+²⁴⁰Pu isotopic ratio is lower (0.12 - 0.28) than found in watershed soils (0.382 ± 0.077). Similar differences are found in aquatic mosses (²⁴¹Am/²³⁹+²⁴⁰Pu isotopic ratio 0.05-0.12), which are permanently submerged in spring waters. In contrast to plutonium, ⁹⁰Sr is leached from these mosses with 0.5M HCl, demonstrating that strontium is probably associated with calcium carbonate precipitations on the mosses. The higher plutonium to americium isotopic ratio found in the samples of spring water and mosses at the outlet of the karst shows that plutonium mobility is enhanced.

Assessment of natural radiation exposure levels and mass attenuation coefficients of lime and gypsum samples used in Turkey

The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in lime and gypsum samples used as building materials in Turkey were measured using gamma spectrometry. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 38±16, 20±9, and 156±54 Bq kg(-1) for lime and found to be 17±6, 13±5, and 429±24 Bq kg(-1) for gypsum, respectively. The radiological hazards due to the natural radioactivity in the samples were inferred from calculations of radium equivalent activities (Raeq), indoor absorbed dose rate in the air, the annual effective dose, and gamma and alpha indices. These radiological parameters were evaluated and compared with the internationally recommended limits. The experimental mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) of the samples were determined in the energy range 81-1,332 keV. The experimental mass attenuation coefficients were compared with theoretical values obtained using XCOM. It is found that the calculated values and the experimental results are in good agreement.

Assessment of a reclamation cover system for phosphogypsum stacks in Central Alberta, Canada

Phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer industry, was produced and stockpiled at the Agrium Fort Saskatchewan facility from 1965 to 1991. Upon decommissioning, the outer slopes of the PG stacks were reclaimed by applying 15 cm of topsoil and planting a non-native seed mix. Physical, chemical, and hydrologic evaluations of the cover system confirmed that plants were successfully growing in various soil capping depths and were often rooting more than 200 mm into the PG. Percolation past the substrate into PG during a typical storm event was low (< 10 mm), and runoff from the stacks was negligible. Runoff quality met most guidelines, but some parameters, including fluoride, were up to 18 times higher than provincial or federal guidelines for soil and water quality. However, the cover system, when applied appropriately, does meet basic reclamation objectives. The exceedances are found in areas where the cover system has been compromised by erosion or mixing or in areas where the cover system has not been fully applied, such as roads or the inner basin. In areas where the cover system has been applied successfully, basic reclamation requirements are met.

Evaluation of the precision of three implant transfer impression techniques using two elastomeric impression materials

A master cast representing a completely edentulous mandible was fabricated in polyurethane resin and had four implants secured to the anterior interforaminal area. Impressions were made using six technique-material combinations. Ten definitive casts were fabricated for each technique. Linear distances between implants were measured using a traveling microscope. There was no statistically significant difference between the direct unsplinted and splinted techniques (P > .05), while the indirect technique was statistically significantly different from the other two techniques (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two impression materials.

[Influence of different compatibility on contents of calcium and magnesium dissolution in maxing shigan decoction]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a method for the determination of gypsum and magnesium in decoction by capillary zone electrophoresis and study the influence of different compatibility on the contents of calcium and magnesium dissolution.

METHOD

Nine decoctions with gypsum were prepared and analysed by L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design and the contents of calcium and magnesium ions were determined by the set method. The conditions of the experiment were a running buffer of 6.4 mmol x L(-1) imidazole solution (glacial acetic acid ajusted pH to 3.50) and an applied voltage of 10 kV (room temperature). Samples were introduced by hydrodynamic injection (8 cm x 7 s) and determined with on-column UV monitoring at 214 nm. Copper sulphate was chosen as the internal standard.

RESULTS

The linear responses covered the range from 0.009 68 mg x L(-1) to 9.68 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.998 1) for calcium, the detection limits (S/N = 3) and the quantitation limits (S/N = 10) of calcium were shown to be 0.002 1 mg x L(-1) and 0.007 1 mg x L(-1), respectively. The average recovery for calcium was 100.4%. The linear response covered the range from 0.01 mg x L(-1) to 10 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.995 9) for magnesium. The detection limits (S/N = 3) and the quantitation limits (S/N = 10) of magnesium showed to be 0.002 8 mg x L(-1) and 0.008 9 mg x L(-1), respectively. The average recovery for magnesium was 96.4%.

CONCLUSION

The method is simple, rapid, cost-effective and precise with satisfactory results. The influence of Ephedra and Semen Armeniacae Amarum on the contents of gypsum dissolution are significant, while that of Radix Glycyrrhizae on the contents of gypsum dissolution is insignificant. The influence of Ephedra on the contents of magnesium dissolution are significant, while that of Semen Armeniacae Amarum and Radix Glycyrrhizae on the contents of magnesium dissolution are insignificant.

EPR-TL correlation studies on Bi co-doped CaSO4:Dy phosphor

CaSO(4):Dy, CaSO(4):(Dy, Bi) and CaSO(4):Bi phosphors were prepared through re-crystallization method. Thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of these phosphor samples were investigated. The radiation induced radical ions formed in these phosphors were investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The main signals observed in both CaSO(4):(Dy, Bi) and CaSO(4):Bi were identified as SO(4)(-) (II), SO(4)(-) (⊥) and SO(3)(-) (isotropic) with "g" values 2.023, 2.0089 and 2.004, respectively. In order to understand the TL mechanism, CaSO(4):(Dy, Bi) phosphor samples were annealed between 100 and 250 °C and their EPR spectra were studied. It was observed that EPR signal intensities reduce drastically in 250 °C annealed phosphor confirming the role of SO(4)(-) and SO(3)(-) types of defect centers in the dosimetric peak. The reduction in the TL sensitivity with increase in Bi(3+) co-dopant in the phosphor samples was correlated with quenching of TL by Bi(3+) ions rather than the reduction in the concentration of the above defect centers. An effort was also made to use the Bi(3+) co-doped CaSO(4):Dy phosphor for dosimetry of chilled or frozen food irradiation.

Experimental investigation of cesium mobility in the course of secondary mineral formations in Hanford sediment columns at 50 degrees C

Formation of secondary minerals and Cs mobility in Hanford sediments were investigated under conditions similar to the Hanford tank leak in a dynamic flow system at 50 degrees C. The objectives were to (1) examine the nature and locations of secondary mineral phases precipitated in the sediments and (2) quantify the amount of Cs retained by the sediment matrix at 50 degrees C. To this end, Hanford sediments were packed into 10-cm long columns and leached with simulated tank waste consisting of 1.4 M NaOH, 0.125 M NaAlO(2), 3.7 M NaNO(3), and 1.3 x 10(-4) M Cs at 50 degrees C. Compositions of outflow solution were monitored with time for up to 25 days, and the columns were then segmented into four 2.5-cm long layers. The colloidal fraction in these segments was characterized in terms of mineralogy, particle morphology, Cs content, and short-range Al and Si structure. It was observed that cancrinite and sodalite precipitated at 50 degrees C. Approximately 53% Cs was retained in the column treated by the simulated tank waste at this temperature. Cesium retention in the column was lowered in the high ionic strength solution due to competition from Na for the exchange sites. This can be explained by alteration of distribution and number of sorption sites which reduces the selectivity of Cs for Na, and through the formation of cancrinite and sodalite. The formation of hydroxide complexes in highly alkaline solutions could also contribute to relatively poor retention of Cs by hindering ion exchange mechanism.

Release of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) from quicklime-sulfate stabilized/solidified soils under diffusion-controlled conditions

A quicklime-sulfate-based stabilization/ solidification (S/S) process for arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) immobilization was evaluated under "semi-dynamic" leaching conditions. In order to simulate aggressive leaching conditions the semi-dynamic leaching tests was modified by using 0.014 N of acetic solution instead of distilled water. Kaolinite-sand and montmorillonite-sand soil samples were artificially contaminated with As and Pb, compacted and cured for 28 days. The semi-dynamic leaching tests were then conducted for 90 days. The effectiveness of the S/S treatment was evaluated by assessing the cumulative release of As and Pb as well as by determining the diffusion coefficients (Deff) and leachability indices (LX). The release of As and Pb was greatly reduced by quicklime-sulfate treatment as compared to untreated samples. Moreover, the quicklime-sulfate treatment was more effective than the quicklime-only treatment in reducing both As and Pb release. The controlling leaching mechanisms were determined using a diffusion theory model. Upon S/S treatment, As and Pb release was diffusion controlled. The LX of all the treated samples were greater than nine, suggesting that S/S treated samples were suitable for "controlled utilization".

Complex nanominerals and ultrafine particles assemblages in phosphogypsum of the fertilizer industry and implications on human exposure

Phosphogypsum (CaSO(4).2H(2)O), a by-product of phosphate-rock processing, contains high amounts of impurities such P(2)O(5), F, radioactive elements, organic substances, secondary nanominerals, and ultrafine particles (UFP) enriched in metals and metalloids. In this study, we examine phosphogypsum (PG) collected from abandoned fertilizer industry facility in south Brazil (Santa Catarina state). The fragile nature of nanominerals and UFP assemblages from fertilizer industry systems required novel techniques and experimental approaches. The investigation of the geochemistry of complex nanominerals and UFP assemblages was a prerequisite to accurately assess the environmental and human health risks of contaminants and cost-effective chemical and biogeological remediation strategies. Particular emphasis was placed on the study and characterization of the complex mixed nanominerals and UFP containing potentially toxic elements. Nanometer-sized phases in PG were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images. The chemical composition and possible correlations with morphology of nanominerals and UFP, as well as aspects of nanominerals and UFP, are discussed in the context of human health exposure, as well as in relation to management of the nanominerals and UFP in PG environments.

Radiological, chemical and morphological characterizations of phosphate rock and phosphogypsum from phosphoric acid factories in SW Spain

In this work, radiological, chemical, and also morphological characterization was performed in phosphate rock and phosphogypsum samples, in order to understand the behavior of toxic elements. Characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), gamma spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX). Our results show that the phosphate rock was mainly composed of fluorapatite, calcite, perovskite, quartz, magnetite, pyrite and kaolinite, whereas phosphogypsum only exhibited dihydrated calcium sulfate. The activity concentration of U-series radioisotopes in phosphate rock was around 1640 Bq/kg. (226)Ra and (210)Pb tend to be distributed into phosphogypsum by up to 80%, whereas the fraction of U-isotopes is 10%. The most abundant trace elements in phosphate rock were Sr, Cr, V, Zn, Y, Ni and Ba. Some elements, such as Ba, Cd, Cu, La, Pb, Se, Sr, Th and Y, were enriched in the phosphogypsum. This enrichment may be attributed to an additional input associated to the sulfuric acid used for the phosphoric acid production. Furthermore, results from SEM-EDX demonstrated that toxic elements are not distributed homogeneously into phosphogypsum. Most of these elements are concentrated in particles <20 microm of high porosity, and could be easily mobilized by leaching and/or erosion.

A comparison of bone generation capability in rabbits using tooth ash and plaster of Paris with platelet-rich plasma or fibrin sealant

OBJECTIVES

Increased attention has been focused on determining the most efficacious materials for generalized bone grafts. This article presents the results of a histomorphometric analysis of bone healing in the calvaria of rabbits. The study compared the use of a tooth ash and plaster of Paris mixture alone, in association with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and in association with fibrin sealant.

STUDY DESIGN

Twelve rabbits were divided into control (group 1) and experimental groups (groups 2, 3, and 4). Group 1 was maintained as an unfilled control, and tooth ash and plaster of Paris were used in group 2, tooth ash and plaster of Paris with PRP were used in group 3, and tooth ash and plaster of Paris with fibrin sealant (Tissucol Duo Quick) were used in group 4. One-half of the animals were killed after 4 weeks, and the rest were killed after 8 weeks. Bone samples were taken from the defect areas, and newly formed bone was analyzed histomorphometrically.

RESULTS

The rate of new bone formation in groups 2, 3, and 4 was significantly higher than the rate in the control group. The rate of new bone formation in groups 3 and 4 was higher than the rate in group 2, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The concomitant use of PRP or fibrin sealant with tooth ash and plaster of Paris graft materials may have a positive effect on bone healing.

Patinas developed in environmental burial conditions: the Neolithic steles of Reguers de Seró (Lleida, Spain)

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE

Weathering patinas in rocks are the result of interaction processes between rock surfaces and atmosphere, biosphere and soil. Therefore, their textural and mineral composition is strongly related to environmental and bioactivity conditions. Whereas the development of weathering patinas in atmospheric conditions is well documented (e.g. typical Mediterranean patina), only very few studies focus on their formation in a burial environment. Our study of patinas developed on the tumular structure of Reguers de Seró deals with the knowledge of burial patinas from a textural and mineralogical point of view. The aims of this study include: (1) the characterisation of the rock used in this megalithic monument as well as inferences regarding the origin of the raw material; (2) the evaluation of the patinas developed on the surface of the carved steles; and (3) the discussion of the environmental conditions (atmospheric or burial) that favoured the development of the patinas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole rock and related patinas (powdered samples and small single pieces) were carefully sampled in five of the seven Neolithic steles discovered during a municipal excavation. Some whole rock samples from the surrounding outcrops were also collected in order to correlate them with the stone forming the megalith. Samples were analysed macroscopically, using a glass binocular, and microscopically, by means of a polarising light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDAX). The mineralogical composition was determined by X-ray diffraction, and a colorimetric analysis was also carried out in all the sampled patinas.

RESULTS

The obtained results evidence a strong textural and mineralogical correlation between the whole rock of the megalith and the collected samples of the nearby outcrops; both are classified as calcarenite. A uniformly distributed beige-orange patina (35-100 microm thick) covering the surface of the steles modifies their aspect. A layer of calcite (micrite) with granular texture was detected in all the sampled patinas, being the main mineral compositions (approximately 60-90%). In contrast, a discontinuous external layer (25-50 microm thick) of botryoidally gypsum occurs on only a few patinas. SEM-EDAX analyses evidenced that Ca is related to several processes, including inorganic processes, as well as to minor bioactivity.

DISCUSSION

The textural and mineralogical characteristics of the Reguers patinas differ from typical Mediterranean patina sequences, suggesting different environmental conditions for their formation. Several arguments supporting the formation of the Reguers patinas in a burial environment include: (1) patinas cover the entire surface of the steles, iconograhic motifs and fractures. The uniform colour, texture and composition of the patinas throughout the steles suggests their development after the construction of the megalithic tomb during a period in which the archaeological site was buried and sealed by the products of the Senill ravine; (2) the absence of heavy metals mainly contained in flying ashes and other depositions from atmospheric dust and pollutants in the micritic patina; (3) non-appearance of minerals directly formed by biological activity (i.e. oxalates and phosphates); (4) the absence of a well-defined textural sequence (typically of the Mediterranean area) already defined for patinas developed in an atmospheric environment; and (5) the discontinuous occurrence of an external gypsum layer (only present in a few samples) without the presence of the typical spherules related to atmospheric particulate matter.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The petrographic characteristics of the Neolithic steles of Reguers de Seró show that the raw material came from a nearby outcrop. The formation of beige-orange patinas is related to a burial environment attending their textural and mineralogical features. The protective role played by these patinas indicates that no previous treatment of such steles would be necessary on an eventual exhibition in atmospheric conditions. Further in-depth studies, similar to those that already exist for patinas developed in atmospheric conditions, are recommended in order to better define the petrographic characteristics and mechanisms on the formation of patinas in burial environments.

Redox chemistry of sulphate and uranium in a phosphogypsum tailings dump

The present study aims to assess the effect of redox conditions existing within the tailings dump on the stability of phosphogypsum (e.g. sulphate reduction) and uranium(VI). Phosphogypsum sampling and in-situ measurements were carried out at a coastal tailings dump in Vasiliko Cyprus, pH, E(H) and solubility experiments were performed in simulated laboratory systems and thermodynamic calculations using MINTEQA2. Generally, in the open tailings dump oxidizing conditions predominate stabilizing sulphur and uranium in their hexavalent oxidation states. On the other hand, after the application of a soil/vegetative cover and in the presence of natural organic matter, anoxic conditions prevail (E(H) < -70 mV) resulting in S(VI) and U(VI) reduction to S(-II) and U(IV), respectively. Although, the sulphide anion can form very insoluble compounds with heavy metal ions (e.g. Cd(II), Pb(II) etc.) and U(IV) oxide has very low solubility, partial reduction of sulphate to sulphide within gypsum may affect the stability of phosphogypsum resulting in enhanced erosion of the material by rain- and seawater and washing out of contaminants in particulate/colloidal form.

Utilization of water-reducing admixtures in cemented paste backfill of sulphide-rich mill tailings

This study presents the effect of three different water-reducing admixtures (WRAs) on the rheological and mechanical properties of cemented paste backfill (CPB) samples. A 28-day strength of > or = 0.7 MPa and the maintenance of the stability (i.e. > or = 0.7 MPa) over 360 days of curing were desired as the design criteria. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Portland composite cement (PCC) were used as binders at 5 wt.% dose. WRAs were initially tested to determine the dosage of a WRA for a required consistency of 7'' for CPB mixtures. A total of 192 CPB samples were then prepared using WRAs. The utilization of WRAs enhanced the flow characteristics of the CPB mixture and allowed to achieve the same consistency at a lower water-to-cement ratio. For OPC, the addition of WRAs appeared to improve the both short- and long-term performance of CPB samples. However, only polycarboxylate-based superplasticiser produced the desired 28-day strength of > or = 0.7 MPa when PCC was used as the binder. These findings suggest that WRAs can be suitably exploited for CPB of sulphide-rich tailings to improve the strength and stability in short and long terms allowing to reduce binder costs in a CPB plant.

Accuracy of impression techniques for an implant-supported prosthesis

PURPOSE

This in vitro study compared the dimensional accuracy of a stone index and of two impression techniques (squared impression copings and modified squared impression copings) for implant-supported prostheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A master cast with four parallel implant-abutment analogs and a passive framework were fabricated. Vinyl polysiloxane impression material was used for all impressions with a metal stock tray. Three groups of impressions were tested (n = 5): index (I), squared (S), and modified squared (MS). The measurement method employed was just one titanium screw tightened to the framework. The measurements (60 gap values) were analyzed using software that received the images from a video camera coupled to a stereomicroscope at 3100 magnification. The results were evaluated statistically (analysis of variance, Holm-Sidak method, α = .05).

RESULTS

The mean abutment/framework interface gaps were: master cast = 31.63 µm; group I = 45.25 µm; group S = 96.14 µm; group MS = 51.20 µm. No significant difference was detected among the index and modified squared techniques (P = .05).

CONCLUSION

Under the limitations of this study, the techniques modified squared and index generated more accurate casts than the squared technique.