Formation processes of groundwater in a non-ferrous metal mining city of China: Insights from hydrochemical and strontium isotope analyses.

Tongling is a significant non-ferrous metal mining city in China, which produces waste that negatively impacts the area's water environment. It is essential to comprehend the hydrochemical properties and formation processes of groundwater to safeguard and utilize it efficiently. We explored major ions, strontium, and its isotopes in water and river-bottom samples from the northern (i.e., A-A' section) and southern (i.e., B-B' section) areas. The hydrochemical facies show the mining activities have a greater impact on surface water than on groundwater. Groundwater hydrochemical formation results from several factors, with water-rock interaction and ion exchange being primary. Additionally, the dissolution of calcite, dolomite, and feldspar, oxidation of pyrite, and hydrolysis of carbonate minerals also impact the formation of groundwater chemistry. Our analysis of strontium and its isotopes indicates that carbonate dissolution primarily occurred in the recharge area; the runoff from the recharge to the discharge area results in the dissolution of certain silicate rocks; calcite dissolution sources account for > 70% contribution in both surface water and groundwater water-rock interactions, whereas silicate rock dissolution sources and dolomite dissolution sources account for < 30%. Due to changed order of dissolved carbonate and silicate minerals during groundwater flow, the distribution of strontium and its isotopes in the A-A' section is opposite to that in the B-B' section. The findings provide a basis for developing, utilizing, managing, and protecting groundwater resources, especially in similar mining areas.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evolution of groundwater in shallow and deep aquifers of the Kabul Plain, Afghanistan.

Groundwater from shallow and deep aquifers are widely used for drinking, agricultural and industrial use in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. However, unplanned urbanization and rapid population growth has led to the installation of numerous unlicensed wells to meet the public demand. This has caused to extraction of huge amounts of groundwater from the subsurface and further deterioration of groundwater quality. Therefore, understanding the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in shallow aquifers and deep aquifers is imperative for sustainable management of the groundwater resource in Kabul Plain. Thus, in this study, we used a multi-parameter approach, involving hydrochemical and environmental isotopes to understand the geochemical evolution of entire groundwater system of the Kabul Plain including river and dam water. The results of this study show that shallow and deep aquifers are dominantly of Mg-(Ca)-HCO3 and Na-Cl water type, respectively. We observed that (1) water-rock interaction is the major contributing factor to the chemical compositions of groundwater in the Kabul Plain; (2) groundwater in deep aquifer is mainly influenced by silicate weathering, and dissolution of evaporitic and carbonate minerals and reverse cation exchange; (3) dissolution of carbonates and silicate weathering plays a pivotal role in the groundwater chemistry of shallow aquifer; (4) the stable isotopes of groundwater display that the shallow aquifer is principally recharged by river water and local precipitation; (5) the tritium analysis exhibited that groundwater of shallow aquifer was primarily recharged recently, whereas groundwater of deep aquifer is the mixture of pre 1953 with post 1953 groundwater. This study revealed that there are hydraulic interactions between the two aquifers and the deep aquifer is recharged through shallow aquifer. The findings of this study would be useful for Afghanistan's water authorities to develop an effective strategy for sustainable water resources management in the Kabul Basin.

Chemical weathering rates and controlling mechanisms of glacial catchments within different climate regimes in the Tibetan Plateau.

Background: Continental weathering plays an important role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels. Chemical weathering in glacial areas has become an intensely focused topic in the background of global change compared with other terrestrial weathering systems. However, research on the weathering of the glacial areas in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin (YTRB) is still limited. Methods: In this article, the major ions of the Chaiqu and Niangqu catchments in the YTRB have been investigated to illustrate the chemical weathering rates and mechanisms of the glacier areas in the YTRB. Results: Ca2+ and HCO3- dominate the major ions of the Chaiqu and Niangqu rivers, accounting for about 71.3% and 69.2% of the TZ+ of the Chaiqu (the total cations, TZ+ = Na+ + K+ + Ca2 + + Mg2+, in µeq/L), and about 64.2% and 62.6% of the TZ+ of the Niangqu. A Monte Carlo model with six end-members is applied to quantitatively partition the dissolved load sources of the catchments. The results show that the dissolved loads of the Chaiqu and Niangqu rivers are mainly derived from carbonate weathering (accounting for about 62.9% and 79.7% of the TZ+, respectively), followed by silicate weathering (about 25.8% and 7.9% of the TZ+, respectively). The contributions of precipitation and evaporite to the Chaiqu rivers are about 5.0% and 6.2%, and those to the Niangqu rivers are about 6.3% and 6.2%. The model also calculated the proportion of sulfuric acid weathering in the Chaiqu and Niangqu catchments, which account for about 21.1% and 32.3% of the TZ+, respectively. Based on the results calculated by the model, the carbonate and silicate weathering rates in the Chaiqu catchment are about 7.9 and 1.8 ton km-2 a-1, and in the Niangqu catchment, the rates are about 13.7 and 1.5 ton km-2 a-1. The associated CO2 consumption in the Chaiqu catchment is about 4.3 and 4.4 × 104 mol km-2 a-1, and about 4.3 and 1.3 × 104 mol km-2 a-1 in the Niangqu catchment. The chemical weathering rates of the glacier areas in the YTRB show an increasing trend from upstream to downstream. Studying the weathering rates of glacier catchments in the Tibetan Plateau (TP) reveals that the chemical weathering rates of the temperate glacier catchments are higher than those of the cold glacier catchments and that lithology and runoff are important factors in controlling the chemical weathering of glacier catchments in the TP. The chemical weathering mechanisms of glacier areas in the YTRB were explored through statistical methods, and we found that elevation-dependent climate is the primary control. Lithology and glacial landforms rank second and third, respectively. Our results suggest that, above a certain altitude, climate change caused by tectonic uplift may inhibit chemical weathering. There is a more complex interaction between tectonic uplift, climate, and chemical weathering.

Long-term variation in nutrients in the South Yellow Sea in response to anthropogenic inputs.

Based on historical data from 1976 to 2019, the effects of anthropogenic activities on long-term changes in nutrients and their ecological effects in the South Yellow Sea were investigated. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentrations increased continuously from 1990 until the mid-2000s, followed by a shift from an upward trend to a downward trend. The phosphate (PO4-P) and silicate (SiO3-Si) concentrations also showed obvious interannual variations throughout the study period. The concentrations of DIN, PO4-P and SiO3-Si have decreased significantly in recent decade and more. These changes mainly resulted from the reduction in terrestrial input, while the main reason for the decrease in DIN and PO4-P concentrations is the reduction in anthropogenic input. The long-term nutrient changes in the South Yellow Sea have potential ecological impacts on green tide features.

Chemical Weathering and CO2 Consumption Inferred from Riverine Water Chemistry in the Xi River Drainage, South China.

Hydrochemistry and strontium isotope data were analysed in water samples from the Xi River Drainage system to reveal the spatial and seasonal variations in chemical weathering, associated CO2 consumption fluxes, and their control factors. The main ions were Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3-, which are characteristic of a drainage system on carbonate-dominated bedrock. The dissolved loads were derived from four major end-member reservoirs: silicate, limestone, dolomite, and atmosphere. The silicate weathering rates (SWRs) increased downstream from 0.03 t/km2/year to 2.37 t/km2/year. The carbonate weathering rates (CWRs) increased from 2.14 t/km2/year in the upper reaches, to 32.65 t/km2/year in the middle reaches, and then decreased to 23.20 t/km2/year in the lower reaches. The SWR values were 281.38 and 113.65 kg/km2/month during the high- and low-water periods, respectively. The CWR values were 2456.72 and 1409.32 kg/km2/month, respectively. The limestone weathering rates were 2042.74 and 1222.38 kg/km2/month, respectively. The dolomite weathering rates were 413.98 and 186.94 kg/km2/month, respectively. Spatial and seasonal variations in chemical weathering were controlled mainly by lithology, vegetation, and climate (temperature, water discharge, and precipitation). The CO2 consumption flux by chemical weathering was estimated at 189.79 × 109 mol/year, with 156.37 × 109 and 33.42 × 109 mol/year for carbonate and silicate weathering, respectively. The CO2 fluxes by chemical weathering are substantially influenced by sulfuric acid in the system. The CO2 flux produced by sulfuric acid weathering was estimated at 30.00 × 109 mol/year in the basin. Therefore, the Xi River Basin is a CO2 sink with a net consumption of CO2 flux of 3.42 × 109 mol/year.

Histology, prevalence, and environmental sources for pulmonary silicates depositions in domestic and wild animals.

The source and significance of pulmonary silicate crystals in animals and people are poorly understood. To estimate the prevalence and characterize the pulmonary crystalline material in animals from St. Kitts, tissue samples from dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, mongooses, and monkeys were examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDXA), and x-ray diffraction. Crystalline material was seen in 201 of 259 (77.6%) lung samples as perivascular and interstitial accumulations of heterogeneous crystalline particulate material, free or within macrophages (silicate-laden macrophages [SLMs]), mostly lacking evidence of chronic inflammation or fibrosis. The crystalline material was birefringent, basophilic on acid-fast, and composed of silicas on SEM/EDXA. Mongooses (100%) and monkeys (98%) had the highest prevalence of SLM, followed by cattle and chickens. Lesions were graded on a 3-point scale based on the histologic location and extent of silicates and SLM and were significantly more severe in mongooses (median = 3) than in monkeys (median = 2), dogs (median = 2), and chickens (median = 1). On EDXA, the crystalline material from lungs, air, and topsoil was composed of silicon, oxygen, aluminum, and iron, with a particulate matter size between 2.5 and 10 µm. We hypothesize Saharan dust, volcanic ash, topsoil, and rock quarry dust are potential sources of siliceous dust inhalation and SLM accumulations lacking chronic inflammation (silicosis); dust generation may be potentiated by road vehicle or wind suspension. Future investigations are warranted on the role of silicate inhalation and respiratory comorbidities in people, with monkeys, mongooses, or chickens serving as possible sentinels for exposure.

Shift of major driver for chemical weathering from the natural control to human dominance since 1980s in the Taihu watershed, China.

Anthropogenic acidification has become a concerned problem in the Taihu region; however, how it affected the regional weathering rate, especially at the different sub-watershed levels has hardly been studied. To reveal the impact of human activities on watershed weathering and water chemistry in Taihu sub-watersheds, historical water chemistry data (1950s-1970s) and recent water samples (2018-2021) of the local river systems, as well as sediment samples of Taihu lake were collected and analyzed, and a linear addition mass balance method was used to determine the weathering rate at the sub-watershed level. The results indicated that, compared with 60 years ago, the current weathering rate of carbonates and silicates in the Taoge water system (TG) was the highest, reaching 67.2 and 11.4 t·km-2·a-1, increasing by 4.1 and 2.7-folds, respectively; and meanwhile the carbonate and silicate weathering rates increased by 3.1 and 4.9-folds in the Nanhe water system (NH), and 5.2 and 3.4-folds in the Tiaoxi water system (TX), respectively. The increasing rate was significantly correlated to the atmospheric SO2 concentration in different sub-watersheds and was affected by the sub-watershed lithology, e.g., TX had a higher increase rate of silicate weathering due to the wider distribution of silicates in this sub-watershed than the other two. The sediment evidence of Na/K and Ca/Al on the profile in different lake parts, which was influenced by different influx river systems, confirmed that the overall intensity of watershed weathering was higher in TG than in the TX sub-watershed and was higher in the recent decade than 50-60 years ago. The accelerated weathering rate was found to present a definite consistency with the social and economic development in the watershed. Combined analyses of the accelerated weathering rate in the watershed and sedimentation evidence indicated that the major driving force for the watershed weathering has shifted from carbonic acid under the natural condition to human-induced sulfuric acid since 1980s.

Inhalation of Silver Silicate Nanoparticles Leads to Transient and Differential Microglial Activation in the Rodent Olfactory Bulb.

Engineered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), including silver silicate nanoparticles (Ag-SiO2 NPs), are used in a wide variety of medical and consumer applications. Inhaled AgNPs have been found to translocate to the olfactory bulb (OB) after inhalation and intranasal instillation. However, the biological effects of Ag-SiO2 NPs and their potential nose-to-brain transport have not been evaluated. The present study assessed whether inhaled Ag-SiO2 NPs can elicit microglial activation in the OB. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats inhaled aerosolized Ag-SiO2 NPs at a concentration of 1 mg/ml for 6 hours. On day 0, 1, 7, and 21 post-exposure, rats were necropsied and OB were harvested. Immunohistochemistry on OB tissues were performed with anti-ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 and heme oxygenase-1 as markers of microglial activation and oxidative stress, respectively. Aerosol characterization indicated Ag-SiO2 NPs were sufficiently aerosolized with moderate agglomeration and high-efficiency deposition in the nasal cavity and olfactory epithelium. Findings suggested that acute inhalation of Ag-SiO2 NPs elicited transient and differential microglial activation in the OB without significant microglial recruitment or oxidative stress. The delayed and differential pattern of microglial activation in the OB implied that inhaled Ag-SiO2 may have translocated to the central nervous system via intra-neuronal pathways.

An automated analyzer for the simultaneous determination of silicate and phosphate in seawater.

Accurate and automated determination methods for silicate and phosphate are in high demand to improve understanding of biogeochemistry and ecology in dynamic and complex estuarine-coastal ecosystems. Here, a portable automated analyzer is reported for the simultaneous determination of silicate and phosphate in water samples with varying salinity. After comprehensive optimization of the chemical reactions and flow manifold, the system demonstrated limits of detection of 0.09 and 0.05 µmol L-1 for silicate and phosphate, respectively, exhibiting linearity at concentrations up to 400 and 200 µmol L-1 with automated dilution, achieving relative standard deviations (n = 11) of 0.27% (20 µmol L-1 silicate), 0.51% (5 µmol L-1 phosphate) and 0.80% (1 µmol L-1 phosphate). Compared with similar automated flow analyzers, the system exhibited advantages, such as low consumption of reagents (10-20 µL/sample), portability (4.8 kg), rapid start-up (5 min), reliability (automated analysis of quality control sample) and applicability within a broad salinity range (from 0 to 35) allowing analysis of dynamic estuarine and seawater samples. The system was successfully applied to a routine monitoring program by a national marine station and is potentially suitable for installation on different observation platforms for on-line and real-time underway analysis of nutrients in coastal areas.

High-resolution mapping of the global silicate weathering carbon sink and its long-term changes.

Climatic and non-climatic factors affect the chemical weathering of silicate rocks, which in turn affects the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere on a long-term scale. However, the coupling effects of these factors prevent us from clearly understanding of the global weathering carbon sink of silicate rocks. Here, using the improved first-order model with correlated factors and non-parametric methods, we produced spatiotemporal data sets (0.25° × 0.25°) of the global silicate weathering carbon-sink flux (SCSFα ) under different scenarios (SSPs) in present (1950-2014) and future (2015-2100) periods based on the Global River Chemistry Database and CMIP6 data sets. Then, we analyzed and identified the key regions in space where climatic and non-climatic factors affect the SCSFα . We found that the total SCSFα was 155.80 ± 90 Tg C yr-1 in present period, which was expected to increase by 18.90 ± 11 Tg C yr-1 (12.13%) by the end of this century. Although the SCSFα in more than half of the world was showing an upward trend, about 43% of the regions were still showing a clear downward trend, especially under the SSP2-4.5 scenario. Among the main factors related to this, the relative contribution rate of runoff to the global SCSFα was close to 1/3 (32.11%), and the main control regions of runoff and precipitation factors in space accounted for about 49% of the area. There was a significant negative partial correlation between leaf area index and silicate weathering carbon sink flux due to the difference between the vegetation types. We have emphasized quantitative analysis the sensitivity of SCSFα to critical factors on a spatial grid scale, which is valuable for understanding the role of silicate chemical weathering in the global carbon cycle.

Geochemical characteristics of strontium isotopes in a coastal watershed: implications for anthropogenic influenced chemical weathering and export flux.

Coastal watershed are essential in transporting dissolved loads from terrestrial biogeochemical process of surface environment to the adjacent oceans. The solute chemistry of coastal river water contains significant information about environmental processes under the impact of both natural lithology and anthropogenic pressure. In this study, strontium (Sr) isotopes and water chemistry data of the Jiulongjiang (JLJ) river water were analyzed in detail to trace the contribution of bedrock weathering, and quantify Sr flux to the East China Sea (ECS). The dissolved Sr contents ranged 0.07-0.90 µmol L-1 and greatly fluctuated where tributaries encountered, and 87Sr/86Sr values relatively fluctuated between 0.7140 and 0.7514. Silicate weathering was identified to be the predominant contribution of riverine dissolved loads. Strontium flux to the ocean in dry season was estimated to be 689.2 tons per year, implying an essential influence on oceanic strontium evolution. In accordance with forward model, the silicate weathering rate and CO2 consumption rate were 55.7 tons km-2 per year and 16.9 × 105 mol km-2 per year, respectively, slightly higher than world average. Considering anthropogenic impacts alongside the river, the integrated effect of lower runoff and longer retention time of river water in dry season may aggravate weathering processes. Although CO2 sink by silicate weathering in JLJ seems less than the sink in world's central reservoirs, it should still be taken into consideration for coastal carbon budget. These findings highlight the use of geochemical characteristics of strontium and its isotopes in identifying weathering process and output flux to the ocean, which provides basic data for sustainable coastal water resource management.

Preparation and related properties of geopolymer solidified uranium tailings bodies with various fibers and fiber content.

Uranium tailing ponds are a potential major source of radioactive pollution. Solidification treatment can control the diffusion and migration of radioactive elements in uranium tailings to safeguard the surrounding ecological environment. A literature review and field investigation were conducted in this study prior to fabricating 11 solidified uranium tailing samples with different proportions of PVA fiber, basalt fiber, metakaolin, and fly ash, and the weight percentage of uranium tailings in the solidified body is 61.11%. The pore structure, volume resistivity, compressive strength, radon exhalation rate variations, and U(VI) leaching performance of the samples were analyzed. The pore size of the solidified samples is mainly between 1 and 50 nm, the pore volume is between 2.461 and 5.852 × 10-2 cm3/g, the volume resistivity is between 1020.00 and 1937.33 Ω·m, and the compressive strength is between 20.61 and 36.91 MPa. The radon exhalation rate is between 0.0397 and 0.0853 Bq·m-2·s-1. The cumulative leaching fraction of U(VI) is between 2.095 and 2.869 × 10-2 cm, and the uranium immobilization rate is between 83.46 and 85.97%. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the physical and mechanical properties, radon exhalation rates, and U(VI) leaching performance of the solidified samples, the basalt fiber is found to outperform PVA fiber overall. The solidification effect is optimal when 0.6% basalt fiber is added.

Legume-microbiome interactions unlock mineral nutrients in regrowing tropical forests.

Legume trees form an abundant and functionally important component of tropical forests worldwide with N2-fixing symbioses linked to enhanced growth and recruitment in early secondary succession. However, it remains unclear how N2-fixers meet the high demands for inorganic nutrients imposed by rapid biomass accumulation on nutrient-poor tropical soils. Here, we show that N2-fixing trees in secondary Neotropical forests triggered twofold higher in situ weathering of fresh primary silicates compared to non-N2-fixing trees and induced locally enhanced nutrient cycling by the soil microbiome community. Shotgun metagenomic data from weathered minerals support the role of enhanced nitrogen and carbon cycling in increasing acidity and weathering. Metagenomic and marker gene analyses further revealed increased microbial potential beneath N2-fixers for anaerobic iron reduction, a process regulating the pool of phosphorus bound to iron-bearing soil minerals. We find that the Fe(III)-reducing gene pool in soil is dominated by acidophilic Acidobacteria, including a highly abundant genus of previously undescribed bacteria, Candidatus Acidoferrum, genus novus. The resulting dependence of the Fe-cycling gene pool to pH determines the high iron-reducing potential encoded in the metagenome of the more acidic soils of N2-fixers and their nonfixing neighbors. We infer that by promoting the activities of a specialized local microbiome through changes in soil pH and C:N ratios, N2-fixing trees can influence the wider biogeochemical functioning of tropical forest ecosystems in a manner that enhances their ability to assimilate and store atmospheric carbon.

Dating the megalithic culture of laos: Radiocarbon, optically stimulated luminescence and U/Pb zircon results.

The megalithic jar sites of Laos (often referred to as the Plain of Jars) remain one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious and least understood archaeological cultures. The sites, recently inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage, host hollowed stone jars, up to three metres in height, which appear scattered across the landscape, alone or clustered in groups of up to more than 400. Until now, it has not been possible to estimate when the jars were first placed on the landscape or from where the stone was sourced. Geochronological analysis using the age of detrital zircons demonstrates a likely quarry source for one of the largest megalithic jar sites. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating suggests the jars were positioned at the sites potentially as early as the late second millennium BC. Radiocarbon dating of skeletal remains and charcoal samples places mortuary activity around the jars from the 9-13th century AD, suggesting the sites have maintained ritual significance from the period of their initial placement until historic times.

Intratubular penetration of endodontic sealers depends on the fluorophore used for CLSM assessment.

Root canal filling aims at eliminating empty spaces into the root canal system using biologically compatible materials. Three-dimensional root canal obturation must prevent or minimize the reinfection caused by microorganisms' leakage. This study aimed at evaluating whether fluorophore (Rhodamine or Fluo-3) influences the CLSM images of intratubular penetration of four endodontic sealers. Eighty bovine teeth were prepared using K files up to a size #70 and irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. All roots were divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to the sealer and fluorophore used: AH Plus/Rhodamine, AH Plus/Fluo-3, Sealer Plus/Rhodamine, Sealer Plus/Fluo-3, Sealer Plus BC/Rhodamine, Sealer Plus BC/Fluo-3, Endosequence/Rhodamine, and Endosequence/Fluo-3. All roots were filled using cold lateral compaction technique. After 7 days, the roots were transversely sectioned, and three slices, one of each canal third, were obtained. Intratubular penetration was evaluated using CLSM. Sealer Plus BC/Rhodamine and Endosequence BC/Rhodamine presented higher intratubular penetration than AH Plus/Fluo-3 and Sealer Plus/Fluo-3 (p ˂ .05). The intragroup analysis showed similar intratubular penetration, regardless of the root third, except for the apical third in AH Plus/Fluo-3 and Sealer Plus BC/Fluo-3 groups. The type of fluorophore influences the calcium silicate sealers' tubular penetration but not of epoxy resin-based ones using CLSM. Bioceramic sealers should not be used associated with Rhodamine for CLSM evaluation. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The type of fluorophore influences the calcium silicate sealers' tubular penetration but not of epoxy resin-based ones when CLSM is used for assessment. Bioceramic sealers should not be used associated with Rhodamine.

Chemical weathering and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) consumption in Shanmuganadhi, South India: evidences from groundwater geochemistry.

Chemical weathering in a groundwater basin is a key to understanding global climate change for a long-term scale due to its association with carbon sequestration. The present study aims to characterize and to quantify silicate weathering rate (SWR), carbon dioxide consumption rate and carbonate weathering rate (CWR) in hard rock terrain aided by major ion chemistry. The proposed study area Shanmuganadhi is marked with superior rainfall, oscillating temperature and runoff with litho-units encompassing charnockite and hornblende-biotite gneiss. Groundwater samples (n = 60) were collected from diverse locations and analysed for major chemical constituents. Groundwater geochemistry seems to be influenced by geochemical reactions combining dissolution and precipitation of solids, cation exchange and adsorption along with minor contribution from anthropogenic activities. The SWR calculated for charnockite and hornblende-biotite gneiss was 3.07 tons km-2 year-1 and 5.12 tons km-2 year-1, respectively. The calculated CWR of charnockite and hornblende-biotite gneiss was 0.079 tons km-2 year-1 and 0.74 tons km-2 year-1, respectively. The calculated CO2 consumption rates via silicate weathering were 1.4 × 103 mol km-2 year-1 for charnockite and 5.8 × 103 mol km-2 year-1 for hornblende-biotite gneiss. Lithology, climate and relief were the key factors isolated to control weathering and CO2 consumption rates.

Occupational risk resulting from exposure to mineral wool when installing insulation in buildings.

Mineral wool is widely used for thermal and sound insulation. The subject of the study is to identify hazards for employees resulting from exposure to mineral wool, when it is used to insulate buildings, and to assess the risk arising from this exposure. When installing mineral wool insulation, respirable mineral fibers, dust, and volatile organic compounds may pose a hazard at workplaces. Based on the results of concentration measurements, it was assessed that the probability of adverse health effects related to the work of insulation installers, resulting from exposure to mineral wool fibers, is low, but for dust associated with exposure, an average health risk was estimated. An additional threat may be the sensitizing effect of substances used as binders and additives improving the utility properties of mineral wool, for example, phenol formaldehyde resins. The paper also contains some information on the labeling of mineral wool; this is very important because the label allows downstream users to recognize mineral wools, the composition and properties of which cause that they are not classified as carcinogens. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(6):757-69.

Evaluation of Mechanical Activation and Chemical Synthesis for Particle Size Modification of White Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

Objective: Initial setting time is one of the most important properties of calcium silicate cements (CSCs) such as white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two methods used to reduce the particle size of WMTA, mechanical activation and chemical synthesis. Methods: WMTA without bismuth oxide (WMTA-B) was provided and divided into four groups (n=5) including: WMTA-B, WMTA-B+10 min milling, WMTA-B+30 min milling, and sol-gel. In groups 2 and 3, the milling was performed by using tungsten carbide balls in a ratio 1:15 (w/w) and a vibration frequency of 30 Hz together with absolute ethanol. For the fourth group, polyethylene glycol (PEG), calcium acetate (Ca(C2H3O2)2), SiO2, and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were used for the sol-gel process. After preparation, sample powders were mixed with distilled water and placed in cylindrical molds, covered with water-moistened gauze, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The Vicat needle test analyzed the initial setting time. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests at a significance level of P<0.05. The correlation between particle size and setting time was determined. Results: Initial setting time of the sol-gel and WMTA-B+30 min milling was significantly lower than in the other two groups (P<0.05). A significant correlation was noticed between particle size and initial setting time (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sol-gel process introduces a promising alternative strategy for the reduction of initial setting time of CSC materials. While both methods increased surface area, mechanical activation was not as successful in reducing surface area and initial setting time as effectively as the sol-gel process.

A molecular understanding of magnesium aluminium silicate - drug, drug - polymer, magnesium aluminium silicate - polymer nanocomposite complex interactions in modulating drug release: Towards zero order release.

This study reports the use of ITC in understanding the thermodynamics occurring for a controlled release system in which complexation has been exploited. In this study, a model drug, propranolol hydrochloride (PPN) was complexed with magnesium aluminium silicate (MAS) and these complexes were used in combination with polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a hydrophilic carrier at various concentrations to sustain the release of PPN. DSC, XRPD, ATR-FTIR and SEM/EDX were successfully used in characterising the produced complexes. 2D- SAXS data patterns for MAS and the produced complexes were shown to be symmetric and circular with the particles showing no preferred orientation at the nanometre scale. ITC studies showed differences between PPN adsorption onto MAS compared with PPN adsorption onto a MAS-PEO mixture. At both temperatures studied the binding affinity Ka was greater for the titration of PPN into the MAS-PEO mixture (5.37E + 04 ± 7.54E + 03 M at 25 °C and 8.63E + 04 ± 6.11E + 03 M at 37 °C), compared to the affinity obtained upon binding between PPN and MAS as previously reported suggesting a stronger binding with implications for the dissolution process. MAS-PPN complexes with the PEO polymer compacts displayed desired manufacturing and formulation properties for a formulator including, reduced plastic recovery therefore potentially reducing the risk of cracking/splitting and on tooling wear, controlled release of PPN at a significantly low (5%) polymer level as well as a zero-order release profile (case II transport) using up to 50% polymer level.