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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Synchrotron resolved microscale mineralogy and elemental composition of individual plinthic and manganiferous nodules from agricultural soils

Iron and manganese oxides are strong sorbents and elemental scavengers in the environment that can form macroscopic nodules in soils. Despite their importance in the geochemical cycling of nutrients and contaminants, nodules are rarely characterized. When analyzed, they are often combined into bulk samples, obscuring individual characteristics. This study investigates the composition and mineralogy of individual plinthic and manganiferous nodules in soil from cropping systems in the Farming Systems Project in Beltsville, Maryland. Elemental composition indicates the accumulation of contaminants and nutrients, including copper in all nodules and high levels of phosphorus in select nodules. Sequential extractions determine that highly crystalline minerals comprise the nodules, locking away these nutrients and contaminants. Bulk X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated distinct mineralogies in the plinthic and manganiferous nodules, with the former comprised of quartz, goethite, and kaolinite, and the latter consisting of quartz, Mn 2 O 3 , and hematite. Synchrotron and laboratory-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping gives critical insight into the elemental distribution within the nodules and elucidates spatial elemental associations, including the coupling of manganese and iron in the manganiferous nodules. XRF maps paired with µXRD provide microscale spatial resolution in mineralogy, which resolved several phases not apparent in bulk XRD, manganese’s association with goethite, and minerals indicative of redox transformations, including magnetite and maghemite. These novel results provide critical insight into the microscale mineralogy and individual elemental composition of plinthic and manganiferous nodules, as well as how they alter bulk soil geochemistry in ways largely unaccounted for in research on soil systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Bis(o-trifluoromethylphenyl)dithiophosphinic Methyl Ester

When bis(o-trifluoromethylphenyl)dithiophosphinic acid (1) was dissolved in methanol, crystals of bis(o-trifluoromethylphenyl)dithiophosphinic methyl ester (2) were isolated. The structure of dithiophosphinic methyl ester (2) has been identified via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and multinuclear NMR studies. Compound 2 is remarkable in that the dithiophosphinic (PS2) core is preserved during this transformation. Many dithiophosphinic acids degrade to other compounds over time which results in formation of dithiophosphinic dimers, like the bis(dithiophosphinic) anhydride. The transformation to 2 suggests that the o-trifluoromethylphenyl groups on phosphorus assist in retaining the PS2 core, possibly by steric hindrance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Structural and thermal characterization of CaO-MgO-SiO2-P2O5-CaF2 glasses

The paper presents the influence of varying CaO/MgO ratio on the structure and thermal properties of CaO-MgO-SiO2-P2O5-CaF2 glasses. A series of eight glass compositions in the glass forming region of diopside (CaMgSi2O6) - fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] - wollastonite (CaSiO3) ternary system have been designed and synthesized by varying diopside/wollastonite ratio in glasses. The as prepared melt-quenched glasses have been characterized for their structure by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and magic angle spinning (MAS)-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Silicon is predominantly present as Q2 (Si) species, while phosphorus tends to coordinate in orthophosphate environment in all the investigated glasses. The change in CaO/MgO ratio had an insignificant affect on the structure of glasses. The thermal sintering and crystallization parameters for the studied glasses have been obtained from differential thermal analysis (DTA) while crystalline phase fractions in the sintered glass-ceramics have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction adjoined with Rietveld refinement. Diopside, fluorapatite, wollastonite and pseudowollastonite have crystallized as the main crystalline phases in all the glass-ceramics with their content varying with respect to variation in CaO/MgO ratio in glasses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to shed light on the microstructure of glass-ceramics. The possible implications of structure and sintering behaviour of glasses on their bioactivity have been discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pillared and open-framework uranyl diphosphonates

The hydrothermal reactions of uranium trioxide, uranyl acetate, or uranyl nitrate with 1,4-benzenebisphosphonic acid in the presence of very small amount of HF at 200 deg. C results in the formation of three different uranyl diphosphonate compounds, [H{sub 3}O]{sub 2}{l_brace}(UO{sub 2}){sub 6}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3})(PO{sub 2}OH)]{sub 2}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 2}OH){sub 2}]{sub 2}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{r_brace}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2} (Ubbp-1), [H{sub 3}O]{sub 4}{l_brace}(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}[C{sub 6}H{sub 4}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sub 2}F{sub 4}{r_brace}.H{sub 2}O (Ubbp-2), and {l_brace}(UO{sub 2})[C{sub 6}H{sub 2}F{sub 2}(PO{sub 2}OH){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){r_brace}{sub 2}.H{sub 2}O (Ubbp-3). The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. Ubbp-1 consists of UO{sub 7} pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged by the phosphonate moieties to form a three-dimensional pillared structure. Ubbp-2 is composed of UO{sub 5}F{sub 2} pentagonal bipyramids that are bridged through the phosphonate oxygen atoms into one-dimensional chains that are cross-linked by the phenyl spacers into a pillared structure. The structure of Ubbp-3 is a three-dimensional open-framework with large channels containing water molecules with internal dimensions of approximately 10.9x10.9 A. Ubbp-1 and Ubbp-2 fluoresce at room temperature. - Graphical Abstract: Illustration of the three-dimensional open-framework structure of {l_brace}(UO{sub 2})[C{sub 6}H{sub 2}F{sub 2}(PO{sub 2}OH){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){r_brace}{sub 2}.H{sub 2}O viewed along the c-axis. The structure is constructed from UO{sub 7} units, pentagonal bipyramids=green, oxygen=red, phosphorus=magenta, carbon=black, hydrogen=white. Highlights: > The influence of the uranyl salt anions and pH were critically examined in relation to structural variation. > The acetate and nitrate counter ions of uranyl may be acting as structure directing agents. > The use of rigid phenyl spacer yield a three-dimensional network of pillared structures of uranyl diphosphonates that fluoresce. > The fluorination of the phenyl ring under hydrothermal condition. > The large voids in this structure are suggestive of potential applications in sorption, separation of gases and in catalytic processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Uranium diphosphonates templated by interlayer organic amines

The hydrothermal treatment of uranium trioxide and methylenediphosphonic acid with a variety of amines (2,2-dipyridyl, triethylenediamine, ethylenediamine, and 1,10-phenanthroline) at 200 Degree-Sign C results in the crystallization of a series of layered uranium diphosphonate compounds, [C{sub 10}H{sub 9}N{sub 2}]{l_brace}UO{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O)[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3})(PO{sub 3}H)]{r_brace} (Ubip2), [C{sub 6}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}]{l_brace}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3})(PO{sub 3}H)]{sub 2}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O{r_brace} (UDAB), [C{sub 2}H{sub 10}N{sub 2}]{sub 2}{l_brace}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sub 2}{center_dot}0.5H{sub 2}O{r_brace} (Uethyl), and [C{sub 12}H{sub 9}N{sub 2}]{l_brace}UO{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O)[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3})(PO{sub 3}H)]{r_brace} (Uphen). The crystal structures of the compounds are based on UO{sub 7} units linked by methylenediphosphonate molecules to form two-dimensional anionic sheets in Ubip2 and UDAB, and one-dimensional anionic chains in Uethyl and Uphen, which are charge balanced by protonated amine molecules. Interaction of the amine molecules with phosphonate oxygens and water molecules results in extensive hydrogen bonding in the interlayer. These amine molecules serve both as structure-directing agents and charge-balancing cations for the anionic uranium phosphonate sheets and chains in the formation of the different coordination geometries and topologies of each structure. Reported herein are the syntheses, structural and spectroscopic characterization of the synthesized compounds. - Graphical abstract: The Raman spectra of the synthesized compounds and an illustration of the stacking of the layers with the diprotonated triethylenediamine molecules in [C{sub 6}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}]{l_brace}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}[CH{sub 2}(PO{sub 3})(PO{sub 3}H)]{sub 2}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O{r_brace} UDAB. Solvent water molecules are removed for clarity. The corresponding Raman spectra for the complexes synthesized is also shown. The structure is constructed from UO{sub 7} pentagonal bipyramids (yellow), oxygen=red, phosphorus=magenta, carbon=black, and nitrogen=blue. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Organic amines act both as charge-balancing and as structure-directing agents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Extensive hydrogen bonding interactions with solvent water molecules and amines. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Altering the organic amine (size or flexibility) affects structure formation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molten salt flux synthesis and crystal structure of a new open-framework uranyl phosphate Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}: Spectroscopic characterization and cationic mobility studies

The reaction of triuranyl diphosphate tetrahydrate precursor (UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4} with a CsI flux at 750 °C yields a yellow single crystals of new compound Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}. The crystal structure (monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=13.6261 (13) Å, b=8.1081(8) Å, c=12.3983(12) Å, β=114.61(12)°, V=1245.41(20) Å{sup 3} with Z=4) has been solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F{sup 2} yielded R1=0.028 and wR2=0.071 for 79 parameters and 1352 independent reflections with I≥2σ(I) collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structure is built by two independent uranium atoms in square bipyramidal coordination, connected by two opposite corners to form infinite chains {sup 1}{sub ∞}[UO{sub 5}] and by one phosphorus atom in a tetrahedral environment PO{sub 4}. The two last entities {sup 1}{sub ∞}[UO{sub 5}] and PO{sub 4} are linked by sharing corners to form a three-dimensional structure presenting different types of channels occupied by Cs{sup +} alkaline cations. Their mobility within the tunnels were studied between 280 and 800 °C and compared with other tunneled uranyl minerals. The infrared spectrum shows a good agreement with the values inferred from the single crystal structure analysis of uranyl phosphate compound. - Graphical abstract: Arrhenius plot of the electrical conductivity of tunneled compounds Cs{sub 3}U{sub 2}PO{sub 10} and CsU{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 11.5}. Highlights: ► The reaction of (UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4} in excess of molten CsI leads to single-crystals of new tunneled compound Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}. ► Ionic conductivity measurements and crystal structure analysis indicate a strong connection of the Cs{sup +} cations to the tunnels. ► A low symmetry in Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2} is the cause of IR activation and splitting of the bands in the IR spectrum.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis and structural characterization of a new chiral porous hybrid organic–inorganic material based on γ-zirconium phosphates and L-(+)-phosphoserine

In the present work, a chiral layered derivative of γ-zirconium phosphate (γ-ZrP) containing L-(+)-phosphoserine (γ-ZrP-PS*) covalently attached to inorganic layers has been prepared by means of topotactic exchange reaction. This organic–inorganic derivative is characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Solid {sup 13}C–NMR and FT-IR spectrophotometries and thermal analyses. A maximum level of topotactic replacement of 20% is achieved. Under both the acidic environment of the interlayer region of γ-ZrP and the acidic synthesis conditions, the hydrolysis of the ester bond of PS* is expected to take place to some extent. For this reason, it was impossible to exceed the recent percentage, which in turn reflects the relative moderate stability of the above mentioned bond under these conditions. In order to be more certain with regard to an expected further hydrolysis for this bond after separation, a sample of γ-ZrP-PS* was stored in a desiccator over a saturated solution of BaCl{sub 2} (90% relative humidity) for three months, and then the sample re-analyzed once again. Surprisingly, the results show that the sample still keeps almost the same level of exchange (i.e., 20%). Second, it is revealed that the sample almost gives the same spectroscopic and thermal behavior. This could be attributed to the less acidic character of the partially exchanged inorganic layers of the sample in comparison with that of the precursor γ-ZrP. Therefore, the PS* molecules persist and stay there into the interlayer gallery without further hydrolysis. - Graphical abstract: • Red: oxygen • White: zirconium • Cyan: carbon • Yellow: phosphorus • Blue: nitrogen. Highlights: • L-(+)-Phosphoserine (PS*) is exchanged with γ-ZrP by means of topotactic exchange. • The maximum exchange level is 20%. • γ-ZrP is functionalized with chiral amino acid group. • γ-ZrP-PS* has large chiral space for huge guest molecules to be intercalated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}–CuO–P{sub 2}O{sub 5} system: Two novel compounds built from the intergrowths oxocentered polycationic 1D-ribbons

Single crystals of two novel bismuth copper oxyphosphates were grown from a unique melt. They have been structurally characterized by means of single crystal X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Bi{sub 29.4}Cu{sub 9.29}O{sub 32}(PO{sub 4}){sub 16}Cu{sub 2.63} (1) is orthorhombic, space group Pca2{sub 1}, a=33.0549(2)A, b=11.6991(4)A and c=5.2902(2)A, R{sub 1}=0.059 and wR{sub 2}=0.061. Bi{sub 37.2}Cu{sub 18.8}O{sub 44}(PO{sub 4}){sub 24}Cu{sub 5} (2) is orthorhombic, space group Pna2{sub 1}, a=11.6010(3)A, b=47.4384(5)A and c=5.267(2)A, R{sub 1}=0.0940 and wR{sub 2}=0.0981. Both compounds are formed of similar 1D building units (BUs) organized into two different 3D regular intergrowths mediated by phosphate groups. Here, the so-called 1D-BUs are infinite ribbons formed by edge-sharing O(Bi,M){sub 4} tetrahedra with n=4 and n=3 tetrahedra-wide units. Both compounds were analyzed from the viewpoint of their relationship with the parent δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} fluorite-like structure, where phosphorus atoms substitutes for some Bi sites. A non-exhaustive review of the related structural types is given. We have checked by second harmonic generacy (SHG) microscopy that the two non-centrosymmetric structures (despite polar subunits) lead to SHG before the samples are irreversibly damaged. - Graphical abstract: This paper reports the crystal structure of two new bismuth oxophosphate compounds. Both are built on the association of n=3 and 4 building unit ribbons surrounded by isolated PO4 tetrahedra and tunnels hosting Cu{sup 2+} cations. They come in addition to the numerous Bi-based compounds already pointed out. Once more, this is the proof of the richness of this crystal system. - Highlights: • Two new bismuth oxophosphates were synthesized. • Crystal structure were solved thanks to single crystal X-Ray diffraction. • They show two different associations of n=3 and 4 ribbons built on [O,(Bi,M){sub 4}] tetrahedral sharing edges and surrounded by isolated PO4 groups. • SHG microscopy confirm the NCS character of both compounds. • The family of bismuth oxophosphate compounds contained several structures already pointed out but also still to be evidenced.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Spectral characteristics of nanoamorphous phosphors obtained by evaporation of Sr{sub 2}Gd{sub 8}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}O{sub 2}: Eu polycrystals

Amorphous nanophosphors have been obtained for the first time by pulsed electron beam evaporation of targets from bulk polycrystalline phosphors of the composition Sr{sub 2}Gd{sub 8}(SiO{sub 4}){sub 6}O{sub 2}: Eu with oxyapatite structure. The processes of crystallization of amorphous nanopowder were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and termogravimetry (40−1400 °C). It was found that the Raman spectra of the samples are modified when the particles decrease from bulk to nanodimensional state. The spectral and luminescent characteristics of the phosphors in polycrystalline and nanoamorphous states have been examined. It was established that Eu{sup 3+} forms two types of optical centers. Unlike bulk phosphors, in the nanophosphors no Eu{sup 2+} ions are formed. The ratio of red to orange luminescence intensity for nanophosphors was found to increase as compared with bulk phosphors. This effect is due to disordering of nanoparticles. A resonant transfer of excitation energy from Gd{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 3+} ions was found in bulk and nanophosphors. Upon transition from polycrystalline to nanoamorphous state and laser excitation of phosphors, the luminescence intensity of Eu{sup 3+} ions increases approximately 10 times. This effect is explained in the framework of the configuration coordinates model. - Graphical abstract: Schematic configurational-coordinate diagram for Eu{sup 3+} ion in polycrystalline Sr{sub 2}Gd{sub 6.4}Eu{sub 1.6}Si{sub 6}O{sub 26−δ} and nanoamorphous phosphor. - Highlights: • Nanoamorphous phosphor is obtained by electron-beam evaporation of bulk silicate. • In nanoamorphous samples Raman spectra are modified intensity. • Nanofosfor luminescence by 10 times more intensively, than bulk phosphorus. • There is a transfer of energy of excitation from Gd{sup 3+} to Eu{sup 3+} in bulk- and nanophosphor.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Facile synthesis of B-type carbonated nanoapatite with tailored microstructure

Nanolime and a phosphate-based chelating agent were used to synthesize B-type carbonated apatite. Developed Rietveld refinement strategies allowed one to determine process yield, product crystallinity as well as structural (unit cell) and microstructural (size, strain) parameters. The effect of synthesis temperature (20–60 °C) as well as Ca/P ratio (1.5–2.5) and solid content (10–30 wt%) of the starting batch on these properties were investigated. FTIR, TEM and gas adsorption data provided supporting evidence. The process yield was 42–60 wt% and found to be governed by the Ca/P ratio. The purified products had high specific surface area (107–186 m{sup 2}/g) and crystallinity (76–97%). The unit cell parameters, correlated to the degree of structural carbonate, were sensitive to the Ca/P ratio. Instead, temperature governed the microstructural parameters. Less strained and larger crystals were obtained at higher temperatures. Long-term aging up to 6 months at 20 °C compensated for higher crystal growth kinetics at higher temperature. - Graphical abstract: Controlled synthesis of carbonated apatite at moderate temperatures using nanolime and sodiumhexametaphosphate as starting reagent. - Highlights: • Chemical synthesis of nano-sized apatite with tailored microstructure was performed. • Colloidal Ca(OH){sub 2} and a phosphorus-based chelating agents were used as reagents. • The method is simple and reproducible which facilitate industrial process scale-up. • Rietveld refinement strategies for product characterization were developed. • Rietveld analyses provided yield, microstructural and structure information.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Three-dimensional interconnected nickel phosphide networks with hollow microstructures and desulfurization performance

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional interconnected nickel phosphide networks with hollow microstructures and desulfurization performance. - Highlights: • Three-dimensional Ni{sub 2}P has been prepared using foam nickel as a template. • The microstructures interconnected and formed sponge-like porous networks. • Three-dimensional Ni{sub 2}P shows superior hydrodesulfurization activity. - Abstract: Three-dimensional microstructured nickel phosphide (Ni{sub 2}P) was fabricated by the reaction between foam nickel (Ni) and phosphorus red. The as-prepared Ni{sub 2}P samples, as interconnected networks, maintained the original mesh structure of foamed nickel. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-synthesized Ni{sub 2}P were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, automatic mercury porosimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The SEM study showed adjacent hollow branches were mutually interconnected to form sponge-like networks. The investigation on pore structure provided detailed information for the hollow microstructures. The growth mechanism for the three-dimensionally structured Ni{sub 2}P was postulated and discussed in detail. To investigate its catalytic properties, SiO{sub 2} supported three-dimensional Ni{sub 2}P was prepared successfully and evaluated for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT). DBT molecules were mostly hydrogenated and then desulfurized by Ni{sub 2}P/SiO{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chemical degradation of trimethyl phosphate as surrogate for organo-phosporus pesticides on nanostructured metal oxides

Nanostructured TiO{sub 2} and mixed oxides of Ti and Fe, Hf, In, Mn or Zr -were prepared by homogeneous hydrolysis of aqueous solution of metal sulphates with urea. The oxides were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution, surface area and porosity. The oxide materials consists of a few nanometre primary crystals (mainly anatase) arranged in a few micrometre regular spherical agglomerates with specific surface area 133–511 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}. The FTIR diffuse spectroscopy was used for monitoring chemical degradation of trimethylphosphate (TMP) as a surrogate for organo-phosphorus pesticides under ambient and higher temperatures. Undoped TiO{sub 2} and Ti,Mn-mixed oxide were most active in cleavage (hydrolysis) of CH{sub 3}O from TMP at room temperature and 100 °C. Cleavage of CH{sub 3}O in the other studied mixed oxides was not complete until temperature exceeds the boiling point of TMP.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Phase-control synthesis and catalytic property of magnetic Ni@NixPy core-shell microstructures

Highlights: • Ni@Ni{sub x}P{sub y} core-shell microstructures are synthesized by a low-temperature phosphidation route. • The initial Ni/NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2} molar ratio can strongly affect the phase of the final product. • Ni@Ni{sub x}P{sub y} microstructures present good catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. • The catalytic property of Ni@Ni{sub x}P{sub y} microstructures presents markedly phase-dependent features. - Abstract: Magnetic Ni@Ni{sub x}P{sub y} core-shell microstructures were successfully synthesized by a simple low-temperature phosphidation route, employing Ni nanospheres as the initial nickel source, NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2}·H{sub 2}O as the phosphorus ion source. The phosphidation reaction was carried out in N{sub 2} atmosphere at 300 °C for 2 h. Experiments showed that the initial Ni/NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2} molar ratio could strongly affect the phase of the final product. When the Ni/NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2} molar ratio of 1:2.77 was used, hexagonal Ni{sub 2}P phase was obtained; while the Ni/NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2} molar ratio was 1:5.54, hexagonal Ni{sub 5}P{sub 4} phase was produced. It was found that the magnetic properties of the products gradually decreased with the conversion from Ni nanospheres, to Ni@Ni{sub 2}P and to Ni@Ni{sub 5}P{sub 4}. Moreover, initial Ni nanospheres, Ni@Ni{sub 2}P and Ni@Ni{sub 5}P{sub 4} core-shell microstructures presented outstanding catalytic activities for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) in excess NaBH{sub 4} solution. Ni@Ni{sub 5}P{sub 4} core-shell microstructures owned the best catalytic activity.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Climate-eutrophication-anoxia interactions in Late Glacial Soppensee, Switzerland: Forcings, non-linear responses and recovery

Combined effects of climate warming and anthropogenic nutrient loadings lead to lake eutrophication and anoxia globally. Because of chemical feedbacks, lakes under multiple stressors often respond in non-linear ways. However, it remains unclear whether climate change alone can lead to non-linear lake responses in the absence of anthropogenic nutrient disturbances. Here, we investigate the interactions between climate variability, nutrient cycling and trophic state changes, mixing regimes, anoxia and related chemical feedback in a small kettle-hole lake in Switzerland during Late Glacial times (15.2–12.6 cal ka BP), a period known for high-amplitude climate change in pre-anthropogenic times. After its formation during Heinrich Stadial 1 (>15 cal ka BP), Soppensee was oligotrophic and well-mixed. Soppensee became eutrophic and developed anoxia at 14.25 cal ka BP. Phosphorus (P) was released from sediments through the reductive dissolution of Fe-oxyhydroxides, fuelling eutrophication. Eutrophication lagged the Bølling warming (14.65 cal ka BP) by 400 years, suggesting that rising temperatures were not the trigger for eutrophication. Instead, eutrophication responded non-linearly to forest closure (threshold at 76 % arboreal pollen AP), which shielded Soppensee from wind mixing, enhancing lake stratification, anoxia and P release, intensifying eutrophication. These conditions ended during the 200-years cold period of the Aegelsee Oscillation (GI-1d, ca. 14.0 cal ka BP) when the landscape regionally opened (AP<76 %); the lake became well-mixed, oxygenated and P was efficiently sequestered. Throughout the Allerød (13.9–12.8 cal ka BP), enhanced Fe input prompted diagenetic vivianite formation, sequestering P in sediments, naturally remediating lake eutrophication despite closed forests, warm temperatures, lake stratification and anoxia.

Environmental sciences↗

Spatiotemporal patterns of livestock manure nutrient production in the conterminous United States from 1930 to 2012

Manure nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from livestock husbandry are important components of terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. Assessment of the impacts of livestock manure on terrestrial biogeochemistry requires a compilation and analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of manure nutrients. In this study, we reconstructed county-level manure nutrient data of the conterminous United States (U.S.) in 4- to 5-year increments from 1930 to 2012. Manure N and P were 5.89 +/- 0.64 Tg N yr.(-1) (Mean +/- Standard Deviation) and 1.73 +/- 0.29 Tg P yr.(-1) (1 Tg=10(12) g), and increased by 46% and 92% from 1930 to 2012, respectively. Prior to 1970, manure provided more N to the U.S. lands than chemical fertilizer use. Since 1970, however, increasing chemical N fertilizer use has exceeded manure N production. Manure was the primary P source in the U.S. during 1930-1969 and 1987-2012, but was lower than P fertilizer use in 1974, 1978, and 1982. High-nutrient-production regions shifted towards eastern and western areas of the U.S. Decreasing small farms and increasing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) induced concentrated spatial patterns in manure nutrient loads. Counties with cattle or poultry as the primary manure nutrient contributors expanded significantly from 1930 to 2012, whereas regions with sheep and hog as the primary contributors decreased. We identified regions facing environmental threats associated with livestock farming. Effective management of manure should consider the impacts of CAFOs inmanure production, and changes in livestock population structure. The long-term county-level manure nutrient dataset provides improved spatial and temporal information on manure nutrients in the U.S. This dataset is expected to help advance research on nutrient cycling, ammonia volatilization, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock husbandry, recovery and reuse of manure nutrients, and impacts of livestock feeding on human health in the context of global change.

Livestock↗

Windrow co-composting of natural casings waste with sheep manure and dead leaves

Highlights: • Waste management opportunities in small and medium companies were highlighted. • Pilot scale program for windrow co-composting of natural casings was investigated. • Compost preparation, characterization and application phases were discussed. • Natural casings co-composting has proved more viable and cost effective solution. - Abstract: After studying the waste management opportunities in small and medium companies of natural casings, composting has proved more viable and cost effective solution for the valorization of these types of waste, but its feasibility depends on the final product value. This paper investigated a pilot scale program for the windrow co-composting of natural casings waste with sheep manure and dead leaves incorporation. Processing, characterization and application of the final compost were described and the final compost was analyzed for pathogens, metals, nutrients, maturity, and agronomic parameters. The results showed that all test result levels were below the limits specified in the EPA regulations published in Title 40, Section 503, of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 503). Moreover, the agronomic value tests which include nutrients, organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, etc. showed that the compost had high organic-matter content and low salt content, all of which indicate good compost characteristics. The ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), or NPK ratio, was measured at 1.6–0.9–0.7. Reported units are consistent with those found on fertilizer formulations.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Recovery of essential nutrients from municipal solid waste – Impact of waste management infrastructure and governance aspects

Every year 120–140 million tonnes of bio-waste are generated in Europe, most of which is landfilled, incinerated or stabilized and used as covering material in landfill operation. None of these practices enables the recovery of essential nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), which are in great demand for agricultural production. Recovery of these nutrients is a matter of international concern considering the non-renewable nature of P sources and the energy intensive production process required for the synthesis of N fertilizers. The objective of this research is to understand the relation between the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system, both its the physical components and governance aspects, and the recovery of nutrients in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country) as a benchmark for European medium-size cities. The analysis shows that the existing physical infrastructure and facilities for bio-waste have high potential for nutrient recovery, 49% for N and 83% for P contained in bio-waste. However, governance aspects of the MSWM system such as legislation and user inclusivity play an important role and decrease the actual nutrient recovery to 3.4% and 7.4% for N and P respectively.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗