Silicide formation and the interaction of metals with polycrystalline Si

The main factors affecting solid-phase Si-metal interactions are reported in this work. The influence of the orientation of the Si substrates and the presence of impurities in metal films and at the Si-metal interface on the formation of nickel and chromium silicides have been demonstrated. We have observed that the formation and kinetic rate of growth of nickel silicides is strongly dependent on the orientation and crystallinity of the Si substrates; a fact which, up to date, has never been seriously investigated in silicide formation. Impurity contaminations in the Cr film and at the Si-Cr interface are the most dominant influencing factors in the formation and kinetic rate of growth of CrSi₂. The potentiality and use of silicides as a diffusion barrier in metallization on silicon devices were also investigated.

Two phases, Ni₂Si and NiSi, form simultaneously in two distinct sublayers in the reaction of Ni with amorphous Si, while only the former phase was observed on other substrates. On (111) oriented Si substrates the growth rate is about 2 to 3 times less than that on <100> or polycrystalline Si. Transmission electron micrographs establish-·that silicide layers grown on different substrates have different microcrystalline structures. The concept of grain-boundary diffusion is speculated to be an important factor in silicide formation.

The composition and kinetic rate of CrSi₂ formation are not influenced by the underlying Si substrate. While the orientation of the Si substrate does not affect the formation of CrSi₂ , the purity of the Cr film and the state of Si-Cr interface become the predominant factors in the reaction process. With an interposed layer of Pd₂Si between the Cr film and the Si substrate, CrSi₂ starts to form at a much lower temperature (400°C) relative to the Si-Cr system. However, the growth rate of CrSi₂ is observed to be independent of the thickness of the Pd2Si layer. For both Si-Cr and Si-Pd₂Si-Cr samples, the growth rate is linear with time with an activation energy of 1.7 ± 0.1 ev.

A tracer technique using radioactive ³¹Si (T_1/2 = 2.26 h) was used to study the formation of CrSi₂ on Pd₂Si. It is established from this experiment that the growth of CrSi₂ takes place partly by transport of Si directly from the Si substrate and partly by breaking Pd₂Si bonds, making free Si atoms available for the growth process.

The role of CrSi₂ in Pd-Al metallization on Si was studied. It is established that a thin CrSi₂ layer can be used as a diffusion barrier to prevent Al from interacting with Pd₂Si in the Pd-Al metallization on Si.

As a generalization of what has been observed for polycrystalline-Si-Al interaction, the reactions between polycrystalline Si (poly Si) and other metals were studied. The metals investigated include Ni, Cr, Pd, Ag and Au. For Ni, Cr and Pd, annealing results in silicide formation, at temperatures similar to those observed on single crystal Si substrates. For Al, Ag and Au, which form simple eutectics with Si annealing results in erosion of the poly Si layer and growth of Si crystallites in the metal films.

Backscattering spectrometry with 2.0 and 2.3 MeV ⁴He ions was the main analytical tool used in all our investigations. Other experimental techniques include the Read camera glancing angle x-ray diffraction, scanning electron, optical and transmission electron microscopy. Details of these analytical techniques are given in Chapter II.

Caracterização físico-química e avaliação dos níveis de elementos-traço em sedimentos de manguezais das baías da Ilha Grande e de Sepetiba, RJ, por metodologias de digestão ácida assistidas por micro-ondas

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal comparar dois métodos de extração de elementos-traço em sedimentos que são assistidos por radiação micro-ondas. Foram coletadas amostras de sedimentos superficiais em um manguezal localizado na baía da Ilha Grande e em três manguezais localizados na baía de Sepetiba, RJ. As amostras de sedimentos coletadas foram secas, destorroadas e peneiradas. Sub-amostras foram submetidas a análises de caracterização física e química. Os métodos de extração de elementos-traço comparados foram o EPA-3051A e o método água régia assistido por micro-ondas. Os elementos-traço analisados foram: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb e Zn. As concentrações dos elementos-traço nos extratos produzidos foram determinadas por FAAS (Espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama). Foram encontradas nos sedimentos dos manguezais estudados concentrações acima dos níveis estabelecidos pela Resolução CONAMA 344/2004 para os elementos-traço: Cd, Ni, Pb e Zn. Os resultados mostraram que as capacidades de extração de elementos-traço dos métodos EPA-3051A e água régia assistido por micro-ondas variam em função das características físico-químicas dos sedimentos. A análise estatística pela técnica de regressão linear simples mostrou que as duas metodologias são estatisticamente similares apenas para o Cr e os valores dos coeficientes de determinação (R2) obtidos obedeceram à seqüência: Cu > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cd. Na análise pela técnica estatística de regressão linear múltipla ocorreram melhorias estatisticamente significativas nos coeficientes de determinação quando foram incluídas as seguintes variáveis independentes: potencial redox e fósforo total para o Cd, argila para o Cr, areia para o Ni e fósforo total para o Pb e para o Zn

I. Anisotropy and crystal structure of ferromagnetic thin films. II. Investigations into magnetic microstructure by Lorentz microscopy

The induced magnetic uniaxial anisotropy of Ni-Fe alloy films has been shown to be related to the crystal structure of the film. By use of electron diffraction, the crystal structure or vacuum-deposited films was determined over the composition range 5% to 85% Ni, with substrate temperature during deposition at various temperatures in the range 25° to 500° C. The phase diagram determined in this way has boundaries which are in fair agreement with the equilibrium boundaries for bulk material above 400°C. The (α+ ɤ) mixture phase disappears below 100°C.

The measurement of uniaxial anisotropy field for 25% Ni-Fe alloy films deposited at temperatures in the range -80°C to 375°C has been carried out. Comparison of the crystal structure phase diagram with the present data and those published by Wilts indicates that the anisotropy is strongly sensitive to crystal structure. Others have proposed pair ordering as an important source of anisotropy because of an apparent peak in the anisotropy energy at about 50% Ni composition. The present work shows no such peak, and leads to the conclusion that pair ordering cannot be a dominant contributor.

Width of the 180° domain wall in 76% Ni-Fe alloy films as a function of film thickness up to 1800 Å was measured using the defocused mode of Lorentz microscopy. For the thinner films, the measured wall widths are in good agreement with earlier data obtained by Fuchs. For films thicker than 800 Å, the wall width increases with film thickness to about 9000 Å at 1800 Å film thickness. Similar measurements for polycrystalline Co films with thickness from 200 to 1500 Å have been made. The wall width increases from 3000 Å at 400 Å film thickness to about 6000 Å at 1500 Å film thickness. The wall widths for Ni-Fe and Co films are much greater than predicted by present theories. The validity of the classical determination of wall width is discussed, and the comparison of the present data with theoretical results is given.

Finally, an experimental study of ripple by Lorentz microscopy in Ni-Fe alloy films has been carried out. The following should be noted: (1) the only practical way to determine experimentally a meaningful wavelength is to find a well-defined ripple periodicity by visual inspection of a photomicrograph. (2) The average wavelength is of the order of 1µ. This value is in reasonable agreement with the main wavelength predicted by the theories developed by others. The dependence of wavelength on substrate deposition temperature, alloy composition and the external magnetic field has been also studied and the results are compared with theoretical predictions. (3) The experimental fact that the ripple structure could not be observed in completely epitaxial films gives confirmation that the ripple results from the randomness of crystallite orientation. Furthermore, the experimental observation that the ripple disappeared in the range 71 and 75% Ni supports the theory that the ripple amplitude is directly dependent on the crystalline anisotropy. An attempt to experimentally determine the order of magnitude of the ripple angle was carried out. The measured angle was about 0.02 rad. The discrepancy between the experimental data and the theoretical prediction is serious. The accurate experimental determination of ripple angle is an unsolved problem.

Fabrication of Silicon-Based Template-Assisted Nanoelectrode Arrays and Ohmic Contact Properties Investigation

A convenient fabrication technology for large-area, highly-ordered nanoelectrode arrays on silicon substrate has been described here, using porous anodic alumina (PAA) as a template. The ultrathin PAA membranes were anodic oxidized utilizing a two-step anodization method, from Al film evaporated on substrate. The purposes for the use of two-step anodization were, first, improving the regularity of the porous structures, and second reducing the thickness of the membranes to 100 similar to 200 nm we desired. Then the nanoelectrode arrays were obtained by electroless depositing Ni-W alloy into the through pores of PAA membranes, making the alloy isolated by the insulating pore walls and contacting with the silicon substrates at the bottoms of pores. The Ni-W alloy was also electroless deposited at the back surface of silicon to form back electrode. Then ohmic contact properties between silicon and Ni-W alloy were investigated after rapid thermal annealing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed the structure characteristics, and the influence factors of fabrication effect were discussed. The current voltage (I-V) curves revealed the contact properties. After annealing in N-2 at 700 degrees C, good linear property was shown with contact resistance of 33 Omega, which confirmed ohmic contacts between silicon and electrodes. These results presented significant application potential of this technology in nanosize current-injection devices in optoelectronics, microelectronics and bio-medical fields.

鞍山铁矿区无土排岩场植物修复试验研究

针对鞍山大孤山排岩场由大小不一的石砾组成、无任何土壤、保水性能差、植物所需的营养成分极其贫乏、含有限制植物生长的有毒有害物质等特殊的立地条件，以营养成分丰富的城市污泥、粉煤灰等固体废弃物配制的人工土壤做为修复基质，通过室内模拟试验从人工土壤的保水性能、肥力水平和重金属含量及其活动性等方面研究粉煤灰钝化污泥用做无土排岩场植被再建的可行性，并进行了现场验证试验，结果表明： 采用当地城市生活污泥、粉煤灰以及铁矿尾砂为原料进行合理配比的人工土壤具有较好的持水保水性能；而且该人工土壤中有机质和速效氮、磷、钾的含量都极其丰富，处于高肥力水平；人工土壤的重金属含量符合国家农用标准。因此将这种养分含量较高的粉煤灰钝化污泥人工土壤用做无土排岩场生态修复的基质从理论上是可行的。 人工土壤熟化过程中对地下水的潜在影响研究表明：粉煤灰的加入有效抑制了污泥中氮素硝化作用的发生，同时也降低了钝化污泥人工土壤中SO42-、Cl-的浓度；人工土壤溶液中Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、Cr、Mn平衡浓度均显著低于水质中重金属含量的毒害临界水平。因此，将该人工土壤用于鞍山大孤山排岩场植被再建，其土壤浸提溶液不会对地下水造成潜在威胁。 现场试验研究表明，钝化污泥人工土壤用做陡坡无土排岩场的修复基质适宜于乔木刺槐的生长，具有较好的植被成活率及生长势，该修复模式用于陡坡无土排岩场植被再建是可行的。

粉煤灰对钝化污泥重金属有效性影响

通过添加不同比例的粉煤灰对城市生活污泥进行钝化,系统的研究了粉煤灰对钝化污泥中金属元素Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、Cr、Mn、Fe含量及其有效化的影响。结果表明:粉煤灰对污泥中有效态Cd、Pb、Ni、Cr、Mn、Fe具有钝化作用,其中对Cd和Fe的钝化效果最明显;但对Cu却有促进其向有效态转化的作用;总体上看钝化污泥人工土壤中重金属含量符合国家农用标准,而其中有效态Cd、Pb、Ni、C r的含量均远远低于对植物体造成毒害的临界水平。

Sorption of metals on humic acid

The sorption on humic acid (HA) of metals from an aqueous solution containing Hg(II). Fe(III), Pb, Cu, Al, Ni, Cr(III), Cd, Zn, Co and Mn, was investigated with special emphasis on effects of pH, metal concentration and HA concentration. The sorption efficiency tended to increase with rise in pH, decrease in metal concentration and increase in HA concentration of the equilibrating solution. At pH 2.4. the order of sorption was: Hg Fe Pb Cu=Al Ni Cr=Zn=Cd=Co=Mn. At pH 3.7. the order was: Hg and Fe were always most readily removed, while Co and Mn were sorbed least readily. There were indications of competition for active sites (CO2H and phenolic OH groups) on the HA between the different metals. We were unable to find correlations between the affinities of the eleven metals to sorb on HA and their atomic weights, atomic numbers, valencies, and crystal and hydrated ionic radii. The sorption of the eleven metals on the HA could be described by the equation Full-size image (1K), where Y = % metal removed by HA; X = mgHA; and A and B are empirical constants

原子吸收光谱法测定人参中15个微量元素

本文研究了火焰原子吸收,石墨炉原子吸收,结合基体改进剂和平台技术,测定了人参中Pb、Ca、Co、Ni、Cr、Ba、K、Na、Cd、Mg、Fe、Cu、Zu、Mn、Sr等十五个微量元素,结果满意。

冲绳海槽晚第四纪沉积特征及其物源和环境意义

本文通过对冲绳海槽北端和南部两个海区沉积物样品的粒度、矿物和元素组成与分布特征的研究，探讨了冲绳海槽沉积物的来源，给出了一定元素组合的物源意义。通过对冲绳海槽两个柱状沉积物的粒度、矿物、元素在地层中的分布特征的研究，结合浮游有孔虫氧同位素地层划分，探讨了冲绳海槽晚第四纪沉积记录的古环境意义。 冲绳海槽陆架和陆坡沉积物明显具有陆架残留沉积的特征，沉积物主要由陆源碎屑矿物、生物碎屑、粘土矿物和少量自生矿物组成。在冲绳海槽北端，陆架和陆坡砂质区沉积物的主要来源是冰期低海面时古黄河的残留沉积，在现代沉积环境下受到海洋生物和自生沉积作用的改造；济州岛南部的细粒沉积区的物源主要是周围陆架残留沉积，在黄海暖流和黄海沿岸流的综合作用下，残留沉积中的细粒组分再沉积形成的。冲绳海槽北端海槽区沉积物主要是火山活动的产物，火山玻璃和火山型的辉石、紫苏辉石和磁铁矿明显富集。冲绳海槽南部沉积物的主要物源是长江沉积物，此外还有大量的海相生物沉积和自生沉积。对元素分布特征的研究表明，冲绳海槽陆架区富含陆源粗碎屑组分SiO_2和生源碎屑组分CaO和Sr，生物沉积对陆源沉积明显具有稀释作用。陆坡区由于受黑潮暖流的影响，往往富集Fe_2O_3和P_2O_5。在海槽区，陆源细粒组分以及与细粒组分相关的元素A1_2O_3、K_2O、Cu、Zn、Co、Ni和Cr等明显富集。利用R型因子分析的方法确定了两个研究区元素组合，结合沉积物的矿物组成给出不同元素组合的物源意义。对冲绳海槽北部(Y127孔)和南部(E017孔)两个柱状沉积物的浮游由孔虫的δ~(18)O进行了分析，将其与本区具有高分辨率的柱状样氧同位素曲线对比进行，结果表明，δ~(18)O值较敏感地记录了冲绳海槽晚第四纪以来的古环境变化。δ~(18)O的高值往往与冷期相对应，δ~(18)O的低值与暖期相对应。冲绳海槽在12ka BP左右开始了逐渐转暖的过程，在10ka BP左右(YD事件)发生了短暂的降温过程，但降温幅度很小。根据沉积物化学组成在地层中的变化规律，大部分元素较敏感地记录了全新世气候转暖事件，但是对于千年尺度的YD事件，多数元素对此没有明显的响应。冲绳海槽火山活动对沉积物的组成和沉积环境的塑造起到了至关重要的作用。根据氧同位素地层划分，在冲绳海槽北部12ka BP曾有火山活动的纪录，距今约8ka BP以来，冲绳海槽有两次较大规模火山活动的记录。火山活动往往会在短期引起气候的变冷，从而造成海区生态环境的破坏，生物沉积作用减弱。但从长期变化来看，可能是气候变暖的因素之一。火山层的主要特征为沉积物主要由粉砂组成，平均粒径明显高于周围层位，在矿物组成上表现为蒙皂石、火山玻璃和火山型的辉石、紫苏辉石和磁铁矿的含量较高，在化学组成上表现为Na_2O与Zr的同高于周围层位，而陆源性较强的元素TFe_2O_3和K_2O，以及生源组分CaCO_3和Sr的含量普遍低于周围非火山层。

传统藏药材波棱瓜的微量元素分析

对传统藏药材波棱瓜中12种微量元素进行了分析。结果显示，在波棱瓜中人体必需微量元素Cu、Fe、Zn、Mn、Co、Ni、Cr、Se等含量较高；对西藏地区不同产地的波棱瓜中的微量元素含量作比较，有极显著差异。提示在选用药材时，应重视其产地。

胜利油田惠民凹陷辉绿岩过渡元素地球化学

测定了胜利油田惠民凹陷14件辉绿岩的过渡元素（Sc、Ti、Cr、Mn、Fe、Ni、Cu和Zn）含量。结果显示岩石中Cr和Ni含量具有很宽的范围（分别为76．9×10^-6～1049×10^-6和56．7×10^-6～495×10^-6），样品商745．2出现异常高的Cr和Ni含量，分别为8718×10^-6和4530×10^-6；Cu和Zn含量高且变化范围大，半数以上样品的Cu和Zn含量分别大于1000×10^-6（1082×10^-6～8111×10^-6）和500×10^-6（634×10^-6～2198×10^-6）。分析认为，本区辉绿岩Cr和Ni含量变化范围宽与岩浆结晶分异作用有关，具异常高Cr和Ni含量样品可能为岩浆演化相对后期，有大量铬铁矿结晶的产物；岩石富集Cu和Zn可能与岩浆上升过程中遭受地壳物质混染作用有关.

贵州喀斯特高原湖泊物质循环过程中的铜锌同位素地球化学－以红枫湖、阿哈湖为例

近年来铜、锌同位素地球化学研究已经进入了快速发展时期。作为新兴的同位素技术手段，铜锌同位素工具已普遍应用于地球化学、矿床学、古海洋学和生物学等多种领域，然而铜、锌同位素在湖泊生态系统中的研究却相对较少。湖泊生态系统中，重金属的迁移、循环与转化一直是地球科学家们关注的焦点，但研究手段仅局限于含量与形态的测定。因此本论文旨在通过对湖泊生态系统中铜、锌同位素的研究，揭示影响铜、锌同位素组成的主要因素，为铜、锌同位素成为湖泊系统中新的重金属示踪工具奠定基础。 本论文通过一系列条件实验，确定了用于MC-ICP-MS测定环境样品中铜、锌同位素时最佳的化学分离条件。随后选取红枫湖和阿哈湖为主要研究对象，用此实验流程对湖泊水体及其主要支流悬浮物中的铜、锌同位素的季节及剖面变化进行了初步研究。除此之外，对水体中重金属如Cu、Zn、Mn、Ni、Co、Cr、Cd和Pb的形态分布特征及物质循环进行了研究。主要得出以下几点认识： 1、环境样品中铜锌的最佳分离条件是，采用AG MP-1(100-200目)阴离子交换树脂，分别以7 mol/L HCl + 0.001% H2O2，2 mol/L HCl+ 0.001% H2O2，0.5 mol/L HNO3作为淋洗液，并分别在适当的体积接收淋洗液，可以有效地分离沉积物、植物和悬浮物等样品中的铜和锌。化学分离过程中回收率接近100％，同位素比值的变化均在误差范围以内。 2、红枫湖、阿哈湖水体及主要支流悬浮物和红枫湖生物样品中的δ65Cu分布范围为-2.64‰~1.11‰，可达到3.75‰的变化。红枫湖夏季水体悬浮物的δ65Cu变化为-0.08‰~0.25‰，入湖河流水体悬浮物δ65Cu的变化范围为0.13‰~ 1.11‰；阿哈湖夏季水体悬浮物δ65Cu的变化范围为-0.62‰~0.37‰，入湖河流水体悬浮物δ65Cu的变化范围为-1.08‰~0.60‰。两湖冬季水体悬浮物的δ65Cu值均较负。红枫湖生物样品中δ65Cu较负（-1.54‰~ 0.03‰）。 红枫湖水体悬浮物中δ65Cu的随水深的变化趋势主要受到藻类吸收作用的控制，而阿哈湖δ65Cu的随水深的变化趋势主要受到其物源的控制。说明在贫营养化湖泊中，铜同位素组成可以示踪物源；而在富营养化湖泊中，铜同位素组成则可以示踪生物活动。同时水温的垂直变化也可能是其影响因素之一。 3、红枫湖水体及其主要支流水体悬浮物中的δ66Zn变化范围分别为-0.29‰~0.26‰和-0.04‰~0.48‰，阿哈湖水体及其主要支流水体悬浮物中的δ66Zn变化范围分别为-0.18‰~0.27‰和-0.17‰~0.46‰，均表现出支流中的锌同位素组成较重的趋势。而生物样品中的δ66Zn变化范围较大，为-0.35‰~0.57‰。说明湖泊生态系统中各端元的锌同位素组成存在明显差异。 红枫湖夏季δ66Zn随着湖水深度的变化，与Chla（叶绿素）呈极显著的正相关(R=0.97)。说明锌同位素组成与藻类生物量有一定的响应关系，主要是藻类对锌的有机吸附或是吸收过程改变了锌同位素组成。阿哈湖的锌同位素组成主要受到其源区的控制作用，从而可利用锌同位素示踪源区；此外，红枫湖和阿哈湖悬浮物中的锌同位素比值均表现出夏季小于冬季，说明大气的干湿沉降可能是一个较负的锌同位素源。生物样品中的δ66Zn变化范围较大，说明由于生物作用过程导致的锌同位素分馏大于非生物过程。 4、红枫湖重金属Mn、Ni、Co、Cr、Cd和Pb的含量在南湖高于北湖，主要是羊昌湖的输入所导致；重金属入湖通量的季节性变化，直接导致了重金属含量的季节性变化。沉积物－水界面在冬夏季节，由于“富氧”和“贫氧”状态的改变，导致了溶解态Mn、Ni和Cr的季节性变化；水粒相互作用过程中，溶解有机碳（DOC）、氧化铁胶体、氧化锰胶体和水生藻类的生长繁殖，影响了重金属不同结合形态的变化。

东准噶尔卡拉麦里金矿带典型金矿床-双泉金矿的成因研究

双泉金矿床是地质工作者最近在东准噶尔地区金矿勘探中的一个新突破，地质研究和勘探程度低导致其成因还不清楚。本文通过对双泉金矿床的控矿特征、矿石矿物组成和结构构造、不同矿化阶段的矿物组合及变形特征、矿石稀土元素、氢氧同位素地球化学特征等方面的研究，探讨了双泉金矿床地质地球化学特征及成矿时代、成矿流体、成矿物质来源等，提出了该矿床的矿床成因，取得如下认识： 双泉金矿床产于下石炭统南明水组地层中，并受控于清水-苏吉泉韧性剪切带。矿石中金矿物主要以显微 (0.2mm～0.2μm)和次显微 (<0.2μm)的裂隙金、晶隙金等形式存在。矿化阶段划分为三阶段，第Ⅰ阶段黄铁矿-毒砂，第Ⅱ阶段金-石英-毒砂-黄铁矿为主要矿化阶段，第Ⅲ阶段矿化弱。利用金矿化相关的热液矿物稳定范围和毒砂的主要成分含量，通过相图得出第Ⅰ和第Ⅱ阶段温度范围分别为330～450℃和300～430℃。对矿石及近矿围岩亲硫元素组合的相关性分析和R类聚类分析得出成矿元素组合为Au-Ag-As-Sb。 卡拉麦里强应变构造带基本控制了金矿带的分布，而其中韧-脆性剪切部位控制了双泉金矿床、矿脉、矿体的产出。韧性剪切带的后两期走滑脆-韧性、脆性剪切变形控制了第Ⅰ、Ⅱ矿化阶段的金矿化。最早于中石炭世开始的区域走滑脆-韧性变形和区域最新赋矿地层主要为石炭系大致限定了双泉金矿床成矿时代为晚石炭世。 双泉金矿床成矿流体的δD为-86～-99(‰)，第Ⅰ、Ⅱ矿化阶段的δ18O值随温度降低而降低，根据水岩反应模拟计算得出初始水为变质水。两种矿石稀土元素球粒陨石配分模式呈右缓倾斜型，轻重稀土属弱分离型，δEu弱负异常，与矿区围岩(南明水组地层)基本一致。矿石轻重稀土分异程度介于围岩与蛇绿岩之间，以及热液中有大量与镁铁质、超镁铁质有关的Co、Ni、Cr、Zr、V 等组份，显示成矿流体对蛇绿岩的淋滤迁移和对围岩的叠加改造。这些反映了成矿物质来源与蛇绿岩体与围岩变质有关。 双泉金矿床形成于晚石炭世，是与韧性剪切带有关的，中高温的变质热液型金矿床。

Influence of carbonation on the acid neutralization capacity of cements and cement-solidified/stabilized electroplating sludge

Portland cement (PC) and blended cements containing pulverized fuel ash (PFA) or granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) were used to solidify/stabilize an electroplating sludge in this work. The acid neutralization capacity (ANC) of the hydrated pastes increased in the order of PC > PC/GGBS > PC/PFA. The GGBS or PFA replacement (80 wt%) reduced the ANC of the hydrated pastes by 30–50%. The ANC of the blended cement-solidified electroplating sludge (cement/sludge 1:2) was 20–30% higher than that of the hydrated blended cement pastes. Upon carbonation, there was little difference in the ANC of the three cement pastes, but the presence of electroplating sludge (cement/sludge 1:2) increased the ANC by 20%. Blended cements were more effective binders for immobilization of Ni, Cr and Cu, compared with PC, whereas Zn was encapsulated more effectively in the latter. Accelerated carbonation improved the immobilization of Cr, Cu and Zn, but not Ni. The geochemical code PHREEQC, with the edited database from EQ3/6 and HATCHES, was used to calculate the saturation index and solubility of likely heavy metal precipitates in cement-based solidification/stabilization systems. The release of heavy metals could be related to the disruption of cement matrices and the remarkable variation of solubility of heavy metal precipitates at different pH values.

Biomonitoring of air pollutants by using lichens (Evernia prunastri) in areas between Kenitra and Mohammedia cities in Morocco.

In this study, Evernia prunastri, a lichen growing in its natural habitat in Morocco was analysed for the concentration of five heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr) from eleven sites between Kenitra and Mohammedia cities. The control site was Dar Essalam, an isolated area with low traffic density and dense vegetation. In the investigated areas, the concentration of heavy metals was correlated with vehicular traffic, industrial activity and urbanization. The total metal concentration was highest in Sidi Yahya, followed by Mohammedia and Bouznika. The coefficient of variation was higher for Pb and lower for Cu, Zn and Fe. The concentrations of most heavy metals in the thalli differed significantly between sites (p<0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a significant correlation between heavy metal accumulation and atmospheric purity index. This study demonstrated also that the factors most strongly affecting the lichen flora were traffic density, the petroleum industry and paper factories in these areas. Overall, these results suggest that the index of atmospheric purity and assessment of heavy metals in lichen thalli are good indicators of the air quality at the studied sites.