• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.357-366
• /
• 2007

Microorganisms participate in a variety of geochemical processes such as weathering and formation of minerals, leaching of precious metals from minerals, and cycling of organic matter The objective of this study was to investigate biogeochemical processes of iron leaching from magnetite ore by iron-reducing bacteria isolated from intertidal flat sediments, southwestern part of Korea. Microbial iron leaching experiments were performed using magnetite ore, Shinyemi magnetite ore, in well-defined media with and without bacteria at room temperature for a month. Water soluble Fe and Mn during the leaching experiments were determined by ICP analysis of bioleached samples, and the resulting precipitated solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The extent of iron leaching from magnetite in the aerobic conditions (Fe = 15 mg/L and Mn = 3.41 mg/L) was lower than that in the anaerobic environments (Fe = 32.8 mg/L and Mn = 5.23 mg/L). The medium pH typically decreased from 8.3 to 7.2 during a month incubation. The Eh of the initial medium decreased from +144.9 mV to -331.7 mV in aerobic environments and from -2.3 mV to -494.6 mV in anaerobic environments upon incubation with the metal reducing microorganisms. The decrease in pH is due to glucose fermentation producing organic acids and $CO_2$. The ability of bacteria to leach soluble iron from crystalline magnetite could have significant implications for biogeochemical processes in sediments where Fe(III) in magnetite represents the largest pool of electron acceptor as well as to use as a novel biotechnology for leaching precious and heavy metals from raw materials.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.409-421
• /
• 2022

Achieving a highly resolved spatial distribution of Mn-bearing minerals and elements in the natural ferromanganese nodules can provide detailed knowledge of the temporal variations of geochemical conditions affecting the formation processes of nodules. While a recent study utilizing Raman spectroscopy has reported the changes in the manganate mineral phases with growth for spherical nodules from the Arctic Sea, the distributions of minerals and elements in the nodules from the shallow Arctic Sea with non-spherical forms have not yet fully elucidated. Here, we reported the micro-laser Raman spectra with varying data acquisition points along three different profiles from the center to the outermost rim of the non-spherical ferromanganese nodules collected from the East Siberian Sea (~73 m). The elemental distributions in the nodule (such as Mn, Fe, etc.) were also investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to observe the internal structure and mineralogical details. Based on the microscopic observation, the internal structures of a non-spherical nodule can be divided into three different regions, which are sediment-rich core, iron-rich substrate, and Mn-Fe layers. The Raman results show that the Mn-bearing mineral phases vary with the data acquisition points in the Mn-Fe layer, suggesting the changes in the geochemical conditions during nodule formation. In addition, we also observe that the mineral composition and structural characteristics depend on the profile direction from the core to the rim. Particularly, the Raman spectra obtained along one profile show the lack of Fe-(oxy)hydroxides and the noticeably high crystallinity of Mn-bearing minerals such as birnessite and todorokite. On the other hand, the spectra obtained along the other two profiles present the presence of significant amount of amorphous or poorly-ordered Fe-bearing minerals and the low crystallinity of Mn-bearing minerals. These results suggest that the diagenetic conditions varied with the different growth directions. We also observed the presence of halite in several layers in the nodule, which can be evidence of the alteration of seawater after nodule formation. The current results can provide the opportunity to obtain detailed knowledge of the formation process and geochemical environments recorded in the natural non-spherical ferromanganese nodule.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2003

Geochemical characteristics of groundwater in the different kinds of various lithology such as Haman formation, Panyaweol formation, Jusan andesitic formation and Palgongsan granite is distinguished by mineralogical and chemical compositions. The Concentration of the majority of solutes in groundwaters of Haman and Panyaweol formation is higher than in that of andesite and granite. Higher concentration of $HCO_3^{-}{\;}and{\;}SO_4^{2-}$ anions in the groundwater is peculiar. High concentrations of $Ca^{2+},{\;}Mg^{2+},{\;}HCO_3^{-}$ in the groundwaters of the sedimentary rocks result mainly from reaction of $CO^{2-}$ charged water with calcite and weathered feldspars. With the Piper diagram, the groundwaters of Haman formations are mainly plotted in $CaSO_4-CaCl_2$ type, whereas those of Panyaweol formations are plotted in the bothside of $Ca(HCO_3)_2{\;}and{\;}CaSO_4-CaCl_2$ type. Thses two different types of $Ca(HCO_3)_2{\;}and{\;}CaSO_4-CaCl_2$ groundwater were originated from dissolution of calcite($Ca(HCO_3)_2)$ and the oxidation of pyrite($CaSO_4-CaCl_2$), respectively. And it also is influenced by anthropogenic contamination. Three factors were extracted from the factor analysis for chemical data. Factor 1, controlled by $SO_4^{2-},{\;}Na^{+},{\;}Ca^{2+}$ and Fe, explains the dissolution of calcite, plagioclase and oxidation of pyrite. Factor 2, controlled by $HCO_3^{-}{\;}and{\;}Mg^{2+}$, mainly explains the dissolution of Mg-carbonates and dolomitization. Factor 3, controlled by $Cl^{-},{\;}K^{+}{\;}and{\;}NO_3^{-}$, is subject to the influence of artificial pollution including industrial waste water disposal. In this study area, some industrial complex which is close to Keumho river show the higher score of factor 3.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.110-119
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of tailing in the ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ mine as a grout material. For the purpose, XRD analysis was performed for mineralogical properties of tailing. In addition, flow, velocity, and uniaxial compressive strength tests were carried out for physical and mechanical properties of a grout material with the mixing ratio of cement and tailing and curing periods. By the result of XRD analysis, tailing of the mine was found to mostly consist of quartz, galena, and pyrite. The flow observed by the flow test showed decreasing tendency with increasing the mixing ratio of tailing. The velocity was also lowered with increasing the mixing ratio of tailing regardless of curing periods. The uniaxial compressive strength as well as Young's modulus also show a tendency to decrease with increasing the mixing ratio of tailing independently on the curing periods. Considering only the physical and mechanical properties of a grout material with tailing, the results are considered to be sufficiently used as a grout material. However, since metallic minerals such as galena and pyrite in tailing contents and these are causing environmental contamination, countermeasures should be considered for this problem in future.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.171-180
• /
• 2011

For 21 rock samples consisting of granite, sandstone and the effective thermal conductivity (TC) was measured with the LFA-447 Nanoflash, and mineralogical compositions were also determined from XRD analysis. The structural models were used to examine the effects of quartz content and the size of minerals on TC of rocks. The experimental results showed that TC of rocks was strongly related to quartz content with $R^2$ value of 0.75. Therefore, the proposed regression model can be a useful tool for an approximate estimation of TC only from quartz content. Some samples with similar values of quartz content, however, illustrated great differences in TC, presumably caused by differences in the size of minerals. An analysis from structural models showed that TC of rocks with fine-grained minerals was likely to fall in the region between Series and EMT model, and it moved up to ME and Parallel model as the size of minerals increased. This progressive change of structural models implies that change of TC depending on the size of minerals is possibly related to the scale of experiments; TC was measured from a disk sample with a thickness of 3 mm. Therefore, in case of measurements with a thin sample, TC can be overestimated as compared to the real value in the field scale. The experimental data illustrated that the scale effect was more pronounced for rocks with bigger size of minerals. Thus, it is worthwhile to remember that using a measured TC as a representative value for the real field can be misleading when applied to many geothermal problems.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.7 no.3
• /
• pp.127-135
• /
• 1974

The samples were taken from the following localities previously classified as "Akiochi" area: Yangpyung, Puchun, and Pyungtaik, all of Kyonggi-do province. Five soil profiles were described in the field, and taken to the laboratory for physical and chemical analysis and mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction. The predominant clay minerals consist mainly of illite, vermiculite, chlorites and intergrade with vermiculite, and kaolinite. Illite or mica was found present in all samples and in all horizons. This was identified by the 9.83 to $10{\AA}$ (0.01) and $3.32{\AA}$ (003) basal reflections, Interhorizontal variations in mineral content and crystallinity are illustrated in their respective Xray diffractogram. Comparing the peak intensity, of the $14{\AA}$, $10{\AA}$ and $7{\AA}$ indicated the degree of weathering from the surface to the lower horizons. In general, the weathering of illite on the surface produced less pronounced $10{\AA}$ and $14{\AA}$ peak as compared to the lower horizons. The same may be said with kaolinite. On K-saturation, the $14{\AA}$ peak broadening on the low angle side was observed. This is interpreted to be due to chlorization. Heat treament from $100^{\circ}C$, $200^{\circ}C$, $400^{\circ}C$, $600^{\circ}C$, and $800^{\circ}C$. caused significant changes in the different diffractograms. Heating caused collasped of the $14{\AA}$ to $10{\AA}$ and the appearance of scattered peaks between $10-14{\AA}$. This is interpreted to the presence of vermiculite chlorite intergradient. The complete collapse of the $14{\AA}$ at $800^{\circ}C$ to $10{\AA}$ with increased intensity was attributed to the preservce of vermiculite. The principal difference among the clay minerals in each horizon is the concomitant increase and decrease in intensity with depth of the $14{\AA}$, $10{\AA}$ and $7{\AA}$ diffraction spacings. Apparently the weathering of illite ($10{\AA}$) is resulting in the formation of vermiculite ($14{\AA}$) and the interstratified material being an intermediate stage and the beginning of the formation of vermiculite. Some broadening- in the 17 to $18{\AA}$ was observed in Puchun-1 Pyungtaik-1 and Pyungtaik-2 specially so in the lower horizon in the Ca or Mg-saturated sample. Heated treatment tend to shift this peak to $14{\AA}$ indicating the presence of regular layering of the interstratified complex. The high amount of extractable aluminum and iron coupled with low exchange capacity indicate that iron and aluminum plays an important role in the weathering of these soils and is responsible to the low exchange capacity, high acidity and high phosphate absorptive capacity. The results presented substantiated the weathering sequence of Jackson in that mica ${\rightarrow}$ vermiculite ${\rightarrow}$ chloritezed vermiculite ${\rightarrow}$ kaolinite.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.315-322
• /
• 2012

Alkali-activated slag (AAS) is the most obvious alternative materials that can replace OPC. But, AAS industrial usage as a structural material should be evaluated for its durability. Carbonation resistance is one of the most important factors in durability evaluation. Test results for 18 slag-based mortars activated by sodium silicate and 6 OPC mortars were obtained in this study to verify the carbonation property. Main variables considered in the study were flow, compressive strength before and after carbonation, and carbonation depth. Mineralogical and micro-structural analysis of OPC and AAS specimens prior to and after carbonation was conducted using XRD, TGA, FTIR FE-SEM. Test results showed that CHS was major hydration products of AAS and, unlike OPC, no other hydration products were found. After carbonation, CSH of hydration product in AAS turned into an amorphous silica gel, and alumina compounds was not detected. From the analysis of the results, it was estimated that the micro-structures of CSH in AAS easily collapsed during carbonation. Also, the results showed that this collapse of chemical chain of CSH lowered the compressive strength of concrete after carbonation. By increasing the dosage of activators, carbonation resistance and compressive strength were effectively improved.

• Journal of Conservation Science
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.305-319
• /
• 2012

The Myeongdongseongdang Cathedral, which was designated as Historic Site No. 258 in Korea, is a representative cathedral of Korean Catholic church designed by a French priest Eugene-Jean Georges Coste and completed in 1898. It is a Gothic-styled architecture constructed with bricks and stones. Lithological and mineralogical analyses determined that holy stone relics were made of marble and granite, and foundation stones are of pink feldspar granite. Deterioration mapping and ultrasonic measurement revealed main weathering and damage were exfoliation (40%) and black discoloration (37%) in the holy water basin, and exfoliation (6%) and discoloration (46%) in the exterior foundation stones. Ultrasonic velocity of the stones were calculated as 3,525m/s in the holy water basin and 2,795m/s in the exterior stones that indicated these stones were sorted into moderately to highly weathered rock. This was resulted from moisture and atmospheric pollutants around the cathedral.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.219-226
• /
• 2021

We examined component analysis and lead isotope ratio analysis to find out the relationship between the excavation and the production site of 25 bronze weapons from prehistoric ages. All 25 bronze weapons are ternary alloys of copper-tin-lead and lead is artificially added. The lead isotope ratios of 25 bronze weapons show that bronze are made by raw materials in the southern regions of the Korean Peninsula, including northern China. The raw materials of narrow-shaped bronze dagger are supplied in zone 1-3 and northern China. In addition, provenance of lead for bronze halberd and pearhead are the rest of the region except for zone 1 and zone 4. Silver are enriched in most samples and zinc and cobalt are deficient. Arsenic and antimony detected only specific samples and can be used as critical parameter for provenance study. Lead isotopes and trace elements of archaeological bronzes will provide conservation scientist with useful tool to study the provenance of raw materials

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.209-218
• /
• 2021

Studies of pore structure in shale gas reservoirs are essential to increase recovery rates, which is in the spotlight concerning unconventional resources. In this study, the distribution of pores in shale gas reservoir sample were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope Particle Analysis (SELPA), which is appropriate to analyze the distribution of particle or shape for sample in large area. A sample from the A-068 borehole drilled in the Liard Basin was analyzed; calcite is the main mineral. The pore size ranges from tens of nanometers to hundreds of micrometers and the contribution of each pore size to overall sample porosity was determined using SELPA. The distribution of pores was determined by observing the surface in the same area at magnifications of ×1000, ×3000 and ×5000. Pores less than 100 nm were observed at high magnifications and confirm that small-scale pore distribution can be analyzed and identified rapidly using SELPA. The method introduced in this study will be useful to understand pore structures in unconventional reservoirs.