Total alkali silica classification of rocks with LIBS: influences of the chemical and physical matrix effects

The matrix effects in LIBS analyses have been considered with univariate and machine learning based multivariate regression models for TAS classification of rocks.

Shipboard Characterization of Tuvalu, Samoa, and Lau Dredge Samples Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Chemical analysis using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is well suited for field applications and was applied here for shipboard characterization of a large sample set during the RR1310 rock dredging expedition to the Tuvalu Seamounts. Although recently the most common data treatment for LIBS has consisted of a partial least squares approach to define sample groupings, we show that quantitative data of useful quality can be obtained with a univariate approach. Here, our analysis goal was a quantitative comparison of the total alkali (Na2O + K2O) versus silica (SiO2) contents of 586 representative dredge samples with known ranges in common rock types. Out of those samples, >400 form a single large group of alkalic basalts with minor basanites/tephrites (SiO2: 43–48 wt%, Na2O + K2O: 3–5 wt%), similar to known shield-stage compositions of the Rurutu and Samoa hotspots in the sampling area. In contrast, several dredge hauls contain samples with compositions that do not overlap with the majority of samples. This includes three dredges performed on the northern boundary of the Lau Basin that contain similar SiO2 compositions, but slightly higher total alkali (Na2O+K2O) content. Despite this difference, they classify as basanite/tephrite, similar to a subset of the main group. More importantly, similar compositions were previously reported from the same tectonic boundary, ascribed to hotspot mantle source material mixed into the Lau Basin back-arc. Although the quality of the compositional data suffices to enable sample selection for time-intensive analyses, higher precision is required for more in-depth petrogenetic interpretation. Error analysis based on repeat standard measurements suggests averaging 100 spectra per sample is optimal here, while use of a higher resolution spectrometer, together with better laser control, would improve results and interpretations.

Coconut Water: An Unexpected Source of Urinary Citrate

Purpose. Coconut water has long been touted for its medicinal qualities including natural hydration. We sought to determine whether its consumption would induce changes to urinary lithogenic factors beyond changes in urine volume. Materials and Methods. After Institutional Review Board approval, volunteers with no prior history of nephrolithiasis were recruited. Each participant was randomized initially to either the coconut water or the water phase of the study. Participants kept meticulous food and fluid intake logs during the first phase of the study and were asked to replicate that diet for the second phase. For each phase the participant consumed 2L of either Taste of Nirvana® pure coconut water or tap water daily for four days. Participants were not restricted to consume additional fluid of their choice during their assigned study phase. During days 3 and 4 of each phase the participant collected a 24-hour urine specimen. Coconut water citrate and malate content were measured and were used along with the beverage pH to calculate the total alkali content of the coconut water. Supersaturation levels were calculated using Equil2. Nonparametric paired analysis using the Wilcoxon test was performed for statistical analysis. Results. There were 4 adult male and 4 adult female participants. Each individual’s 24-hour urine collection had a creatinine excretion within 20% of the mean for each subject’s four samples corroborating that all samples were collected properly. The two samples from each phase for each individual were averaged. The coconut water itself was also analyzed and it was calculated to have a total alkali content of 13.8 mEq/L. Consumption of coconut water significantly increased urinary citrate (29%, p=0.02), urinary potassium (130%, p=0.01), and urinary chloride (37%, p=0.03), without affecting urine pH (p=0.16) or volume beyond that of tap water (p=1.00). Conclusions. Coconut water consumption increases urinary potassium, chloride, and citrate in nonstone forming individuals.

Improving the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide bleaching of chemimechanical pulp by continuous replenishment of bleaching chemicals

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is commonly used to bleach chemimechanical pulp. A decrease in the concentrations of the bleaching reagents throughout the bleaching process results in low bleaching efficiencies. In this study, chemical solutions were continuously added into the pulp slurry during the bleaching process to maintain constant concentrations of H2O2 and total alkali in the bleaching system to improve bleaching efficiency. The results showed that when the H2O2 and total alkali concentrations were maintained at 4.5 g/L and 0.79 g/L, respectively, for 50 min, the bleaching efficiency reached 16.79 (Δ% ISO brightness/Δ% H2O2 consumed [on ovendry pulp]), which was significantly higher than 7.38 obtained by using the high-consistency bleaching method. The results confirmed that continuous replenishment of chemical solutions into the bleaching system to maintain the constant chemical concentrations improved the efficiency of H2O2 bleaching of the chemimechanical pulp.