Nitrogen exists in soils in many forms and constantly changes from one form to another. The paths that the different forms of nitrogen follow through the ecosystem are collectively called the nitrogen cycle (Figure 1). Understanding how the different pools of nitrogen interact and the processes by which these forms enter and leave the cycle is the subject of continuing study. Nitrogen is found ...

The toxicity of lead (Pb) to fungi in pure culture was influenced by several abiotic factors: pH, inorganic anions, clay minerals, and particulate (humic acid) and soluble organic matter. The toxicity of Pb was potentiated under acidic conditions (pH 5 and 6), and phosphate or carbonate anions reduced the toxicity, apparently as a result of the formation of sparingly soluble Pb salts. Clay mine...

-Smectites are one of the most important groups of phyllositicates found in soils and sediments, and certainly one of the most difficult to study. New information about the formation mechanisms, impact of structural features on surface properties, and long-term stability of smectites can best be gained from the systematic study of single-phase specimens. In most instances, these specimens can o...

Samples of Late Devonian/Early Mississippian New Albany Shale from the Illinois Basin, having maturities ranging from early mature to postmature, were analysed using micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ImageJ processing software and scanning electron microscopic X-ray spectroscopy to explore the distribution, connectivity and chemical composition of organic matter, clay minera...

a r t i c l e i n f o We study hyperspectral images of the Bodélé Depression in Northern Chad, acquired by the Hyperion sensor onboard EO-1 spacecraft. Relative abundances of four major mineral components are obtained on a pixel-by-pixel basis and we report on the comparison of images of a dust storm with the same areas on a calm day. Minerals lifted and suspended particles downwind of a dust s...

Ninety-six crossbred weanling pigs (36 d of age, initial weight of 8.8 kg) were used in a three-phase study to determine the effects of feeding an aflatoxin-contaminated corn (AC) diet (922 ppb of aflatoxin B1) with and without sodium bentonite (clay) on performance, liver function, and mineral metabolism. In the nursery phase, control corn (NC) or AC was fed in corn-soybean meal diets with and...

physical behavior of wetted soils is of paramount importance. The rheology of aqueous suspensions of six palygorskites with When the electrolyte concentration in the percolating different particle morphologies has been investigated as a function solution in soil is below the flocculation value of the of clay concentration, adsorbed ion, pH, and electrolyte concentration, clay, clay dispersion o...

In recent years, Pillared InterLayered Clays (PILCs) have been widely used in several applications; in particular in adsorption and catalysis. The research interest in this family of solids has increased considerably. Clay minerals provide distinct nanometer-scaled layers and interlayers for engineering them as active catalysts. As such, strategic design and preparation has led to a variety of ...