High-resolution nitrogen (77 K) and carbon dioxide (273 K) adsorption at subatmospheric pressures has been studied for a range of model soils of various origins with different organic matter (OM) contents. It is demonstrated that N2 and CO2 molecules probe different regions of soil particles. Nitrogen is adsorbed primarily on the outer surface of soil particles, while CO2 has a higher affinity ...

Nano-aluminum is being used in increasing quantities as energetic material. This research addresses the transport of two types of nanosized aluminum particles (with aluminum oxide, or carboxylate ligand coating, Alex and L-Alex, respectively) through sand columns along with associated environmental impacts on soil systems. Surface phenomena and pH are variables controlling the transport of nano...

The Optical Microscope (OM) on the Phoenix Mars lander (operated from May through October 2008) was used to search for visible-wavelength luminescence of soil particles excited by ultraviolet (UV) illumination (l1⁄4360–390 nm). No luminescent particles were found, with the possible exception of a few potentially luminescent features comprising about 0.02% of the total soil volume. The luminesce...

Soil aggregate stability influences a wide range of physical and biogeochemical processes in the agricultural and natural environments, including soil erosion [3]. The relative prepon‐ derance of aggregates of various sizes in the soil and their stability to external forces are, therefore, an issue of major concern to soil scientists. By definition, an aggregate is a compo‐ site body or granule...

There is a growing consumer market for products that proclaim to decrease microorganism counts to prevent infections. Most of these products are loaded with silver in its ionic or nanoparticle form. Through use or during production, these particles can find their way into the soil and cause an impact in microbial and plant communities. This study aims to evaluate the impact of silver based part...

A laboratory study was carried out to investigate the single particle soil dust using aerosol time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The presence of crustal elements is observed in the mass spectra of individual particles. Potassium and iron constitute the two most commonly detected cations. Other common cations observed in the mass spectra of soil particles include sodium and magnesium. According t...

The influence of direct current electric fields on the possible electrokinetic delivery of nano-iron slurry in clay for the purpose of fast and effective remediation of soil contaminants has been tested. Nano-iron can be introduced to soil hydraulically in slurry form, but in tight clay soil, delivery of a uniform distribution of the slurry may be difficult to achieve for effective remediation....

Manure and animal waste deposited on cropland and grazing lands serve as a source of microorganisms, some of which may be pathogenic. These microorganisms are released along with particles of dissolved manure during rainfall events. Relatively little if anything is known about the amounts and sizes of manure particles released during rainfall, that subsequently may serve as carriers, abode, and...