Raman, infrared and XPS study of bamboo phytoliths after chemical digestion.

Raman, infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies have been used to examine the effect of various chemical digestion methods on the composition of bamboo phytoliths. Intact bilobate phytoliths, suitable for interrogation by Raman microprobe analysis, were isolated by a microwave wet ashing technique using hydrogen peroxide with nitric and hydrochloric acids. The occluded phytolith carbon presented evidence of cellulose, lignin and carboxylic acids.

Sorption of arsenic(V) and arsenic(III) to schwertmannite.

This study describes the sorption of As(V) and As(III) to schwertmannite as a function of pH and arsenic loading. In general, sorption of As(V) was greatest at low pH, whereas high pH favored the sorption of As(III). The actual pH of equivalent As(V) and As(III) sorption was strongly loading dependent, decreasing from pH approximately 8.