Precise measurement of Fe isotopes in marine and biological samples by pseudo-high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS).

This paper introduces an enhanced technique for analyzing iron isotopes in complex marine and biological samples. A dedicated iron purification method for biological marine matrices, utilizing three ion exchange columns, is validated. The MC-ICPMS in pseudo-high-resolution mode determines precise iron isotopic ratios, with sensitivity improved through the DSN-100 desolvating nebulizer system and Apex-IR.

Iron isotopic fractionation driven by low-temperature biogeochemical processes.

Iron is geologically important and biochemically crucial for all microorganisms, plants and animals due to its redox exchange, the involvement in electron transport and metabolic processes. Despite the abundance of iron in the earth crust, its bioavailability is very limited in nature due to its occurrence as ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite where they are thermodynamically stable with low dissolution kinetics in neutral or alkaline environments. Organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants have evolved iron acquisition mechanisms to increase its bioavailability in such environments, thereby, contributing largely to the iron cycle in the environment.

Zn isotopes fractionation during slags' weathering: One source of contamination, multiple isotopic signatures.

During the chemical weathering of lead blast furnace (LBF) and imperial smelting furnace (ISF) slags, possible Zn isotopes fractionation was studied as a function of pH, atmosphere (open air vs nitrogen), and time. Bulk LBF and ISF displayed heavier signatures compared to Johnson Matthey Company (JMC) Zn standard solution (i.e.

Evaluation on chemical stability of lead blast furnace (LBF) and imperial smelting furnace (ISF) slags.

The leaching behavior of Pb and Zn from lead blast furnace (LBF) and imperial smelting furnace (ISF) slags sampled in the North of France was studied as a function of pHs and under two atmospheres (open air and nitrogen). The leaching of major elements from the slags was monitored as a function of pH (4, 5.5, 7, 8.

Bio-alteration of metallurgical wastes by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a semi flow-through reactor.

Metallurgical activities can generate a huge amount of partially vitrified waste products which are either landfilled or recycled. Lead Blast Furnace (LBF) slags are often disposed of in the vicinity of metallurgical plants, and are prone to weathering, releasing potentially toxic chemical components into the local environment. To simulate natural weathering in a slag heap, bioweathering of these LBF slags was studied in the presence of a pure heterotrophic bacterial strain (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and in a semi-flow through reactor with intermittent leachate renewal.

Co-disposal of electronic waste with municipal solid waste in bioreactor landfills.

Three pilot scale lysimeters were adopted to evaluate the stability pattern and leaching potential of heavy metals from MSW landfills under the E-waste co-disposed condition. One lysimeter served as control and solely filled with MSW, whereas the other two lysimeters were provided with 10% and 25% of E-waste scraps (% by weight), respectively. The reactors were monitored over a period of 280 days at ambient settings with continuous leachate recirculation.