Clayey materials from two barangays in Talakag, Bukidnon, Philippines, were studied for potential ceramic stoneware products. Twelve site samples were collected and investigated through X-ray Fluorescence analysis to determine physical and firing properties at 1100°C. In terms of chemical oxide content, the studied clays are rich in SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and Fe₂O₃. Physiochemically, results show large particle size variations with medium to low plasticity. Particle size distribution reveals that the average particle size is lower than 425 microns. SiO₂ (24.62-46.54%) and Al₂O₃ (26.85% - 42.10%) are major chemical oxides, followed by TiO₂ (1.42% - 2.78%), Fe₂O₃ (0.531% - 25.46%), and alkali and alkali earth oxides in trace amounts. These results determine their behavior on firing at a specified temperature. The range of color was determined using a portable color meter and shows that a few specimens are predominantly from cream to light cream or are a white color after firing at 1100°C. The linear shrinkage values vary from 1.79% to 25.685, weight loss from 3.15% to 33.40%, and bulk density from 1.23 to 1.77 g/cm³. The water absorption ranges from 13 % to 40.15 % and the apparent porosity ranges from 37% to 62%. The evaluation of the studied clays based on their physicochemical and ceramic properties revealed that they are suitable for the manufacture of ceramic wares such as earthenware tiles and fired brick bodies.

Silicon carbide (SiC), a mineral-derived non-oxide ceramic, has recently gained significant interest as a nanostructured filler for thermal-management materials due to its high thermal conductivity (~490 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹), chemical stability, wide band gap, and exceptional resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation. When dispersed in polymer matrices, SiC nanostructures function as thermally conductive nodes capable of forming phonon-transport pathways and restricting chain mobility, thereby enhancing heat dissipation and structural robustness. Although several studies have explored SiC-reinforced polymeric systems, systematic comparisons across different host polymers remain limited, particularly with regard to filler-content optimization and thermal response under varying loading conditions. In this work, SiC nanoparticles were incorporated into polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) matrices at 1–10 wt% via melt blending, enabling evaluation of the influence of nanofiller loading on morphology, crystallization behaviour, and thermal endurance. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a notable increase in glass transition and decomposition temperatures, confirming improved thermal resistance and molecular confinement at the SiC–polymer interface. SEM further verified uniform filler dispersion at low contents and the development of thermally conductive micro-networks at 5–7 wt%, correlating with enhanced heat-dissipation efficiency. At higher concentrations, partial aggregation was observed, resulting in increased interfacial phonon scattering and reduced thermal transport efficiency relative to the optimum. The results demonstrate that both PP/SiC and PS/SiC nanocomposites show substantial thermal stabilization and improved structural retention, with optimal performance achieved between 5–7 wt%. This work contributes to the expanding field of mineral-reinforced polymer nanocomposites, providing a route toward lightweight, thermally stable materials suitable for electronics packaging, heat-resistant components, and next-generation thermal-management applications.

The Cenozoic plutonic assemblages exposed in northeast Saveh, located within the central segment of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA) in Iran, include monzonite, monzodiorite, gabbro, and gabbrodiorite lithologies. Integrated zircon U-Pb geochronology, Lu-Hf isotopic analysis, and whole-rock geochemistry reveal that these rocks belong to a medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous suite with typical arc-related geochemical signatures. Zircon U-Pb ages ranging from ~60 to 3 Ma point to a long-lasting and multi-phase magmatic evolution from the Middle Paleocene to the Middle Pliocene. Contrary to earlier studies suggesting a prolonged magmatic lull between 72–57 Ma, our results indicate a shorter dormancy period (~10–12 Ma). Three major magmatic pulses are identified: in the Late Eocene (~47–40 Ma), Early Miocene (~23–18 Ma), and Late Miocene to Pliocene (~11–5.2 Ma), all reflecting a subduction-related tectonomagmatic setting. The youngest zircon ages (~11–2.5 Ma) from gabbroic units suggest that magmatism continued up to the Pliocene–Pleistocene boundary, likely linked to ongoing subduction processes shaping the Zagros orogen. Zircon εHf(t) values (−11.43 to +12.5) along with geochemical trends indicate magma generation involving fractional crystallization, assimilation of crustal material, and mantle-derived inputs. Crystallization temperatures of clinopyroxene (1150–1200 °C), coupled with trace element data, support a melt source in a metasomatized spinel-bearing lherzolitic mantle at depths shallower than 80 km. This magmatism was likely driven by asthenospheric upwelling and slab rollback, which induced partial melting of the lithospheric mantle and sustained the region’s long-lived magmatic activity.

Silicon carbide (SiC) was synthesized through the carbothermal reduction of mineral-derived silicon dioxide (SiO₂) using an argon-assisted vacuum route, establishing a direct link between natural mineral resources and functional ceramic nanomaterials. The obtained β-SiC nanostructures, with crystallite sizes of 13–44 nm depending on strain relaxation, were incorporated into a polystyrene (PS) matrix (1–10 wt %) to investigate how filler morphology and loading affect the composite’s optical and dielectric behavior. X-ray diffraction confirmed the cubic 3C-SiC phase, while SEM revealed faceted micrograins derived from SiO₂ precursors. FTIR spectra retained the characteristic polymer bands but showed progressive enhancement of Si–O–C and Si–C vibrations, confirming partial surface oxidation typical of mineral-origin SiC. Optical spectroscopy indicated a widening of the band gap from 3.91 to 4.22 eV as SiC concentration increased up to 5 wt %, reflecting improved dispersion and cleaner SiC–PS interfaces. Dielectric spectroscopy revealed a systematic rise in permittivity (ε′) and controlled energy dissipation (ε″) with filler loading, governed by Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization below percolation. The composite with 7 wt % SiC exhibited the highest crystallinity and minimal internal strain, demonstrating an optimal balance between dielectric stability and optical transparency. This study bridges mineral-based precursor chemistry and polymer nanocomposite design, offering a sustainable route for developing multifunctional dielectric and UV-shielding materials from naturally sourced SiO₂.

Antimony (Sb) is a critical metal and emerging hazardous pollutant, chemically akin to arsenic (As) and widely used as antimonial lead in Pb–Sb–(Sn) alloys. Despite its volatility, ~45–50% of Sb input to municipal solid waste incinerators remains in bottom ash (IBA). Sb leaching, particularly during mineral carbonation, compromises IBA reuse. We report the systematic occurrence of Pb–(Sb)–(Sn) particles in IBA fines (< 2 mm), spanning a continuum of alteration states. When oxidized, these particles display distinctive yellow to brown-reddish colours and were found in all four samples analysed from the ASHES academia–industry innovation program. Crystal chemistry and formation pathways were resolved at the particle scale using SEM-EDS, XRPD, and TEM-EDXS-EELS, confirming the presence of Sb(0), Sb(III), and Sb(V). Carbonation behaviour was assessed by blending Ca(OH)₂ with crushed Pb–(Sb)–(Sn) particles. Carbonation enhances the dissolution of Pb–(Sb)–(Sn) oxides, with Pb reprecipitating as carbonates with calcite, while Sb remains in solution, which explains the inverse Pb–Sb leaching behaviour widely reported. The strong Pb–Sb association has treatment implications, suggesting that density separation of IBA fines prior to carbonation could mitigate Sb release. We propose that this phase is the main source of Sb leaching under IBA weathering conditions, as metallic Pb–Sb assemblages are far less volatile than Sb species in plastics. During incineration, they remain on the grate and partially crystallize, whereas Sb from plastics is more likely to volatilize and be captured in fly ash. Sb partitioning during incineration is thus strongly source-dependent, reflecting the distinct thermal behaviours of its main industrial forms.

This study presents a thermodynamic modeling framework for optimizing phosphorus recovery from wastewater through the crystallization of vivianite Fe₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O. With phosphorus identified as a critical raw material in the European Union and global phosphate reserves under geopolitical stress, recovering phosphorus from wastewater has become both an environmental and economic priority. The methodology involves constructing a thermodynamic model that integrates heterogeneous chemical equilibria, including hydrolysis, complex formation, ligand protonation, and mineral precipitation. The model evaluates interactions among phosphate, iron(II) ions, and potential complexing agents across a pH range of 7 to 11. Gibbs free energy ∆G^overall changes for the overall crystallization–dissolution process including competing reactions are calculated to define the thermodynamic stability areas for vivianite and co-precipitates such as hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphates, and iron hydroxides. Species distribution diagrams for the analyzed heterogeneous systems and overall Gibbs free energy ∆G^overall stability maps were constructed based on both synthetic and real wastewater compositions. Obtained thermodynamic results show that phosphorus recovery efficiency improves with Fe:P molar ratios between 1.5 and 1.8, with optimal crystallization occurring at pH 7.0 to 7.5. At higher pH values, the formation of competing mineral phases reduces the selectivity for vivianite. The model also provides quantitative predictions of residual phosphate and iron concentrations after the wastewater treatment. The developed thermodynamic framework facilitates improved control of vivianite crystallization parameters and supports nutrient recovery strategies aligned with circular economy principles. This model is adaptable to a range of wastewater types and informs the design of efficient, low-impact phosphorus recovery technologies.

This study presents a thermodynamic framework for predicting synergistic mineral dissolution and buffering in wastewater treatment systems. Buffering is essential for stabilizing wastewater composition against pH fluctuations and ionic disturbances caused by variable chemical inputs. The model addresses multicomponent heterogeneous systems containing both soluble and insoluble species, focusing on key minerals such as struvite and vivianite that play a central role in nutrient recovery and contaminant immobilization. A key innovation of this framework is its ability to describe coupled mineral dissolution and precipitation processes through a unified set of thermodynamic equations. These incorporate mass balance constraints and equilibrium expressions involving metal ion hydrolysis, metal ion–ligand complex formation, and protonation reactions. The influence of competing ions, such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and carbonate, is also considered, as they directly affect system buffering and mineral phase stability. Another major contribution is the introduction of the synergistic coefficient, a novel parameter that quantifies the enhancement of buffering and dissolution beyond additive behavior. This allows comparative assessment of synergistic potential across different wastewater compositions. It is demonstrated that two conditions are required for the manifestation of synergistic effects in wastewater systems: (a) the formation of a ternary complex, and (b) amplification of one or more physicochemical properties. Struvite satisfies both criteria, as it forms a stable solid ternary complex and exhibits enhanced solubility and buffering action under appropriate conditions. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that these synergistic effects arise from the formation of mixed-ligand complexes that stabilize pH and promote mineral recovery. Validation using real wastewater confirms the model predictive accuracy in identifying optimal pH and ion ratios. The thermodynamic relations derived from this study enable the design of new synergistic processes with targeted buffering and mineral recovery properties, supporting the advancement of sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment technologies.

This study investigates the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of heavy placer deposits from the Chaliyar River in Kerala, India, with a focus on ilmenite. Sand samples were collected from five locations in the Nilambur region and examined through sieve analysis, heavy mineral separation, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and petrographic microscopy.

Grain size analysis revealed that most of the sediments are below 600 µm, with a dominant fraction around 180 µm, reflecting moderately high-energy depositional conditions suitable for heavy mineral accumulation. Heavy mineral separation allowed for the concentration of the dense fractions for further study. XRF analyses indicated notable enrichment of Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, ZrO₂, and Cr₂O₃, which confirmed the presence of ilmenite, zircon, and garnet. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of these mineral phases, while petrographic line counting provided quantitative data on their relative abundances across grain-size classes and sampling sites.

The results highlight the occurrence of economically valuable heavy minerals, particularly titanium-bearing ilmenite, within the Chaliyar River sediments. The observed mineralogical and geochemical variations also reflect differences in source rock composition and sediment transport processes within the basin.

This work establishes a baseline for understanding the distribution and concentration of heavy minerals in the Chaliyar River and provides a foundation for future studies and resource assessment in Kerala’s placer-rich terrains.

Human activities that affect the environment are becoming more widespread and threaten the ability of natural systems to maintain their balance. The flat lands of southern Western Siberia act as natural plates, accumulating and reflecting the geochemical composition of the entire demolition area. This paper examines the ecogeochemical composition of bottom sediments from five small lakes near regional industrial centers in the Baraba Lowland, southern Western Siberia. The results will help us understand future processes and predict possible scenarios for natural ecosystem development in the present, in the context of the powerful geological force of technogenesis. In the components of lake ecosystems (sediments, water, soil, rocks, and biota), there is a simultaneous distribution of elements related to sidero-, chalco-, litho-, atmo-, and biophilic elements (Si, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Sb, Sr, Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, P, etc.), as a reflection of biosphere evolution under conditions of human influence. For the first time, an assessment of the average background concentration of major and trace elements in the bottom sediment of small lakes in the Baraba Lowland was conducted. The study of the chemical composition of lake system components was carried out using a range of modern analytical techniques, including atomic absorption analysis (AAA), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In total, more than 6,000 determinations of individual measured elements were made, ensuring the statistical significance of the obtained data. GIS mapping of the catchment areas of lake systems has been conducted to identify the sources of potential pollutants. Abnormal concentrations of major and trace elements have been identified based on the data collected.

Dust generation in the mining industry represents a persistent environmental and occupational health challenge, contributing to air pollution, visibility reduction, and respiratory illnesses among workers and nearby communities. This study focuses on developing an innovative and eco-friendly dust suppressant derived from Sargassum crassifolium seaweed and glycerine, aiming to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical-based agents. The experimental investigation was conducted on limestone samples, a material commonly associated with mining operations and known for its high potential for dust emission. The results revealed that the inclusion of glycerine enhanced the viscosity and adhesion properties of the seaweed extract, improving its ability to bind fine particles and prevent airborne dispersion. Among the various formulations tested, the 58% Sargassum–glycerine mixture demonstrated the most effective performance, achieving a balance between fluidity, moisture retention, and biodegradability. This concentration allowed sufficient water infiltration to maintain soil and material moisture, which is critical for reducing dust release and improving resistance to wind erosion. Laboratory evaluations confirmed that the treated samples exhibited a substantial reduction in dust formation compared to untreated controls. Overall, this seaweed-based dust suppressant offers a promising, sustainable solution for mitigating dust pollution in the mining sector, improving air quality, safeguarding human health, and minimizing environmental impact.