Search Results (217)

Hydrometallurgical pretreatment of pyrite-bearing concentrates and tailings by hydrothermal interaction with Cu(II) solutions is a promising route for chemical beneficiation and mitigation of acid mine drainage but is limited by passivation caused by elemental sulfur and secondary copper sulfides. Here, the effect of sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) on the hydrothermal reaction between natural pyrite and CuSO₄ in H₂SO₄ media at 180–220 °C was studied at [H₂SO₄]₀ = 10–30 g/dm³, [Cu]₀ = 6–24 g/dm³, and [SLS]₀ = 0–1.0 g/dm³. Process efficiency was evaluated by Fe extraction into solution and Cu precipitation on the solid phase, and products were characterized by XRD and SEM/EDS. SLS markedly intensified pyrite conversion: at 200 °C and 120 min, Fe extraction increased from 14 to 26% and Cu precipitation from 5 to 23%, while at 220 °C, Fe extraction reached 33.4% and Cu precipitation 26.8%. XRD confirmed the sequential transformation CuS → Cu_1.8S. SEM/EDS showed that SLS converts localized nucleation of Cu_xS on defect sites into the formation of a fine, loosely packed, and well-dispersed copper sulfide phase. The results demonstrate that lignosulfonate surfactants efficiently suppress passivation and enhance mass transfer, providing a basis for intensifying hydrothermal pretreatment of pyrite-bearing industrial materials. Full article

The accelerated carbonation of fresh concrete and recycled aggregates is one of the safest methods of CO₂ sequestration as it mineralizes CO₂, preventing its escape into the atmosphere. CO₂ injection during batching of concrete improves its strength and may partially replace Portland cement, as with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The curing of concrete by incorporation of CO₂ also accelerates early strength development, which may enable early stripping of formwork/moulds for precast and in situ construction. The carbonation process may also be used for the beneficiation of recycled aggregates sourced from demolition waste. The CO₂ mineralization technique may also be used for producing low-carbon, carbon-neutral, or carbon-negative concrete constituents via the carbonation of mineral feedstock, including industrial wastes like steel slag, mine tailings, or raw quarried minerals. This research paper analyses various available technologies for CO₂ storage in concrete, CO₂ curing and mixing of concrete, and CO₂ injection for improving the properties of recycled aggregates. Carbon dioxide can be incorporated into concrete both through reaction with hydrating cement and through incorporation in recycled aggregates, giving a product of similar properties to concrete made from virgin materials. In this contribution we explore the various methodologies available to incorporate CO₂ in both hydrating cement and recycled aggregates and develop a protocol for best practice. We find that the loss of concrete strength due to the incorporation of recycled aggregates can be mitigated by CO₂ curing of the aggregates and the hydrating concrete, giving no negative strength consequences and sequestering around 30 kg of CO₂ per cubic metre of concrete. Full article

Methane (CH₄), a significant greenhouse gas, ranks second only to carbon dioxide in its contribution to global warming. The application of Chinese herbs as a strategy to mitigate CH₄ emissions in ruminants has shown promise. However, there is limited information regarding the efficacy of Chinese herb straw in reducing CH₄ emissions in ruminants. This research aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of varying levels of Astragalus straw supplementation on methane emissions and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The study examined the effects of different supplementation levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) on in vitro rumen fermentation, CH₄ emissions, and ruminal microbial community in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep using an in vitro fermentation method. The findings indicated that IVDMD, gas production, and CH₄ production significantly decreased with increasing levels of Astragalus straw supplementation (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the lowest levels of AA, AA/PA, and NH₃-N, along with the highest concentrations of PA, BA, and MCP, were observed in the 20% supplementation group after 48 h of fermentation. In addition, supplementation with Astragalus straw resulted in an increased abundance of Bacteroidota, Spirochaetota, and Actinobacteriota, while decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes, Fibrobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota. At the genus level, there was an observed increase in the abundance of Prevotella and Streptococcus, accompanied by a decrease in Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. In conclusion, the supplementation of Astragalus straw has the potential to reduce CH₄ production by altering ruminal fermentation patterns, fermentation parameters, and microbial dynamics. Full article

Serving as a mineral-derived dietary buffer, the alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has the potential to influence the physiological functions of animals. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of research in the field of ruminant science regarding its effects on fattening lambs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMC supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters, and digestive function of fattening lambs. A total of 96 six-month-old male Small-Tailed Han lambs with an average body weight of 48 ± 3.85 kg were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON, 0 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 1 (LAMC, 2 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 2 (MAMC, 3 g/d per lamb of AMC), and test group 3 (HAMC, 4 g/d per lamb of AMC). Each group contained 24 lambs, with 3 pens per group and 8 lambs per pen. The trial lasted for 45 days, and the results showed that, compared with the CON group, the MAMC group demonstrated a significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) with a reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) of the meat in the AMC-treated groups was significantly greater than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) of the MAMC group was significantly increased compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the HAMC group were greater than those of other groups (p < 0.01), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content was higher in the AMC-treated groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the duodenum lipase content in the HAMC group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05), and the amylase content in the MAMC group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The HAMC group had a significantly lower jejunum lipase content than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis showed that the MAMC group possessed significantly increased g_Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group levels. Furthermore, SOD and catalase (CAT) were both positively correlated with meat redness (a*) but were not significantly associated with ADG. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) was negatively correlated with ADG, while no significant relationship was observed for meat redness (a*). In conclusion, an appropriate supplementation of AMC (3 g/d per lamb) can improve growth performance and meat quality by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and modulating the composition of beneficial rumen bacteria. Full article

Phosphate is a crucial non-renewable mineral resource, mainly utilized in producing fertilizers that support global agriculture. As phosphorus is an indispensable nutrient for plant growth, phosphate holds a key position in ensuring food security. While deposits are distributed worldwide, the largest reserves are concentrated in Morocco. The Benguerir phosphate mining in Morocco generates heterogeneous waste (i.e., including overburden, tailings, and phosphogypsum) that complicates management and valorization, which is the beneficial reuse or value recovery from waste materials (e.g., use in cover systems, buffering, or other engineered applications). Therefore, it is essential to characterize their mineralogical properties to evaluate their environmental impact and possibilities for reuse or site revegetation. To do so, we integrate VNIR–SWIR reflectance spectroscopy with HandHeld X-ray fluorescence (HHXRF) to characterize phosphate waste rock and assess its reuse potential. For this purpose, field samples (n = 104) were collected, and their spectral reflectance was measured using an ASD FieldSpec 4 spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm) under standardized laboratory conditions. Spectra were processed (Savitzky–Golay smoothing, convex-hull continuum removal) and matched to ECOSTRESS library references; across the dataset, library matching achieved mean RMSE = 0.15 ± 0.053 (median 0.145; 0.085–0.350), median SAM = 0.134 rad, median SID = 0.029, and mean R² = 0.748 ± 0.170, with 84% of spectra yielding R² > 0.70. In parallel, HHXRF major and trace elements were measured on all samples to corroborate spectral interpretations. Together, these analyses resolve carbonate–clay–phosphate assemblages (dolomite commonly dominant, with illite/smectite–kaolinite, quartz, and residual carbonate-fluorapatite varying across samples). Elemental ratios (e.g., Mg/Ca distinguishing dolomite from calcite; K/Al indicating illite) reinforce spectral trends, and phosphate indicators delineate localized enrichment (P₂O₅ up to 23.86 wt % in apatite-rich samples). Overall, the combined workflow is rapid, low-impact, and reproducible, yielding coherent mineralogical patterns that align across spectroscopic and geochemical lines of evidence and providing actionable inputs for selective screening, targeted material reuse, and more sustainable mine reclamation planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver condition closely associated with gut microbial dysbiosis and hepatic metabolic abnormalities. Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP), a bioactive component derived from the medicinal fungus Poria cocos, possesses hepatoprotective properties, yet the therapeutic mechanisms of PCP in NASH, particularly those involving microbial and metabolic regulation, remain incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PCP on improving NASH and explore its mechanisms related to prebiotic activity. Methods: Mice were induced to develop NASH using a Western diet, followed by PCP intervention for 12 weeks. Hepatic function, including liver enzymes and lipids, glucose metabolism, and liver histopathological changes, was assessed. Fatigue and neurobehavioral alterations were evaluated via rotarod, open field, and tail suspension tests. Hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR. Gut microbiota were analyzed through 16S RNA gene sequencing, and metabolites of liver tissue were analyzed through untargeted metabolomics. Results: PCP decreased blood glucose and hepatic lipid levels in NASH mice, alleviating liver inflammation, ballooning degeneration, and fibrosis. It also improved fatigue-like performance on rotarod test and reduced the hepatic expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18. Microbiota analysis revealed that PCP restored gut microbial diversity, promoted the growth of beneficial taxa such as Alistipes and Butyricoccaceae_UCG-009, and inhibited harmful bacteria, including Romboutsia ilealis. Liver metabolomics showed that PCP normalized key metabolites like taurocholate and regulated taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, which were correlated with reduced inflammation, fatigue-like performance, and fibrosis. Conclusions: PCP, as a promising edible agent, alleviates hepatic damage, metabolic disorders, and fatigue-like performance on rotarod test in NASH mice, probably by reshaping gut microbiota and modulating hepatic taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Full article

The global demand for strategic minerals like scheelite is growing rapidly due to technological advancements and emerging industries, making it a key global resource. However, there is a lack of integrated research on utilization technology of scheelite from a global perspective and exploring its future development direction. Bibliometric methods have been widely applied due to their advantages in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative literature information. Based on 1137 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning 1999 to 2024, this study systematically examines the global and Chinese research trajectories and emerging frontiers in scheelite resource utilization technologies. A paradigm shift from fundamental geological and material property studies to green beneficiation, low-carbon metallurgy, and intelligent process optimization has been revealed. Key global research hotspots include flotation separation, surface chemistry regulation, LA-ICP-MS micro-analysis, and photoluminescence properties, whereas China has developed distinctive strengths in complex polymetallic ore separation, leaching kinetics, and tailings valorization. Chinese institutions contribute over 54% of worldwide output, with Central South University leading in publication volume, collaboration networks, and academic impact. Future efforts should prioritize intelligent process control, the efficient separation of complex polymetallic ores, and the high-value recovery of secondary resources. Full article

Background: Pancreatic metastases from cervical cancer are exceptionally rare, with limited cases described in the literature. Their diagnosis and management remain challenging due to the absence of standardized protocols and the often poor prognosis. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with a history of treated stage IIIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma who presented with a solitary mass in the pancreatic tail. Diagnosis was established through cross-sectional imaging, PET-CT, and EUS-guided needle biopsy. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and SBRT followed by surgical resection. Histopathological analysis confirmed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma associated with HPV. Despite an initially favorable recovery, peritoneal metastases developed three months later. The patient died seven months after surgery under palliative care after disease progression on immunotherapy. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase (2000–2025) to identify case reports and series describing pancreatic metastases from cervical cancer. A total of 14 published cases, together with the present case, were analyzed for demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome data. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 52.5 years (range 36–70). Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histology (73%). The pancreatic head was the most common metastatic site (53%). Diagnosis typically relied on abdominal CT, PET-CT, and EUS-guided biopsy. Surgical resection was performed in 28.6% of cases, while systemic therapy—most commonly cisplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab—remained the mainstay for inoperable patients. Conclusions: Pancreatic metastases from cervical cancer usually occur in advanced disease stages and are associated with poor outcomes. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of imaging and histopathology, with PET-CT useful for detecting additional metastases. Surgery may be beneficial in selected patients with isolated lesions, but systemic therapy remains the primary treatment for most. Emerging immunotherapies show promise but are still in early development. Multidisciplinary management and further research are needed to optimize outcomes in this rare presentation. Full article

Pegmatite ores, the primary and technologically advanced lithium (Li)-bearing minerals, comprise various rare metal-based elements, including niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), tin (Sn), and beryllium. With increasing Li demand, global exploitation of pegmatite ores has generated vast tailings, mainly comprising quartz and feldspar. However, the process for comprehensively utilizing valuable minerals from pegmatite ores remains undeveloped, and the persistent gap between laboratory studies and industrial practice hinders the sustainable advancement of the pegmatite mineral processing industry. Herein, a comprehensive utilization beneficiation process was designed and validated at both laboratory- and pilot-scale levels. Locked-circuit flotation tests at the laboratory-scale on spodumene and feldspar yielded (i) an Li concentrate with an Li₂O grade of 5.80% and recovery of 88.62%, and (ii) a feldspar concentrate with a (K₂O + Na₂O) grade of 11.41% and good recoveries of K₂O (81.30%) and Na₂O (84.81%). In a 72 h continuous pilot-scale test, an Li flotation concentrate with an Li₂O grade of 5.72% and recovery of 86.78%, and a final Li concentrate with an Li₂O grade of 5.89% and recovery of 86.56% were obtained. Using Li flotation tailings as feed, a feldspar concentrate with a (K₂O + Na₂O) grade of 11.41% was obtained, achieving K₂O and Na₂O recoveries of >75%. The proposed process realizes nearly overall mineral recovery from the pegmatite ores, producing qualified concentrates of Li, Nb–Ta, Sn, feldspar, and quartz. In water reuse feasibility tests, ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) was identified as the optimum flocculant at a dosage of 1000 g m⁻³. In the locked-circuit test with returned water, the consumption of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), and EMT-12 (collector) was reduced by 18.75%, 3.33%, and 3.45%, respectively, while the flotation indices of the Li concentrate (Li₂O grade of 5.77% and recovery of 86.47%) were slightly lower than those in freshwater. In addition to increasing economic benefits, the process offers considerable reductions in tailings disposal, full utilization of multiple elements, and a potential decrease in water and reagent consumption. This study provides important guidelines for the mineral processing of Li pegmatite and other associated multimetallic ores. Full article

This article provides a review of modern technologies for processing chromite ores and beneficiation wastes, with a focus on the recovery of magnesium and platinum-group metals (PGMs). It reveals that the traditional use of chromites solely as a source of chromium limits the potential of this raw material, whereas comprehensive processing enables the recovery of associated components, including serpentine minerals, which are widely present in chromite ores and tailings. Pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, plasma-arc, and biotechnological methods are examined, as well as their integration into combined flowsheets. Particular attention is given to sulfation, chloridization, and carbochlorination processes, which ensure a high degree of PGM recovery. Economic and environmental aspects of comprehensive processing are discussed, including carbon footprint reduction, waste minimization, and prospects for the development of “green metallurgy.” It is concluded that the further advancement of resource-efficient and environmentally safe technologies for chromite processing will increase production efficiency, ensure resource independence, and support compliance with global carbon neutrality requirements. Full article

Significant chromite losses to tailings in gravity separation plants arise from both suboptimal separator design and inefficient beneficiation processes, posing major challenges to resource utilization, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These losses are particularly critical because the material, already comminuted to liberation size, is discarded, leading to reduced concentrate yield, wasted energy input, and increased environmental pollution. To address this issue, an industrial-scale custom-designed shaking table was developed and tested to recover marketable-grade chromite concentrate (≥42% Cr₂O₃) from processing plant tailings containing 3.25%–4.25% Cr₂O₃, which had accumulated over years of chromite beneficiation. Experimental results showed that, under optimized operating parameters (320 rpm stroke frequency, 13 mm stroke length, 1° deck slope, 1300 g/L pulp density, 800 kg/h feed rate, and 7 tph wash water flow rate), Cr₂O₃ recovery increased from 8% to 27% for the first and second floor operations and from approximately 17% to 41% for the third and fourth floor operations compared with existing plant performance. The results revealed a strong interdependence between Cr₂O₃ recovery and concentrate grade, both of which are critical indicators of process efficiency. Intermediate particle sizes (−0.250 + 0.150 mm) provided the most favorable balance, yielding high recovery rates without substantially compromising the concentrated grade. Full article

Reduced oxygen availability, or hypoxia, is an environmental stress factor that modulates cellular and systemic functions. It plays a significant role in both physiological and pathological conditions, including tissue regeneration, where it influences angiogenesis, metabolic adaptation, inflammation, and stem cell activity. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) orchestrate these responses by activating genes that promote survival and repair, although HIF-independent mechanisms, particularly those related to mitochondrial function, are also involved. Depending on its duration and severity, hypoxia may exert either beneficial or harmful effects, ranging from enhanced regeneration to fibrosis or maladaptive remodeling. This review explores the systemic and cellular effects of acute, chronic, intermittent, and preconditioning hypoxia in the context of tissue regeneration. Hypoxia-driven responses are examined across tissues, organs, and complex structures, including the heart, muscle, bone, vascular structures, nervous tissue, and appendages such as tails. We analyze findings from animal models and in vitro studies, followed by biomedical and pharmacological strategies designed to modulate hypoxia and their initial exploration in clinical settings. These strategies involve regulatory molecules, signaling pathways, and microRNA activity, which are investigated across species with diverse regenerative capacities to identify mechanisms that may be conserved or divergent among taxa. Lastly, we emphasize the need to standardize hypoxic conditions to improve reproducibility and highlight their therapeutic potential when precisely controlled. Full article

This study investigates the feasibility of using a triboelectrostatic belt separator (TBS) as a dry alternative to conventional magnetic separation for concentrating apatite from a phyllosilicate-rich phosphate ore from the Unidade de Mineração de Angico, Brazil. The testing material contained 22.9% P₂O₅ and exhibited over 90% mineral liberation even at coarse fractions (+0.6 mm), being mainly composed of apatite and Mg/Al-bearing phyllosilicates. Pilot-scale experiments were carried out in an M6c TBS, evaluating operational parameters such as electrode polarity, belt speed, feed rate, and electrode gap. In the rougher stage, apatite’s positive charging behavior enabled separation from negatively charged gangue, with optimal conditions (run 4) producing a concentrate of 25.3% P₂O₅ at 85.1% recovery. Cleaner experiments further upgraded product quality, with runs 15 and 18 yielding concentrates of 29.0% and 28.9% P₂O₅ and overall P₂O₅ recoveries of 69.3% and 74.5%, respectively. Compared to high-intensity magnetic separation currently applied at the industrial plant, the TBS achieved superior mass and P₂O₅ recoveries and more effective MgO removal, although Fe₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ contents remained slightly above market thresholds. These results confirm the technical feasibility of triboelectrostatic separation for phosphate beneficiation, offering environmental benefits through reduced water consumption and tailings generation. Further research should focus on finer particle sizes (−0.3 mm), electrode design, and surface charge modifiers to enhance industrial performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low semen quality and male infertility are critical global health issues. Emerging research highlights that nutritional factors could play a significant role in determining reproductive outcomes. Understanding and optimizing these dietary influences, including the role of polyphenols, is crucial for developing targeted strategies to improve male fertility. We aimed to explore the relationship between the intake of different classes of polyphenols and semen quality indicators in a cohort of healthy young males. Methods: This is a secondary analysis involving 106 male individuals, aged 18–35 years, from the FERTINUTS trial. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day dietary records, and semen quality parameters were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the associations between dietary polyphenol consumption and semen quality indicators. Results: Our findings revealed both positive and negative associations between polyphenol consumption and sperm morphology parameters. A higher intake of total polyphenols was associated with a lower percentage of abnormalities in sperm heads but a higher rate of abnormalities in the principal piece. Similar results were observed for lignan and flavonoid intake. Additionally, a higher intake of flavonoids was also associated with a greater percentage of normal sperm forms. In contrast, a higher dietary intake of stilbenes was associated with a higher percentage of combined abnormalities. Conclusions: Higher intake of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and lignans, was associated with improved sperm head morphology but also with increased tail abnormalities, although no associations with motility or vitality were observed. These results suggest that specific polyphenol classes may have both beneficial and adverse effects on sperm structure, warranting consideration of compound type and dosage in dietary recommendations. Further studies are needed to determine whether these morphological changes impact fertilization outcomes and reproductive potential. Full article

Phosphorite, or phosphate rock, has garnered increasing attention in recent years as a promising unconventional resource for rare earth elements (REEs). This paper presents a processing scheme aimed at recovering both REEs and phosphate values from amine flotation tailings generated during phosphate beneficiation in Florida. In these tailings, REEs are primarily present as monazite and xenotime, often associated with heavy minerals. The proposed flowsheet includes gravity separation to pre-concentrate REE- and phosphate-bearing minerals, followed by flotation to further upgrade both REEs and phosphate, and finally sulfuric acid leaching to extract REEs and phosphate from the flotation concentrate. Gravity separation using a shaking table increased the total REE content from approximately 202 ppm to 657 ppm, with a concentrate yield of 12.51%, REE recovery of around 41%, and P₂O₅ recovery of 33%. Fatty acid flotation of the shaking table concentrate produced a final concentrate containing 1106 ppm REEs and 14.90% P₂O₅, with recoveries of approximately 86% for REEs and 90% for P₂O₅. Subsequent pyrolysis with concentrated sulfuric acid followed by water leaching achieved recoveries of about 85% for REEs and 93% for P₂O₅. While the process demonstrated effective concentration and leaching of REE minerals and apatite, the major challenge to further improving separation and extraction efficiency lies in the fine-grained nature of the valuable minerals and their interlocking with gangue minerals. Full article