• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.271-281
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• 2001

The characteristics of the heavy metal contamination in the soils affected by the tailings of the Palbong mine have been studied. The soils in the studied area consist mostly of loam by the particle size analysis, but a little of it, located near the stream, consist of loamy sand to sandy loam, finally to loam downward. The organic contents of soils are significantly low aoom 2 percent and the pH is in acidic ranging 6.0 $\pm$ 0.1. The samples of the parent rocks, the normal soils, the tailings and the channel deposits from the studied area were chemically analysed. From the result, the heavy metal concenlration of the soils is a little Jow compared with that of the parent rocks, shows the hydrologic process of the surface and the groundwater. The contamination of the tailings from the ore mining are high in lead, copper and arsenic. In the channel deposits the concenlrations of lead and copper are abnormally high but that of arsenic is uniquely low. And most of heavy metal contamination are decreased with the distance from the mine. It is caused by the properties of the surface and the ground water during the process of the heavy metal migration. The correlation-coefficient between sand and silt contents and the concentrations of Cd, Cu and Pb are significant but the amounts of As and Hg are increased with the clay contents. The dispersion of the heavy metals with the distance shows that the concentrations of them in the soils sampled at distance of 100 m to 200 m along the stream started near the Palbong mine are extremely high compared with those from other distances. These discrepancies are significant in Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg, but low in As. All the samples contain below detection limit of Cr+6 In the present stream water the concentrations of the heavy metals are not detected. So, it is interpreted that the concentrations in the soils are caused by the activities of the mining during the operation and have been continued by the dispersion from the tailings since after the closure of the mining, especially by the surface and ground water. The concentrations are diminished with the distance from the mining site, but in the interval of 800-2000 m increases abruptly. In the soil samples counted on the dispersion direction by wind, the lowering of the concentration is relatively uniform with the distance from the mining site. So, the rapid increase of the heavy metal concentrations is presumed to have been caused by the ground-water movement. In the migration of the heavy metals, the groundwater conditions, such as pH, Eh, the contents of colloidal particles, and Mn and Fe oxides are closely involveo. Integrating with these factors, it is interpreted that the groundwater conditions which have caused the heavy metal contamination of the studied area are those that the pH is about 3 in oxidized conditions, the contents of the colloidal particles are low, and Mn and Fe oxides are not involved in the migration of the heavy metals. Meanwhile, the vegetables growing on the soils in the studied area are not affected by the contamination of the heavy metals.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.353-361
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• 2006

As one of the thermochemical water splitting hydrogen production cycles, which could be operated at the lower temperature below 1200 K, we investigated the feasibility of the cyclic operation of Ispra Mark 2 cycle with the addition of $ZrO_2$. The cycle is theoretically composed of three reaction steps; (1) 1st step($2MnO_2{\rightarrow}Mn_2O_3+0.5O_2$), (2) 2nd step($Mn_2O_3+4NaOH{\rightarrow}2Na_2O{\cdot}MnO_2+H_2+H_2O$) and (3) 3rd step($2Na_2O{\cdot}MnO_2H_2O{\rightarrow}4NaOH+2MnO_2$). From the TPR tests, the temperature ranges for $O_2$ production in 1st step and $H_2$ production in 2nd step were $550{\sim}750^{\circ}C$ and $650{\sim}750^{\circ}C$, respectively. In $MnO_2/Mn_2O_3/NaOH$ system, the formation of molten products due to the reaction between manganese oxides and NaOH were greatly decreased with the addition of $ZrO_2$. In addition, the results of a cyclic test were discussed with the viewpoint of $H_2$ production amounts and the feasibility of the process improvement.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.62-69
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• 2005

Removal of 4-chlorophenol (4CP) by natural manganese dioxide (NMD) catalyzed reaction was investigated in this study. Tests were also carried out to evaluate the effects of pH and natural organic matter (NOM) on the degradative oxidation of 4CP. Experimental results proved that NMD was effective for the removal of 4CP. Extensive kinetic analysis suggests that overall oxidation of 4CP by NMD is second-order reaction, the first-order with respect to 4CP, and the first-order with respect to NMD, respectively. Also, 4CP oxidation rates on the Mn-oxide surfaces were highly dependent upon experimental conditions such as pH, initial concentration of 4CP or NMD, and existence of humic acid. As pH increased above PZC of NMD, the reaction rate of 4CP was decreased, due to the low affinity of 4CP on NMD at high pH. At pH lower than PZC of NMD, reaction rate of 4CP was also decreased. It was considered that humic acid was involved in the oxidative coupling reaction of 4CP by NMD, resulting in the enhanced degradation rate of 4CP. This study proved that natural manganese oxide can be effectively applied for the removal of chlorophenols in aqueous phase.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.509-517
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• 2019

The birnessite (7Å manganate, δ-MnO₂) which is a manganese oxide and comprises manganese nodules, is a major manganese mineral on the earth surface and a precursor in the synthesis of todorokite. In this study birnessite was synthesized by three different methods: Feng et al. (2004) and Luo et al. (1998) based on redox reaction and Ma et al. (1999) based on reduction reaction. 12 birnessite samples were synthesized by different combinations of Na⁺ and K⁺ cations based on the base (OH^-) and permanganate (MnO₄^-) reagents in the synthesis. The mineral compositions of synthesized birnessite were identified by XRD, and the two cation ratio in the mineral was measured by ICP. The products obtained after hydrothermal treatment of Mg-buserite, by the precursor of birnessite, was examined by XRD, and then phase transition to todorokite and their characteristics were compared. Our results show that the byproducts and the characteristics of phase transition by each synthetic method have different trends. Hausmannite (γ-Mn₃O₄) and feitknechtite (β-MnOOH) were formed by both methods in the redox reaction mechanism. By Feng et al. (2004)'s method, manganite (γ-MnOOH) phase only appeared when cation was predominantly Na⁺. Two birnessite samples synthesized by redox reaction mechanism showed phase transition to todorokite (10Å manganate, OMS-1) when both NaOH and KMnO₄ were used together. However, single-phase birnessite was formed by Ma et al. (1999)'s method, and phase transition was confirmed only for the sample when the cation was only composed of Na⁺.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.357-366
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• 2007

Microorganisms participate in a variety of geochemical processes such as weathering and formation of minerals, leaching of precious metals from minerals, and cycling of organic matter The objective of this study was to investigate biogeochemical processes of iron leaching from magnetite ore by iron-reducing bacteria isolated from intertidal flat sediments, southwestern part of Korea. Microbial iron leaching experiments were performed using magnetite ore, Shinyemi magnetite ore, in well-defined media with and without bacteria at room temperature for a month. Water soluble Fe and Mn during the leaching experiments were determined by ICP analysis of bioleached samples, and the resulting precipitated solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The extent of iron leaching from magnetite in the aerobic conditions (Fe = 15 mg/L and Mn = 3.41 mg/L) was lower than that in the anaerobic environments (Fe = 32.8 mg/L and Mn = 5.23 mg/L). The medium pH typically decreased from 8.3 to 7.2 during a month incubation. The Eh of the initial medium decreased from +144.9 mV to -331.7 mV in aerobic environments and from -2.3 mV to -494.6 mV in anaerobic environments upon incubation with the metal reducing microorganisms. The decrease in pH is due to glucose fermentation producing organic acids and $CO_2$. The ability of bacteria to leach soluble iron from crystalline magnetite could have significant implications for biogeochemical processes in sediments where Fe(III) in magnetite represents the largest pool of electron acceptor as well as to use as a novel biotechnology for leaching precious and heavy metals from raw materials.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.519-528
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• 2019

In 2017, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has excavated a trench at Yongjang-li in the city of Gyeongju to examine the evidence of fault movement related with the 2016 earthquake in unconsolidated sediments. In the trench profile, the author has observed the features of ongoing soil-forming processes and groundwater movement overlapped on the sedimentary layers. The soil formation was in its initial stage, and most of the original sedimentary layers could be observed. The color changes depending on the redox conditions and by the Mn/Fe oxide precipitation, however, were the most significant features obscuring sedimentary records. The dark Mn oxide precipitates formed at the groundwater levels often concealed the sedimentary unit boundaries. The groundwater levels varied depending on the particle sizes of the sedimentary layers contacting the groundwater, and the Mn oxide precipitates have formed at varying depths. The groundwater could move upward along the narrow pores in the fine-textured sedimentary layer more than a few meters showing the gray color indicating a reducing condition for iron.

• Electrical & Electronic Materials
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.141-149
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• 1997

L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$Mn $O_{3}$ powders were prepared by both GNP(Glycine-Nitrate Process) and solid state reaction method in various of calcination temperature(800-1000.deg. C) and time in air. Also, L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$Mn $O_{3}$ cathode contacts on YSZ(Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia) substrate were prepared by screen printing and sintering method as a function of sintering temperature(1100-1450.deg. C) in air. Sintering behaviors have been investigated by SEM(Scanning Electron Microscope) and porosity measurement. Compositional and structural characterization were carried out by X-ray diffractometer and ICP AES(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry) analysis. Electrical characterization was carried out by the electrical conductivity with linear 4 point probe method. As the calcination period increased in solid state reaction method, L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$Mn $O_{3}$ phase increased. Although L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$Mn $O_{3}$ single phase was obtained only for 48hrs at 1000.deg. C, in GNP method it was easy to get single and ultra-fine L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$Mn $O_{3}$ powders with submicron particle size at 650.deg. C for 30min. The particle size and thickness of L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$Mn $O_{3}$ cathode contact by solid state reaction method did not change during the heat treatment, while those by GNP method showed good sintering characteristics because initial powder size fabricated from GNP method is smaller than that fabricated from solid state reaction method. Based on enthalpy change from thermodynamic data and ICP-AES analysis, it was suggested to make cathode contact in composition of (L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$)$_{0.91}$ Mn $O_{3}$ which have little second phase (L $a_{2}$Z $r_{2}$ $O_{7}$) for high efficient solid oxide fuel cells applications. As (L $a_{0.7}$S $r_{0.3}$)$_{0.91}$Mn $O_{3}$ cathode contact on YSZ substrate was sintering at 1250.deg. C the temperature that liquid phase sintering did not occur. It was possible to obtain proper cathode contacts with electrical conductivity of 150(S/cm) and porosity content of 30-40%.m) and porosity content of 30-40%.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.86-101
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• 2012

The constituting rocks of Multi-storied Round shape stone Pagoda of Unjusa Temple are lithic tuff and rhyolite tuff breaccia which show green or grey and also rock fragment with poor roundness are present in the structure. lithic tuff is composed of feldspar and quartz which are glassy texture and cryptocrystalline and also micro crystalline are scattered. phenocryst quartz and feldspar in the substrate composed of feldspar and opaque minerals are found in rhyolite tuff breaccia. dust, exfoliation, cavity, fracture and crack are observed in all the stone of the pagoda and the result of Infrared Thermography shows partial inter cavities have developed severely which may cause further exfoliation. In addition, a great deal of various grey, green, and yellow brown lichen as well as bryophyte are present at the upper part of eastern and western roof stone located above the third floor. Discolors remarkably shown at stereobate and roof stone are identified as inorganic pollutants such as manganese oxide, iron oxide and iron hydroxide. The stone of the pagoda of the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and the Weathering Potential Index (WPI) are 55.69 and 1.12 respectively and this corresponds to a highly weathered stage. The measured values, average ultrasonic velocity 2,892m/s, coefficient of weathering 0.4k and compressive strength $1,096kg/cm^3$, suggest that the rock strength and durability are weakened.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.189-199
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• 2004

Cretaceous sedimentary rocks bearing dinosaur tracks in the Goseong interchange area were studied for their conservation and public display in the aspect of applied mineralogy. Black clay layers alternate with silt layers in the sedimentary rocks. The verical and horizontal fissures are commonly filled with calcite veinlets, supergenetic iron and manganese oxides. The rocks are composed of quartz, albite, K-feldspar, calcite, chlorite, illite, muscovite, and biotite, with minor apatite and rutile. Silt layers are relatively rich in calcite and albite, whereas clay layers are abundant in quartz, illite, and chlorite. Al, Fe, Mg, K, Ti, and P are enriched in the clay layers, while Ca, Na, and Mn in silt. Most of trace elements including V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cs, Zr, REE, Th, and U are enriched in clay layers. Inorganic carbon are present in silt layers as calcite, while organic carbon in black clay layers. The black clay layers were partly altered to yellow clay layers along the fissures, simultaneously with the decrease of organic carbon. Selective exfoliation of clay-rich black and yellow clay layers, calcite matrix of silt layers and calcite infillings of fissures are estimated as the major weakness potentially promoting chemical and physical degradation of the track-bearing rock specimens.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.29-50
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• 2003

Physicochemical Properties of acid mine water of the Chonam-ri Creek and the Sagok-ri Creek in the Kwangyang Au-Ag mine area were determined using geochemical approaches. Metal contamination (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) is more serious in the Chonam-ri Creek than in the Sagok-ri Creek. However, the contents of Al and Fe is higher in the Sagok-ri Creek. Such differences between the two creeks probably reflect the abundance and composition of ore minerals. The attenuation processes for acid mine water in both creeks were investigated. In the Chonam-ri Creek, a small retention pond which contains limestone plays an important role in the removal of heavy metals by adsorption or coprecipitation due to increase of pH. The capacity of metal scavenging in this pond depends on the seasonal variation of inflow volume. Reddish yellow precipitates sampled in the Chonam-ri Creek were analyzed by XRD, SEM-EDS, EPMA, and chemical decomposition. The precipitates mainly consist of goethite and are also enriched in Al, Mn, Cu and Zn. This inditates that precipitation of goethite is important for scavenging those trace elements, possibly due to adsorption or coprecipitation. In the Sagok-ri Creek, on the other hand, hydrologic mixing of uncontaminated tributaries results in removal of heavy metals with iron hydroxides precipitation due to the pH increase. The mechanisms proposed for metal attenuation at the confluence between contaminated mine water and uncontaminated tributary water are also explained by the property-property plots.