• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.177-189
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• 2009

Iron (oxyhydr)oxides commonly form as secondary minerals of high reactivity and large surface area resulting from alteration and weathering of primary minerals, and they are efficient sorbents for inorganic and organic contaminants. Accordingly, they have a great potential in industrial applications and are also of substantial interest in environmental sciences. Goethite (${\alpha}$-FeOOH) is one of the most ubiquitous and stable forms of iron (oxyhydr)oxides in terrestrial soils, sediments, and ore deposits, as well as a common weathering product in rocks of all types. This study focused on adsorption reaction as a main mechanism in scavenging arsenic using goethite. Goethite was synthesized in the laboratory to get high purity, and a variety of mineralogical and physicochemical features of goethite were measured and related to adsorption characteristics of arsenic. To compare differences in adsorption reactions between arsenic species, in addition, a variety of experiments to acquire adsorption isotherm, adsorption edges, and adsorption kinetics were accomplished. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the laboratory-synthesized goethite was measured to be 7.6, which value seems to be relatively higher, compared to those of other iron (oxyhydr)oxides. Its specific surface area appeared to be $29.2\;m^2/g$ and it is relatively smaller than those of other (oxyhydr)oxides. As a result, it was speculated that goethite shows a smaller adsorption capacity. It is likely that the affinity of goethite is much more larger for As(III) (arsenite) than for As(V) (arsenate), because As(III) was observed to be much more adsorbed on goethite than As(V) in equivalent pH conditions. When the adsorption of each arsenic species onto goethite was characterized in various of pH, the adsorption of As(III) was largest in neutral pH range (7.0~9.0) and decreased in both acidic and alkaline pH conditions. In the case of As(V), the adsorption appeared to be highest in the lowest pH condition, and then decreased with an increase of pH. This peculiarity of arsenic adsorption onto goethite might be caused by macroscopic electrostatic interactions due to variation in chemical speciation of arsenic and surface charge of goethite, and also it is significantly affected by change in pH. Parabolic diffusion model was adequate to effectively evaluate arsenic adsorption on goethite, and the regression results show that the kinetic constant of As(V) is larger than that of As(III).

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.125-139
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• 2010

Behavior of heavy metals and arsenic in the tailings of Songcheon Au-Ag mine was characterized via both mineralogical and geochemical methods. Mineral composition of the tailings was investigated by X-ray diffractometry, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) and total concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic and their chemical forms were analyzed by total digestion of aqua regia and sequential extraction method, respectively. The results of mineralogical study indicate that the tailings included mineral particles of resinous shape mainly consisting of galena, sphalerite, pyrite, quartz, and scorodite, and specifically socordite was identified in the form of matrix. EPMA quantitative analyses were performed to evaluate the weatherability of each mineral, and the results suggest that it decreased in the sequence of arsenopyrite > galena > sphalerite > pyrite. The weathering pattern of galena was observed to show distinctive zonal structure consisting of secondary minerals such as anglesite and beudantite. In addition, almost all of arsenopyrite has been altered to scorodite existing asmatrix and galena, sphalerite, and pyrite which have lower weatherability than arsenopyrite were identified within the matrix of scorodite. During the process of alteration of arsenopyrite into scorodite, it is likely that a portion of arsenic was lixiviated and caused a great deal of detrimental effects to surrounding environment. The results of EPMA quantitative analyses verify that the stability of scorodite was relatively high and this stable scorodite has restrained the weathering of other primary minerals within tailings as a result of its coating of mineral surfaces. For this reason, Songcheon tailings show the characteristics of the first weathering stage, although they have been exposed to the surface environment for a long time. Based on the overall results of mineralogical and geochemical studies undertaken in this research, if the tailings are kept to be exposed to the surface environment and the weathering process is continuous, not only hazardous heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic seem to be significantly leached out because their larger portions are being partitioned in weakly-bound (highly-mobile) fractions, but the potential of arsenic leaching is likely to be high as the stability of scorodite is gradually decreased. Consequently, it is speculated that the environmental hazard of Songcheon mine is significantly high.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.283-298
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• 2022

In this study, we investigated the mineral geochemistry of the albite-spodumene pegmatite, associated exogreisen, and wall rock from the Boam Li deposit, Wangpiri, Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. The paragenesis of the Boam Li deposit consists of two stages; the magmatic and endogreisen stages. In the magmatic stage, pegmatite dikes mainly composed of spodumene, albite, quartz, and K-feldspar intruded into the Janggun limestone formation. In the following endogreisen stage, the secondary fine-grained albite along with muscovite, apatite, beryl, CGM(columbite group mineral), microlite, and cassiterite were precipitated and partly replaced the magmatic stage minerals. Exogreisen composed of tourmaline, quartz, and muscovite develops along the contact between the pegmatite dike and wall rock. The Cs contents of beryl and muscovite and Ta/(Nb+Ta) ratio of CGM are higher in the endogreisen stage than the magmatic stage, suggesting the involvement of the more evolved melts in the greisenization than in the magmatic stage. Florine-rich and Cl-poor apatite infer that the parental magma is likely derived from metasedimentary rock (S-type granite). P₂O₅ contents of albite in the endogreisen stage are below the detection limit of EDS while those of albite in the magmatic stage are 0.28 wt.% on average. The lower P₂O₅ contents of the former albite can be attributed to apatite and microlite precipitation during the endogreisen stage. Calcium introduced from the adjacent Janggun formation may have induced apatite crystallization. The interaction between the pegmatite and Janggun limestone is consistent with the gradual increase in Ca and other divalent cations and decrease in Al from the core to the rim of tourmaline in the exogreisen.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.95-109
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• 2002

A significant question is what role does newly-formed expansive mineral growth play in the premature deterioration of concrete. These minerals formed in cement paste as a result of chemical reactions involving cement paste and coarse/fine aggregate. Petrographic observations and SEM/EDAX analysis were conducted in order to determine chemical and mineralogical changes in the aggregate and cement paste of samples taken from lowa concrete highways that showed premature deterioration. Formation and expansive mechanisms involved in deterioration were Investigated. Brucite, Mg(OH)$_2$, is potentially expansive mineral that farms in cement paste of concretes containing reactive dolomite aggregate as a result of partial dedolomitization of the aggregate. No cracking was observed to be spatially associated with brucite, but most brucite was microscopic in size and widely disseminated in the cement paste of less durable concretes. Expansion stresses associated with its growth at innumerable microlocations may be retrieved by cracking at weaker locations in the concrete. Ettringite, 3CaO.Al$_2$O$_3$.3CaSO$_4$.32$H_2O$, completely fills many small voids and occurs as rims lining the margin of larger voids. Microscopic ettringite is common disseminated throughout the paste in many samples. Severe cracking of cement paste causing premature deterioration is often closely associated with ettringite locations, and strongly suggests that ettringite contributed to deterioration. Pyrite, FeS2, is commonly present in coarse/fine aggregates, and its oxidation products is observed in many concrete samples. Pyrite oxidation provides sulfate ions for ettringite formation.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 2002

Margarite, which occurs in the Unkyori Formation of Miwon area, Chungcheongbukdo, South Korea, was investigated using the petrographic microscope, back-scattered electron images (BSEI), and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) to characterize the alteration textures and mineral chemistries. Most margarite crystals are inhomogeneous, and chlorite was commonly observed to occur at the boundaries parallel to the rim of margarite. Cracks occur across the basal plane of the margarite, and margarite is partly replaced by chlorite along the cracks. In additon, muscovite and biotite are intergrown in margarite and chlorite crystals, suggesting that margarite was partially altered to chlorite as well as to muscovite and biotite. Chemical analysis data show that paragonite solid solution in the margarite is approximately 19.6 mol%, but clintonite solid solution is negligible. Margarite crystals in the Unkyori Formation cut or penetrate other metamorphic minerals In the same thin sections and are oriented randomly without any relationship with the foliation of host rocks, indicating that formed as a secondary mineral after peak metamorphism. Furthermore, it seems that hydrothermal fluids associated with the Mesozoic intrusions developed near the sample are closely related to the margarite formation.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.221-230
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• 2002

Weathering of biotite shows a biotite-vermiculite-kaolinite sequence at the early stage, but presents biotite-kaolinite sequence without a significant intermediate phase (vermiculite) at the late stage from the weathering profile of the granitic gneiss. Secondary 1:1 phyllosilicates are kaolinite and halloysite which show different weathering textures originated by a different formation mechanism. Kaolinitization began from the edges of biotite and propagated toward the interior of grain along a multilayered front. $10 \AA$ layers of biotite are interleaving with $7\AA$ layers of kaolinite and c-axis of two phases is consistent. Kaolinite pseudomorph of biotite is isovolumetric, compared to the biotite boundary and includes many band-like porosities parallel to the cleavage. Platy kaolinite formed by 1:1 layer fur layer replacement of biotite. Halloysitization proceeded outward from the grain edges which were foliated as fine flakes and bent at the right angle for cleavage Halloysites were extensively fanning out and greatly increased the volume of grain. This indicated that halloysite tubes were formed by epitaxial overgrowth on the surface of biotite with import of Si and Al from the external solution by dissolution of plagioclase. These halloysites have abnormally high Fe content ( ~11%).

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.18 s.18
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• pp.19-32
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• 2006

The stone pagoda of the Bunhwangsa temple made by piling small brick-shaped stones. The major rock forming stone bricks are andesites with variable genesis. Rock properties of the pagoda roof stone suffer partly including multiple peel-offs, exfoliation, decomposition like onion peels, cracks forming round lines and falling off stone pieces. The stylobates and tabernacles in all the four directions the pagoda are mostly composed of granitic rocks. Those rock properties are heavily contaminated by lichens and mosses with the often marks of inorganic contamination by secondary hydrates that are dark black or yellowish brown. Within the four tabernacles and northern pagoda body situated to relatively high humidity. There are even light gray precipitate looking like stalactites between the northern and western rocks of the body Their major minerals are calcite, gypsum and clays. The stone lion standing in the southeast and northeast side are alkali granite, while that in the southwest and northwest lithic tuff. Total rock properties of the pagoda are 9,708 pieces, among the all properties, fractured blocks are 11.0%, fall out blocks are 6.7% and covered blocks by precipitates are 7.0%, respectively. The pagoda has highly deteriorated the functions of the rock properties due to physical, chemical and biological weathering, therefore, we suggest that this pagoda has need to do long term monitoring and synthetic conservation researches.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.211-225
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• 2018

The Stupa of the State Preceptor Jigwang from the Beopcheonsaji temple site in Wonju (National Treasure No. 101) was built in the Goryeo Period (around the 11th century), with very excellent style and techniques. It was returned to the Korea after being taken to Osaka of Japan without notice in 1912, and was severely damaged during the Korean War. Subsequently, the Stupa was restored using restoration materials like mortar, and relocated to the National Palace Museum of Korea. Surface contaminants in the Stupa primarily existed around the restoration materials. Black discoloration, which indicates a high discoloration grade, signified a high possession rate in the north and inner regions of the Stupa, which may be related to the relative moisture maintenance time. Most surface contaminants were calcite and gypsum; the black discoloration area underwent secondary discoloration due to air pollution. Moreover, the stone properties exhibited a relatively low discoloration grade, exhibiting crystallized contaminants that partly covered the rock-forming minerals. Overall, the Stupa deteriorated due to discoloration and being covered by lime materials, which were dissolved as the mortar degraded. Hence, it required contaminants removal, surface cleaning and desalination during conservation treatment, in order to control the rate of physicochemical deterioration by contaminants.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1410-1416
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• 2009

The present study aims to examine the effect of turbid water on fishes in streams which branch into a turbid water area (Yeongyang-gun) and a non-turbid water area (Cheongsong-gun), and finally flow into the Imha reservoir. In a comparison of water quality, the chemical status of the water showed higher pH, DO and SS in the turbid water area than in the non-turbid water area. Also, high density of clay minerals such as vermiculite (V) and illite (I), which is from clay mineral leakage during rainfall, was detected in turbid water, resulting in an increase of turbidity. Fishes inhabiting the turbid water showed irregular spaces in gill lamella, cell separation, edema, and clubbing in epithelial tissues. Also, the gill surface showed roughness and plenty of muddy debris substances inside the gills. The Bowman's space was expanded because of contraction of the glomerulus in the Bowman's space of the kidney tissues. Antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPX, and GST showed higher activities in the specific tissues, muscles and kidney, of fishes living in turbid water than in the non-turbid area. We suggested that; first, the antioxidant activities were increased due to removal of harmful radicals generated in fish bodies in the turbid water area, second, long-time exposure of these histological changes in the tissues might have induced secondary lesion accompanying the inaccurate physiological constancy of fishes.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.381-391
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• 2011

Weathering can reduce rock strength and eventually affect the structural stability of a rock mass, which is important in the field of engineering geology. Several methods have been developed to evaluate the degree of weathering, including the chemical weathering index. In this study, we analyzed the weathering degree and characteristics of microtextures and pores in crystalline rocks (gneiss and granites) based on petrographic observations, the chemical weathering index, mineralogy by XRD, microtextural analysis by SEM/EDS, measurements of pore size and surface area by the BET method, and microporosity by X-ray CT. The formation of secondary minerals and microtexture in gneiss and granitic rocks are assumed to be affected by complex processes such as dissolution, precipitation, and fracturing. Hence, it is clear that some chemical weathering indices that are based solely on whole-rock chemistry (e.g., CIA and CWI) are unable to provide reliable assessments of the degree of weathering. Great care is needed to evaluate the degree of chemical weathering, including an understanding of the mineralogy and microtexture of the rock mass, as well as the characteristics of micropores.