Natural zeolite beads were prepared by encapsulating mesoporous zeolite into alginate beads via egg box method and its adsorption properties of Pb(II) ions were investigated in aqueous solution. Crystallinity and size reduction of natural zeolite were enhanced by mechanic modification of the ball milling process. FTIR and SEM-EDS analyses confirmed that mechanically modified zeolite particles were incorporated into alginate hydrogel. The highest adsorption amount of zeolite alginate beads was 87.47 mg/g after 20 h adsorption process. SEM-EDS result confirmed that the adsorption process has occurred on the surface of zeolite alginate beads. Adsorption kinetic data were fitted with Langmuir adsorption isotherm which showed that Pb2+ cation adsorbed into monolayers of adsorbent material. Moreover, we observed that calcium ion released after the Pb2+ adsorption process in the feed solution. Therefore, the adsorption mechanism of zeolite alginate beads explained by complex mechanisms including surface sorption and ion exchange of Pb2+ and Ca2+ in beads.

This study determines the properties of hot spring waters and associated rocks, calculates reservoir temperatures and depths in the Mongolian Altai region, and constructs a conceptual model for geothermal water based on these results. The hot springs consist of HCO3-Na, SO4-Na, and HCO3-SO4-Na mixed type waters. The waters exhibit alkaline pH levels and temperatures in the range of 21.3–35°C. X-ray diffraction analyses of outcrop rocks reveal silicate and carbonate-type minerals such as quartz, albite, orthoclase, dolomite, mica, and actinolite, while correlation analysis indicates that the chemical composition of the hot spring water is directly related to rock mineral composition. Dissolution of albite, orthoclase, and dolomite minerals has played an important role in the chemical composition of the waters. Reservoir water circulation depths were 2615–3410 m according to quartz and chalcedony geothermometry. The results indicate that the spring water in the Mongolian Altai region comprises a low mineral content with alkaline pH levels and the reservoir temperature can reach up to 106°C. We also propose a conceptual model for geothermal water in the Chikhertei hot spring. The geothermal water in the Mongolian Altai region exhibits a potential for use in heating systems.Thematic collection: This article is part of the Hydrochemistry related to exploration and environmental issues collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/hydrochemistry-related-to-exploration-and-environmental-issues

Abstract:In this study, the structural characteristic and the adsorption properties of heavy metals on Mongolian natural minerals were investigated. The natural samples were confirmed as Heulandite group of Clinoptilolite type zeolite and clay sample that contains albite and quartz by X-ray diffraction analysis. According to BET surface analysis, natural zeolites have mesoporous type of pore. The results of adsorption study showed that adsorption ability of natural zeolite is high effective for lead ion in acidic aqueous solution and the order of heavy metal selectivity was Pb 2+ >>Zn 2+ >Cd 2+ . The adsorption performance of Arsenic(V) is significantly increased by modification with magnesium oxide on natural zeolite.

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We investigated shampoo-related changes in levels of some trace elements in the scalp hair of females and their impact on scalp skin properties. Sixty healthy women divided into control and experimental group who used regular shampoo and Urtica cannabina (U.cannabina) extract shampoo, respectively. Scalp skin was examined using an electronic skin analyzer, and trichometric analysis was performed with a Folliscope. The collected scalp hair samples were digested and measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average copper (p=0.05), zinc (p=0.0002), and iodine (p=0.0004) levels increased notably, whereas the selenium content decreased slightly (p=0.337) in the experimental group. We found that the average iodine content in scalp hair of Mongolian females was three times lower than the global average. The average increase in trace elements may be considered to be due to the transfer of an element into the human scalp during shampooing. These results indicate that some trace elements in human scalp hair are not only associated with nutritional status and environmental factors, but cosmetic products can also affect the trace element composition. The hair growth, diameter, and density gradually increased and were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Scalp skin moisture, sebum, and pH values increased in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no notable difference. Herbal extracts may potentially support scalp hair growth and increase the hair density. This ability can be explained by the trace elements in the herbal extract, which may play a key role in inducing hair growth.