Vermiculite

Abstract: Investigations concerning selective sorption and fixation of K and similar cations by clay minerals and soil clays and the mechanisms of these reactions are reviewed. In particular, recent observations on selective sorption of these ions in dilute solutions by weathered micas and vermiculite in relation to the interlayer structures are discussed in detail. Also, implications of the resistance to weathering of small mica particles to cation selectivity by soils are described. Despite the increased understanding of sorption and fixation reactions, the following aspects remain unclear. First, the mechanism of the collapse of alternate layers in vermiculite on K or Cs sorption has not been unequivocally established. Second, factors that impart stability to the central core of mica particles so that K extraction becomes progressively difficult are not known. Third, inability of Ca or Mg ions to expand interlayers of Cs-saturated vermiculite in contrast to K-saturated vermiculite is not completely understood.

Abstract: A weathering profile on a uniform Lower Cretaceous volcanogenic sandstone from southern Victoria, Australia is enriched in rare-earth elements (REE), Y and other elements including Ba, Sr and Rb. Enrichments of REE of up to 7 times parent-rock values are associated with Fe-leached members of alteration couplets with little or no enrichment in adjacent Fe-rich members. These alteration couplets are similar in appearance to Liesegang banding. The REE have been fractionated during accumulation, leading to relative enrichment of the light rare earths (LREE). The formation of an alteration couplet from fresh rock at the weathering front involves redistribution of only Fe (and P) and does not involve redistribution of REE, Y. Ba, Sr and Rb. Breakdown of original minerals in the present soil and degradation of vermiculite in the upper part of the weathering profile releases RE and related elements into solution. This solution moves down and along the profile until it comes into contact with neutral to alkaline conditions at the narrow weathering front. Here REE particularly are absorbed and apparently fixed in vermiculite forming at the expense of biotite and chlorite. (La + Ce + Nd + Y) up to 10.1 wt.% is recorded in degraded biotite grains with similar but lower contents in the degraded diagenetic chlorite cement. Such accumulation and fractionation have important implications for REE studies involving sedimentary rocks or for that matter outcrop samples of any rock type.

Abstract: The fungus Trichoderma harzianum which was applied to pathogen-free soil, induced an increase in emergence of seedlings, plant height, leaf area and dry weight. The fungus was applied to the soil by three different methods: conidial suspension, wheat-bran/peat preparation and seed coating. The most prominent effect was observed in the wheat-bran/peat preparation. Responses occurred in different plant growth substrates such as sandy loam soil, autoclaved soil, vermiculite, peat and a mixture of vermiculite and peat (1:1, v/v). T. harzianum was also found in roots of plants growing in soil treated with the fungus.

Abstract: The sorption behaviour of vermiculite has been studied with respect to cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc as a function of pH and in the presence of different ligands. The continuous column method was used in order to evaluate the feasibility to use the clay in wastewater purification systems. The total capacity of vermiculite was found to decrease in the following order: Mn > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb. The adsorption of metal ions on vermiculite decreases with decreasing pH and increasing ionic strength. In general, the metal uptake on the clay was hindered by the presence of strong complexing agents in solution and it decreases with increasing of the complexation constants of the ligands with exception of cysteine and tiron. It is necessary, hence, to consider all these factors to effectively predict the uptake efficiency of this sorbent. However, it is possible to conclude that the vermiculite has good potentialities for cost-effective treatments of metal-contaminated wastewaters.