Subtask 1.1 - Characterization of Erionite

Eylands, Kurt ; Azenkeng, Alexander ; Mibeck, Blaise ; Raymond, Laura

University of North Dakota

关键词: Zeolites;    X-Ray Diffraction;    Carcinogens;    37 Inorganic, Organic, Physical And Analytical Chemistry;    59 Basic Biological Sciences;   

DOI  :  10.2172/971247
RP-ID  :  None
RP-ID  :  FC26-08NT43291
RP-ID  :  971247

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Zeolites are an economical mineral used in several applications, primarily as molecular sieves because of their crystalline structure. Southwestern North Dakota has several localities of volcanic ash deposits (tuffs) that have undergone physical and chemical changes forming some zeolites in the process. Of particular interest is the zeolite mineral erionite, but not because of its economic potential. Erionite is highly carcinogenic and was found to be responsible for extremely high mortality rates in two Turkish villages in close proximity to erionite rock and dust. Erionite has traditionally been identified using x-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The presence of swelling clays can interfere with the identification of erionite by XRD giving false positive results. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify the distinctive needlelike form of erionite. In some cases, erionite was identified using SEM techniques where erionite was present, but in quantities that are lower than the lower detection limits. Conversely, erionite was identified by XRD in some instances where the erionite was somewhat masked in a clay matrix. Both XRD and SEM methods should be used to properly identify erionite. Erionite was identified in sandstones and siltstones from buttes in Dunn, Stark, and Slope Counties of North Dakota, but no definitive correlation was noted between these occurrences and health effects that may be attributed to erionite.