Preparation of zeolite NaA for CO_2 capture from nickel laterite residue

Zeolite NaA was successfully prepared from nickel laterite residue for the first time via a fusion-hydrothermal procedure. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized zeolite NaA were characterized with a range of experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. It was revealed that the structures of the produced zeolites were dependent on the molar ratios of the reactants and hydrothermal reaction conditions, so the synthesis conditions were optimized to obtain pure zeolite NaA. Adsorption of nitrogen and carbon dioxide on the prepared zeolite NaA was also measured and analyzed. The results showed that zeolite NaA could be prepared with reasonable purity, it had physicochemical properties comparable with zeolite NaA made from other methods, and it had excellent gas adsorption properties, thus demonstrating that zeolite NaA could be prepared from nickel laterite residue.

Temporal and spatial variation in the environmental impacts of China’s resource extraction at the provincial scale

Introduction:Over the past two decades,China has experienced rapid economic development,which has not only led to a rapid increase in the use of raw materials but has also created environmental problems.This research analyzes the environmental impacts of resource extraction in China at the provincial level,and fully considers the environmental impact of various resources extraction.In addition,it is the first time to quantitatively study the spatial pattern and evolution characteristics of the environmental impacts of China’s resource extraction from multiple perspectives by means of spatial visualization.Outcomes:The results showed that the center of gravity of abiotic depletion potential(ADP)moved northwest,respiratory inorganics(RI)moved southwest and global warming potential(GWP)moved west.The results of the standard deviation ellipse showed that RI and GWP varied over time and space,while ADP showed a discrete trend.In addition,the distribution of the four in the northeast-southwest direction became more prominent.Conclusion:To mitigate the environmental impacts of resource extraction,we recommend that regional governments implement measures to control environmental impacts in the provinces within the distributed ellipse and design targeted policies based on actual conditions.

Environmental impacts of domestic resource extraction in China

Introduction:The rapid development of economy has led to extensive raw material consumption and relevant environmental damage in China.To analyze environmental impacts and identify materials resulting in these environmental effects via raw material extraction,we combine economy-wide material flow accounting and life-cycle analysis methods to estimate environmental impacts of Chinese domestic extraction(DE)during the period of 1992–2015.The relationship between these increasing environmental impacts and Chinese GDP was also explored by decoupling analysis.Outcomes:Results show that Chinese DE increased by 372%during 1992–2015.The global warming potential,abiotic depletion potential,and respiratory inorganics of Chinese DE increased by 195%,46%,and 408%,respectively.In terms of specific materials,extraction of iron ores,gravel and sand,and coal induced the most environmental impacts.The relationship between environmental impacts and Chinese GDP/DE was characterized by relative decoupling.Conclusion:To minimize the environmental impacts of extraction,we recommend that the Chinese government improve its extraction techniques and reduce excess demand for materials with large extraction such as iron ores,gravel and sand,and coal.We also recommend researching alternative materials for scarce resources like molybdenum,gold,and fluorite.