X-ray absorption spectroscopy and actinide electrochemistry: a setup dedicated to radioactive samples applied to neptunium chemistry

A spectroelectrochemical setup has been developed to investigate radioactive elements in small volumes (0.7 to 2 ml) under oxidation-reduction (redox) controlled conditions by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The cell design is presented together with in situ XAS measurements performed during neptunium redox reactions. Cycling experiments on the NpO₂²⁺/NpO₂⁺ redox couple were applied to qualify the cell electrodynamics using XANES measurements and its ability to probe modifications in the neptunyl hydration shell in a 1 mol l^-1 HNO₃ solution. The XAS results are in agreement with previous structural studies and the NpO₂²⁺/NpO₂⁺ standard potential, determined using Nernst methods, is consistent with measurements based on other techniques. Subsequently, the NpO₂⁺, NpO₂²⁺ and Np⁴⁺ ion structures in solution were stabilized and measured using EXAFS. The resulting fit parameters are again compared with other results from the literature and with theoretical models in order to evaluate how this spectroelectrochemistry experiment succeeds or fails to stabilize the oxidation states of actinides. The experiment succeeded in: (i) implementing a robust and safe XAS device to investigate unstable radioactive species, (ii) evaluate in a reproducible manner the NpO₂²⁺/NpO₂⁺ standard potential under dilute conditions and (iii) clarify mechanistic aspects of the actinyl hydration sphere in solution. In contrast, a detailed comparison of EXAFS fit parameters shows that this method is less appropriate than the majority of the previously reported chemical methods for the stabilization of the Np⁴⁺ ion.

Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Study of EuIII and EuII Coordination in the 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Ionic Liquid

Separation processes based on room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) and electrochemical refining are promising strategies for the recovery of lanthanides from primary ores and electronic waste. However, they require the speciation of dissolved elements to be known with accuracy. In the present study, Eu coordination and Eu^III /Eu^II electrochemical behavior as a function of water content in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIm][NTf₂ ]) was investigated using UV-visible spectrophotometry, time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In situ measurements were performed in spectroelectrochemical cells. Under anhydrous conditions, Eu^III and Eu^II were complexed by NTf₂ , forming Eu-O and Eu-(N,O) bonds with the anion sulfoxide function and N atoms, respectively. This complexation resulted in a greater stability of Eu^II , and in quasi-reversible oxidation-reduction with an E₀ ' potential of 0.18 V versus the ferrocenium/ferrocene (Fc⁺ /Fc) couple. Upon increasing water content, progressive incorporation of water in the Eu^III coordination sphere occurred. This led to reversible oxidation-reduction reactions, but also to a decrease in stability of the +II oxidation state (E₀ '=-0.45 V vs. Fc⁺ /Fc in RTIL containing 1300 mm water).

Interfacial layers at a nanometre scale on iron corroded in carbonated anoxic environments

Two tests of iron corrosion in compacted clay and clay slurry were performed for several years.

Behavior of heptavalent technetium in concentrated triflic acid under alpha-irradiation: technetium-triflate complex characterized by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and DFT

The nature of the Tc species produced after the alpha-irradiation of Tc(VII) in concentrated triflic acid has been investigated by X-ray absoprtion fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy and first principles calculations. Experimental and theoretical results are consistent with the formation of Tc(V)O(F3CSO3)2(H2O)2 +.

Trivalent Actinide Uptake by Iron (Hydr)oxides

The retention of Am(III) by coprecipitation with or adsorption onto preformed magnetite was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), solution chemistry, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In the coprecipitation experiment, XAS data indicated the presence of seven O atoms at 2.44(1) Å, and can be explained by an Am incorporation at Fe structural sites at the magnetite surface. Next-nearest Fe were detected at distances suggesting that Am and Fe polyhedra share corners in geometries ranging from bent to close to linear Am-O-Fe bonds. After aging for two years, the coordination number and the distance to the first O shell significantly decreased, and atomic shells were detected at higher distances. These data suggest a structural reorganization and an increase in structural order around sorbed Am. Upon contact with preformed Fe₃O₄, Am(III) forms surface complexes with cosorbed Fe at the surface of magnetite, a possible consequence of the high concentration of dissolved Fe. In a separate experiment, chloride green rust (GR) was synthesized in the presence of Am(III), and subsequently converted to Fe(OH)₂(s) intermixed with magnetite. XAS data indicated that the actinide is successively located first at octahedral brucite-like sites in the GR precursor, then in Fe(OH)₂(s), an environment markedly distinct from that of Am(III) in Fe₃O₄. The findings indicate that the magnetite formation pathway dictates the magnitude of Am(III) incorporation within this solid.

Impact of iron-reducing bacteria on the corrosion rate of carbon steel under simulated geological disposal conditions

The current projects for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste rely on underground burial and confinement by metallic envelopes that are susceptible to corrosion processes. The impact of microbial activity must be fully clarified in order to provide biological parameters for predictive reactive transport models. This study investigates the impact of hydrogenotrophic iron-reducing bacteria (Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1) on the corrosion rate of carbon steel under simulated geological disposal conditions by using a geochemical approach. It was found that corrosion damage changes mostly according to the experimental solution (i.e., chemical composition). Magnetite and vivianite were identified as the main corrosion products. In the presence of bacteria, the corrosion rate increased by a factor of 1.3 (according to weight loss analysis) to 1.8 (according to H2 measurements), and the detected amount of magnetite diminished. The mechanism likely to enhance corrosion is the destabilization and dissolution of the passivating magnetite layer by reduction of structural Fe(III) coupled to H2 oxidation.

Combined geochemical and electrochemical methodology to quantify corrosion of carbon steel by bacterial activity

The availability of respiratory substrates, such as H2 and Fe(II,III) solid corrosion products within nuclear waste repository, will sustain the activities of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) and iron-reducing bacteria (IRB). This may have a direct effect on the rate of carbon steel corrosion. This study investigates the effects of Shewanella oneidensis (an HOB and IRB model organism) on the corrosion rate by looking at carbon steel dissolution in the presence of H2 as the sole electron donor. Bacterial effect is evaluated by means of geochemical and electrochemical techniques. Both showed that the corrosion rate is enhanced by a factor of 2-3 in the presence of bacteria. The geochemical experiments indicated that the composition and crystallinity of the solid corrosion products (magnetite and vivianite) are modified by bacteria. Moreover, the electrochemical experiments evidenced that the bacterial activity can be stimulated when H2 is generated in a small confinement volume. In this case, a higher corrosion rate and mineralization (vivianite) on the carbon steel surface were observed. The results suggest that the mechanism likely to influence the corrosion rate is the bioreduction of Fe(III) from magnetite coupled to the H2 oxidation.

In situ time-resolved X-ray near-edge absorption spectroscopy of selenite reduction by siderite

The reduction-oxidation reaction between aqueous selenite (SeO(3)(2-)) and siderite (FeCO(3(s))) was monitored by in situ, time-resolved X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy at the selenium K edge in a controlled electrochemical environment. Spectral evolutions showed that more than 60% of selenite was reduced at the siderite surface after 20 h of experiment, at which time the reaction was still incomplete. Fitting of XANES spectra by linear combination of reference spectra showed that selenite reaction with siderite is essentially a two-step process, selenite ions being immobilized on siderite surface prior to their reduction. A kinetic model of the reduction step is proposed, allowing to identify the specific contribution of surface reduction. These results have strong implications for the retention of selenite by corrosion products in nuclear waste repositories and in a larger extent for the fate of selenium in the environment.

Anodic activation of iron corrosion in clay media under water-saturated conditions at 90 degrees C: characterization of the corrosion interface

To understand the process governing iron corrosion in clay over centuries, the chemical and mineralogical properties of solids formed by free or anodically activated corrosion of iron in water-saturated clay at 90 degrees C over 4 months were probed using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Free corrosion led to the formation of an internal discontinuous thin (<3 microm thick) magnetite layer, an external layer of Fe-rich phyllosilicate, and a clay transformation layer containing Ca-doped siderite (Ca(0.2)Fe(0.8)CO(3)). The thickness of corroded iron equaled approximately 5-7 microm, consistent with previous studies. Anodic polarization resulted in unequally distributed corrosion, with some areas corrosion-free and others heavily corroded. Activated corrosion led to the formation of an inner magnetite layer, an intermediate Fe(2)CO(3)(OH)(2) (chukanovite) layer, an outer layer of Fe-rich 7 A-phyllosilicate, and a transformed matrix layer containing siderite (FeCO(3)). The corroded thickness was estimated to 85 microm, less than 30% of the value expected from the supplied anodic charge. The difference was accounted for by reoxidation at the anodically polarized surface of cathodically produced H(2)(g). Thus, free or anodically activated corroding conditions led to structurally similar interfaces, indicating that anodic polarization can be used to probe the long-term corrosion of iron in clay. Finally, corrosion products retained only half of Fe oxidized by anodic activation. Missing Fe probably migrated in the clay, where it could interact with radionuclides released by alteration of nuclear glass.

Sites of Lu(III) sorbed to and coprecipitated with hectorite

The Lu(III) binding mechanisms by trioctahedral smectite hectorite in aqueous systems were investigated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Coprecipitated hectorite (Lu755Hec), its precursor phase (Lu/Brucite), and the surface sorbed hectorite (Lu/SHCa1) were prepared as oriented samples to collect polarized EXAFS (P-EXAFS) data. EXAFS analysis indicated that Lu(III) is 6-fold coordinated by oxygen in Lu/Brucite and in Lu755Hec, and surrounded by Mg/Si shells. The angular dependence of the O and Mg coordination numbers for Lu/Brucite hinted an Lu(III) incorporation in brucite layers. Mg and Si cationic shells were detected at distances suggesting a clay-like octahedral environment in Lu755Hec. EXAFS data for Lu/SHCa1 were consistent with Lu(III) forming inner-sphere surface complexes at hectorite platelets edges, but slightly above/below the octahedral plane. Finally, Lu(III) polyhedra share edge(s) and corner(s) with Si tetrahedra upon sorption to silica (Lu/Silica). Lu(III) binding to silicate oligomers or to silicate groups of the clay basal planes and formation of Lu(III) surface complexes during the coprecipitation experiment are marginal.

Uranium uptake by hectorite and montmorillonite: a solution chemistry and polarized EXAFS study

The mechanism of U(VI) retention on montmorillonite and hectorite at high ionic strength (0.5 M NaCl) was investigated by solution chemistry and, at near-neutral pH, polarized EXAFS spectroscopy. Uranium(VI) sorption increases from pH 3 to 7 on the two clays, but with a steeper edge for hectorite. Uranium(VI) is no longer retained at pH > 9, presumably owing to the formation of soluble anionic complexes. Polarized EXAFS showed that U(VI) retains its uranyl conformation on montmorillonite (U_mont) and hectorite (U_hect), with uranyl O at 1.79(2) A for U_mont and 1.82(2) A for U_hect, and split equatorial O shells at 2.29(2) and 2.47(2) A (U_mont), or 2.35(2) and 2.53(2) A (U_hect). An additional atomic shell of approximately 0.5 Al/Si at 3.3 A is detected for U_mont, but neither the oxygen nor the cationic shell exhibit clear angular dependence. These results indicate the formation of mononuclear complexes at the edges of montmorillonite platelets, with the orientation of the uranyl axis equal to the magic angle, as constrained by the edges' structural properties. In contrast to U_mont, the U-O signal varies with the polarization angle in U_hect, and the cationic Mg/Si contribution at 3.2 A is weak. The structure of this surface complex is not completely elucidated; it may correspond either to sorption on silanol sites, or to coprecipitation. These results lay out the fundamental molecular-scale basis to understand U retention by neoformed clay layers of nuclear glasses.

Zn incorporation in hydroxy-Al- and keggin Al13-intercalated montmorillonite: a powder and polarized EXAFS study

The sorption mechanism of Zn on gibbsite and mont-morillonite exchanged with Al3+ (Al-mont) or Keggin Al13 polymer (Al13-mont) was probed by powder and polarized EXAFS spectroscopy as a function of pH (5.85-7), reaction time (1-65 days), and sorbate to sorbent ratio (50-Zn is octahedrally coordinated to oxygens at approximately 2.08(2) A, and surrounded in-plane by six Al atoms at 3.02-3.06(2) A, and another six at 6 A. No out-of plane Si neighbors are detected. These results are interpreted as Zn incorporation in vacant octahedral sites of gibbsite-like layers at the basal and/or interlayer surface of montmorillonite particles. Zinc sorbed on the edges of gibbsite layers would give a split first oxygen shell with bond distances of 2.00(2) and 2.16(3) A, and 2.1(8) nearest Al at 3.02 A with no second-nearest Al, none of which were observed in Al-mont. The binding environment of Zn on Al13-mont after 1 day is similar to that on the edges of gibbsite, and is interpreted as Zn complexation at the surface of Al polymers. After 28 days, the Zn environment resembles that of Zn-sorbed Al-mont, indicating the progressive buildup of Zn-containing gibbsite-like layers parallel to montmorillonite layers. The results of this work clarify the incorporation mechanism of Zn in hydroxy-Al interlayered phyllosilicate and provide insight on the formation mechanism of this common Zn species in soil.

Use of bovine somatotropin for increased skeletal and lean tissue growth of Holstein steers

One hundred-sixty Holstein growing-finishing steers (initial BW of 185 kg) were blocked by BW to determine the effectiveness of long-term bovine somatotropin (bST) administration on lean, skeletal, and carcass measurements. Steers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (10 steers/treatment) within a block (n = 4 blocks). Treatments were control, no bST (C-C); bST from d 0 to 182 (bST-C); bST from d 183 to slaughter (C-bST); and bST from d 0 to slaughter (bST-bST). Steers received a s.c. injection of placebo or bST at 14-d intervals. Doses were 320 mg of bST/injection from d 0 to 112 and 640 mg of bST/injection from d 113 to slaughter. The last treatment was administered 31 d before slaughter. Steers received a 14% CP (DM basis) diet from d 0 to 182 and 11.5% CP from d 183 to slaughter that consisted of dry, whole-shelled corn and a pelleted protein-mineral supplement. Steers were slaughtered when BW per block averaged 615 kg (d 325, 353, 367, and 381 for the 4 blocks, respectively). Thirty steers were removed from the study because of poor performance with respect to their pen mates, illness, lameness, death, incomplete castration, and incorrect treatment. Serum IGF-I concentrations increased 151% (P < 0.01) from d 7 through 35 in bST-treated steers compared with control steers. During the first 182 d, bST-C and bST-bST steers were heavier (P < 0.01) and had greater (P < 0.01) ADG, G:F, hip height, and hip height gain compared with C-C and C-bST steers. From d 183 to slaughter, C-bST steers had reduced (P < 0.05) daily DMI and greater G:F than bST-C steers. At final slaughter, C-bST and bST-bST steers had greater (P < 0.05) hip height than C-C steers. Noncarcass weight was increased and dressing percent reduced (P < 0.05) in C-bST and bST-bST steers compared with C-C steers. Quality grade was least (P < 0.05) in bST-bST carcasses compared with C-C, whereas bST-C and C-bST carcasses were intermediate. At final slaughter, steers receiving bST had greater (P < 0.05) carcass protein and water composition and lower (P < 0.05) carcass lipid and lipid accretion than C-C steers. Bovine somatotropin was effective in reducing carcass fat and increasing edible lean. Administering bST to young, lightweight steers increased skeletal growth and noncarcass weight without an increase in total carcass weight, but decreased carcass quality.

Mechanism of europium retention by calcium silicate hydrates: an EXAFS study

The uptake of Eu by calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases as a function of Eu/sorbate ratio (from 37 to 450 micromol g(-1) C-S-H), C-S-H Ca/Si mole ratio (1.3, 1.0, and 0.7), and initial supersaturating conditions was probed by solution kinetics experiments and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, to shed light on the retention mechanism of trivalent radionuclides under waste repository conditions. The rates of Eu (9.7 x 10(-10) M) uptake in C-S-H suspensions and in solutions at equilibrium with C-S-H were rapid. Uptake of more than 90% of dissolved Eu was generally observed within 15 min. Europium LIII-edge EXAFS spectra collected on samples of Eu sorbed on, or coprecipitated in, C-S-H differed from that of Eu(OH)3(s) expected to precipitate under the pH conditions of C-S-H waters, ruling out compelling precipitation of pure hydroxide phases. Fourier transforms for EXAFS spectra for Eu in sorption/coprecipitation samples displayed comparable features at distances typical of neighboring cationic shells, pointing to similar crystallochemical environments. Optimal spectral simulations were obtained by assuming the presence of Si, Si/Ca, and Ca cationic shells surrounding Eu at distances of 3.2, 3.7-3.8, and 3.8-3.9 A, respectively. The nearly continuous distribution of (Si, Ca) backscattering shells parallels the distribution in Ca-(Ca, Si) interatomic distances in structural models of C-S-H. Discernible effects of experimental parameters on the Eu local environment were observed by comparison of Fourier transforms, but could not be confirmed by EXAFS quantitative analysis. These results indicate that sorbed or coprecipitated Eu is located at Ca structural sites in a C-S-H-like environment. Kinetics and spectroscopic results are consistent with either Eu diffusion within C-S-H particles or precipitation of Eu with Ca and Si creating a C-S-H-like solid phase.

Molecular-scale density oscillations in water adjacent to a mica surface

High-resolution specular x-ray reflectivity of the mica(001)-water interface under ambient conditions reveals oscillations in water oxygen density in the surface-normal direction, giving evidence of interfacial water ordering. The spacings between neighboring water layers in the near-surface, strongly oscillatory region are 2.5(2)-2.7(2) A, approximately the size of the water molecule. The density oscillations extend to about 10 A above the surface and do not strictly maintain a solvent-size periodicity as that in interfacial liquid metal and hard-sphere molecular liquids. We interpret this oscillatory density profile of the interfacial water as due to the "hard-wall" effect of the molecularly smooth mica surface.

Grazing methods and stocking rates for direct-seeded alfalfa pastures: I. Plant productivity and animal performance

A 4-yr study was conducted to determine the effects of two grazing methods (GM) at two stocking rates (SR) on alfalfa pasture plant productivity and animal performance and to ascertain the effect of grazing systems on subsequent performance of steers fed a high-concentrate diet. Eight pasture plots (.76 ha) were seeded in 1988 with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. var. WL225) and divided into two blocks of four pastures each. Grazing methods consisted of a traditional four-paddock or an intensive 13-paddock system. Pastures were managed to allow a 36-d rest period with an average grazing season of 110 d. The low and high SR were 5.9 vs 11.7, 5.3 vs 10.5, 5.3 vs 7.9, and 5.3 vs 7.9 steers/ha for years 1989 to 1992, respectively. Following the grazing season, steers were placed in a feedlot and fed a high-concentrate diet (81% high-moisture corn, 14% corn silage, 5% protein-mineral supplement) for an average of 211 d. There was no effect of GM on herbage mass, pasture phase ADG, or live weight gain/hectare. Increasing the number of paddocks was beneficial when herbage mass was limited and stocking rate was above 7.9 steers/ha. Increasing SR above 7.9 steers/ha decreased herbage mass and pasture-phase ADG. As forage allowance increased, pasture-phase ADG increased quadratically (R2 = .82, P < .001), reached a plateau, and then decreased. Previous grazing system did not influence the performance of steers in the feedlot or their carcass characteristics. Optimum SR is dependent on herbage mass produced.

Grazing methods and stocking rates for direct-seeded alfalfa pastures: III. Economics of alternative stocking rates for alfalfa pastures

A framework that permits estimation of economically optimal stocking rates for alternative economic parameters and alfalfa forage allowance was developed and applied to a controlled grazing experiment conducted with Holstein steers (243 kg) placed on direct-seeded alfalfa pastures in central Michigan. Responses of ADG to alternative levels of forage allowance (FA) were summarized by a quadratic function and the associated gains/hectare were calculated. The standard stocking rate (SSR; standard livestock units/ha) that maximized gain/hectare increased with FA and was greater than that which maximized ADG. Net returns to fixed resources(NRFR)/hectare were calculated for alternative SSR and economically optimal SSR were identified under various levels of herbage mass (kg/d). The SSR that maximized NRFR were between the SSR that maximized ADG and gain/hectare. Magnitude of the sale price discount for heavier calves, the slide, influenced the optimal SSR and the sensitivity of net return to SSR. The economically optimal SSR increased as the slide increased because animals stocked under higher SSR weighed less off pasture and therefore received a lower price discount.

Grazing methods and stocking rates for direct-seeded alfalfa pastures: II. Pasture quality and diet selection

A 2-yr study was conducted to determine the effects of two grazing methods (GM) and two stocking rates (SR) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. var. WL225) pasture quality and diet selection by Holstein steers. Eight pasture plots (.76 ha) were seeded in 1988 and divided into two blocks of four pastures each. Pastures were managed to allow a 36-d rest period with an average grazing season of 105 d. Before steers entered the next paddock, canopy heights (CH) of alfalfa plants were determined and pasture-forage samples were collected. Forage samples were analyzed for DM, OM, CP, and in vitro OM digestibility (IVOMD). At 12-d intervals beginning with the second grazing cycle, extrusa samples were collected from steers with esophageal fistulas. Extrusa samples were frozen, freeze-dried, and analyzed for OM, CP, IVOMD, in situ ruminal DM degradation, and ruminal undegradable protein. There were no effects of GM on alfalfa CH or pasture DM, OM, CP, and IVOMD. Increasing the SR increased pasture CP content in both years and increased DM, OM, and IVOMD in the 2nd yr. There was no effect of GM or SR on the quality of forage selected by esophageally fistulated steers. Esophageally fistulated steers selected forage that had greater OM, CP, and IVOMD than the average nutrient content of the forage. Although forage quality was greater when stocking rates were increased, the quantity of forage available per animal may have limited gains.

Sorption of Metal Ions on Clay Minerals

The mechanism of Co uptake from aqueous solution onto hectorite (a magnesian smectite) and its impact on the stability of this clay mineral were investigated as a function of Co concentration (TotCo = 20 to 200 µM, 0.3 M NaNO(3)) and ionic strength (0.3 and 0.01 M NaNO(3), TotCo = 100 µM) by combining kinetics measurements and Co K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The morphology of the sorbent phase was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and consists of lath-type particles bounded by large basal planes and layer edges. At low ionic strength (0.01 M NaNO(3)), important Co uptake occurred within the first 5 min of reaction, consistent with Co adsorption on exchange sites of hectorite basal planes. Thereafter, the sorption rate dramatically decreased. In contrast, at high ionic strength (0.3 M NaNO(3)), Co uptake rate was much slower within the first 5 min and afterward higher than at 0.01 M NaNO(3), consistent with Co adsorption on specific surface sites located on the edges of hectorite. Time-dependent isotherms for Co uptake at high ionic strength indicated the existence of several sorption mechanisms having distinct equilibration times. The dissolution of hectorite was monitored before and after Co addition. A congruent dissolution regime was observed prior to Co addition. Just after Co addition, an excess release of Mg relatively to congruent dissolution rates occurred at both high and low ionic strengths. At high ionic strength, this excess release nearly equaled the amount of sorbed Co. The dissolution rate of hectorite then decreased at longer Co sorption times. EXAFS spectra of hectorite reacted with Co at high and low ionic strengths and for reaction times longer than 6 h, exhibited similar features, suggesting that the local structural environments of Co atoms are similar. Spectral simulations revealed the occurrence of approximately 2 Mg and approximately 2 Si neighboring cations at interatomic distances characteristic of edge-sharing linkages between Co and Mg octahedra and corner-sharing linkages between Co octahedra and Si tetrahedra, respectively. This local structure is characteristic of inner sphere mononuclear surface complexes at layer edges of hectorite platelets. The occurrence of these complexes even at low ionic strength apparently conflicts with kinetics results, as exchangeable divalent cations are known to form outer sphere surface complexes. To clarify this issue, the amount of Co adsorbed on exchange sites was calculated from the solute Co concentration, assuming that cation exchange was always at equilibrium. These calculations showed that sorbed Co was transferred within 48 h from exchange sites to edge sorption sites. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Sorption of Metal Ions on Clay Minerals

The local structural environment of Co sorbed on hectorite (a magnesian smectite) has been investigated by polarized EXAFS (P-EXAFS) spectroscopy on a self-supporting film of Co-sorbed hectorite. This sorption sample was prepared by contacting Co and hectorite at pH 6.5 and at high ionic strength (0.3 M NaNO3) to favor pH-dependent sorption reaction over cation exchange. A self-supporting film was elaborated after 120 h of reacting time, when apparent quasi-equilibrium conditions were attained. The half-width at half maximum of the orientation distribution of c* axis of individual clay platelets off the film normal was determined by quantitative texture analysis, and found to be equal to 18.9 degrees. Co K-edge P-EXAFS spectra were recorded at angles between the incident beam and the film normal equal to 0 degrees, 35 degrees, 50 degrees, and 60 degrees; the 90 degrees spectrum was obtained by extrapolation. Spectral analysis led to the identification of the two nearest cationic subshells containing 1.6 +/- 0.4 Mg at 3.03 Å and 2.2 +/- 0.5 Si at 3.27 Å. These distances are respectively characteristic of edge-sharing linkages between Mg and Co octahedra and of corner-sharing linkages between Co octahedra and Si tetrahedra, as in clay structures. The angular dependence of the Co-Mg and Co-Si contributions indicates that Co-Mg pairs are oriented parallel to the film plane, whereas Co-Si pairs are not. These results are interpreted by the formation of Co inner-sphere mononuclear surface complexes located at the edges of hectorite platelets, in the continuity of the (Mg, Li) octahedral sheet. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Neuro-steroids: 3 beta-hydroxy-delta 5-derivatives in rat and monkey brain

The rat brain accumulates pregnenolone (P) as the unconjugated steroid, the sulfate ester (S) and fatty acid esters (L). P + PS do not disappear from rat brain after combined adrenalectomy (adx) and castration (orx). PL does not serve a source of P after adx + orx. P is metabolized by several rat brain regions to progesterone and to PL. Brain microsomes contain the acyl-transferase which converts P to PL using endogenous substrates. Brain P and dehydroepiandrosterone (D) undergo a prominent circadian variation with their acrophases at the beginning of the dark span. The circadian variation of brain D persists after adx + orx. The monkey brain (Macaca fascicularis) also accumulates P and D. Adrenal suppression with dexamethasone for 4 days does not decrease the concentrations of brain P and 3rd ventricle CSFP and D. The concentrations of brain D are decreased to a much smaller extent than plasma D. D inhibits the aggressive behavior of castrated male mice exposed to lactating female intruders. This is not the case for DS or androst-5-ene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol. The D analog 3 beta-methyl-androst-5-en-17-one, which is not estrogenic and cannot be metabolized to testosterone or estradiol, is as active as D in inhibiting the aggressive behavior of castrated mice.

Studies on the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and its metabolites on attack by castrated mice on lactating intruders

Triads of castrated male mice (residents) were injected each day for 2 weeks with oil vehicle or 280 nmol of dehydroepiandrosterone (D). They were tested for their attack on a lactating female (intruder) introduced in their home-cage 2,24 or 48 hr after their last injection. D significantly reduced male aggressive behavior for at least 24 hr. Other groups of castrated males were injected each day with vehicle or 280 nmol of D, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DS) or androstenediol (ADIOL). D, but neither DS nor ADIOL, significantly reduced their aggressive responses to intruders. Neural levels of D, DS and testosterone (T) were measured in intact males injected with vehicle or D. The concentration of D in brain was unchanged by castration and was increased about 20 fold in D injected males. The concentration of neural T was 10 nmol/g of tissue in intact males, was almost undetectable in castrated males, and was slightly increased in D injected males. Further work will be needed to identify the steroid molecule(s) responsible for this behavioral effect of D.