scholarly journals Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) in Granitoid Rocks, A Case Study from Sardinia (Italy)

Minerals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Lucci ◽  
Giancarlo Della Ventura ◽  
Alessandra Conte ◽  
Manuela Nazzari ◽  
Piergiorgio Scarlato
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Magmatic Complex ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Naturally Occurring Asbestos ◽  
Granitoid Rocks ◽  
Felsic Rocks

All six minerals defined as “asbestos” by the existing regulation on asbestos hazard, i.e., actinolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, crocidolite and amosite amphiboles, and the serpentine-group mineral chrysotile are typical constituents of mafic and ultramafic magmatic rocks of ophiolitic sequences. However, little is known about the presence and distribution of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in plutonic felsic rocks. The Isadalu magmatic complex outcropping in central Sardinia and belonging to the post-variscan Permian volcanic cycle, is described here as an interesting occurrence of fibrous amphiboles in granitoid rocks. Field work and collected mineralogical/petrological data show that NOA fibers from the Isadalu complex belong compositionally to the actinolite-tremolite series. They were generated by metasomatic growth on pristine magmatic hornblende, at ca. 470 °C at 1 kbar, during sodic-calcic hydrothermal alteration. In terms of environmental hazard, the Isadalu complex represents a high-value case study, since the actinolite-bearing felsic rocks outcrop in a strongly anthropized area. Here, towns with local and regional strategic infrastructures (dams, pipes, hydroelectric power plants, water supply, roads) have been developed since the last century, also using the granitoid asbestos-rich stones. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that NOA and relative hazard are not univocally connected to a restricted typology of rocks. This result should be taken into account in any future work, procedure or regulation defining asbestos occurrences in natural environments.

Dealing with asbestos presence in tunnel excavation: the Castagnola case study and the importance of the geological model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliviero Baietto ◽  
Francesco Amodeo ◽  
Martina Vitaliti ◽  
Giovanni Parisi ◽  
Alberto Scuderi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Investigation ◽  
High Velocity ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Geological Model ◽  
Tunnel Excavation ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Naturally Occurring Asbestos ◽  
Storage Methods ◽  
And Storage

<p>The presence of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) is one of the greatest danger during excavations and tunneling.  The most important instrument for the NOA content prediction is the geological model.</p><p>As part of the consultancy provided in the works of the "Terzo valico dei Giovi" which includes the excavation of numerous tunnels in areas potentially affected by rocks containing asbestos, the case study of the tunnel called "Castagnola" is illustrated. The opera is the new high velocity railway connection between Genova and Milano and the case study is located in the Piedmont southern area near Fraconalto (AL).</p><p>The “Castagnola” tunnel area is characterized by greenish - reddish rocks metabasalt covered by recent grey shales in the upper part of the area; it refers to the ophiolitic Figogna Unit, elongated in a north-south direction, which belongs to Sestri-Voltaggio Zone.</p><p>Starting from geological sections and thanks to surface investigation and core drilling, an effective geological model was built.</p><p>This study highlights how, during the progress of the works, situations other than the forecast geological model are encountered. It also highlights the importance of the environmental monitoring of the airborne fibers dispersion inside the tunnel, which has proved extremely effective even in the presence of low asbestos content in the excavated rock.</p><p>Moreover, this study describes the trends in asbestos content in the material excavated during the route of the tunnel in comparison with the concentration of airborne fibers. Furthermore, the management of the asbestos problem, from the abatement of dust to the excavation and storage methods and the installation of efficient technologies such as an aspirating ventilation system already successfully tested in a previous excavation phase, are presented.</p>

Waterborne Naturally Occurring Asbestos: a case study from Piedmont (NW Italy)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Avataneo ◽  
Elena Belluso ◽  
Massimo Bergamini ◽  
Silvana Capella ◽  
Domenico Antonio De Luca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Precipitation Pattern ◽  
The North ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Hydrogeological Characteristics ◽  
Naturally Occurring Asbestos ◽  
North Western

<p>Water pollution by asbestos may result from anthropogenic sources, such as water passing in cement-asbestos aqueduct pipes, or natural sources. Referring to this second case, pollution could be due to the flow of superficial water or groundwater into naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in rock formations like green stones and serpentinites.</p><p>Asbestos-bearing rocks weathering is the principal natural cause of fibres water-dispersion. Despite the abundant occurrence of NOA rocks where water can flow (underground and superficially) in the North-Western part of the Alps, a few is known about the mechanism of fibres release in water and the correlation with the geolithological and hydrogeological characteristics of the area.</p><p>Moreover, the knowledge on the eventual noxiousness of waterborne fibres have still to be deepened: in fact, they can come into contact with human being as airborne fibres after water vaporization, or by ingestion, especially if fibres are present in drinking water. While a lot is known about disease caused by airborne asbestos fibres high-dose respiration, not enough has been yet comprehended about potential noxiousness of fibre ingestion. Following some in vivo studies, US-EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) defined a maximum contaminant level of 7x10<sup>6</sup> ff/l in drinking water, but this limit is not fully shared by the whole scientific community.</p><p>Against this background, it has become fundamental to clarify the main aspects related to waterborne fibres, in particular their natural occurrence in water and their transportation due to water flowing into NOA. Consequently, decision has been made to conduct a study on the former chrysotile mine of Balangero, in Piedmont (Italy), which was selected as a reference case study for its great significance in the North-Western Alps context. The case study was developed in collaboration with R.S.A. s.r.l., the company that is in charge of the site remediation.</p><p>A sampling and analysis campaign regarding the superficial hydrographic network of the area was settled: 5 different sampling points were selected, 2 of them inside the principal site perimeter and 3 in the villages situated downstream of the site. They have been monitored for about one year, to evaluate the seasonal variability.</p><p>The main aims of the research are:</p><ul><li>the evaluation of asbestos concentration in term of number of fibres per liter (ff/l);</li> <li>the correlation between the concentration variability and the precipitation pattern over the four seasons;</li> <li>the evaluation of asbestos concentration defined as mass per liter (pg/l), depending on fibres dimension;</li> <li>the study of fibres characteristics, such as their dimension, morphology and chemical composition;</li> <li>the study of a possible correlation between asbestos concentration in pg/l and ff/l;</li> <li>the potential presence of fibres bundles or aggregates which can constitute a problem in the evaluation of the asbestos concentration, in particular for the correlation between ff/l and pg/l.</li> </ul><p>Finally, an attempt to relate the number of waterborne fibres to those that can eventually be released in air is still ongoing.</p>

The event geological maps: a new predictive tool to identify potential NOA (Naturally Occurring Asbestos) lithologies, Example from the Pyrenees (France).

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Cagnard ◽  
Didier Lahondère ◽  
Benjamin Le Bayon ◽  
Aurore Hertout ◽  
Thierry Baudin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrothermal Alteration ◽  
Regional Metamorphism ◽  
Contact Metamorphism ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Geological Maps ◽  
Naturally Occurring Asbestos ◽  
Geological Event

<p>The event geological maps consist in innovative numerical maps that were just designed and produced for the first time, as part of the RGF (“French Geological Referential”) mapping program in the Pyrenees. Rocks acquire their mineralogical, structural and textural characteristics through a complex geological history reflecting successive stages of transformation (i.e. metamorphism, deformation, alteration…), so called “geological events”. Classical geological maps can only represent some of these events.  In the Pyrenean orogenic belt, which results from a polyphase tectono-metamorphic history over 600 Ma (from Precambrian to present), 3400 geological events were identified. Such geological events were classified by types (e.g. deposit, volcanism, intrusion, metamorphism, weathering, hydrothermal alteration…) and time periods. They were referenced into a database and associated to mapped features (120,000 polygons and lines), coming from a compilation of 60 geological maps at 1: 50,000 scale.</p><p>In the Pyrenees, Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) mostly occur in specific lithologies such as ultrabasic, basic and intermediate plutonic rocks, and meta-limestones. These rocks may be affected by different metamorphic events (i.e. hydrothermal alteration, greenschist and/or HT-LP regional metamorphism, contact metamorphism). We performed a GIS treatment to produce a predictive map of potential NOA hosting lithologies. This treatment crosses lithological and selected geological event informations (e.g different metamorphic and alteration events).</p><p>Subsequent geological field investigations with associated sampling and laboratory analyses (combining optical microscopy, microprobe and SEM analyses) allowed us to identify and characterize fibrous and asbestiform mineralogical species. Results of this work particularly emphasize: (i) the importance of actinolite-asbestos in doleritic rocks, and (ii) the occurrence of fibrous actinolite/tremolite in different marbles and skarns. Finally, we present a 1: 50,000 scale map of potential NOA occurrences in the Pyrenees.</p><p>Conversely, field observations allowed us to improve both the lithostratigraphic and the event geological maps, in particular with the identification of geological domains where intense hydrothermal alteration was not previously mapped. All the data (maps of potential NOA occurrences, field observations and results of laboratory analyses) are stored in a geospatial database, partly accessible to the public. This work illustrates a possible use of geological event maps as a powerful innovative and predictivity tool. This approach will be useful in the context of the evolution of French regulations now imposing the search for asbestos before all types of works in natural environments.</p>

scholarly journals A Data-Driven Approach to Extend Failure Analysis: A Framework Development and a Case Study on a Hydroelectric Power Plant

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 6400
Author(s):  
Sara Antomarioni ◽  
Marjorie Maria Bellinello ◽  
Maurizio Bevilacqua ◽  
Filippo Emanuele Ciarapica ◽  
Renan Favarão da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Hydroelectric Power Plant ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Data Driven Approach

Power plants are required to supply the electric demand efficiently, and appropriate failure analysis is necessary for ensuring their reliability. This paper proposes a framework to extend the failure analysis: indeed, the outcomes traditionally carried out through techniques such as the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) are elaborated through data-driven methods. In detail, the Association Rule Mining (ARM) is applied in order to define the relationships among failure modes and related characteristics that are likely to occur concurrently. The Social Network Analysis (SNA) is then used to represent and analyze these relationships. The main novelty of this work is represented by support in the maintenance management process based not only on the traditional failure analysis but also on a data-driven approach. Moreover, the visual representation of the results provides valuable support in terms of comprehension of the context to implement appropriate actions. The proposed approach is applied to the case study of a hydroelectric power plant, using real-life data.

Assessment of Naturally Occurring Asbestos and Cosmetic Talc: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 374-398
Author(s):  
Alan M. Segrave ◽  
Federica Paglietti ◽  
Sergio Malinconico
Keyword(s):  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Naturally Occurring Asbestos

scholarly journals The Role of Local Citizen Energy Communities in the Road to Carbon-Neutral Power Systems: Outcomes from a Case Study in Portugal

Smart Cities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 840-863
Author(s):  
Hugo Algarvio
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Electricity Markets ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Solar Power Plants ◽  
Carbon Neutral

Global warming contributes to the worldwide goal of a sustainable carbon-neutral society. Currently, hydroelectric, wind and solar power plants are the most competitive renewable technologies. They are limited to the primary resource availability, but while hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) can have storage capacity but have several geographical limitations, wind and solar power plants have variable renewable energy (VRE) with stochastic profiles, requiring a substantially higher investment when equipped with battery energy storage systems. One of the most affordable solutions to compensate the stochastic behaviour of VRE is the active participation of consumers with demand response capability. Therefore, the role of citizen energy communities (CECs) can be important towards a carbon-neutral society. This work presents the economic and environmental advantages of CECs, by aggregating consumers, prosumers and VRE at the distribution level, considering microgrid trades, but also establishing bilateral agreements with large-scale VRE and HPPs, and participating in electricity markets. Results from the case-study prove the advantages of CECs and self-consumption. Currently, CECs have potential to be carbon-neutral in relation to electricity consumption and reduce consumers’ costs with its variable term until 77%. In the future, electrification may allow CECs to be fully carbon-neutral, if they increase their flexibility portfolio.

The tadpole of Adelphobates galactonotus (Steindachner, 1864) (Amphibia, Anura, Dendrobatidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4422 (2) ◽  
pp. 287
Author(s):  
DANUSY LOPES SANTOS ◽  
SILIONAMÃ PEREIRA DANTAS ◽  
FAUSTO NOMURA
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Illegal Trade ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
History Of ◽  
Near Future

The systematics of the dart-poison frogs, family Dendrobatidae, experienced several taxonomic rearrangements over time (e.g., Grant et al. 2006, 2017; Brown et al. 2011). Currently, this family comprises 194 described species organized in three sub-families and 15 genera (Frost 2018). Among them, the genus Adelphobates Grant, Frost, Caldwell, Gagliardo, Haddad, Kok, Means, Noonan, Schargel, & Wheeler, 2006, comprises three species, all distributed in Central and lower Amazon drainage of Peru and Brazil, and possibly in northeast of Bolivia (Grant et al. 2006; Frost 2018). Adelphobates galactonotus (Steindachner 1864) is an endemic Brazilian frog, and can be found throughout Pará, Maranhão, Mato Grosso and Tocantins states (Hoogmoed & Avila-Pires 2012), related to Amazon forest formations and also in transitional areas between the Cerrado and the Amazon forest (Valdujo et al. 2012). Despite this species is classified as Least Concern (Rodrigues et al. 2010), several threats are known. First, its geographic distribution coincides with the so-called Amazonian Deforestation Arc, which comprehends the southeastern portion of the Amazonian Forest that has been rapidly converted into pasture and crop areas or being flooded due to the construction of hydroelectric power plants (Hoogmoed & Avila-Pires 2012). Also, this species is present in Appendix II of CITES as a target for illegal trade, and their commercial exploitation should be controlled to avoid that this species become seriously endangered in the near future (see a case study in Paula et al. 2012). These threats are of deeper concern because despite A. galactonotus has been described since more than 150 years (Steindachner 1864), its tadpole remains unknown. Without a better understanding of the natural history of A. galactonotus, attempts of conservation strategies and population management are inefficient. In an effort to fill the knowledge gaps about this species natural history, we present a detailed description of the external morphology of the A. galactonotus tadpole. 

scholarly journals Hydropower in Russia: Case Study on Hydrological Management of the Volga-Kama Cascade

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel N. Terskii ◽  
Galina S. Ermakova ◽  
Olga V. Gorelits
Keyword(s):  
Catchment Area ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Volga River ◽  
Industrial Services ◽  
Conflicting Demands ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Management Principle ◽  
Total Capacity

The capacity of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) in the Russian Federation (RF) exceeds 50 GW. It is about 20% of the total capacity of all power plants in the country. The Volga River basin is the biggest in Europe with the catchment area of 1 360 000 km2. It covers the most populated and most industrialized part of the European Russia. The largest cascade of reservoirs in Russia and Europe is the Volga-Kama cascade (VKC) constructed in 1930–1980. It consists of 12 great water reservoirs and HPPs with total capacity about 12 GW. The main peculiarity for the VKC management is the combination of different requirements by various economy sectors: safety, energy, navigation, water needs for domestic and industrial services, agriculture and fishery, recreation and ecological rules. These sectors often make conflicting demands for the VKC operation. The VKC management principle is to balance and satisfy all of them taking into account the changing climate and economical effectiveness. Modern decisions for the VKC management are based on two principles. First is the constant optimization of the whole VKC management rules, taking into account both climate change and the Strategy of the country development. The second is the constant technical modernization of the VKC equipment to achieve the best economical effectiveness and safety for ecosystems and population.

scholarly journals Optimization Of Irrigation Water Allocation Using Linier Programs (Case Study Batu Bulan Dam Irrigation)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-460
Author(s):  
Koko Hermanto ◽  
Silvia Firda Utami ◽  
Ryan Suarantalla
Keyword(s):  
Water Allocation ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Raw Water ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Cropping Patterns ◽  
Dam Operation ◽  
Corn Plants ◽  
Irrigation Water Allocation

The area of the Batu Bulan dam is less than 183 hectares with a capacity of 15 liters per second, the largest dam on the island of Sumbawa, located in Batu Bulan village, Moyo Hulu sub-district, Sumbawa regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Batu Bulan Dam is planned to be able to meet the irrigation needs, raw water, and has a potential for hydroelectric power plants. Considering the latter plans and the limited water supply from the dam, it is necessary to have a study for the optimization of the Dam's water allocation. By this study, the water allocation can be optimized and the planting patterns are managed. This is the objective of this research, namely the optimization of Batu Bulan Dam waters allocation for irrigation utilization, which is expected to improve dam operation patterns, to obtain the best cropping patterns and to obtain optimum benefits of rice and corn plants planted in the irrigation area. One method that can be used to solve the water allocation problem is linear programming with the objective is maximizing total profits and the constraints is water availability and land area.

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