Eileen Van der Flier-Keller

Historical variation of elements with respectto different geochemical fractions in recent sediments from Pigeon Lake, Alberta,Canada

Geochemical analysis of elements and organic matter were conducted on vertical profiles of the recent sediments from Pigeon Lake, Alberta, Canada, to determine historical variations in elemental content of the sediments as related to their geochemical fractions. The elements are grouped according to their affinity with different geochemical fractions, by using cluster analysis and sequential extraction experiments. As a result, four elemental fractions were identified: clastic mineral detritus; carbonate; organic; and elements that show less similarity to the previous groups perhaps due to anthropogenic input or the influence of other fractions, such as oxyhydroxides. Following the identification of geochemical fractions in the sediments, a three-step normalizing method was applied using parameters that represent each geochemical fraction. These normalizing techniques appear to be important in verifying whether the variation of elements is indeed the result of anthropogenic and/or natural activities. The normalized data are correlated with the recent history of human activity and natural events near Pigeon Lake. Given the age of the lake sediments, this correlation indicates that the depth profiles of elements after being normalized to the organic and carbonate fractions reflect the variation of detrital input into the lake. However, the former mainly corresponds to the coarse-grained clastic minerals originating from high-energy erosion as the result of natural events (e.g., flooding), whereas the latter corresponds to the low-energy erosion of the fine particles (enriched in lithophile elements) due to deforestation in the drainage basin. Normalizing to the clastic mineral detritus fraction results in the increase of heavy metals in the uppermost part of the sediment profiles, which coincides with industrial activities during the past two decades in central Alberta. However, the concentration of these elements is negligible, as compared to the quantities released by geogenic processes (erosion).

Relationships between inorganic constituents and organic matter in a northern Ontario lignite

Abstract Inorganic matter contents and modes of occurrence were examined in a lignite from northern Ontario, Canada. Mineral diversity is low. Quartz and kaolinite are the major minerals present, accessory clay minerals and pyrite are common, and siderite, gypsum, gibbsite, calcite and millerite were found in isolated samples. Much of the mineral matter is detrital (e.g. quartz, illite and some kaolinite), while pyrite and some kaolinite are early authigenic and occur infilling cell lumens or replacing cell walls. Pyrite may also be epigenic, i.e. it occurs by infilling cracks and fractures in the lignite. Thirty-one major and trace elements were analysed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and statistical analysis of the geochemical data were used to determine the mode of occurrence of the trace elements.Cl, Zn, Mo, Pb and to some extent Ni, Sr, W and the platinum group elements are associated with the organic matter, making this the most common mode of occurrence. Normal coal cleaning processes will have difficulty removing these elements and minerals such as kaolinite and pyrite, which may form aggregate mineral-organic matter grains during crushing prior to separation.

Epilogue of Pacific Crystal—Lessons Learned About Science, Mathematics, and Technology Literacy, Teaching and Learning

Pacific CRYSTAL involved a diverse collection of investigators and projects within the first-ever Centres for Research into Youth, Science Teaching and Learning (CRYSTAL) funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Being a new endeavour for the funding agency and many of the researchers—in terms of the scope and size of the project as well as the breadth of disciplines and cultures involved with the CRYSTAL program—meant that refinements and revisions to the goals, policy interpretations, procedures, organization, and operations were inerrable.

Promoting Earth Science Teaching and Learning

Science is a fundamental underpinning for society. Earth Science, which studies the way in which the natural world works as a system, is a key element in our understanding of natural processes and is, therefore, critical to how society responds to many important issues. More specifically, Earth Science (ES) deals with the finding and sustainable use of natural resources (e.g., water, soils, energy, and minerals) that are limited, precious, and relied upon to sustain our existence on the planet. ES also addresses the prediction and remediation of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mass wasting. Understanding the complexity of the Earth’s systems and appreciation for how the Earth has changed over time will inform our responses to current issues of global change, such as increasing global temperatures, melting ice, sea-level changes, and extinctions.

Platinum group elements in Canadian coal

Abstract Platinum group element (PGE) concentrations in seven Cretaceous and Tertiary coal deposits in Canada were determined using plasma mass spectrometry, neutron activation analysis, and direct current plasma spectroscopy. PGE concentrations are generally below detection limits; however, elevated values were determined in Quintette (100 to 1,700ppbplatinum and up to 180 ppb rhodium) and Blakeburn, Tulameen, samples (up to 10,000 ppb platinum). In the Quintette and Bullmoose deposits Pt increases up-section with decreasing ash, and in faulted Blakeburn coal, highest Pt and Pd values are associated with lowest ash. In the Number 2 seam, Quinsam deposit, Pd decreases upward with increasing ash. Platinum and Pd in these deposits appear to be organically associated. In the Number 1 seam, Quinsam, Pd, and ash decrease up-section, indicating a possible detrital source. Where organically associated, the PGE were likely introduced from circulating groundwaters, with elevated concentrations related to enhanced ...

Pacific Crystal Centre For Science, Mathematics, And Technology Literacy

The Centres for Research in Youth, Science Teaching and Learning (CRYSTAL; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [NSERC], 2009) were funded by NSERC as a 5-year pilot project (2005–2010) to foster science and mathematics education research and development (R&D). These five Canadian centres (see Notes) focused on science, mathematics, and technology (SMT), including engineering and computer science, in response to the widespread and growing recognition that the SMT literacies are vital skills in the 21st century economy. CRYSTAL has provided a forum for the many partners who share an interest in developing and enhancing the skills of and resources available to teachers, nongovernmental agencies, and public awareness educators and in enriching the SMT preparation of young Canadians.