Skip to main content

hani khoury

Followers

7

Following

2

Mentions

1

Public Views

- Published more than 170 publications with H-index 23, supervised more than 25 graduate students, discovered many economic industrial rocks and minerals in Jordan, unusual cement and radwaste analogues in Jordan and the highest pH waters in the world, a new mineral named Tululite and seven new Ca-U oxide phases in central Jordan and contributed in the discovery of the largest flying dinosaur and the first meteoritic impact structure.

less

Interests

Uploads

Papers by hani khoury

Lime-potassium carbonate as an alkali activator for untreated kaolinite

Geopolymer Products from Jordan for Sustainability of the Environment

Sundaram/Advances, 2011

Shock-metamorphic microfeatures in chert from the Jebel Waqf as Suwwan impact structure, Jordan

Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 2011

Utilization of bituminous limestone ash from EL-LAJJUN area for engineering applications

Acta Geotechnica, 2008

Drilling the Waqf as Suwwan impact structure

The about 6-km diameter, near-circular Waqf as Suwwan structure located at E36°48 0 /N31°03 0 in ... more The about 6-km diameter, near-circular Waqf as Suwwan structure located at E36°48 0 /N31°03 0 in eastern Jordan was only recently recognized as a somewhat eroded, complex impact structure. Surface geological mapping, geophysical interpretation, remote sensing, and petrographic and mineralogical analyses have been carried out to understand the structure. In particular, the complex geology of the remnant of the central uplift has been scrutinized. A recent drilling project afforded an opportunity to expand the investigation of the structure to previously inaccessible strata of the ring syncline in the environs of the central uplift. Three boreholes were drilled, two to 140 and 110 m depth to the north and outside of the central uplift, and a further short hole to 5 m depth into the innermost part of the central uplift. Preliminary assessment of these cores has revealed the presence of around 11 m of fluvial breccias (wadi deposit) that are dominated by chert fragments at the top of the syncline fill. This is underlain by a normal succession of late Maastrichtian to Campanian strata. A variety of microstructures such as fracturing with vertical, as well as inclined at 45°and 30°fractures occurs throughout the cores. Some joints have slickensides along their walls. Limestone and marly limestone constitute the most abundant rocks in the boreholes. Distinct shock deformation effects are entirely lacking in the cores from the syncline. These observations are interpreted as a result of substantial erosion of the impact structure down to a level within the crater floor. The microstructures and the preliminary results of the analyses of sediment ages, textures, and compositions (nanofossils and sediment mineralogy) show that sediments as old as Campanian and as young as late Maastrichtian were affected by the impact. Unfortunately, the drilling did not expose any lithologies such as impact melt breccias that could lend themselves to absolute chronological analysis for a better constraint of the impact age.

On the Zerka Ma’in (Therma Kallirrhoes) travertine/Dead Sea (hydrochemistry, geochemistry and isotopic composition)

Porcelanite Associated with Esh-Shidya Phosphates/ Jordan

Zeolites and zeolitic tuff in Jordan

Natural analogue approaches to prediction of long-term behaviour of Ca2UO5∙2-3H2O X-phase: case study from Tulul Al Hammam site, Jordan

Arabian Journal of Geosciences

The Tulul Al Hammam area in central Jordan is an advantageous natural analogue site to study long... more The Tulul Al Hammam area in central Jordan is an advantageous natural analogue site to study long-term U(VI) retention in ~ 1 Ma old U-bearing combustion metamorphic marbles with clinker-like mineralogy exposed to prolonged supergene alteration for at least ~ 100 kyr. The marbles contain abundant grains of high-temperature (ca. 800–850 °C) primary double Ca-U(VI) oxides (mainly Ca3UO6 and CaUO4), which are commonly replaced by hydrated calcium uranates with various impurities (Si, Fe, Al and F). A more hydrous natural analogue of X-phase (Ca2UO5·2-3H2O) occurs as a predominant secondary U compound after primary Ca-U(VI) oxides. The phase was studied by single-crystal XRD, SEM/EDX and electron microprobe (EPMA) analyses and Raman spectroscopy. It is a non-crystalline phase with a specific finger-like microtexture consisting of thin (no wider than 1–2 μm) lamellar particles. Its Raman spectrum shows a single strong band at 706–713 cm−1, sometimes coexisting with up to three weak diffuse bands (ν ~ 390, ~ 540 and 1355–1400 cm−1). The find of the natural X-phase (Ca2UO5·2-3H2O) is evidence of its long-term stability in a natural environment. It proves explicitly that the compound Ca2UO5·nH2O is a solubility-limiting phase in aged cements. The results have implications for geological disposal of radioactive wastes.

Ba and Sr mineralization of fossil fish bones from metamorphosed Belqa group sediments, Central Jordan: an integrated methodology

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2016

Potentially new Ba–Sr phase with (Ca, Ba, Sr)10-x□x[(SO4)3(PO4)3](F−, O2−, Cl−)2 (1 < x < 2... more Potentially new Ba–Sr phase with (Ca, Ba, Sr)10-x□x[(SO4)3(PO4)3](F−, O2−, Cl−)2 (1 < x < 2) composition belonging to the apatite supergroup was discovered in a recrystallized low-grade combustion metamorphic rocks of the Belqa Group, Central Jordan. The phase occurs as a fibrous subparallel aggregate and was originated by pseudomorphical replacement of precursor fish bone tissues embedded in biomicritic bituminous calcareous sediments. The mineralized fish bone was primarily composed of biogenic carbonate-fluorapatite. The Ba–Sr phase is monoclinic with space group P21/b, the unit cell parameters a = 18.881(19), b = 7.091(12), c = 8.951(12) Å, β = 119.68(8)o, V = 1041.1(14) Å3, and Z = 4. The empirical formula of the Ba–Sr phase is (Ca5.19Ba2.35Sr1.07Na0.06)Σ8.67[(S3.31P2.63Al0.03Si0.02V0.01)Σ6.00O24](F−1.33O2−0.58Cl−0.01)Σ2.00. The primary textural heterogeneity of the bone tissues has controlled sharp compositional zonation of the Ba–Sr phase expressed in patchy distribution of Sr, Ba, Ca, P, and S. The newly-formed Ba–Sr phase represents the extreme case of interaction between precursor fossil biogenic carbonate-fluorapatite and associated Ba and Sr depot minerals (barite and celestine). The reaction took place during long-term and low-grade (T = 450–500 °C) combustion metamorphism of the calcareous sediments under dry conditions. The fossil bones were affected by drastic physical and chemical changes that were completed by the formation of a new mineral phase.

Intermediate members of the lime-monteponite solid solutions (Ca 1−x Cd x O, x = 0.36–0.55): Discovery in natural occurrence

American Mineralogist, 2016

Geochemistry of Surficial Uranium Deposits from Central Jordan

1. Introduction Uranium deposits are found in all types of rocks as a result of magmatic, metamor... more 1. Introduction Uranium deposits are found in all types of rocks as a result of magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary processes (Dahlkamp, 1993). Genetic classification of uranium deposits has indicated the exceptional diversity of processes involved in their formation (Cuney, 2009). Surficial uranium deposits are defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency as young (Tertiary to Recent) nearsurface uranium concentrations in sediments or soils (IAEA, 2009). The largest surficial deposits are the calcrete soils and usually cemented by calcium and magnesium carbonates. Such soils form uranium-rich sediments by evapotranspiration process in fluviatile to playa systems in a semi-arid to arid climate (Mckay and Miezitis, 2001). Calcrete related uranium deposits occur in valley-fill and in Playa Lake sediments in Western Australia, and at the top of the alluvial sediments in central Namib Desert of Namibia. Uranium is entirely deposited as UO 2 minerals carnotite K 2 (UO 2) 2 (VO 4) 2 •3H 2 O and tyuyamunite Ca(UO 2) 2 (VO 4) 2 •5-8H 2 O (Cuney, 2009). Tyuyamunite is closely related to carnotite as indicated by the chemical formula, which is the same except that calcium substitutes for the potassium of carnotite. Strelkinite Na 2 (UO 2) 2 (V 2 O 8).6H 2 O is the sodium analogue of carnotite and tyuyamunite. In central Jordan, unusual surface uranium deposits cover large areas and are mainly associated with the varicolored marble, Pleistocene-Recent travertine and calcrete. Yellow uranium encrustations are also associated with the varicolored marble (pyrometamorphic rocks) and the underlying bituminous marl (oil shale) and phosphorites (Khoury et al., 2014). The uranium bearing rocks are widely distributed in two areas: Daba (Khan Az-Zabib) and Siwaqa (Fig. 1). The northern boundaries of the first and second areas are located 25 km and 60 km south of Amman with the first area situated between E36 o 00' to 36 o 15' and N31 o 15' to 31 o 30' and the second area between E35 o 00' to 36 o 15' and N31 o 15' to 31 o 30'.

Fly ash generated from heavy fuel incineration in power plants: Physical and chemical characteristics

Environmental Science: an Indian journal, 2012

In Jordan, large amounts of fly ash (FA) are produced as a result of burning heavy fuel in power ... more In Jordan, large amounts of fly ash (FA) are produced as a result of burning heavy fuel in power plants. The brackish granular flash ash was systematically analysed by different analytical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy (FTIR), lazier diffractometer (LD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and acoustic and electroacoustic spectrometer in order to investigate geometrical structure, morphology, surface chemistry and composition of the resulted FA. The FAwas sampled form the places where heavy fuel is burned to produce electricity. This study revealed that about 50%of FAparticles diameters were less than 530 nm. FAparticleswere predominantly appeared as smooth ofmineral spheres. The FA was rich in C, S, Mg, V, Ni and Fe indicating the carbonaceous nature of this material. TheAl and Si contents were insignificant. The size distribution, chemical and morphological proper...

Mineralogy and Structural Features of the Waqf As Suwwan Impact Structure

Importance of Clay Minerals in Jordan Case Study : Volkonskoite as a Sink for Hazardous Elements of a High pH Plume

Jordan is a country rich in clays of different origins. Clays of industrial importance are found ... more Jordan is a country rich in clays of different origins. Clays of industrial importance are found in different stratigraphic units from Paleozoic to Cenozoic. The most potential deposits are kaolinite, bentonite, and palygoskite. Other deposits, such as volkonskoite, illite, and black mud, are also widely distributed in Jordan. Details of the occurrence, nature, character, and economic importance of the different clay deposits are given by Khoury (2002 & 2006). Recently, zeolite –A has been synthesized from Jordanian kaolinite (AlThawabeia, et al. 2015). Kaolinitic clay, from Jordan, proved to be dioxin-free for in clays feed additives (Alawi et al., 2013; 2014). A novel geopolymerization process has been recently devised on developing building products (geopolymers) through the geopolymerization of Jordanian kaolinite. The products could be used as low cost construction materials for green housing. They are characterized by high strength, high heat resistance, low production cost, l...

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Post-Impact Sedimentary Infill of the Crater Moat and Carbonates of the Crater Floor, Waqf As Suwwan Impact Structure

CRATER MOAT AND CARBONATES OF THE CRATER FLOOR, WAQF AS SUWWAN IMPACT STRUCTURE. H. N. Khoury, E.... more CRATER MOAT AND CARBONATES OF THE CRATER FLOOR, WAQF AS SUWWAN IMPACT STRUCTURE. H. N. Khoury, E. M. Salameh, and W.U. Reimold, Department of Geology, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected], Museum für Naturkunde – Leibniz Institute of Evolution and Biodiversity Research, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; e-mail: [email protected]; also Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany.

Removal of Selected Pharmaceuticals from Aqueous Solutions Using Natural Jordanian Zeolite

Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering

In this study, the removal of selected pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, in... more In this study, the removal of selected pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, chlorpheniramine maleate, and paracetamol from water using natural Jordanian zeolite was studied. The influence of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial pharmaceutical concentration on the adsorption process was investigated using batch and column methods. The optimal pH for the removal of all selected pharmaceuticals was found to be 2 except for diclofenac sodium where the optimal pH was 6. The optimum adsorption time was found to be 80 min. The percentage removal increased as the initial concentration of the pharmaceuticals increased from 10.0 to 50.0 mg/L except for indomethacin where the removal decreased as the initial concentration increased. After optimization, the highest removal was found to be 88.3, 30.1, 59.0, 85.8, and 12.7% for ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, chlorpheniraminemaleate, and paracetamol, respectively. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to evaluate the adsorption efficiencies of the investigated pharmaceuticals. The results demonstrated that Langmuir isotherm fits the experimental data for diclofenac sodium, indomethacin and paracetamol with adsorption capacity (Q max) of 4.8, 26.6, and 55.6 mg/g, respectively, whereas Freundlich isotherm fits the experimental data for both ibuprofen and chlorpheniramine maleate. Continues flow experiment was performed on ibuprofen under constant influent concentration and fixed flow rate. Equal eluted fractions of 100 mL were collected and analyzed for ibuprofen content. The results indicated that percentage removal of ibuprofen on zeolite was found to be the highest after fraction 9 with 78% removal.

Calcareous sediments of the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation, Jordan: Mineralogical and geochemical evidences for Zn and Cd enrichment

Gondwana Research, 2017

Abstract Immature organic-rich siliceous chalk (‘oil shale’) and organic-poor limestones of the M... more Abstract Immature organic-rich siliceous chalk (‘oil shale’) and organic-poor limestones of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation (MCM) (central Jordan) deposited on the southern Neo-Tethys epicontinental shelf provide a perfect example of carbonate sedimentation in a bioproductive upwelling environment. The MCM sediments have been studied by XRD, SEM, EMPA, sequential extraction, ICP-MS, GC–MS, and FTIR to gain insights into causes of their unusual composition. The sediments are remarkable by exceptionally high enrichment in phosphorus and redox sensitive elements (RSE), mainly Cd (up to 225 ppm), Zn (1500 ppm), and Mo (up to 180 ppm), as well as in Ni, V, Cr, and U, with a total RSE budget reaching 3200 ppm, coupled with up to 23 wt% organic matter and 4.3 wt% sulphur. The bulk organic matter consists of type I/II kerogens sulphurised during sulphate reduction. Redox sensitive metals were brought to sediments mainly by biogenic shuttle, while the terrestrial input was minor, and hydrothermal fluids apparently did not contribute to total RSE. The metals can reside in sulphide (Zn-Cd-(Cu)) in sphalerite or/and wurtzite; Fe-Ni-V-Cu-(Mo) in pyrite, carbonate (Zn-Cd-(Mo-Ni-V)), and organic (Ni-V-Cu) phases. Authigenic Cd-rich sphalerite and wurtzite are much more abundant than pyrite in immature ‘oil shales’, for three main reasons: (i) S-bearing ligands coordinating Cd and Zn in primary organic matter; (ii) high sulphur in organic matter; and (iii) low concentrations of reactive iron in bottom sediments. Limestones redeposited under oxic environments lose all sulphides, but high Zn (up to 337 ppm) and Cd (up to 29 ppm) become redistributed into the newly formed carbonates. Thus, shelf carbonates of different ages deposited under anoxic/sulfidic conditions in zones of high bioproductivity, as well as their derivative limestones and dolomites, can be the primary Zn and Cd storage for Mississippi Valley-type deposits with high Zn/Pb and Cd/Zn ratios.

Mo and Ni Removal from Drinking Water Using Zeolitic Tuff from Jordan

Minerals, 2016

Mo and Ni metals could be hazardous in natural waters. The initial Mo and Ni concentration in the... more Mo and Ni metals could be hazardous in natural waters. The initial Mo and Ni concentration in the sampled domestic drinking water of north Jordan is 550 and 110 µg/L, respectively. The efficiency of using natural faujasite-phillipsite and phillipsite-chabazite tuffs in removing Mo and Ni from contaminated drinking water was tested. Batch experiments using different weights of the adsorbent were conducted at different contact times to determine the optimum conditions. The maximal uptake capacity of Mo from drinking water was equivalent to 440-420 µg/g adsorbent. The maximum removal efficiency of Mo by faujasite-phillipsite, phillipsite-chabazite, and the modified surfactant phillipsite-chabazite tuffs were 80%, 76%, and 78%, respectively. The proportional relationship between contact time and removal efficiency of Ni from water samples was observed. The maximum removal efficiency of Ni by the zeolitic tuffs is up to 90% compared to the original groundwater sample.

Depositional environment and diagenesis of the lower part of the Kurnub Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Mahis area, Jordan

The lowest part of the Kurnub Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous) in the Mahis area was deposi... more The lowest part of the Kurnub Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous) in the Mahis area was deposited in a fluvial environment. Kaolinite is the major clay mineral associated with quartz. The transformation of feldspars and mica to sericite and finally to kaolinite was a major degradation process and was the result of intensive action of acidic circulating water. Most of the kaolinite flakes, however, are believed to be detritally deposited under freshwater conditions.

Lime-potassium carbonate as an alkali activator for untreated kaolinite

Geopolymer Products from Jordan for Sustainability of the Environment

Sundaram/Advances, 2011

Shock-metamorphic microfeatures in chert from the Jebel Waqf as Suwwan impact structure, Jordan

Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 2011

Utilization of bituminous limestone ash from EL-LAJJUN area for engineering applications

Acta Geotechnica, 2008

Drilling the Waqf as Suwwan impact structure

The about 6-km diameter, near-circular Waqf as Suwwan structure located at E36°48 0 /N31°03 0 in ... more The about 6-km diameter, near-circular Waqf as Suwwan structure located at E36°48 0 /N31°03 0 in eastern Jordan was only recently recognized as a somewhat eroded, complex impact structure. Surface geological mapping, geophysical interpretation, remote sensing, and petrographic and mineralogical analyses have been carried out to understand the structure. In particular, the complex geology of the remnant of the central uplift has been scrutinized. A recent drilling project afforded an opportunity to expand the investigation of the structure to previously inaccessible strata of the ring syncline in the environs of the central uplift. Three boreholes were drilled, two to 140 and 110 m depth to the north and outside of the central uplift, and a further short hole to 5 m depth into the innermost part of the central uplift. Preliminary assessment of these cores has revealed the presence of around 11 m of fluvial breccias (wadi deposit) that are dominated by chert fragments at the top of the syncline fill. This is underlain by a normal succession of late Maastrichtian to Campanian strata. A variety of microstructures such as fracturing with vertical, as well as inclined at 45°and 30°fractures occurs throughout the cores. Some joints have slickensides along their walls. Limestone and marly limestone constitute the most abundant rocks in the boreholes. Distinct shock deformation effects are entirely lacking in the cores from the syncline. These observations are interpreted as a result of substantial erosion of the impact structure down to a level within the crater floor. The microstructures and the preliminary results of the analyses of sediment ages, textures, and compositions (nanofossils and sediment mineralogy) show that sediments as old as Campanian and as young as late Maastrichtian were affected by the impact. Unfortunately, the drilling did not expose any lithologies such as impact melt breccias that could lend themselves to absolute chronological analysis for a better constraint of the impact age.

On the Zerka Ma’in (Therma Kallirrhoes) travertine/Dead Sea (hydrochemistry, geochemistry and isotopic composition)

Porcelanite Associated with Esh-Shidya Phosphates/ Jordan

Zeolites and zeolitic tuff in Jordan

Natural analogue approaches to prediction of long-term behaviour of Ca2UO5∙2-3H2O X-phase: case study from Tulul Al Hammam site, Jordan

Arabian Journal of Geosciences

The Tulul Al Hammam area in central Jordan is an advantageous natural analogue site to study long... more The Tulul Al Hammam area in central Jordan is an advantageous natural analogue site to study long-term U(VI) retention in ~ 1 Ma old U-bearing combustion metamorphic marbles with clinker-like mineralogy exposed to prolonged supergene alteration for at least ~ 100 kyr. The marbles contain abundant grains of high-temperature (ca. 800–850 °C) primary double Ca-U(VI) oxides (mainly Ca3UO6 and CaUO4), which are commonly replaced by hydrated calcium uranates with various impurities (Si, Fe, Al and F). A more hydrous natural analogue of X-phase (Ca2UO5·2-3H2O) occurs as a predominant secondary U compound after primary Ca-U(VI) oxides. The phase was studied by single-crystal XRD, SEM/EDX and electron microprobe (EPMA) analyses and Raman spectroscopy. It is a non-crystalline phase with a specific finger-like microtexture consisting of thin (no wider than 1–2 μm) lamellar particles. Its Raman spectrum shows a single strong band at 706–713 cm−1, sometimes coexisting with up to three weak diffuse bands (ν ~ 390, ~ 540 and 1355–1400 cm−1). The find of the natural X-phase (Ca2UO5·2-3H2O) is evidence of its long-term stability in a natural environment. It proves explicitly that the compound Ca2UO5·nH2O is a solubility-limiting phase in aged cements. The results have implications for geological disposal of radioactive wastes.

Ba and Sr mineralization of fossil fish bones from metamorphosed Belqa group sediments, Central Jordan: an integrated methodology

Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2016

Potentially new Ba–Sr phase with (Ca, Ba, Sr)10-x□x[(SO4)3(PO4)3](F−, O2−, Cl−)2 (1 < x < 2... more Potentially new Ba–Sr phase with (Ca, Ba, Sr)10-x□x[(SO4)3(PO4)3](F−, O2−, Cl−)2 (1 < x < 2) composition belonging to the apatite supergroup was discovered in a recrystallized low-grade combustion metamorphic rocks of the Belqa Group, Central Jordan. The phase occurs as a fibrous subparallel aggregate and was originated by pseudomorphical replacement of precursor fish bone tissues embedded in biomicritic bituminous calcareous sediments. The mineralized fish bone was primarily composed of biogenic carbonate-fluorapatite. The Ba–Sr phase is monoclinic with space group P21/b, the unit cell parameters a = 18.881(19), b = 7.091(12), c = 8.951(12) Å, β = 119.68(8)o, V = 1041.1(14) Å3, and Z = 4. The empirical formula of the Ba–Sr phase is (Ca5.19Ba2.35Sr1.07Na0.06)Σ8.67[(S3.31P2.63Al0.03Si0.02V0.01)Σ6.00O24](F−1.33O2−0.58Cl−0.01)Σ2.00. The primary textural heterogeneity of the bone tissues has controlled sharp compositional zonation of the Ba–Sr phase expressed in patchy distribution of Sr, Ba, Ca, P, and S. The newly-formed Ba–Sr phase represents the extreme case of interaction between precursor fossil biogenic carbonate-fluorapatite and associated Ba and Sr depot minerals (barite and celestine). The reaction took place during long-term and low-grade (T = 450–500 °C) combustion metamorphism of the calcareous sediments under dry conditions. The fossil bones were affected by drastic physical and chemical changes that were completed by the formation of a new mineral phase.

Intermediate members of the lime-monteponite solid solutions (Ca 1−x Cd x O, x = 0.36–0.55): Discovery in natural occurrence

American Mineralogist, 2016

Geochemistry of Surficial Uranium Deposits from Central Jordan

1. Introduction Uranium deposits are found in all types of rocks as a result of magmatic, metamor... more 1. Introduction Uranium deposits are found in all types of rocks as a result of magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary processes (Dahlkamp, 1993). Genetic classification of uranium deposits has indicated the exceptional diversity of processes involved in their formation (Cuney, 2009). Surficial uranium deposits are defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency as young (Tertiary to Recent) nearsurface uranium concentrations in sediments or soils (IAEA, 2009). The largest surficial deposits are the calcrete soils and usually cemented by calcium and magnesium carbonates. Such soils form uranium-rich sediments by evapotranspiration process in fluviatile to playa systems in a semi-arid to arid climate (Mckay and Miezitis, 2001). Calcrete related uranium deposits occur in valley-fill and in Playa Lake sediments in Western Australia, and at the top of the alluvial sediments in central Namib Desert of Namibia. Uranium is entirely deposited as UO 2 minerals carnotite K 2 (UO 2) 2 (VO 4) 2 •3H 2 O and tyuyamunite Ca(UO 2) 2 (VO 4) 2 •5-8H 2 O (Cuney, 2009). Tyuyamunite is closely related to carnotite as indicated by the chemical formula, which is the same except that calcium substitutes for the potassium of carnotite. Strelkinite Na 2 (UO 2) 2 (V 2 O 8).6H 2 O is the sodium analogue of carnotite and tyuyamunite. In central Jordan, unusual surface uranium deposits cover large areas and are mainly associated with the varicolored marble, Pleistocene-Recent travertine and calcrete. Yellow uranium encrustations are also associated with the varicolored marble (pyrometamorphic rocks) and the underlying bituminous marl (oil shale) and phosphorites (Khoury et al., 2014). The uranium bearing rocks are widely distributed in two areas: Daba (Khan Az-Zabib) and Siwaqa (Fig. 1). The northern boundaries of the first and second areas are located 25 km and 60 km south of Amman with the first area situated between E36 o 00' to 36 o 15' and N31 o 15' to 31 o 30' and the second area between E35 o 00' to 36 o 15' and N31 o 15' to 31 o 30'.

Fly ash generated from heavy fuel incineration in power plants: Physical and chemical characteristics

Environmental Science: an Indian journal, 2012

In Jordan, large amounts of fly ash (FA) are produced as a result of burning heavy fuel in power ... more In Jordan, large amounts of fly ash (FA) are produced as a result of burning heavy fuel in power plants. The brackish granular flash ash was systematically analysed by different analytical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy (FTIR), lazier diffractometer (LD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and acoustic and electroacoustic spectrometer in order to investigate geometrical structure, morphology, surface chemistry and composition of the resulted FA. The FAwas sampled form the places where heavy fuel is burned to produce electricity. This study revealed that about 50%of FAparticles diameters were less than 530 nm. FAparticleswere predominantly appeared as smooth ofmineral spheres. The FA was rich in C, S, Mg, V, Ni and Fe indicating the carbonaceous nature of this material. TheAl and Si contents were insignificant. The size distribution, chemical and morphological proper...

Mineralogy and Structural Features of the Waqf As Suwwan Impact Structure

Importance of Clay Minerals in Jordan Case Study : Volkonskoite as a Sink for Hazardous Elements of a High pH Plume

Jordan is a country rich in clays of different origins. Clays of industrial importance are found ... more Jordan is a country rich in clays of different origins. Clays of industrial importance are found in different stratigraphic units from Paleozoic to Cenozoic. The most potential deposits are kaolinite, bentonite, and palygoskite. Other deposits, such as volkonskoite, illite, and black mud, are also widely distributed in Jordan. Details of the occurrence, nature, character, and economic importance of the different clay deposits are given by Khoury (2002 & 2006). Recently, zeolite –A has been synthesized from Jordanian kaolinite (AlThawabeia, et al. 2015). Kaolinitic clay, from Jordan, proved to be dioxin-free for in clays feed additives (Alawi et al., 2013; 2014). A novel geopolymerization process has been recently devised on developing building products (geopolymers) through the geopolymerization of Jordanian kaolinite. The products could be used as low cost construction materials for green housing. They are characterized by high strength, high heat resistance, low production cost, l...

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Post-Impact Sedimentary Infill of the Crater Moat and Carbonates of the Crater Floor, Waqf As Suwwan Impact Structure

CRATER MOAT AND CARBONATES OF THE CRATER FLOOR, WAQF AS SUWWAN IMPACT STRUCTURE. H. N. Khoury, E.... more CRATER MOAT AND CARBONATES OF THE CRATER FLOOR, WAQF AS SUWWAN IMPACT STRUCTURE. H. N. Khoury, E. M. Salameh, and W.U. Reimold, Department of Geology, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected], Museum für Naturkunde – Leibniz Institute of Evolution and Biodiversity Research, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; e-mail: [email protected]; also Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany.

Removal of Selected Pharmaceuticals from Aqueous Solutions Using Natural Jordanian Zeolite

Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering

In this study, the removal of selected pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, in... more In this study, the removal of selected pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, chlorpheniramine maleate, and paracetamol from water using natural Jordanian zeolite was studied. The influence of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial pharmaceutical concentration on the adsorption process was investigated using batch and column methods. The optimal pH for the removal of all selected pharmaceuticals was found to be 2 except for diclofenac sodium where the optimal pH was 6. The optimum adsorption time was found to be 80 min. The percentage removal increased as the initial concentration of the pharmaceuticals increased from 10.0 to 50.0 mg/L except for indomethacin where the removal decreased as the initial concentration increased. After optimization, the highest removal was found to be 88.3, 30.1, 59.0, 85.8, and 12.7% for ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, indomethacin, chlorpheniraminemaleate, and paracetamol, respectively. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to evaluate the adsorption efficiencies of the investigated pharmaceuticals. The results demonstrated that Langmuir isotherm fits the experimental data for diclofenac sodium, indomethacin and paracetamol with adsorption capacity (Q max) of 4.8, 26.6, and 55.6 mg/g, respectively, whereas Freundlich isotherm fits the experimental data for both ibuprofen and chlorpheniramine maleate. Continues flow experiment was performed on ibuprofen under constant influent concentration and fixed flow rate. Equal eluted fractions of 100 mL were collected and analyzed for ibuprofen content. The results indicated that percentage removal of ibuprofen on zeolite was found to be the highest after fraction 9 with 78% removal.

Calcareous sediments of the Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation, Jordan: Mineralogical and geochemical evidences for Zn and Cd enrichment

Gondwana Research, 2017

Abstract Immature organic-rich siliceous chalk (‘oil shale’) and organic-poor limestones of the M... more Abstract Immature organic-rich siliceous chalk (‘oil shale’) and organic-poor limestones of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Muwaqqar Chalk Marl Formation (MCM) (central Jordan) deposited on the southern Neo-Tethys epicontinental shelf provide a perfect example of carbonate sedimentation in a bioproductive upwelling environment. The MCM sediments have been studied by XRD, SEM, EMPA, sequential extraction, ICP-MS, GC–MS, and FTIR to gain insights into causes of their unusual composition. The sediments are remarkable by exceptionally high enrichment in phosphorus and redox sensitive elements (RSE), mainly Cd (up to 225 ppm), Zn (1500 ppm), and Mo (up to 180 ppm), as well as in Ni, V, Cr, and U, with a total RSE budget reaching 3200 ppm, coupled with up to 23 wt% organic matter and 4.3 wt% sulphur. The bulk organic matter consists of type I/II kerogens sulphurised during sulphate reduction. Redox sensitive metals were brought to sediments mainly by biogenic shuttle, while the terrestrial input was minor, and hydrothermal fluids apparently did not contribute to total RSE. The metals can reside in sulphide (Zn-Cd-(Cu)) in sphalerite or/and wurtzite; Fe-Ni-V-Cu-(Mo) in pyrite, carbonate (Zn-Cd-(Mo-Ni-V)), and organic (Ni-V-Cu) phases. Authigenic Cd-rich sphalerite and wurtzite are much more abundant than pyrite in immature ‘oil shales’, for three main reasons: (i) S-bearing ligands coordinating Cd and Zn in primary organic matter; (ii) high sulphur in organic matter; and (iii) low concentrations of reactive iron in bottom sediments. Limestones redeposited under oxic environments lose all sulphides, but high Zn (up to 337 ppm) and Cd (up to 29 ppm) become redistributed into the newly formed carbonates. Thus, shelf carbonates of different ages deposited under anoxic/sulfidic conditions in zones of high bioproductivity, as well as their derivative limestones and dolomites, can be the primary Zn and Cd storage for Mississippi Valley-type deposits with high Zn/Pb and Cd/Zn ratios.

Mo and Ni Removal from Drinking Water Using Zeolitic Tuff from Jordan

Minerals, 2016

Mo and Ni metals could be hazardous in natural waters. The initial Mo and Ni concentration in the... more Mo and Ni metals could be hazardous in natural waters. The initial Mo and Ni concentration in the sampled domestic drinking water of north Jordan is 550 and 110 µg/L, respectively. The efficiency of using natural faujasite-phillipsite and phillipsite-chabazite tuffs in removing Mo and Ni from contaminated drinking water was tested. Batch experiments using different weights of the adsorbent were conducted at different contact times to determine the optimum conditions. The maximal uptake capacity of Mo from drinking water was equivalent to 440-420 µg/g adsorbent. The maximum removal efficiency of Mo by faujasite-phillipsite, phillipsite-chabazite, and the modified surfactant phillipsite-chabazite tuffs were 80%, 76%, and 78%, respectively. The proportional relationship between contact time and removal efficiency of Ni from water samples was observed. The maximum removal efficiency of Ni by the zeolitic tuffs is up to 90% compared to the original groundwater sample.

Depositional environment and diagenesis of the lower part of the Kurnub Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Mahis area, Jordan

The lowest part of the Kurnub Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous) in the Mahis area was deposi... more The lowest part of the Kurnub Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous) in the Mahis area was deposited in a fluvial environment. Kaolinite is the major clay mineral associated with quartz. The transformation of feldspars and mica to sericite and finally to kaolinite was a major degradation process and was the result of intensive action of acidic circulating water. Most of the kaolinite flakes, however, are believed to be detritally deposited under freshwater conditions.