ETD RECORD
Mineralogy and geochemistry in the lung
Citation
Taunton, Anne Elizabeth.. (2007). Mineralogy and geochemistry in the lung. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/etd_192.html
- Title:
- Mineralogy and geochemistry in the lung
- Author:
- Taunton, Anne Elizabeth.
- Date:
- 2007
- Keywords:
- Biogeochemistry--Study and teaching (Higher) Lungs
- Program:
- Geology
- Abstract:
- Geology is important in human health. Specifically, identifying and quantifying both biogenic and abiotic (i.e., those minerals that are inhaled or ingested) minerals and the reactions of those minerals in the body are two areas where mineralogists and geochemists can contribute to understanding the dynamics between solids and fluids in the body. This dissertation describes research on the theoretical and experimental geochemistry of the lung environment, the mineralogy of pleural plaques in human and baboon lungs, and the incorporation of health-related information into an undergraduate geology project. Theoretical reaction-path modeling for rock-forming minerals in simulated lung fluid shows residence times as: calcite <chrysotile <anorthite <K-feldspar <talc <muscovite = kaolinite = albite = quartz. For each mineral reaction, hydroxylapatite was predicted to precipitate. Several other secondary minerals were also predicted to form (e.g., mesolite precipitates in dissolution reactions of minerals containing Al{esc}p3{esc}s). Batch experiments using lung fluid stimulant and a brucite/chrysotile mineral mixture confirm hydroxylapatite precipitation during reactions in simulated lung fluid. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of human lung tissue also confirms the formation of calcium phosphates in the tissue. SEM and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of particles in the lungs of baboons exposed to amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and glass fibers identified apatite, calcite, and a number of other minerals in the lung tissue, including aluminosilicates. Finally, an undergraduate classroom project was designed to demonstrate how students can use geology together with epidemiological data they collect to evaluate risk versus perception of risk.
- Description:
- Thesis (Ph. D., Geology)--University of Idaho, December 2007.
- Major Professor:
- Mickey Gunter.
- Defense Date:
- December 2007.
- Type:
- Text
- Format Original:
- xv, 129 leaves :ill., maps ;29 cm.
- Format:
- record
Rights
- Rights:
- In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted. For more information, please contact University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives Department at libspec@uidaho.edu.
- Standardized Rights:
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