Home – Home – Jornals – Siberian Journal of Forest Science 2021 number 3

The considered methods of ecological-geographical analysis of vegetation, indicated within the framework of the method of diversity, make it possible to identify the main botanical-geographical relationships, to determine the dynamic processes of vegetation. These methods can be used at different structural levels of vegetation - global, regional, landscape and even cenotic.

A 115 cm long section of lacustrine-wetland sediments from Langou I Bay (Eastern Primorye; 44°25′10,16′′, 135°54′26,08′′) has been studied. According to the developed age model, the age of the deposits was 3900 years. We performed a multi-proxy study using the methods of geochemical, chironomid, diatom, and palynological analyzes. Our investigation has shown that the development of climatic and ecological conditions on the coast of the Eastern Primorye in many respects developed synchronously with the climatic phases known for the late Holocene. Period from about 4200 to 2600 cal years BP corresponded to the first and second warm of the Japanese Jomon stages and the late Jomon transgression. The peak of summer temperatures in the area took place between 2900 and 2600 cal years BP. Cooling after 2600 cal years BP was less pronounced than in Japan (Jomon and Kofun cold stages). The reconstructed temperatures were 1 °C lower than today, while in Japan the temperatures were 2-3 °C lower than in modern time. The Medieval Climatic Optimum (Nara-Heian-Kamakura stage in Japan) was reconstructed for Eastern Primorye from 1250 to 750 cal years BP. During this period the climate was humid with summer temperatures about 1,5 °C higher than in modern time. The period between 750 and 250 cal years BP could be associated with the Little Ice Age and was characterized by a decrease in summer temperatures by 1,5-2 °C below modern level. The last 200 years have been marked by shallowing of the lake to an almost complete drying out. This period is characterized by temperature fluctuations and a warming trend.

Combination of steppe and tundra locations at the Altai highland depressions - Bertek and Khindiktig-Khol’ - is considered with regard to the hypothesis verification of steppe-tundra existence in northern Eurasia during the Last Glacial Maximum and its contemporary landscape analogues. Data on soil-vegetation cover diversity at the Altai highland depressions are represented. Cause-and-effect relations explaining spatial differentiation of nature complexes are identified. Thermal regime of locations with the predominance of steppe and dwarf birch vegetation is investigated. Interrelation between soil-vegetation cover differentiation and distinction in microclimate and permafrost boundary are proved.

A structural and rhythmological analysis of shoot systems of three Atraphaxis species was carried out. The species demonstrate differences in the structure of terminal synflorescences, floral units, and generative shoots. The duration of spring-summer blossoming of Atraphaxis is determined by the number and branching order of paracladia in synflorescence and the length of generative shoots. The species differ in the morphological differentiation of the axes and in the distribution of functions between generative and vegetative shoots. In A. frutescens , the main skeletal axes are built on the basis of generative shoots, which perform both the assimilative and reproductive functions. This species takes the life form of aeroxylic shrub, dwarf shrub or semi-shrub, depending on the preserved part of vegetative zone of generative shoots, which is determined by wintering conditions. In A. replicata , the main skeletal axes are formed on the basis of both generative and vegetative shoots. Terminal abbreviation, that is, underdevelopment of terminal synflorescence in powerful generative shoots, creates conditions for the transfer of reproductive function to small early blooming generative shoots, which allows the species to adapt to semiarid climate. In A. pyrifolia , the formation of a perennial axial system on the basis of powerful branched vegetative shoots makes it possible to more fully realize the advantages of acrotonic branching and to achieve a significant size. The specialization of generative shoots in the performance of the reproductive function is realized most fully in this species.

The variability of metric characters of three species of the genus Nitraria ( N. schoberi L., N. sibirica Pall., N. komarovii Iljin & Lava ex Bobrov) in 20 populations of Kazakhstan was studied. It was found that N. sibirica differs from N. schoberi and N. komarovii in small leaves, fruits and seeds, and in the structural features of the inflorescence and flower. N. sibirica is characterized by a larger number of flowers per inflorescence (on average 25-66 pcs.), Compared to N. schoberi and N. komarovii (on average, 14-28 pcs.). N. sibirica also differs from N. schoberi in narrow corolla petals (1.3 times), small anthers (1.46 times in length and 1.2 times in width) and pistils (1.25 times in length and 1.44 times wide). N. komarovii differs from N. schoberi in narrow leaves (1.7 times). N. komarovii has relatively large anthers, especially in width, which, together with smaller corolla petals, distinguishes this species in flowering - N. komarovii flowers look bright yellow, while in N. schoberi they are white, in N. sibirica they are light purple. N. komarovii fruits are orange, pale or bright red. In N. schoberi , fruits are dark-bordered, in N. sibirica , they are black. At the intraspecific level, the stability of most of the metric characters and their independence, except for the habitus of N. sibirica plants, from the 16 studied climatic parameters of the habitats were revealed. At the same time, a number of morphological features were revealed in N. sibirica plants in populations from the Ili Basin. In these populations, N. sibirica plants form bushes up to 1.8 m tall, with a large number of flowers per inflorescence (up to 90 pcs.), Large corolla petals (on average 3.5 mm long; 2.2 mm wide), small anthers (about 0.6 mm), small fruits (5-5.5 mm long) and small (about 4 mm long) narrow ovate bones. These features indicate the ecological-geographical differentiation of N. sibirica under the extra-arid conditions of the stony desert of the basin, and testify in favor of a separate taxonomic rank of these populations.

As a model species to study the geographic variation of cold hardiness in insects, we used ants Lasius flavus from the populations in the regions separated by thousands of kilometers (southern Finland, Moscow Region, Amur Province) with contrasting climates - from maritime variants to those, differing in the degree of continentality. We measured the temperatures of maximal supercooling ( SCP ) as well as the limits of tolerated negative temperatures ( LT _{50 %}), and evaluated the overwintering conditions. The data on L. flavus were compared to similar data obtained on L. niger , аs well as to similar measurements in separate nests of L. alienus , L. psammophilus and L. fuliginosus , which were published earlier. The workers of L. flavus and L. niger have close values of cold hardiness ( LT _{50 %} -13 to -15 °C, minimal average SCP -24 to -25 °C), although these species inhabit different climatic zones and place their overwintering chambers at a different depth. Such resistance to long-term exposure to negative temperatures is more than sufficient even for overwintering in the coldest of the studied areas (Arkhara village, Amur Province), where the average minimal temperature in January in the ant overwintering chambers at 50 cm of depth does not fall below -6 °C. The variation of cold hardiness and higher values of its parameters, in other studied ant species is due to their insufficient preparation for overwintering. However, the narrow range of SCP (-27 to -29 °C) in the most cold resistant individuals of all studied species allows to confidently assume that their average Т _p and threshold LT _{50 %} correspond to those of L. flavus and L. niger. Similar (or maybe identical) cold hardiness of the studied ant species appears to be a stable trait of the genus Lasius , as was demonstrated for another ant genus, Myrmica , and as opposed to the genus Formica , where different species have individual characteristics of cold resistance. Such cold hardiness that is excessive for overwintering in warmer climate (southern Finland, Estonia) appears to have no adaptive value. It can be considered as a byproduct of the diapause, which is manifested in preadaptation to withstand negative temperature. However, it was this cold hardiness that made possible the colonization of the giant territory of the southern Siberia and Far East by the discussed ant species.

The estimation of the contrast the physical and chemical properties and carbon losses of pyrogenic peat soils is given 20 years after the large fire in a swamp spruce forest ( Picea obovata Ledeb.) located in the valley complexes of small rivers of the Kuznetsk Alatau (Khakassia Republic). The area of the fire at present occupied by shrub-sedge-green moss birch forest ( Betula pubescens Ehrh.), belonging to the group of short-term-derived postfire grass forests. Pyrogenic peat soils (mechanical and chemical underburning) formed due to passive smoldering - thermal effects below the point of ignition, are characterize by a high variation of physical and chemical parameters ( Cv 26-37 %). Using the methods of multidimensional statistical analysis (cluster, discriminant, canonical), four clusters were formed that identify pyrogenic series of peat soils. In the total contribution of chemical indicators to the differentiation of clusters, the largest proportion belongs to organic carbon (83 %), and a much smaller proportion belongs to moisture of peat soil bulk (15 %). Based on the diversity and abundance of fire traces in the profile of pyrogenic peat soils, we conditionally associate them with the effect of light, moderate, medium and high fire severity. In proportion to the fire severity, pyrogenic series of peat soils are 1.6-2.7 times enriched with ash components, the content of which ranges from 18.9 to 77 %, are 2.2-4.3 times compacted - the bulk density reaches 0.147-0.421 g/cm³, the pH value is consistently shifted from 6.8 to 7.6. A new approach is proposed to estimating carbon losses in the process of passive peat smoldering by the difference in the content before and after a fire, which complements the traditional method of accounting by the depth of burning of the peat layer. In the 0-20 cm layer of the pyrogenic peat soils, additional carbon losses range from 1.6 to 4.0 kg/m², which is equivalent to 5.9-14.8 kg/m² of CO₂ emission. Data about the additional loss of carbon at the stage of passive smoldering of the peat substrate are provide for the first time.

The paper provides a review of the current state of research in the field of biotesting. Authors discuss the problems of environmental studies and ways to solve them. The basic principles and examples of the use of enzymes for the detection of toxicants in various environmental samples are considered. Based on the analysis of numerous published data, the advantages and limitations, as well as the prospects for using enzymes for performing biotesting tasks, are estimated. A separate section of the review is devoted to bioluminescent enzymatic bioassays developed by the authors. These bioassays are successfully implemented for environmental monitoring of water, soil, and air. The necessity of developing a battery of enzymatic bioassays is substantiated. It allows to have the most complete and accurate information about the levels of environmental pollution.

Vegetation survey of the three model sites was conducted on lime-stone plateau Emdy in Mangyshlak middle desert subzone on eastern shore of Kaspian sea (Western Kazakhstan). The main aim was to find indicator species in vegetation composition which reflect ancient anthropogenic influence about 1500 years ago. Model sites are situated in comparable ecological conditions and differ only by the type and time of the anthropogenic influence. One situated in area of the ancient settlement III-V centuries; second one was in the area of probable former agriculture and third one used as a control nearly without any anthropogenic influence. It was found that in plant community structure four main synusia could be determined. The most diverse synusia of the desert ephemeras contains 61 % of the plant species pool and may be considered as an indicator of former anthropogenic activity. There were no any specific plants connected with former agriculture on the second site. Considering this fact together with general ecological conditions of the site it was concluded that there were no any former agriculture on this site. It was shown that different ephemeral species react on such microhabitat characteristics as humidity, insolation, salinization and soil bioturbations. All ephemeral species could be divided on true and induced ephemera. Last group consists of widespread ruderal annual mesophytes ( Buglossoides arvensis и Descurainia sophia ). These species appeared in places of long and intense anthropogenic pressure and are able to persist in plant communities at least up to 1500 years after the end of the anthropogenic pressure.

Hard coal production is a strategic branch of the Polish economy. The exploitation processes at greater depths encounter natural hazards, such as methane hazard. The Mysłowice-Wesoła mine is located in the largest coal basin in Poland-the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB). Methane concentration increases with depth in this area of the studied basin. During the period of gas research, the volume of emitted methane increased over 5 times. This large increase in methane liberation to the mining faces was caused by many factors, including complex tectonic characteristics of the area, permeable nature of the Książ Fault, varied geological structure, higher concentration of coal extraction. The overall study of coal output for the years 1994-2018 follows the entire Polish hard coal production trend, namely, slow, yet constant coal extraction decrease. The total coal output in the Mysłowice-Wesoła mine decreased more than twice with simultaneous increased methane emission.

The authors evaluate the influence exerted by tectonic structure on methane content patterns in QD site in the Qinshui Coal Basin. The gas flow rate versus bottomhole-fault distance and the minimum bottomhole-fault distances for profitable methane production are determined. The obtained results are applicable to methane well patter design in the test site.

The authors address the problem connected with the determination of efficient rotary percussive drilling techniques with DTH hammers and present estimation criteria for their value ranges such that to ensure drilling at minimum energy content and wear of bits. The calculation formulas for drilling techniques are given, and the expediency of maximum destruction at minimum impacts per one complete turn of drill bit is proved. The upper limit of drill bit turn angle between impacts at the maximum drilling capacity and minimum energy content of fracture and wear of tungsten carbide inserts is found. The rotary percussive drilling technique with different DTH hammer models can be optimized suing the energy criterion of volumetric rock destruction and the energy content of fracture.

The authors review the models of dryers, including vibrating machines, for granular minerals after wet separation. The dryer arrangement developed at the Institute of Mining, SB RAS is described. An emphasis is laid on the advantages of the elastic vibrating transporter of the dryer. Dynamics of double-drive elastic vibrating transporter is analyzed using numerical and physical modeling, and the modeling results are presented. It is shown that wobbling of the vibrating transporter ensures the best conditions of granular material conveying during drying.

Potassium butyl xanthate adsorption at galena and chalcopyrite is characterized using the methods of atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy. It is found that layers generated on galena and chalcopyrite surface as a result of agitation in distilled water and interaction with potassium butyl xanthate solution have cardinally different morphology. Observations over adsorption of the reagent in liquid phase reveal different mechanisms of the reagent coating growth on these minerals.

The hydrophobic property generated by chemisorbed agent influences selectivity of flotation but not always governs recovery of minerals. It is suggested to evaluate efficiency of a chemisorbed agent by two criteria. First, free surface energy reduction t the moment of local rupture of the liquid interlayer between particle and bubble. Second, displacement of the contact perimeter of three physical states of particle surface under the action of surface forces at their interface. It is found that physisorption conditions collectability of a flotation agent and recovery of a target mineral in concentrate. A physisorbed collector removes liquid from the particle-bubble interlayer. The definition of the physisorbed collector force is given and its essentiality is proved. The physisorbed collector force is effective at the gas-liquid interface rather than mineral-liquid interface, and is not selective. Selectivity of an agent is governed by the chemisorptions/physisorption activity ratio of a flotation agent.

Acoustic and thermal treatment of zeolite rocks of East Transbaikalia is discussed. The mineralogy and chemistry of the largest natural zeolite deposits in Transbaikalia are described. It is found that quality of zeolite can be affected by iron impurities, montmorillonite, hydromica, quartz, calcite, potash feldspar, crystobalite and pyroxene. The experimental data on efficiency of directional effects on zeolite rocks are presented. The zeolite rock processing technology is developed with regard to the previous research results on effects of accelerated electrons and high-power electromagnetic pulses. Modification of properties of minerals in composition of zeolite rocks is assessed. It is found that magnetic properties of iron-bearing impurities in zeolite change, which improves efficiency of removal of these impurities. The capability of the suggested methods to enhance adsorption capacity of East Transbaikalia natural zeolites within the processing flow charts is illustrated.

The authors test grinding of mining waste material to a preset grain size composition under stagewise increased destructive force and at reduced sliming. The optimized conditions are determined for disintegration of mineral and tin-bearing waste aggregates at minimized micro-size sliming. The quality of the final concentrates can be improved via mechanically activated grinding of roasting stage middlings.

The studies into optimization of rare-metal ore processing using the mineralogical and process characteristics of the ore and by means of controlled combination of ore pre-treatment and gravity separation are presented. Grindabilties of low-grade loparite ore and current production material are compared, general patterns of generation of productive class - 0.63 + 0.07 mm are found. Controlled grinding allows gravity separation of low-grade loparite ore at the level of performance of standard-grade crude ore processing. Regarding promising deposits of rare metals in Eastern Siberia, the authors analyze and select the optimal conditions of gravity separation in combination with spiral separation, table concentration, centrifugal concentration and high-power magnetic separation. The mixed-type gravity/magnetic separation technology with production of columbite and zirconium concentrates is developed.

This paper presents a part of the results from flotation concentration examination of pure chalcopyrite mineral from the deposit of the mine Rudnik in the frothless cell. The examinations were performed in seven series. In the first three series, the conditions under which the recovery of chalcopyrite from the Rudnik mine has the highest value were determined. The examinations was performed as a function of collector (KAX) consumption and pH. In the fourth and fifth series, the possibility of chalcopyrite depression as a function of depressant (NaCN) consumption, collector (KAX) consumption and pH was investigated. In the sixth and seventh series, the possibility of activating previously depressed chalcopyrite as a function of collector (KAX) consumption and pH was investigated.

The authors study the engineering geological characteristics and material constitution of loparite ore mill tailings in the active disposal area and in the dump decommissioned more than 30 years ago. The material constitutions and the contents of valuable components are nonunform in the test tailings. The content of light rare earth elements in fine fraction (- 0.071 mm) is 1.5-2 times higher than in the composite sample. Based on the calculated effective specific activity of natural radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K, the composite sample and the tailings fines belong in waste categories I and II, respectively.

Results of the experimental investigation of the filtration of natural waters and gel-forming solutions through sand under the conditions simulating the aeration zone in the area of ground storage facilities of the Siberian Chemical Combine (SCC). Model porous media from natural sand ground samples of the aeration zone in the area of SCC surface storage facilities in the first aquifer from the surface were used in the experiments. Sorption and plugging properties of anti-filtration gel barriers (screens) formed by various thermotropic gel-forming systems were evaluated. Low-viscosity gel-forming compositions were pumped into the model porous medium. They were transformed into gels directly in the porous medium according to the mechanism of hydroxopolycondensation of aluminium ions or phase transitions of the polymers with lower and upper critical dissolution temperatures with the formation of anti-filtration barriers. The anti-migration properties of anti-filtration gel screens on the migration path of polluted waters in the first aquifer from the surface were investigated. Solutions of cesium and strontium salts were used as simulators of radioactive contaminants. To enhance the anti-migration properties of the gel barriers, we used preliminary impregnation of the rock with a sodium tetraborate solution, as well as the introduction of potassium alum into the gel-forming compositions. It was established that the anti-filtration gel screen based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has also anti-migration properties. On the basis of the results of experimental studies, the PVA-based composition is recommended for making anti-filtration and anti-migration barriers on the migration path of contaminated water in the area of ground storage facilities of the SCC. It is reasonable to pump a portion of the solution of sodium tetraborate before and after injection of the composition.

Some examples of the technological developments implemented at the Experimental Chemical Plant of the Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry SB RAS, in collaboration with the Rosatom State Corporation, for application in various areas are considered. The technology for the synthesis of basic polyfluoroaromatic compounds (hexafluorobenzene, chloropentafluorobenzene and isomeric dichlorotetrafluorobenzenes) was developed. The key stage of the process is the substitution of chlorine atoms in hexachlorobenzene under the action of anhydrous potassium fluoride in an autoclave at 450-550 °C. The production of grand lots of a number of high-purity crown ethers was developed and optimized, which allowed their use in actual industrial processes for selective extraction of some metals. A commercially available biologically active preparation accelerating the growth, development and general stability of plants to diseases was created as a result of fundamental studies of triterpene compounds extracted from Siberian larch.

Advances in the scientific directions launched by A. A. Kovalsky, an outstanding expert in Physics and Physical Chemistry, participant of the works on the Atomic Project, the first Director of the Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion SB RAS are considered. The works aimed at the development and investigation of the properties of new types of energy materials and inhibitors of combustion proceed on the basis of the notions on the mechanisms of ignition and combustion formulated by A. A. Kovalsky. Aerosol studies that were initiated within the framework of the Atomic Project for protection from irradiation formed the basis for the development of aerosol-based method to protect forests and agricultural plants from pests. Works initiated by Kovalsky gave rise to new aerosol-related directions: methods and instruments for measuring the characteristics of aerosol particles are under development, methods are elaborated for the generation of aerosol with necessary particle sizes and concentrations for various applications including nanoaerosol pharmaceutical forms, chemical properties and biological effects of nanosized substances are under investigation. Perspectives for further progress in these areas are outlined.

The microsphere composites were prepared by covering microsphere glass-crystalline supports with as-synthesized crystalline zirconium molybdate (Mo/Zr = 1.7) and pre-synthesized microporous sodium zirconium silicates of hilairite and gaidonnayite structural types. Narrow fractions of coal fly ash cenospheres with (SiO₂/Al₂O₃)_wt of 2.7 and 3.0 were used as precursors of the supports. The composites were studied by means of SEM, EDX and PXRD. The efficiency for Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ removal from simulated wastewater was evaluated on the basis of parameters, such as the distribution coefficient K _d (for low Cs⁺/Sr²⁺ concentrations) and the maximum sorption capacity a _m (for high Cs⁺/Sr²⁺ concentrations) determined from the Langmuir sorption isotherms. It was established that the composites trap Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ with K _d of up to 10⁴ mL/g. The influence of zirconium molybdate and sodium zirconium silicate composition and structure on their sorption abilities was demonstrated. The proposed resource-saving approach to the preparation of composite sorbents along with their high sorption parameters favours their application for decontamination of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr bearing wastewater including aquatic environment and technological solutions.

The possibility of hydrothermal synthesis of Cs and Sr bearing framework aluminosilicates in the CsNO₃-NaOH-H₂O-(SiO₂-Al₂O₃)_glass and Sr(NO₃)₂-NaOH-H₂O-(SiO₂-Al₂O₃)_glass systems using coal fly ash cenospheres was studied as a low-temperature method to include the water-soluble forms of radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs и ⁹⁰Sr in a mineral-like form. The syntheses were carried out at temperatures in the range of 80-200 °С and autogenous pressure. Narrow fractions of cenospheres with the glass phase content of 90-95 mass % were used as aluminosilicate glass, and compounds of stable isotopes of Cs and Sr were used as imitators of radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs и ⁹⁰Sr. Based on the data obtained in the studies of solid products and post-synthetic solutions by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), it was established that the Cs bearing analcime-pollucite solid solutions (Na _n Cs_{1- n} )AlSi₂O₆∙ n H₂O are crystallized in the Cs-containing system at 120-150 °C with 98 % Cs⁺ removal from solution to the solid product. The Sr bearing phases of tobermorite and plagioclase structural types are formed in the Sr(NO₃)₂-NaOH-H₂O-(SiO₂-Al₂O₃)_glass system. In this case, the effectiveness of Sr²⁺ extraction from solution is not less than 99.99 %.

An overview of the research of the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS in the field of the use of catalytic processes to neutralise the mixed organic waste containing radionuclides is given. An ecologically friendly technology was proposed for ecologically safe neutralization of mixed organic wastes containing radionuclides U, Pu and fission products. This technology is based on flameless lot-temperature oxidation of the organic component of the waste in a fluidised bed of catalyst granules and the transition of radionuclides into the compact solid phase for subsequent processing or disposal. The technological scheme includes a catalytic reactor for waste oxidation and a flue gas purification system. The process was investigated on experimental installations during the catalytic combustion of model mixtures and real radioactive waste containing uranium formed in the production of fuel rods. Various regimes of catalytic combustion of mixed waste and gas purification processes were elaborated. Based on the research conducted, a technological scheme and a technical project of the demonstration plant for the treatment of mixed organic waste were developed. The plant was constructed and assembled at the JSC Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. For neutralization of the wastes of extractants containing radionuclides, oxidation in catalytically active melts was investigated. The effect of melt composition, oxygen concentration, load and temperature on process efficiency was studied. Optimal process parameters were determined. On the basis of these results, an experimental installation for processing real liquid organic wastes (worked out extractants) containing U and Pu radionuclides was designed and built at the Siberian Chemical Combine. Installation tests demonstrated the high efficiency of the oxidation of organic components of the wastes and complete absorption of phosphorus and radionuclides U, Pu by the melt.

The main directions of the depleted uranium compounds utilization, modern trends in the use of uranium oxides and complex compounds based on them in catalytic processes, and methods for producing uranium oxides are considered in the review. It is shown that oxygenated uranium compounds are promising in all areas of catalysis, including environmental protection processes, organic synthesis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, processes for the production of hydrogen and valuable chemical compounds. The achievements of the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS in the development of methods for the production of uranium oxides with different U/O ratios and uranium-containing catalysts for environmental protection and hydrogen production within the framework of the international program “Development of technology for the production of new effective catalysts based on raw materials from depleted uranium oxides” are described in detail. The review includes foreign and domestic publications from 1955 to 2021.

The effect of the salting-out agent, aluminium nitrate (Al(NO₃)₃), on the extraction properties of hexavalent uranyl and plutonyl nitrates (UO₂(NO₃)₂ and PuO₂(NO₃)₂) is studied. It is shown that in 4-8 М HNO₃ solutions (aqueous phase) with an increase in Al(NO₃)₃ concentration from 0.1 to 1 M, uranium distribution coefficient increases sharply during extraction in 30 % solution of tributyl phosphate (TBP) in a hydrocarbon solvent (organic phase). In the presence of aluminium nitrate, the distribution coefficient of Pu⁶⁺ increases most significantly in comparison with other valence forms of Pu. The efficiency of salting-out action increases with an increase in TBP concentration in the organic phase: in the presence of 0.1-2.0 М Al(NO₃)₃, the distribution coefficient of Pu⁶⁺ in a 30 % solution of TBP increases three times faster than in its 4.5 % solution. The efficiency of reductive stripping of hexavalent plutonium (Pu⁶⁺) by tetravalent uranium (U⁴⁺) increases in the presence of aluminium nitrate. In the presence of 1 M Al(NO₃)₃, the coefficient of PuO₂²⁺ distribution does not exceed 1.0 even at low concentrations of U(NO₃)₄ (50 g/L) and HNO₃ (0.5 M). The concentration of HNO₃ in the aqueous phase strongly affects the change in Pu⁶⁺ distribution coefficient. However, with an increase in the concentration of U(NO₃)₄ in the stripping solution, the rate of a decrease in the coefficient of Pu⁶⁺ distribution drops down. With an increase in U(NO₃)₄ concentration from 50 to 150 g/L, this parameter decreases by a factor of 2.6, and in more concentrated U(NO₃)₄ solutions (150-250 g/L) it decreases by a factor of 1.1.

An overview of the research carried out at the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS on the application of catalytic technologies to develop energy-efficient designs of high-temperature fuel cell (FC) batteries is provided. The catalysts for high-temperature combustion of methane and catalytic burners for efficient fuel combustion in the reformers of installations operating on fuel cells were developed. Internal reformers with active and durable catalytic coatings have been developed, allowing the formation of synthesis gas directly inside the battery of high-temperature molten carbonate and solid oxide FC, providing a compact and energy-efficient design of power plants.

One of the most complicated tasks in spent nuclear fuel reprocessing is the separation of rare earth elements (REE) from transplutonium elements (TPE). This is due to the proximity of the extraction and sorption properties of REE and TPE. One of the most efficient and industrially tested methods of separating REE from TPE is extraction with tributyl phosphate in the presence of complexones. The difficulty in developing an effective technology for REE separation from TPE is that these elements are capable to form many complex compounds both in the aqueous phase and in the extractant. Moreover, almost any change in the extraction system (pH, type of salting-out agent, concentration of the target component, etc .) leads to a change of the dominant reactions and significantly changes the distribution coefficients. These features of the behaviour of the elements under consideration have led to the fact that the effective development of the technology of REE and TPE separation is practically impossible without designing a multifactor computer model of the process The formal system of equations of chemical thermodynamics (CTD) is a convenient element for presenting and processing data during modeling such systems. Relying on this postulate, we have developed a new specialized numerical method for calculating the composition of equilibrium chemical systems through the iterative solution of the formal system of CTD equations. The developed program based on this numerical method was used to optimize the technology of extraction separation of REE and americium.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIB) are the nearest alternative to lithium ion batteries (LIB) for stationary energy storage devices. However, at the moment, SIB are inferior to LIB in energy density due to the lower efficiency of sodium-containing electrode materials, which encourages the emergence of new developments in this field. The review provides examples of some promising sodium-containing cathode materials obtained by mechanochemically assisted solid-state synthesis. It is shown that this approach is an energy- and eco-efficient method for the synthesis of single-phase, nanostructured cathode materials. An increase in their electron conductivity is achieved through surface modification with an electrically conductive carbon at the stage of synthesis. A complex of modern physicochemical methods was used to study their crystal and local structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties during cycling in both Na and Li electrochemical cells. The specific energy was compared with that of the known lithium-containing cathode materials.

Results of fundamental research carried out at the Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry SB RAS on the development of technologies for extracting lithium from both mining and hydromineral raw materials are presented. In the 50s of the last century, the Institute was the first in Russia to develop a technology for processing spodumene concentrate to obtain lithium compounds. In order to develop a technology for extracting lithium from hydromineral raw materials, the processes of lithium chloride intercalation into the crystal structure of aluminium hydroxide have been studied. It has been shown that the intercalation process is accelerated when disordered Al(OH)₃ is used. In order to create a technology for extracting lithium from brines, double compounds of aluminium and lithium were obtained using amorphous aluminium hydroxide. These compounds possess the ability to partially deintercalate lithium chloride when treated with water and to restore the composition again in lithium-containing salt media. This reversible process is the basis for the development of a selective sorbent for the sorption of lithium chloride from highly mineralized multicomponent brines.

The effect of electron-beam treatment with doses up to 450 kGy on the properties of triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) was studied. A linear dependence of the number of paramagnetic centres on the treatment dose and their stability upon heating have been revealed. It is shown that electron beam treatment leads to an increase in the interlayer distance in the crystal structure of TATB, causes a significant increase in its volatility and a decrease in the temperature of the onset of intense decomposition by 20 ^oС.

The matrix material based on NdAlO₃ was obtained by means of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of the NiAl intermetallic compound by diluting the mixture of Ni and Al components with Nd₂O₃-Al₂O₃ oxides. Nd₂O₃ was used as a simulator of actinoids in high-level radioactive wastes. The influence of the batch parameters of the initial components on the synthesis process was studied and optimal conditions for preparation were determined: the density of the system should not exceed 5.2 g/cm³ and the content of the included radioactive waste simulator should not exceed 40 mass %. The composition of the final product and its properties were studied using a complex of physicochemical methods. According to the data of XRD analysis, the maximum possible formation of the NdAlO₃ phase is observed for the sample containing 40 mass % Nd₂O₃-Al₂O₃, with the density of 5.15 g/cm³, obtained by pressing at a pressure of 30 MPa. The studies of the material characteristics have shown the simulator maximum leaching rate 2.66 · 10^-9 g/(cm² · day) . The limits of matrix characteristics variations were determined through the simulation of the storage of matrix material in geological formations by irradiation with neutron fluxes in a research reactor. For instance, a decrease in hydrolytic stability was 10-13 % and a decrease in compressive strength was 7 % on average. The general regularities of structural changes in the matrix material under the influence of ionizing radiation fluxes were considered. Insignificant destruction of the crystal structure was observed due to the appearance of various defects. The limiting value of the changes in sample volume was 4.3 %. However, the characteristics of the samples meet all the requirements to materials intended for the immobilization of radioactive waste.

Results of the works on the development of the technology of phloroglucinol production are presented. Phloroglucinol is a known multipurpose organic reactant that has gained wide and diverse applications, in particular as the starting compound for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene. A review of the known methods of phloroglucinol synthesis is presented. The method which is most promising from the standpoint of commercialization is studied. The method is based on the reduction of nitroaromatic precursors - 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene - to 1,3,5-triaminobenzene, followed by its hydrolysis. Alternate approaches to the synthesis of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene are proposed. The catalytic hydrogenation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene over palladium-containing catalysts was studied in detail, and the effect of various process parameters on the yield of the reaction product 1,3,5-triaminobenzene was determined. Hydrolysis of triaminobenzene to form phloroglucinol is considered.

The effectiveness of treating Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. seeds by biological preparations based on Trichoderma Pers. fungi to improve the quality of the seedlings was tested in small-plot experiments and by sowing on the industrial scale in two forest nurseries of Krasnoyarsk Krai. It was found that in the small-plot experiments, the treatment of pine seeds with biological preparations improved the safety of seedlings by 12.3 times ( T. harzianum ) and 16.4 times ( T. lignorum (Tode) Harz + T. harzianum ) as compared to the control. All the treatment options improved morphometric parameters of the seedlings to varying degrees. Sowing on the industrial scale in two forest nurseries of the Kazachinsky Forestry District also showed a positive effect of the influence of biological products in improving the quality of planting material. The application of the «Bunker» preparation before the storage of the Scots pine seeds in snow in the forest nursery near the village of Mokrushinskoe reduced the effectiveness of the biological preparations in the first year of research. The number of seedlings at the end of the growing season in the experimental and control variants did not differ significantly. In the second year of observations in the experimental variant two-year-old seedlings were characterized by the significant increase in their sizes (by 13 %), branching and length of the root system (by 30 %) as compared to the control. In the nursery near the Vodorezovo village, where fungicides were not used, the positive effect of the biological preparations on the morphometric parameters of one-year seedlings was evident already in the first year. The experimental seedlings had stronger trunks and developed root systems, including a greater total root length as compared to the control. Microbiological studies of the forest nursery soils in 2019-2020 showed that the number of Trichoderma fungi, introduced together with the pine seeds, remained quite high throughout the growing season in the experimental plot soil. The developed biological preparations based on native strains of Trichoderma fungi can be recommended for the application in artificial reforestation in order to improve the quality of forest planting material.

The results of a sowing experiment to assess the field germination of seeds, preservation and growth of seedlings of the Siberian larch Larix sibirica Ledeb., representing ecotypic (population) and form (individual) levels of intraspecific differentiation, are presented. The experiment was conducted for 4 years (2016-2019) at the experimental site of V. N. Sukachev Institute of Forest, Rus. Acad. Sci., Sib. Br., in Akademgorodok, the city of Krasnoyarsk for population and individual samples of the Siberian larch seeds from ecologically contrasting origins of Siberia - forest-swamp (Tomsk region), forest-steppe (Republic of Khakassia) and forest-tundra (Taimyr Dolgan-Nenets district of Krasnoyarsk territory). Field germination of seeds, dynamics of vertical annual growth of seedlings, their current and final safety were determined. It was found that the main features of intraspecific variability in the quality of the Siberian larch seeds appear in the first two years of the experiment. The Siberian larch seeds of different origin have different “strategy” of germination, determined by the habitat conditions of the parent stands. From the seeds of forest-tundra origin, single weakened seedlings were formed, which completely died in the first year of the experiment. Seeds of forest-swamp origin were characterized by a gradual increase in the number of seedlings and a higher safety of seedlings throughout the first year of growth, with a relatively smooth death over the following years. Seeds of forest-steppe origin in the first year of the experiment were characterized by accelerated germination and high initial growth of seedlings, but their final safety was low. Field seed germination, dynamics of seedling growth and their final preservation are characterized by significantly higher values in the typical form of the Siberian larch trees, compared with its intraspecific forms with features of cone morphology and habitus. The dynamics of growth and safety of seedlings correspond to the indicators of field and laboratory germination of seeds and their mass: the maximum values of these parameters were found in the origin of the Siberian larch from more optimal dry-steppe and forest-steppe ecotopes, as well as in the typical tree form.

On the example of three areas of protective Siberian stone pine Pinus sibirica Du Tour stands of Khakassia, the expediency of selective forest health felling is considered. Forest growing conditions on the plots are favorable for dark coniferous Siberian stone pine-fir forests. A distinctive feature of precutting and postcutting stands is their sparseness. As a result, exceptional (often more than 1 m) stem diameters were formed. Over the four years that have passed after the felling, the tendencies of the forest-forming process have become quite distinctly outlined, which actually made it possible to assess their consequences. On the basis of the data of full-scale survey - a continuous count of stumps and data from strip test plots - the inventory indicators of pre-cut and post-cut forest stands, the volume and marketability of the wood removed and left on the root were revealed. The absolute completeness was restored according to the measurement data of the stump diameters. It is shown that the transition from stump diameters to DBH is accompanied by systematic errors. To determine DBH, the dependences DBH = f ( d ₀) were formed on the basis of model Siberian stone pine and fir Abies Mill. trees. It has been established that an increase in core rot occurs synchronously with an increase in the diameter of the stem, therefore, trees of lower thickness steps are more likely to be classified as commercially valuable trees. During the allocation of cutting areas, the trees to be selected were not marked. Thus, the logger was given the opportunity to choose trees for felling. As a result, a targeted selection of commercially valuable stems was made; the half-timber and wood-logged sems partially remained intact, partially not removed from the plots or burned as felling remains. Such felling definitely does not correspond to the «forest health» category. It has been shown that the efficiency of performing soil-protective and water-protective functions by post-felling stands, even with a predicted conversion to meadows, remains comparable to the previous, pre-felling stands. At the same time, the Siberian stone pine stands are more valuable for forest animals. Hence, it follows that the undertaken action - forest health felling of the Siberian stone pine stands was inappropriate.

Green spaces of urban areas perform important environmental, sanitary, hygienic and aesthetic functions, forming a comfortable environment for the city population. In order to develop and update the optimal assortment of woody species for landscaping urbanized areas, this study identified the features of radial growth of a species widely used in planting greenery and landscaping: Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. The features of the radial growth of the stem wood of Scots pine, growing in the green spaces of the city of Krasnoyarsk under the influence of technogenic pollution (of various composition and intensity) and background, were determined. The objects of research were group plantings of trees in parks and ordinary (single-row) plantings along the city highways, exposed to the negative effects of atmospheric toxicants (CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂, benzo(a)pyrene, soot, fluoride compounds, etc.). The study was carried out using the standard dendrochronological method. It was revealed that the total impact of motor transport and industrial emissions had the most negative effect on the radial growth and stability of trees of this species. It was found that in single-row plantings along large highways, the lowest rate of radial growth of Scots pine trees was noted. A statistically significant (at p < 0.05) negative relationship between the width of annual rings and the degree of technogenic pollution of the territory (expressed in API₅) was confirmed. Based on the results obtained, preliminary recommendations were formulated for the use of Scots pine for landscaping in Krasnoyarsk, which may be of practical interest for specialists in the field of urban ecology and green construction.

Lichen-green-moss pine forests represented by Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris L. of the III-IV age classes were studied under conditions of various modes of aerial technogenic environmental pollution in the central part of the Kola Peninsula. It is established that the current trends in the formation of secondary pine forests in deforestation and burning in the background areas are due to natural processes and intra-population relationships. Aerial technogenic pollution of SO₂ with heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Co, etc.) is the main cause of damage, weakening and even destruction of pine forests. The first sign of deviation from the norm of the state of scots pine is the dechromation of needles. The area of the affected surface of the needles with chlorosis and necrosis can reach 75 % or more. Premature fall of damaged needles is the reason for the reduction of its life expectancy on trees to 2-3 years in the area of intensive pollution in comparison with 6-7 years in the background stands. Atmospheric pollution suppresses growth processes in Scotch pine: up to 40-70 % increase in the height of the central shoots and 30 % or more increase in diameter in comparison with undisturbed communities. Under the influence of pollutants, the vital structure of medium-aged pine forests of lichen-green moss significantly deteriorates. Currently observed improvement of the pine forests in the areas of industrial air pollution on the Kola Peninsula (reduction of damage to the needles and increase its lifespan in trees, the intensification of the growth processes, improving the living condition of individual trees and forest stands) indicate a positive response of Pinus sylvestris at reducing aerial technogenic load.