Volume 21 Issue 3

With the ultimate goal of facilitating in situ phytostabilization and ecological restoration of mining sites rather than agricultural use, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of wood ash and peat on the physicochemical properties and nitrogen mineralization in copper-mine-affected soils. To this end, soil samples were collected from copper mine waste rock dumpsites and amended with wood ash, peat moss, and their mixture, at various rates. Various soil properties were determined at two incubation periods (day 0 and day 63). To reveal differences among soil amendments, a post hoc test with the Bonferroni correction, principal component analysis (PCA), PCA biplot, and Log2 fold change heat map analyses were applied. As a result, all soil properties, except the ammonium level at day 63, differed significantly for at least one type of amendment (P < 0.05). The overall effects of the treatments on physicochemical soil properties and nitrogen mineralization, as determined by PCA, indicated that wood ash had the greatest effect on pH and EC. In contrast, peat moss dominated nitrogen dynamics, as reflected by organic carbon and organic matter. The results of this study could be used to remediate mine-polluted, acidified, and nutrient-depleted soils.

The bending strength and compressive strength properties of wooden laminated elements reinforced with various materials were investigated in this study. Veneers with 9 layers were prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood, which is used extensively in Turkey. The veneers were glued with PVAc-D3 adhesive by placing support elements (PVC plastic mesh, fiberglass/PVC mesh, and aluminum wire mesh) between them. The density, bending strength perpendicular to the glueline and bending strength parallel to the glueline were determined in the specimens prepared in conformance with the TS 5497 EN 408 (1998) standards. All of the support materials increased the bending resistances of the specimens. The highest bending strength and compressive strength was obtained in the specimens reinforced with aluminum wire mesh, whereas, the lowest bending strength was obtained in the control specimens and the lowest compressive strength was obtained in the specimens reinforced with fiberglass/PVC mesh.