Dissolution Rates of Tremolite, and Possible Implications

Researchers continue to quantify facts related to different types of fibers implicated in asbestos-related disease.  A new article provides data on the dissolution process related to tremolite. It is Tamara Diedrich et al, An experimental study of tremolite dissolution rates as a function of pH and temperature: Implications for tremolite toxicity and its use in carbon storage,  10.1180/minmag.2014.078.6.12,  v. 78 no. 6 p. 1449-1464. The abstract explains:

Abstract

Steady-state tremolite dissolution rates, at far-from-equilibrium conditions, were measured as a function of aqueous silica and magnesium activity, pH from 1.9 to 6.7, and temperature from 25 to 150°C. Calcium is released from tremolite faster than either Mg or Si throughout most of the experiments even after these latter elements attained steady-state release rates. The preferential removal of Ca releases fine Mg-Si rich needle-like fibres from the tremolite, probably promoting its toxicity. In contrast, Mg was released in stoichiometric or near to stoichiometric proportion to Si once steady-state was attained. Measured steady-state tremolite dissolution rates based on Si release can be described using