The city of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia has been labeled an “asthma hot spot” attributed to mining activity, prompting further investigation into toxic elements (Lee et al., 2006). Inhalation of nickel-bearing particles is a particular concern due to the presence of a nickel smelter 10km upwind of the city. The toxicological properties of nickel are well-documented, thus the primary objective is the characterization of phases identified as problematic in the lungs. To determine the smelter’s influence on nickel bioaccessibility in the soils throughout the city of Kalgoorlie, surface soil samples were taken from areas within the city and compared to soils near the smelter and outside the city, distant from the smelter. Soils were sieved to isolate the respirable fraction (<10um) potentially associated with lung disease and analyzed using a simulated lung fluid to determine the concentration of nickel soluble in the lungs. The soluble nickel represents the fraction that may be involved in allergic or asthmatic reactions, while the insoluble compounds may be of concern as some are carcinogenic. Further soil characterization was done using a six step sequential extraction and mineralogical analysis to identify nickel-bearing minerals. The influence of the smelter activity on nickel bioaccessibility in the soils within Kalgoorlie is low, but soils near the smelter host significantly higher nickel concentrations and higher bioaccessibility. Respiratory nickel bioaccessibility in soils ranges from 1 to 3% in and outside the city of Kalgoorlie, while the area surrounding the smelter increases to up to 6.8%. In each case, there is a direct correlation between bioaccessibility percent and percent nickel bound in the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions, but the simulated lung fluid dissolves more nickel in each sample than is present in these two fractions, potentially due to the presence of weak chelating agents in the solution. Respiratory bioaccessibility is low in Kalgoorlie soils because nickel occurs primarily in sulfides, with minor oxides and silicates, all relatively insoluble in lung fluid. However, the high concentrations of these compounds could be of concern, as they are potential carcinogens at high concentrations. Lee, Y.P., Cook, A., Thompson, P., Weinstein, P. 2006. Epidemiology. 17(6):283-284 / Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-07-07 10:29:10.129

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With the world’s increasing energy demand and the depletion of fossil fuels, there is a growing demand for the development of alternative and clean energy sources. Batteries and fuel cell technologies have been cited as next generation technologies to provide sustainable energy; however, these technologies are insufficient in supplying high power in short time periods that can be produced by oil as an energy source. In contrast, electrochemical capacitors possess fast charging/discharging capabilities with high power output. As a result, the use of electrochemical capacitors in commercial applications has generated strong interest. Examples of commercial applications include emergency back-up power, consumer electronics, and hybrid vehicles. Commercially available electrochemical capacitors are based on carbonaceous materials with high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and wettability which statically store the charges in pores. In contrast, pseudocapacitive materials, namely transition metals, utilize fast reversible faradaic reactions on the surface of the materials which allow for greater energy storage than carbonaceous materials. Currently, many research activities are being focused on pseudocapacitive materials in an effort to enhance their energy storage capabilities. This thesis presents research on a pseudocapacitive material: nickel hydroxide/oxide hybrid. Also, it identifies the hybrid material’s lack of conductivity which can negatively impact its capacitive performance. An addition of carbon supports is recommended to enhance the conductivity. There are two parts to this study. The first study addresses the synthesis of the nickel hybrid structures through solvothermal process and calcination. The materials are thoroughly analyzed through physical and electrochemical characterizations. The issue of using the hybrid material as pseudocapacitor electrodes are identified at this stage. The second part of the study addresses the effect of different carbon additives in the nickel hybrid material. Commonly known carbon additives are incorporated into the nickel hybrid material and analyzed through electrochemical characterization to distinguish the best carbon support for the nickel hydroxide/oxide.