692.SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FROM SLAVIŠKO POLE, REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

Diatomaceous earth from Slaviško Polе, based on the results of mineralogical-petrographic and physico-chemical analyses, exhibits specific characteristics that could be utilized to meet particular industrial, construc-tion, and agricultural requirements. As a raw material predominantly composed of feldspars, K-feldspar of the micro-cline type, as well as Na-Ca plagioclases of albite-oligoclase type, several species of diatoms, and minor quantities of quartz, iron-bearing minerals, and other trace elements embedded within sedimentary layers, it demonstrates properties that align well with certain application demands. The material has been found to possess exceptionally favorable ther-mal insulation characteristics in compact segments, making it highly suitable for the construction industry, along with the potential for straightforward mechanical processing. Further investigations into its chemical and mineralogical composition, primary particle size distribution, and mechanical transformation potential have revealed parameters that strongly indicate possible applications in agriculture, including ecological pest control against insects and nematodes, soil conditioning and pH regulation, and passive soil decontamination. Additionally, its applicability in filtration pro-cesses for potable and waste water, as well as other fluids, has been identified.