ABSTRACT Air pollution is a major global threat to health. The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of PM 2.5 in Mabopane, South Africa, and to identify the contribution of transported particulate pollution sources using backward air transport cluster analysis. PM 2.5 samples were collected for 24 h every 6 days from June 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023. PM 2.5 , soot, black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental concentrations were measured. The mean PM 2.5 and soot were 10 μg·m −3 and 1 × 10 −5 m −1 , respectively, exceeding the WHO annual limit but below the 24‐h SANAAQS. BC and OC levels were 0.9 and 1.0 μg·m −3 , respectively. Elements determined by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) included Ag, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sb, Si, Sr, Ti, U, V, and Zn, with Fe, S, K, Ca, and Si being the most abundant. PM 2.5 in Mabopane is influenced by local and transported sources, highlighting the need for stronger, coordinated air quality management and monitoring.

ABSTRACT This study investigates corrosion behavior in seven iron artifacts excavated from the late medieval stratified floodplain site of Kotul, western India. Using x‐ray fluorescence (XRF), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, we identify chloride‐induced corrosion and the formation of akaganeite (β‐FeOOH), a phase typically associated with marine environments. Sample LOT‐27 exhibits significant co‐localization of Cl, Pb, and Sn, suggesting micro‐galvanic interactions that destabilize corrosion layers. The mineralogical and textural diversity observed—ranging from acicular and flower‐like forms to plate‐like structures—confirms complex corrosion stratigraphy influenced by episodic wet–dry cycles and soil chemistry. XRD reveals hematite, magnetite, quartz, and calcite as dominant phases, while field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (FESEM‐EDS) highlights heterogeneous rust layering and environmental inclusions. The presence of akaganeite in inland contexts challenges conventional assumptions about its formation, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation protocols including chloride extraction and low‐humidity storage. These results contribute to a broader understanding of inland corrosion dynamics and preservation of archaeological iron.

ABSTRACT Iron (Fe) localization in Moringa oleifera was successfully demonstrated using Perl's Prussian blue staining method, clearly revealing its presence across different tissues. The spatial distribution of Fe was further characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), providing detailed insights at the microstructural level. Additionally, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) enabled the precise and quantitative measurement of elemental composition within the root, stem, and leaf tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to integrate histochemical, SEM, and EDAX approaches for Fe localization and quantification in M. oleifera . The findings highlight its immense potential as a sustainable, nutrient‐rich source for addressing dietary iron deficiencies and advancing biofortification strategies.

ABSTRACT X‐ray microtomography (microCT) is a promising tool for investigating microplastic (MP) contamination in soils, offering non‐destructive 3D visualization and quantitative analysis of particles embedded in complex matrices. This study evaluated its applicability by mixing plastic fragments (PET, PEHD, PS, and PP) with humus‐rich and sandy soils collected from environment. Scanning was performed using a Phoenix V|tome‐x M system, and image datasets were processed with segmentation and morphological filters to reduce artifacts. All fragments were successfully detected, and high‐resolution 3D models were reconstructed. MicroCT‐derived measurements of surface area and volume showed strong agreement with manual estimates ( R 2 = 0.96 and R 2 = 0.94, respectively). On average, segmentation produced 14 false positives per sample before post‐processing, with humus‐rich soils exhibiting ~5% higher error rates than sandy soils. Morphological descriptors (anisotropy, elongation, flatness) were systematically calculated, enabling shape‐based differentiation. And differences in gray‐level intensities among materials further indicated microCT's capacity for distinguishing polymer types. Overall, the study demonstrates that microCT can complement conventional methods by combining reliable quantitative data with morphological insights, strengthening its role in future assessments of MP contamination in soils.

ABSTRACT We developed an X‐ray diffraction technique to measure the three‐dimensional crystal distribution of samples. By using an energy‐dispersive detector and installing two straight X‐ray optics in quasi‐confocal arrangement, an X‐ray diffraction spectrum from a targeted microscopic region of the sample can be obtained while keeping the irradiation and detection angles of the X‐rays on the sample constant. Therefore, the three‐dimensional crystal distribution of a sample can be measured by scanning the quasi‐confocal (intersection) of two straight X‐ray optics. By enabling the sample stand and detector to be driven by a newly added coaxial stepping motor this time, the X‐ray irradiation angle and detected angle can be electrically controlled. Therefore, the appropriate measurement angle can be quickly controlled. Using an energy‐dispersive detector to measure X‐ray diffraction presents an advantage: unlike general X‐ray diffraction measurements, angle scanning is not required at each measurement point, and consequently, the measurement target range does not change. In this study, we demonstrated the developed technique using samples of muscovite film, Si powder, and Ni thin film, and evaluated the spatial resolution of our new technique.

ABSTRACT This study presents the results of a detailed archaeometric research on Early Bronze Age red‐slip wares and corrugated goblet wares from Tilbaşar (located on 12 km southeastern of Oğuzeli district of Gaziantep, Turkey). It was aimed to identify the production features of the samples by using multiple analysis techniques such as x‐ray diffraction (XRD), petrography, scanning electron microcopy/energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA). The chemical and mineral/phase contents of the ceramics were criticized taking into account the results achieved through the analytical analysis methods employed. The firing features (maximum temperature range, firing technique etc.) of the potsherds were evaluated considering the whole data. The raw materials of both groups are found to be calcareous (in general) which would suggested a local production (considering the geological formation of the region). The results indicated low firing temperatures (700°C–800°C) for the red‐slip wares and relatively higher temperatures (800°C–900°C) for the corrugated goblet wares. The whole analytical data proposed differences between these two ceramic groups in terms of the production technology. The results were also comparatively handled with the former studies on Bronze Age ceramics from Tilbaşar.

ABSTRACTIn this study, a method to analyze iron originating from heme using a combination of total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis and solid‐phase extraction is presented. In this method, heme in a sample solution was collected on a reverse‐phase solid‐phase extraction column filled with octadecyl bonded silica, and then the collected heme was eluted with an eluent. Finally, the dry residue of a 10 μL droplet of the eluate diluted with ultrapure water was measured by a portable TXRF spectrometer. The Fe Kα peak originating from heme was observed by using this combination, and the detection limit for heme was estimated to be about 1 μmol L−1.

ABSTRACTWe investigated the elemental distribution in the conductive polymers during electrical energization using a vacuum‐type confocal small‐area X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. Conductive polymers offer alternatives to inorganic conductors; however, understanding their behavior under electrical stress is crucial. This study employed depth profiling, 2D mapping, and line element analyses to examine the elemental movement within polymer matrixes and substrates. Experiments involved energizing conductive polymers on glass slides at 4 V for 4 h. Elemental analyses revealed significant changes in the elemental distribution, particularly in sulfur and calcium concentrations. Depth analyses showed an increased sulfur concentration, suggesting the movement or transformation of sulfur components. 2D mapping indicated increased calcium presence, likely from the glass substrate, suggesting migration owing to electrical current. A line analysis confirmed these dynamic changes, highlighting the potential mobility of sulfur groups and calcium ions. These findings provide insights into the elemental dynamics of conductive polymers under electrical field conditions, which are essential for understanding their stability and performance. This study contributes to the optimization of conductive polymer designs for reliable electronic devices.