Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Research Articles

Effect of Soil Tillage Systems and Crop Seasonality on the Sediment Geochemical Properties Transferred into a Headwater: A Case of Study in Tobacco Plantation

ABSTRACT The global impacts of agricultural land conversion on soil erosion and pollution, particularly in tobacco cultivation areas, are well-recognized as significant contributors to soil degradation. These areas are identified as hotspots for environmental concerns due to practices that lead to increased erosion and pollution. From this perspective, this case of study explores fine sediment samples from two areas with tobacco cultivation under different tillage systems and seasonal variations, transport into a headwater, and evaluates, on a local scale: (1) the impact of tillage systems on the geochemical signature of sediments; (2) if whether crop seasonality affects these sediment geochemical signatures. The Conventional Ridge Tillage (CRT) system involves extensive soil exposure and machinery for soil management, while the Mulch Ridge Tillage (MRT) system prioritizes soil conservation and relies on herbicides for weed control. The analytical methodology used to assess the sample element characteristics was Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). It was applied on the twenty fine sediments (ten of harvest and ten of inter-harvest season of tobacco) to quantitatively assess their inorganic composition. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied on the EDXRF data to highlight the similarities and, thus, providing information to assess the complex data clustering patterns. As a result, the sediment compositions from the two studied soil systems are not similar. The PCA showed that the CRT sediments are characterized by the P, S, K, Ca, and Mn content, presenting a geochemical signature related to manure and fertilizer compared to the MRT, which is correlated with Al, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents, exhibiting a geochemical signature characterized by the natural soil composition. Therefore, the sediment geochemical signatures might be affected by two phases in the study area: a) tillage system characteristics and b) seasonal soil erosion. These findings underscore the importance of managing soil nutrients to mitigate soil pollution and nutrient exportation to aquatic systems. Moreover, the results emphasize the recommendations for sustainable agricultural practices in tobacco-growing areas to protect environmental quality.

Reversible Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Uranyl-Sensing Optode Film in Aqueous Streams: Color Transformation and Reusability.

A hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES)-based optode was designed for the preconcentration and determination of the UO22+ ion in aqueous media using spectroscopic techniques [energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and solid-state absorption]. The optode was developed by incorporation of HDES (tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide and decanoic acid in an equimolar ratio), tri-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, and 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol into a cellulose triacetate matrix. Characterization studies were carried out using different techniques to understand the roles of HDES as a plasticizer, UO22+ extractant, and Br-PADAP immobilizer. Uptake studies revealed that the optimal pH was 3 and sorption followed the type II adsorption isotherm. Uranium in the U-sorbed optode can be directly analyzed over a large concentration range of 0.021 × 10-3-2.1 × 10-3 Mol L-1 using EDXRF. The optode film exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.84 × 10-6-84 × 10-6 Mol L-1 for uranium, with a lowest limit of detection of 0.084 × 10-6 Mol L-1 by colorimetric analysis. This optode-based method was employed for seawater analysis for its UO22+ concentration without any matrix separation, and the concentration was found to be 1.30 ± 0.06 × 10-8 Mol L-1. The optode exhibited better selectivity for UO22+ in the presence of various cations including Sr2+ and Cs+ in an aqueous medium. Compared to other prevailing optical sensors, this optode performed better in terms of key factors like pH, equilibration time, reusability, and detection limit.

Development of δ-Bi2O3/Bi2SiO5 heterostructures based on biogenic silica for photocatalytic treatment from organic pollutants

ABSTRACT δ-Bi2O3/Bi2SiO5 heterostructural photocatalysts with different contents of bismuth in samples (X-Bi-Si, where X = 10–60% Bi2O3) were prepared by the facile sol–gel method using bismuth nitrate and biogenic silica from rice husk biomass as precursors. FT-IR, scanning electron microscope, XRD, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and UV–Vis methods were systematically used to characterize the as-obtained materials. The photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) in neutral aqueous solutions (pH (6.8)) under UV irradiation was studied to evaluate their photocatalytic activities. The phase composition, morphology, and photocatalytic activity of the samples depended on the content of bismuth oxide in the samples. The maximum degree of MO degradation was 45% for 50-Bi-Si samples containing photoactive δ-Bi2O3 and Bi2SiO5 phases.

Anatomy of the Painting: The Study of the Serbian Orthodox Icon from the Turn of the Seventeenth to the Eighteenth Century

The paper presents the results of the multi-analytical study of the painting on a panel from the icon collection of the Gallery of Matica srpska museum in Novi Sad, Serbia. It is part of the research aiming to set the methodology for the museum’s database on artistic materials and techniques present in the collection. Computer tomography (CT) scanning was used to understand the structure of the wooden panel support. Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IC) imaging, as well as visible (VIS) macro photography, were used to study the paint layer, both the original part and restoration treatments, as well as the coat of varnish. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the pigments, binders, and metal leaf, defining the artistic technique. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to disclose the stratigraphy and composition of layers in the artwork. The multi-analytical approach confirmed that protein-based binder, gilding, silver leaf, and traditional pigments were used. The data gathered from this research are important for studying the artistic materials and techniques in icon production and defining the methodology setting for the museum collection’s databases as the reference material.

Radiation shielding parameterizations of FeSO4, CuSO4, NiSO4 and ZnSO4 Compounds: using (XRF) technique & Monte Carlo FLUKA approach

The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for different sulphate compounds can be estimated by using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), also known as X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. The X-ray photons emitted have different energies depending on incident photon energy, atomic weight, and molecular structure of tested material. The excitation energy of the gamma rays source with 59.53 keV was obtained by using 241Am (40 µci). The (MAC) for sulphate compounds of a different element (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been calculated by measuring the intensity difference for kα in pure elements and their compounds. The determined results showed that the maximum value for (µm) was in FeSO4. These results are consistent with the theoretical value obtained by the XCOM software in addition to investigating the wide energy response of photon interaction with the introduced compounds using the FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation software. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of these compounds is numerically evaluated in the energy range 0.015-15 MeV using the FLAIR code. The computed (µm) is used to generate significant radiation protection factors such as the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-layer value (HVL), effective (Zeff), and equivalent (Zeq) atomic number. For studying the shielding effectiveness and efficiency, for fast and thermal neutron radiation, the removal cross-section ƩR was given.

Unexplored catalytic potency of a magnetic CoFe2O4/Ni-BDC MOF composite for the one-pot sustainable synthesis of 5-substituted 1-H tetrazoles

Within the domain of materials science and engineering, significant progress has led to the emergence of innovative materials based on magnetic MOFs, positioning them as promising candidates in the field of catalysis. This research aims to elaborate on the development of a finely tailored magnetic MOF composite; Ni-BDC (Nickel benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) microflakes which was synthesized through a straightforward in-situ solvothermal approach. Extensive investigations into the structural properties of the resultant hybrid composite were carried out using various characterization techniques encompassing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The developed material demonstrated remarkable efficiency in expediting the synthesis of a diverse array of pharmaceutically active 5-substituted 1H-tetrazole derivatives through a multicomponent coupling reaction involving substituted aldehydes, malononitrile, and sodium azide as key components. A noteworthy feature of this approach is its adherence to environmentally friendly reaction conditions, thus making it superior in comparison to previously established methodologies. Furthermore, a plausible mechanistic pathway has been proposed to elucidate the impressive performance of the developed catalytic system in the targeted reaction. It is anticipated that the current research will not only contribute to the purposeful designing of advanced magnetic MOF-based architectures but will also play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices in industrial processes, addressing pressing environmental and economic concerns.

Insights of the adsorption mechanism of Bemacid Red using coagulation-flocculation sludge: Optimisation using BBD-RSM and DFT calculations

This study optimized the adsorption parameters for removing Bemacid Red dye using biochar derived from coagulation-flocculation sludge. The biochar was comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray fluorescence, and point of zero charge determination. Adsorption experiments were conducted by varying the adsorbent dose, temperature, contact time, and initial dye concentration. A Box-Behnken design with response surface methodology was used to optimize the conditions. The experimental results closely matched the model predictions. The analysis of variance validated the model. The optimum conditions were 1.2 g. L−1, 45 °C, 40 min, and 80 mg. L−1 initial concentration, achieving 97.27 % removal efficiency. B3LYP/6-31G(d) quantum calculations supported the results. Global reactivity descriptors and local Fukui indices were calculated to elucidate adsorption mechanisms. This study highlights the effectiveness of low-cost coagulation sludge biochar for removing dyes from textile wastewater and provides a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption process through experimental and theoretical approaches.

Colouring mechanism and firing technology of White Porcelain from the Sui Dynasty (581-618) from the Xiangzhou Kiln, Anyang, China

The Xiangzhou kiln was one of the first significant kilns in China to fire white porcelain and as well as the earliest one to adopt the technique of Make-up clay. It plays a very important role in the history of Chinese ceramics. Here we utilize ten pieces of Sui (581-618) white porcelain from the Xiangzhou kiln as the research objects. The chemical composition, micro-morphology, firing temperature, firing atmosphere, micro-area composition and other characteristics of white porcelain glaze were tested by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS), optical microscope (OM), thermal dilatometer (TD), focused ion beam scanning electron microscope combined with X-ray energy spectrometer (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and spectrophotometer (UV-Vis-NIR). Finally, the firing technology and colouring mechanism of the Xiangzhou white porcelain are revealed. Our study demonstrates that the relatively high content of Fe2O3 and TiO2 in the white porcelain glaze of the Xiangzhou kiln results in a milky white glaze with a slight greenish tinge. The high content of CaO and K2O in the glaze and the almost entirely glass phase of glaze layer lead to the fine grain, good transparency and gloss. Most of the white porcelain of the Xiangzhou kiln is fired at high temperature under reducing atmosphere. The Xiangzhou kiln white porcelain glaze belongs to the crystalline glaze, glaze disorderly distribution of some calcium feldspar precipitation crystals and a very small amount of quartz, calcite residual crystals, glaze bubbles are larger, the distribution of relatively dispersed. The overall colour effect of the Xiangzhou kiln white porcelain results from the combined action of the chemical colour of the body and glaze, along with structural colour.

Profile of mineral nutrients and proteins in soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merrill): insights from 95 varieties cultivated in Brazil

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) stands out as a major source of protein meal for human and animal nutrition. Nevertheless, the increase in soybean yield has been accompanied by a reduction in protein content over the last few decades. In this study, we determined the profile of mineral nutrients and total protein in 95 soybean varieties broadly cultivated in Brazil, the world’s largest soybean producer and exporter, to identify a possible association between seed mineral and protein content. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) was employed to determine the concentration of macro, i.e., potassium (K), phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), and micronutrients, i.e., iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). The protein content of soybean seeds was evaluated using the Dumas method. The correlation and clustering between nutrients and proteins were determined using both univariate and multivariate non-parametric tests. Both protein and nutrient concentrations were not homogeneous across soybean seed varieties. It was also revealed that the higher the seed protein content, the higher the S, Mn, and Zn concentrations, whereas the opposite trend was observed for K and P. These results indicate an intricate association between S, Zn, Mn, and total protein content in soybean seeds.

Minimum Spanning Tree‐Based Clustering for Chemical Evaluation of Commercial Nail Polish Samples Using Spectroanalytical Data

ABSTRACTThis study discusses potential toxic elements detection in conventional nail polish, including Cr and Pb. The noteworthy results highlight well‐established potential risks of elevated Cr and Pb concentrations. These elements are not allowed in the European Union. Implementing the minimum spanning tree (MST) approach and the isolation forest algorithm effectively clustered samples. Forty‐five samples were analyzed, and four clusters were identified. Two presented six samples with high concentrations of Fe (Cluster 1 with four samples) and Cr and Pb (Cluster 2 with two samples). The other 39 samples presented low concentrations of the determined elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb). Cadmium, Zn, and Mn were not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Furthermore, integrating energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF) and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) enabled fast direct analysis of nail polish samples, streamlining a swift and reliable data acquisition process. This research underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and monitoring of potential health hazards associated with nail polish formulations, especially in regions with regulatory restrictions on certain elements.

Features of the iron determination in dust emissions of gas purification of electrometallurgical production

Features of the iron determination in dust emissions of gas purification at electrometallurgical facilities are considered. The elemental and phase compositions of dust emissions were determined using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Sample preparation conditions were optimized with allowance for the analytical methods used. The phase composition of dust emissions represented mainly by zincite, zinc ferrite, halite and sylvite was preliminary determined by X-ray phase analysis. Model mixtures were prepared and used to construct calibration dependences taking into account the results of diffractometric studies. A technique for rapid x-ray fluorescence determination of iron in dust emissions of gas purification has been developed. The methods for iron determination tested on real samples of dust emissions of electrometallurgical production demonstrated a satisfactory convergence of the results obtained by EDXRF (Sr = 1.3%) and ICP-AES (Sr = 2.6%).

The Iridescent Painting Palette of Michelino da Besozzo: First Results of Non-Invasive Diagnostic Analyses

This study concerns the characterization of the color palette of Michelino da Besozzo, one of the leading painters and illuminators of the Late Gothic period in Northern Italy. The artist’s relationship with the color blue was investigated by considering the recipe for lapis lazuli given by the artist to Giovanni Alcherio in Venice in 1410 and found in the medieval treatise of Jean Lebegue. The paper highlights this important evidence for the study of painting technique in the first half of the 15th century with an analytical and technical study of two paintings: The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine (Siena, Pinacoteca Nazionale, inv. 171) and The Madonna of the Rose Garden (Verona, Museo di Castelvecchio, inv. 173-1B359). These two case studies were approached through analyses carried out with non-invasive and portable techniques such as Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy and Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS). The results show a color palette based on ultramarine, azurite, verdigris or copper resinate; earths, cinnabar or vermillion; and lead white, yellow and red ochre and lac. These preliminary results made it possible to clarify certain aspects of the artist’s style and his painting technique and identify common elements between the two works of art.

Mineral and particle-size chemometric classification using handheld near-infrared instruments for soil in Northeast Brazil

The characterization of soil variations crucial for agriculture is challenging due to soil having different mineral composition and particle-size distribution. Traditional methods are costly and time-consuming for large-sized areas. Spectroscopic techniques coupled with chemometrics are alternative ways to overcome these drawbacks. Miniaturized near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometers provide fast, cost-effective spectra acquisition for assessing soil chemistry and distribution despite challenges like overlapped bands and reduced spectral range. This study presents a pattern recognition strategy to address these limitations, enhancing the use of handheld NIR instruments for soil analysis. The study analyzed 176 soil samples from 15 soil groups in the Northeast region of Brazil. First, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) were employed to characterize the samples, providing complementary vibrational and elemental information, respectively. Common Dimension Analysis (ComDim) identified links between ATR-FTIR and EDXRF data, aiding soil characterization. The Common Components (CCs) from ComDim were used in Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) clustering, resulting in five distinct classes based on their mineral composition. These classes showed significant differences in clay and sand contents. With the use of ComDim-PAM, samples were labeled for classification via Partial-least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) using NIR spectra (spectral range: 908–1676 nm) from two handheld instruments (Hand 1 and Hand 2). The SVM models outperformed the PLS-DA models, especially by including variable selection for Hand 1, with test accuracy exceeding 90%. These findings highlight the method's advantages for fast and cost-effective assessment, classification, and soil mapping based on their mineral and particle-size distribution.

Application of laboratory micro X-ray fluorescence devices for X-ray topography

It is demonstrated that high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence mapping devices based on a micro-focused beam are not restricted to high-speed analyses of element distributions or to the detection of different grains, twins and subgrains in crystalline materials but can also be used for the detection of dislocations in high-quality single crystals. Si single crystals with low dislocation densities were selected as model materials to visualize the position of dislocations by the spatially resolved measurement of Bragg-peak intensity fluctuations. These originate from the most distorted planes caused by the stress fields of dislocations. The results obtained by this approach are compared with laboratory-based Lang X-ray topographs. The presented methodology yields comparable results and it is of particular interest in the field of crystal growth, where fast chemical and microstructural characterization feedback loops are indispensable for short and efficient development times. The beam divergence was reduced via an aperture management system to facilitate the visualization of dislocations for virtually as-grown, non-polished and non-planar samples with a very pronounced surface profile.

Real-time chemostratigraphy at wellsite; removing drilling uncertainties

Real-time chemostratigraphy is a workflow deployed at wellsites to remove stratigraphic uncertainty and support drilling operations. This study presents the chemostratigraphic wellsite workflow which, during drilling operations, support either the placement of casing points (using predefined geochemical markers to target a depth above a specific stratigraphic feature) or aid geosteering. Geosteering is typically employed during the drilling of a horizontal well and is done to keep the drill within a certain zone or horizon to maximise production. Wellsite chemostratigraphy has been effectively deployed to wellsites within multiple basins around the globe and has recently been utilised in the Perth Basin. The wellsite workflow starts before the deployment, with offset wells analysed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy within a laboratory-based setting. This builds the correlative element-based framework and identifies the trends required to assist with either core placement, casing point, or geosteering. Samples are analysed by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence units (these data are then used to confirm the zone previously defined) and can be identified at wellsite using the onsite tool, the selected elements of which are those less likely to be affected by drilling mud contamination and loss of circulation material (LCM). However, during drilling operation, there may be instances where LCM must be added to the drilling muds, which may have an effect on the data quality for certain elements. With a dedicated ICP spectrometry elemental database behind the wellsite operation, machine learning tools may be employed to ‘repair’ correlation critical elements.

Application of handheld/portable spectroscopic tools to the identification, inner stratigraphy and mapping of archaeological metal artefacts

Field handheld/portable instrumentations, such as in-situ geochemical analyzers, have the potential to assist efficiently targeted geochemical archaeometry campaigns in detecting and quantifying specific elements. Non-destructive portable energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence and micro-destructive handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrumentation were utilized to investigate the elemental composition, internal stratigraphy by depth profiling and microscale compositional mapping of five copper and two iron alloy artefacts collected from various ancient graves in the Minervino Murge area, Apulia, Italy. The primary elements identified by both techniques included Cu, Sn and Pb in copper alloys, and Fe with minor amounts of Cu and Pb in iron alloys. Furthermore, the elements Al, Ca, Si, Mg, Na and K, mostly originated from soil contamination, and the trace elements Sb, Ni and Zn were detected. The satisfactory performance of both techniques was assessed by their capacity to provide reproducible elemental composition data. Finally, the depth profile and mapping achieved by LIBS contributed to understanding the metal processing and history of the objects studied, so confirming both techniques to be robust analytical tools in outdoor archaeology and archaeometry campaigns.

Fast, accessible and reliable method for elemental analysis of metals in solution by ED-XRF spectroscopy

The measurement of metals in solution is usually performed using inductive coupled plasma hyphenated techniques or atomic absorption. Although very sensitive and accurate, these analytical techniques are quite expensive and do not allow field measurements. The present work takes advantage of energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) ease-of-use features to determine the concentration of rare earth elements (Y, Pr, Nd, Eu) and others (S, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) in aqueous solutions, after appropriate sample treatment. The approach turned out to be a reliable and very convenient procedure for field analysis. The simplicity, speed and reliability of the methodology used combined with the possibility of simultaneous analysis and low cost of the method can be advantageous in industrial context. The approach relies on the suspension of the target solutions in a cellulose matrix that is further converted into a pellet for direct analysis. Calibration curves obtained by regression analysis at 5% significance are shown for a variety of elements (S, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Pr, Nd, Eu) with correlation coefficients between 0.9555 and 0.9980. Higher coefficients of variance were obtained for the calibration of S and Pr due to low sensitivity and the overlapping with the L lines of Nd, respectively. The performed calibrations were not affected by the presence of other analytes in the matrix. Results obtained showed that it is possible to use the proposed methodology to accurately quantify d and f block metals in aqueous solutions by ED-XRF after sequestering the chemical content into a cellulose powder matrix and further processing into a pellet.Graphical

Investigating the Characterization and Grindability Behaviour of Farin-lamba Cassiterite toward Effective Tin Oxide Production

Cassiterite has been an essential source of tin; its exploration and exploitation have become a priority worldwide. The effective beneficiation of cassiterite depends mainly on its grindability and effective liberation. The Modified Bond's grindability test is a method used to determine the work index, which is crucial in estimating the energy needed to grind an ore. This is crucial during mineral processing, as a slight deviation would affect the company's operating expenditure (OPEX). This study investigates the work index for Farin-Lamba cassiterite with reference to silica sand sourced from Igbokoda. The test ore (cassiterite) was analyzed using Energy Dispersed X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (ED-XRS), Petrographic Analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectrum (SEM-EDS) to understand their chemical and mineralogical characteristics in relation to their grindability. The test ore and the reference material (silica sand) underwent comminution using 500g of each to a 100% passing 500 μm array of sieves arranged in (√2) series from 500μm to 63μm onto an automatic sieve shaker. The chemical and mineralogical analysis revealed the presence of gangue such as SiO2 and Al2O3, which increases the energy needed during communition; further, the presence of rough and large grain size in the ore also increases the energy needed for communition. The results were subjected to Gaudin Schuman's equation to determine the ore's work index, which was 14.664 KWh/ton for the test ore, which is standard for cassiterite, which ranges from 10-15 kWh/ton. Further, the energy needed for comminution was calculated to be 33.7272 Kwh, providing valuable insights into the energy efficiency of the grinding process. The evaluation of the grindability of Farin-Lamba cassiterite in relation to the reference ore not only contributes toward understanding the ore processing dynamics but also provides information needed for the optimization of energy consumed during the process of tin oxide production.

Studies on the Authorship of Albumen Vintage Photographs: A Combined Experimental and Chemometric Approach.

The differences in albumen photographs from vintage photographic studios were identified by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results inspired the concept of finding common features characteristic of a given photographic studio. The obtained measurement data (i.e., positions of vibrational bands for characteristic groups of albumen and the mass contents of chosen elements) were analyzed chemometrically by employing the Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The PCA technique allowed us to reduce the number of relevant experimental parameters characterizing the unique features of the photographic objects. The two major components were able to distinguish the photographic objects in terms of their authorship and the time to produce a photograph. The method developed was examined for a selected group of photographs consisting of albumen prints from three Polish photographic ateliers. To validate ED-XRF measurements and, consequently, the chemometric findings, reference albumen photo samples were designed and prepared. The empirical functional relationships between the content of photochemically reduced silver particles on the photographic paper and several physicochemical factors, including time of exposure to UV light, AgNO3 concentration in a fixed bath, and concentrations of other additives, were proposed. These results can be used for the prediction of the experimental conditions under which the investigated photographs were developed.

ADSORPTION OF CATION DYE USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GOLDEN SHOWERSEED POD ( C ASSIA FISTULA)

This study investigated the use of Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) as an adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye in a batch system. The raw material was Carbonized at 600 oC for one hour to obtain a purely carbonized material; then impregnated with NaOH of 0.1M and allowed to stay for 24 hours to obtain the desired GS-AC activated carbon. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) elemental composition analysis. The effects of adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption process were studied in a batch system. The results revealed that, there was good enhancements in pores of the adsorbent GS-AC due to the chemical impregnation. The FTIR spectra showed the presence C-H, NH 2, C-O, and S=O functional groups indicating a favourable surface for adsorption. Batch studies indicated that, the methylene blue uptake decreased with increase in the GS-AC dosage. The amount of Methylene blue adsorbed onto GS-AC increased with time and subsequently remained constant at some point in time with maximum uptake at 500 mg/l. Thus, adsorption capacity of methylene blue increased with longer contact time, indicating a stronger interaction between the adsorbent and the dye. Based on the findings, Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) impregnated with NaOH can be used as an alternative and suitable material for cationic dye removal from liquid phase.