This study investigates 49 gold solidi issued between the 4th and 5th century AD to determine their chemical composition. The coins were first catalogued by recording mass, diameter, and thickness. All specimens underwent non-destructive µ-EDXRF analysis to identify main elements, followed by semi-quantitative fineness evaluation. To validate these results, six coins were randomly micro-sampled: material was dissolved in aqua regia and analysed by ICP-AES for gold quantification and ICP-MS for high precision trace element determination. The non-destructive analyses showed consistently high gold percentages, confirming authenticity and the extensive use of this noble metal during the studied period. Two distinct groups were identified based on the XRF Pt/Pd ratio, suggesting the use of gold from different sources. Comparison of μ-EDXRF and ICP-AES gold contents shows no statistically significant differences; however, this apparent agreement should be interpreted cautiously, as it mainly reflects the limited resolving power of ICP-AES at very high gold concentrations rather than definitive evidence for the absence of surface-related effects. Trace elements analysis detected low concentrations of Cu, Sn, and Pb suggesting the use of alluvial gold for minting. The presence and correlation of terrigenous elements (Al, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Sr) indicate soil as the burial site.

ABSTRACT The study on the genesis and tectonic setting of the Cenozoic mafic dykes in the Jiaodong Peninsula provides key constraints for revealing the deep geodynamic processes of the eastern North China Craton. This study employed a comprehensive approach, encompassing detailed zircon U–Pb dating, zircon Hf isotope analysis, whole‐rock major and trace element analysis, and Sr‐Nd isotope analysis on the Cenozoic mafic dykes in the Jiaodong Peninsula. Geochronology studies indicate that mafic dykes in Jiaodong formed between 45 and 21 million years ago. The Cenozoic Jiaodong mafic dykes exhibit enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements and light rare earth elements, characterised by high ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) i ratios of 0.7098–0.7113 and low ε Nd ( t ) values of −18.8 to −17.6, indicating their source region as EM II‐type lithospheric mantle. These mafic dykes exhibit high Dy/Yb ratios (2.15–2.94), suggesting the magma formed by low degree of partial melting of amphibolite‐grade peridotite in the spinel‐garnet transition zone. The Cenozoic Jiaodong mafic dykes have Ba/Th ratios of 139–362 and Ba/La ratios of 22–33, indicating significant influence from subduction‐related fluid alteration on the mantle source region. Cenozoic mafic magmatic activity in the Jiaodong Peninsula is closely associated with the lithospheric extension and thinning triggered by the subduction and slab rollback of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate. This study confirms that the eastern North China Craton was tectonically active between 45 and 21 million years ago, with lithospheric thinning continuing into the early Cenozoic. This study presents new evidence on the timing and scope of the North China Craton's destruction and the multi‐phase subduction‐extension coupling mechanism.

Abstract This paper focuses on the ability of an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) or a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with wavelength and energy dispersive spectrometers (WDS and EDS) to use both these detectors for their standard-based quantitative X-ray analysis to yield precise and accurate compositions. This approach can be extremely useful to improve the analytical capabilities at the micron-scale, notably to: reduce the total analysis time,improve the precision and accuracy on minor and trace elements in beam sensitive materials,improve the accuracy by choosing WDS analysis for elements suffering from a poor peak-to-background ratio and low count rate on EDS (e.g., trace elements, light elements) or of a strong interference by EDS,permit the post-analysis quantification of an unsuspected element,enable a lifeline to salvage quantitative data after a WDS hardware failure or a change in the environment affecting one or more WDS (i.e., room temperature),or a combination of the above, and possibly more.First, we evaluate the reliability of EDS versus WDS data in geological samples on our EPMA and SEM instruments. A general silicate analysis setup is designed to prove that identical results can be obtained for major and minor elements down to ∼0.5 wt% in a variety of common rock-forming minerals. In the second step, the analysis of natural and synthetic glass by classical WDS-only EPMA analysis versus EDS on an SEM, the latter being appreciated for both its standard-based and standardless options. Finally, two real-case applications of combined EDS-WDS analysis are presented: (1) halogens and few minor to trace elements analysis in apatite, such as S, Ce, Si, Na, Fe, Mg, and Mn at low current and high resolution (≤ 10 nA, 2 to 10 μm beam size) and Ca and P analyzed by EDS, and (2) trace analysis of P-in-olivine (and other elements such as Cr and Al) at high current (≥ 200 nA) and focused beam with Si, Fe, Mg, and Mn by EDS.

Feedstock and transformation processes drive the valorization of agro-livestock waste for a circular agriculture.

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction and evidence of human impact history during the holocene in the SE Iberian Peninsula: Lipid biomarkers and trace elements in the San Juan de los terreros record.

Source and evolution of 4.0 – 3.9 Ga crust revealed by U-Pb, Lu-Hf and trace element analyses of xenocrystic zircon, Superior Province

ABSTRACT Globally, millions of people living on oceanic islands rely on freshwater lenses as their sole source of freshwater. These lenses are highly vulnerable to stressors such as sea-level rise from climate change, reduced recharge, and over-extraction, which can lead to saltwater intrusion. Although informed management and policy can help mitigate these risks, many countries with limited data and resources face monitoring and data collection challenges. In the Philippine archipelago, karst islands add further complexity to sustainable freshwater resource management. This study utilized a nimble methodology for assessing saltwater intrusion in settings where monitoring data and laboratory facilities are limited or non-existent, using hand-dug wells and hydrochemical analysis of select ions (chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, potassium) and trace elements (boron and total bromine) and chloride to bicarbonate ratios. This methodology was applied to Bantayan Island where saltwater intrusion is affected by tidal forcing and groundwater overexploitation. The analysis revealed saltwater intrusion in selected zones in the terrace and depositional physiographic provinces, but not in the bedrock province. Groundwater salinization in Bantayan Island is driven not only by coastal saltwater intrusion via upconing and overtopping along the shoreline but also by geologic features and climate-related factors affecting recharge and freshwater lens dynamics.

We present here the results and interpretation of the palynological and geochemical studies of the early to middle Eocene Dalbuing Formation of Arunachal Pradesh of the Eastern Himalayan region. Data of palynological organic matter, along with primary and trace element analysis, are taken into consideration for unveiling the palaeoenvironmental condition during the time of deposition of the rock unit. The palynological organic matter includes a relatively higher abundance of amorphous organic matter (AOM), followed by opaque and non-opaque phytoclasts, a smaller amount of palynomorphs, as well as lepidopteran wing scales. The AOM, palynomorph and phytoclast (APP) ternary diagram suggests proximal suboxic-anoxic shelf to marginal dysoxic-anoxic settings of deposition mostly in brackish water conditions. However, the average V/Cr, Ni/Co, U/Th, and Ce anomaly values of the studied sandstone and shale samples suggest an oxic palaeoredox condition. The palaeosalinity proxy Sr/Ba ratio infers the prevalence of brackish water conditions in the depositional basin. The [P] organic , [Ba] biogenic, and UCC normalised enrichment factor (EF) of redox-sensitive elemental palaeoproductivity proxies such as Ni, Cu and Zn indicate negative or low palaeoproductivity due to prevailing oxic palaeoredox conditions or less nutrient availability. The paleoclimate indicators, C-value [Σ (Fe + Mn + Cr + Ni + V + Co)/Σ (Ca + Mg + Sr + Ba + K + Na)], Sr/Cu and Sr/Ba ratios reveal a warm, humid palaeoclimate during the deposition of the lithounit.

Cr and Platinum-Group Elements (PGEs), critical metallic elements, are mainly hosted in mafic and ultramafic rocks, but determining these rocks’ mineralization age has long been challenging. Zircon, the primary geochronological mineral, is scarce and fine-grained in such rocks, hindering conventional separation techniques (heavy liquid separation, magnetic separation, manual hand-picking) with low efficiency, poor recovery, and significant sample bias. This study develops an integrated workflow: mixed acid leaching enrichment (120 °C), powder stirring for mount preparation, automated mineral identification, and in situ Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) dating. Validated on the Xiugugabu diabase in the western Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone (southern Tibet), the workflow yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 120.5 ± 3.3 Ma (MSWD = 0.13) and 120.5 ± 2.0 Ma (MSWD = 3.2) for two samples. Consistent with the published Yarlung–Tsangpo Suture Zone (YTSZ) diabase formation ages (130–110 Ma), these confirm the Xiugugabu diabase as an Early Cretaceous Neo–Te–thys oceanic lithosphere residual recording mid-stage spreading. The workflow overcomes traditional limitations: single-sample analytical cycles shorten from 30–50 to 10 days, fine–grained zircon recovery is 15x higher than manual picking, and U–Pb ages are stable. Suitable for large-scale mafic–ultramafic geochronological surveys, it can extend to in situ zircon Hf isotope and trace element analysis, offering multi-dimensional constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution.

In addition to its world-renowned W-Sn deposits, the Nanling region of South China also hosts several Cu-Pb-Zn polymetallic deposits that are genetically linked to the Mesozoic granodioritic plutons. In this study, we conducted in situ trace elemental and isotopic analyses on zircon and apatite along with whole-rock geochemical analysis to constrain the Cu-Pb-Zn ore formation. The granodiorites from the Baoshan, Tongshanling, and Shuikoushan deposits yielded zircon U-Pb ages of ca. 160 Ma, broadly coeval to the Cu-Pb-Zn mineralization. The average oxygen fugacity (fO2) for the granodiorites is ΔFMQ (logfO2 value relative to the fayalite-magnetite-quartz oxygen buffer) +0.74 (Baoshan), ΔFMQ +0.07 (Tongshanling), and ΔFMQ +1.67 (Shuikoushan), with the corresponding apatite Cl content of 0.36−0.46 wt%, 0.21−0.36 wt%, and 0.29−0.98 wt%, respectively. These fO2 and Cl values are higher than typical granite-related W-Sn mineralization (ΔFMQ −1.17, Cl = 0.01−0.48 wt%), and may have facilitated the Cu-Pb-Zn mineralization. Zircon Ce/Sm and Eu/Eu* ratios for the granodiorites, respectively, are 2.16−9.30 and 0.36−0.60 (Baoshan), 2.6−7.96 and 0.16−0.57 (Tongshanling), and 5.92−12.13 and 0.44−0.69 (Shuikoushan). This suggests that the Baoshan and Shuikoushan granodiorites may have undergone stronger amphibole fractionation than the Tongshanling granodiorite. This, in turn, implies that the granodiorites from Baoshan and Shuikoushan had higher water content than those from Tongshanling. The inferred “wetter” granodioritic magma at Baoshan and Shuikoushan may account for their larger deposit size than that of Tongshanling. Zircon grains of the granodiorites from Baoshan, Tongshanling, and Shuikoushan have εHf(t) values of −15.5 to −8.2, −16.9 to −8.2, and −10.6 to −7.4, while the apatite grains have εNd(t) values of −9.2 to −6.7, −8.8 to −6.0, and −8.7 to −4.2, respectively. The Nd-Hf isotopes are decoupled in the Baoshan and Tongshanling granodiorites, deviating from the terrestrial array. Thus, the Baoshan, Tongshanling, and Shuikoushan granodiorites were primarily derived from partial melting of the lower continental crust, while some melts from the subduction-metasomatized mantle were likely involved in the Baoshan and Tongshanling granodiorite formation. This may have led to the higher Cu/(Pb + Zn) ratio in the Baoshan and Tongshanling deposits. The formation of granodiorite-related Cu-Pb-Zn deposits in the Nanling region was likely associated with the Paleo-Pacific plate subduction and slab rollback in an extensional setting.

Abstract This study provides new evidence for a significant Neoproterozoic tectono‐thermal event in the southern Dharwar Craton, based on U‐Pb dating of rutile and monazite from metamorphic rocks of the Sargur Group. Trace element analysis of rutile in garnet‐bearing amphibolite, amphibolite, garnet‐bearing staurolite‐kyanite schist, and grunerite‐garnet schist suggests that their protoliths were primarily basaltic rocks, sediments with mafic component, pelitic sediments, and mixed sediments with both mafic and felsic components, respectively. Rutile U‐Pb ages of 625 ± 22 Ma (garnet‐bearing amphibolite), 752 ± 5.1 Ma (amphibolite), 836 ± 4 Ma to 663 ± 26 Ma (garnet‐bearing staurolite kyanite schist) and 860 ± 13 Ma (grunerite‐garnet schist), along with a monazite U‐Pb age of 789 ± 4.4 Ma (garnet‐bearing staurolite kyanite schist), record a significant Neoproterozoic (860‐625 Ma) tectono‐thermal event along the southern margin of the western Dharwar Craton. This event is most likely associated with aborted rift‐related alkaline magmatism along the northern margin of the Southern Granulite Terrane (SGT) and the southern margin of the Dharwar Craton. Given the lack of direct evidence for the assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent in the Dharwar Craton and SGT, this Neoproterozoic event is unlikely to be related to the breakup of Rodinia.

Trace element analysis of animal tissues has proven to be an effective tool for monitoring biotic health but such methods often rely on invasive sampling. Further, the within body distribution of trace elements, the ionome, -within many species remains poorly understood. Using samples from muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus; n = 14) culled in Dovrefjell, Norway, we analyzed essential (Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) and non-essential (As, Cd, Ba, Pb) trace element concentrations across eight tissues to map their internal distribution. We quantified concentrations via TQ-ICP-MS and used multivariate analyses (PCA, PERMANOVA) and correlation tests to assess whether wool can reliably reflect internal trace element concentrations, thus potentially serve as a non-invasive biomonitoring tool. While the selected elements were detectable across all tissues, each element showed distinct distribution patterns with low correlations between tissues. Generally, feces effectively eliminated most non-essential elements (As, Ba, Pb), while Cd accumulated in kidneys. Essential element patterns were more variable and inconsistent across individuals, likely influenced by physiological and demographic factors (age, sex, pregnancy status). Element concentrations in wool showed weak, but not statistically significant, correlations with those in internal tissues. Our findings - albeit based on a small sample-set - thus suggest that while wool may capture certain element profiles, it does not consistently mirror internal tissue concentrations. This highlights the continued need for multi-tissue approaches in ionomic profiling and emphasizes the importance of considering geographical-, population- and individual-level variability in trace element studies conducted in a wildlife health context. Further research is thus needed to fully validate wool as a reliable, standalone, non-invasive monitoring tool for wildlife health.

The Huangliangou Nb-Ta-Be deposit in the Baoshan Block of western Yunnan hosts two distinct generations of columbite–tantalite group minerals (CGMs) and tapiolite, which record the evolution of a highly fractionated rare metal pegmatite. To investigate the relationship between Huangliangou pegmatite differentiation and Nb-Ta mineralization, we conducted an integrated study combining petrography with mineral chemistry and geochronology. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) was used to determine the compositions of two CGMs and tapiolite. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of these Nb-Ta oxides yields weighted mean ages of 60.25 ± 0.75 Ma for CGM-1 and 59.4 ± 1.1 Ma for CGM-2, indicating their synchronous formation in the early Paleocene. LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis of muscovite reveals a trend of decreasing Nb/Ta and K/Rb ratios with increasing Cs content from two-mica to garnet-bearing pegmatites. This chemical evolution in muscovite parallels the mineralogical transition from magmatic CGM-1 to metasomatic CGM-2 and tapiolite, confirming that late-stage hydrothermal fluids were characterized by volatile enrichment and Ta accumulation. The textural and chemical evolution reflects a late-stage, fluid-assisted autometasomatism within a highly fractionated melt. These results identify the northern garnet-bearing pegmatite dikes as a high-priority target for Ta exploration and provide a chrono-lithological framework for prospecting Paleocene pegmatite-type Nb-Ta deposits in western Yunnan and comparable Tethyan settings.

Background/Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stenosis (AS) frequently coexist and share similar pathophysiological pathways, including inflammation, lipid deposition, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Trace elements are involved in cellular and physiological processes, playing regulatory and signaling roles. Their concentrations may be altered in various pathological conditions. The aim of our study was to compare trace metal concentrations in patients with severe aortic stenosis with and without coexisting coronary artery disease. Methods: In 53 patients (25 male, 47.2%, median age of 78 (75–81) years) with severe aortic stenosis, CAD coexistence and progression were analyzed based on the most recent coronary angiography report and history of revascularization. Blood samples for trace element analysis were collected prior to the implantation of the prosthesis, from the peripheral artery and by the pigtail catheter at the aortic root. Results: Twenty-six patients presented any degree of CAD, and were further differentiated into more advanced disease stages. The analysis found that patients with CAD had lower median concentrations of aluminum and calcium in the peripheral blood, and manganese and selenium in the aorta. Furthermore, in most advanced CAD patients, the concentration of magnesium, calcium, nickel, and copper in peripheral blood, along with chromium and selenium in aortic blood, was found to be lower compared to non-CAD patients. Lower selenium in aortic blood samples was predictive of an advanced stage of CAD. Conclusions: Patients with severe aortic stenosis and coexisting CAD present significantly lower blood concentrations of trace elements compared to those with the isolated disease.

Accurate analysis of trace elements in particulate matter (PM) emitted by brake systems critically depends on the filter selection and handling processes, which can significantly impact analytical results due to contamination and elemental interference from filter elemental composition. This study systematically evaluated two widely used filter types, EMFAB (borosilicate glass microfiber reinforced with PTFE) and Teflon (PTFE), for their suitability in the trace element determination of brake-wear PM10 collected using a tribometer set-up. A total of twenty-three PM10 samples were analyzed, encompassing two different friction materials, to thoroughly assess the performance and analytical implications of each filter type. Filters were tested for their chemical background, handling practicality and potential contamination risk through extensive elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, morphological characterization of both filter types was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to elucidate structural features affecting particle capture and subsequent analytical performance. Significant differences emerged between the two filters regarding elemental interferences: EMFAB filters exhibited substantial background contribution, particularly for alkali and alkaline earth metals (Ca, Na, Mg and K), complicating accurate quantification at trace levels. Conversely, Teflon filters demonstrated considerably lower background but required careful manipulation due to their structural fragility and the necessity to remove supporting rings, potentially introducing analytical variability. Statistical analysis confirmed that the filter material significantly affects elemental quantification, particularly when the collected PM10 mass is limited, highlighting the importance of careful filter selection and handling procedures. Recommendations for optimal analytical practices are provided to minimize contamination risks and enhance reliability in trace element analysis of PM10 emissions. These findings contribute to refining analytical methodologies essential for accurate environmental monitoring and regulatory assessments of vehicular non-exhaust emissions.

The Ediacara Biota—Earth’s earliest fossilized ecosystems of complex, macroscopic organisms—has played a key role in shaping understanding of the transition between the Precambrian and early Paleozoic radiations of animal diversity. The majority of Ediacara Biota Lagerstätten are exceptionally preserved in the distinctive Ediacara style as three-dimensional casts and molds in sandstones. However, the factors responsible for the fossilization of these soft-bodied organisms—in particular, for their preservation in compositionally immature sandstones and heterolithic strata—remain debated. In this study, we investigate the taphonomic importance of clay minerals in fostering Ediacara-style fossilization in classic Ediacara Biota fossil assemblages in Newfoundland and northwestern Canada. Using a combination of electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and major and trace element and lithium isotope analyses, we describe evidence for both detrital and early diagenetic clay minerals associated with these fossils. In particular, we document iron- and magnesium-rich clays, including chamosite and other chlorite-group minerals, which may reflect an authigenic precursor such as berthierine, a mineral that has also been implicated in other modes of exceptional preservation. Lithium isotope data corroborate the importance of detrital and marine authigenic clays in shaping the moldic preservation of these fossils. These results provide a broader view of potential drivers of the Ediacara-style fossil record and suggest that authigenic clay mineralization may have shaped multiple windows of exceptional fossilization across the Neoproterozoic−Paleozoic transition.

Background Climate change, the need for energy optimisation and higher efficiency have led to the adoption of the Paris Agreement as a response to the urge for action. The European Union has translated the aforementioned into an action framework via the Green Deal and the EU taxonomy regulation. These have initiated a series of research actions under the EU Horizon programme. Part of this research is based on carbon dioxide capture and geological storage, such as the Pilot Strategy, and hydrogen storage, such as the HyStorIES, both Horizon 2020 project. A focused hydrogeochemical survey as part of a larger mapping survey was conducted in West Macedonia to identify a potentially suitable location for geological reservoirs, gas sources and gas migration routes based on previous research. Gases investigated were hydrogen, helium, methane and carbon dioxide. The study involved isotopes to identify the source of gases and thus provide clues for generation and migration routes. Methods The investigation presented in this study deployed sequential spring and borehole water sampling for geochemical analysis of trace elements and gas analysis for hydrogen, helium, methane and carbon dioxide to identify and characterise gaseous geological reservoirs. The investigation extended into isotope studies for d 13C TDC, d 13C CH4, dD CH4, δD H20, δ 18Ο Η2Ο. Results The analysis provided evidence for the existence of helium, biogenic methane, carbon dioxide and traces of hydrogen that need to be further investigated for validation and better understanding of the gas generation and migration routes. Conclusions The data suggests the existence of helium, methane, carbon dioxide and validated trace concentrations of hydrogen from previous studies in the wider area. Isotopic analysis provides strong evidence for biotic generation of methane, whereas helium comes from a deeper source. This preliminary investigation indicates the existence of multiple gas generation and migration mechanisms and paves the way for further research.

Abstract This study evaluates geochemical variation in archaeological ceramics from three pre-Columbian sites in La Altagracia, Dominican Republic. We compare compositional variation of ceramics between a submerged site and two terrestrial sites using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) trace element analysis supplemented with thin section microscopy. Contrary to expectations, greater variation in trace element concentrations of the metals vanadium (V), copper (Cu), tantalum (Ta), zirconium (Zr), and uranium (U) exist between submerged and terrestrial sites in close geographic proximity to one another than between more distant terrestrial sites. Thin section analysis identified more void space in submerged than terrestrial samples but no major mineralogical differences. While precise mechanisms driving geochemical variation between sites remain unclear, post-depositional ion exchange between ceramics and the fluid in which they are submerged may have resulted in significant changes to their composition, reflected in discrepancy between ceramics from terrestrial and submerged contexts. Results of this research emphasize the need to consider post-depositional alteration in ceramic provenance studies, especially in submerged contexts.

This study presents new petrographic and geochemical data on mafic dikes intruding the Kıratlı ophiolite (İpekyolu–Van, Eastern Anatolia), a segment of the southeastern branch of the Neo-Tethys. The dikes are mainly represented by microgabbros and diabases, composed of plagioclase and pyroxene, and display alteration features such as chloritization and sericitization. Major and trace element analyses indicate basaltic compositions that can be divided into tholeiitic and alkaline groups. Tholeiitic samples show depleted rare earth element (REE) patterns, Nb depletion, and Th enrichment, consistent with a supra-subduction zone origin, whereas alkaline samples exhibit light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched signatures and within-plate affinities, reflecting low-degree partial melting and/or crustal contamination during extensional phases. Comparisons with other ophiolitic dike suites in Türkiye suggest that the Kıratlı dikes record polyphase magmatism related to both subduction and extension. These findings provide new insights into the tectono-magmatic evolution of the southeastern Anatolian Ophiolite Belt and highlight the complex interplay of mantle heterogeneity, fractional crystallization, and tectonic processes during the closure of the Neo-Tethys.

Comparative analysis of blood trace elements in Egyptian hemodialysis patients and their relatives in the same geographical area, is dialysis still guilty?