X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Research Articles

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ СВОЙСТВ ГЛИНИСТОГО СЫРЬЯ МЕТОДАМИ ФИЗИКО-ХИМИЧЕСКОГО АНАЛИЗАиза

The article presents the results of the study of the properties of clay raw materials using modern methods of physico-chemical analysis: X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis. Two types of clay raw materials based on the color of the ceramic shard were considered: light-burning and red-burning clays. The studied clay raw materials contain a small amount of clay minerals and a high content of dusty particles, belong to moderately plastic and medium plastic clays and loams. X-ray spectral analysis allowed to determine the chemical quantitative composition of the main oxides of clay raw materials. Thermal analysis of natural clay raw materials, which have a polymineral composition, reveals exothermic and endothermic effects characteristic of the studied minerals – montmorillonite and kaolinite. According to the mineral composition, the clay raw materials of Central Yakutia are polymineral, with the main clay minerals being montmorillonite and kaolinite, and quartz, calcite, chlorite, minerals from the mica and feldspar groups, and mixed-layer minerals found as impurities. The low quality of the clay raw material suggests that further research should be conducted to improve the technological and physical-mechanical properties of ceramic products made from local clay raw material. In the design of raw material mixtures, local natural and man-made mineral raw materials can be used.

Gold-bearing quartz veins and associated rocks in the Wawa area, western Nigeria: Insights to their nature from field investigation, petrographic study, and geochemical analysis

This study focused on the Wawa area, a southern extension of the Zuru Schist Belt (ZSB) in Northwestern Nigeria. The ZSB is one of western Nigeria's broadest and least studied schist belts. Information about its full extent, petrological, and geochemical characteristics still needs to be improved. Preliminary field investigations have shown that the Wawa study area possibly hosts orogenic gold deposits. This study carried out field investigation, petrological study, and geochemical analysis to understand and characterize the tectonic setting and possible origin of gold mineralization in the area. In total, 40 rock samples were studied under the microscope and 72 samples were subjected to geochemical analysis, including X-ray fluorescence (for major and trace elements) and X-ray diffraction analyses. The field investigation revealed that the rocks in the area are mainly gneiss, migmatite, amphibolitic rocks, phyllites, granitoids, and intrusive rocks such as quartz veins and pegmatite veins. Gold mineralization is confined to the quartz veins in amphibolitic rocks, and micro veins of pyrite and chalcopyrite are apparent in the amphibolitic rocks as well. The petrological and mineralogical studies showed that quartz is dominant in the samples from the Wawa study area, together with feldspars, mica, and other accessory minerals. The XRF data showed that the rocks underlying the Wawa study area are highly enriched in silica; meanwhile, several trace elements exist in anomalous concentrations compared to the corresponding average elemental values in the upper continental crust and based on several other reports from western Nigeria. The underlying rocks in the study area are mostly peraluminous with few plotting as peralkaline. Gneisses in the area are orthogneisses. The amphibolitic rocks in the area show both tholeiitic and calc–alkaline affinity. The K2O/Al2O3 vs Na2O/Al2O3 discrimination plot suggested that gold-bearing fluids in the area are likely from igneous and sedimentary sources. Despite the new data/information contributed by this study, further geochemical studies within the ZSB are required to fully understand the evolution and origin of gold mineralization in the area.

Optimization and characterization of sustainable geopolymer mortars based on palygorskite clay, water glass, and sodium hydroxide

Abstract The synthesis of ambient-cured sustainable geopolymer mortars (GMs) was studied throughout this work. To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, new materials must be used in the production of sustainable concrete and mortars. Many types of binders are used in the synthesis of GM and concrete (GPC), especially clay minerals. These clay minerals are considered sources of alumina and silica in GM and concrete. The geopolymerization process relies on the alkaline solution activating the alumino-silicate to produce geopolymer gel products. The palygorskite (PA) clay mineral, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium silicates (Na2SiO3) were chosen as a binder (solid material) and alkaline activator solution to synthesize GM at ambient temperature. PA was thermally treated at 550, 650, 700, and 750°C, respectively, to convert into high-reactive PA (HRP) HRP550, HRP650, HRP700, and HRP750, respectively. The characteristics of PA clay, HRP powders, and HRP-based GM were evaluated using compressive strength (CS) testing, X-ray fluorescence analysis, carbon footprint analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) diffractograms, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The maximum CS of 25.1 MPa was acquired for geopolymer synthesis utilizing HRP700-based GM cured at 30°C for 28 days. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that HRP-based GM showed the presence of Si–O, Al–O, and O–C–O bonds stretching vibrations in the alumino-silicate network. The results showed that the CO2 emissions had a reduction in the HRP-based GM compared with the reference mix of ordinary Portland cement mortar (OPM). The percentage of reductions was 14.1, 13.7, 13.1, and 12.4 for HRP550, HRP650, HRP700, and HRP750, respectively, compared with the OPM mixture. SEM images/EDS analysis and XRD diffractograms confirmed the presence of sodium alumino-silicate hydrates, magnesium silicate hydrate, and calcium silicate hydrate gels with high quantities particularly in the HRP700-based GM than that in HRP550, HRP650, and HRP750, respectively. The results indicate the suitability of HRP calcined at 700°C (HRP700) in the synthesis of the GM.

Fast multispectral imaging analysis as phenotyping platform: Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on microalgae physiology

Several types of nanoparticles have been developed and explored in agricultural applications and their environmental impact evaluated. However, no such study was carried out using fully dispersible ultrasmall titanium dioxide nanoparticles (us-TiO2). Therefore, we investigate the effects of fully dispersible 2.5 nm large us-TiO2 nanoparticles on the cellular metabolism of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using multispectral imaging analysis as a platform for the evaluation of their physiological responses. Our results indicate that us-TiO2 modulates the microalgae cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner. X-ray fluorescence analysis showed that the us-TiO2 strongly interacts with the cells in relatively low and constant amounts in the range of 0.05 g·L−1 to 1.5 g·L−1. Most nanoparticles were found on the cell surface, surrounding the microalgae cells dispersed in TAP medium, indicating a low trend of internalization. We further applied multispectral imaging analyses toward fast phenotyping of the alterations in the cell's physiology. Furthermore, higher concentrations of us-TiO2 (~1 g·L−1) positively affect the microalgae photosynthetic activity and growth. Thus, our results indicated the capacity to detect variations in cell physiology and indicated a possible role of us-TiO2 in modulating positively microalgae photosynthesis and growth in a concentration-dependent way. The mechanisms controlling such responses must be further investigated.

Exploring elucidation of red dye mixtures on woolen historical textiles via non-destructive spectroscopic analysis and multivariate cluster analysis

One of the foremost challenges facing analysis of historical textiles is that the gold standard technique—high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)—is inherently destructive. This is especially problematic considering many historical textiles are exceptionally fragile, be it from age, poor care over time, etc. One proposed solution to this is the implementation of non-destructive, namely spectroscopic, techniques, such as diffuse reflectance (Fiber Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy, FORS). In this work, 204 well-provenanced red Norwich textiles were measured with FORS and analyzed to attempt to determine chromophore combinations used to dye the original textiles. To these ends, cluster analysis algorithms and spectroscopic domain knowledge were coupled with selective HPLC validation to assess overall ability of FORS to discern changes in chromophore combinations. It was found that the near infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum contained little meaningful information in multivariate space, while the VIS region, particularly 380–469 nm, showed a narrow visible region that was primarily responsible for clustering behavior that correlates with HPLC-validated samples. This indicates that FORS shows promise for discerning chromophores in textile swatches. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was used to confirm that the observed FORS spectral inflection point shift in the 600 nm region did not correlate with the presence or type of mordant used when dying these textiles. From this work, three main conclusions can be drawn: (1) FORS adequately identifies visual infon, which shows reasonable correlation to HPLC-validated dye recipes, warranting further investigation, and indicating utility for cois or use for those with visual impairments; (2) XRF analysis confirms that the ~ 600 nm inflection point shift and mordant are not correlated when measuring dyed textiles, unless mordant is present below analytical detection limits or not present at all; (3) many documented structural-to-spectral relationships established in the conservation literature are too weak in dyed textiles for statistical analysis and, by extension, expert spectral identification.

Preparation and Characterization of Calcium Hydroxide from Cockle Shell Waste via Sol-Gel Method: Effect of HCl Concentration

Continuous cockle shell dumping in open areas has become a global problem which generate major environmental issues. The conversion of the wastes into value-added products is highly desirable and economic. This work aimed to investigate the influence of sol-gel processing parameter on the properties of the synthesized calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). In this study, cockle shell waste was used as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precursor in the preparation of Ca(OH)2 via sol-gel method and the processing parameter varied was hydrochloric acid (HCl) concentration (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 M). The cockle shell based CaCO3 and the prepared Ca(OH)2 powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-Red (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX), X-ray fluorescent (XRF) and particle size analyzer (PSA). The XRD analysis indicates that the calcium carbonate obtained from cockle shell was mainly in the form of aragonite polymorph. Upon sol-gel processing, the analysis of the sample shows the presence of portlandite and small traces of aragonite in all samples suggesting an incomplete reaction of the hydrolysis process. Ca(OH)2 powder prepared using 1M HCl yields the smallest particle size.

Prospecting for rare earth element (hyper)accumulators in the Paris Herbarium using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy reveals new distributional and taxon discoveries.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly crucial for modern technologies. Plants could be used as a biogeochemical pathfinder and a tool to extract REEs from deposits. However, a paucity of information on suitable plants for these tasks exists. We aimed to discover new REE-(hyper)accumulating plant species by performing an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) survey at the Herbarium of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN, Paris, France). We selected specific families based on the likelihood of containing REE-hyperaccumulating species, using known taxa that accumulate REEs. A total of 4425 specimens, taken in the two main evolutionary lineages of extant vascular plants, were analysed, including the two fern families Blechnaceae (n = 561) and Gleicheniaceae (n = 1310), and the two flowering plant families Phytolaccaceae (n = 1137) and Juglandaceae (n = 1417). Yttrium (Y) was used as a proxy for REEs for methodological reasons, and a total of 268 specimens belonging to the genera Blechnopsis (n = 149), Dicranopteris (n = 75), Gleichenella (n = 32), Phytolacca (n = 6), Carya (n = 4), Juglans (n = 1) and Sticherus (n = 1) were identified with Y concentrations ranging from the limit of detection (LOD) >49 µg g-1 up to 1424 µg g-1. Subsequently, analysis of fragments of selected specimens by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed that this translated to up to 6423 µg total REEs g-1 in Dicranopteris linearis and up to 4278 µg total REEs g-1 in Blechnopsis orientalis which are among the highest values ever recorded for REE hyperaccumulation in plants. It also proved the validity of Y as an indicator for REEs in XRF analysis of herbarium specimens. The presence of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) was also studied by XRF in the selected specimens. Mn was detected in 1440 specimens ranging from the detection limit at 116 µg g-1 up to 3807 µg g-1 whilst Zn was detected in 345 specimens ranging from the detection limit at 77 µg g-1 up to 938 µg g-1. This study led to the discovery of REE accumulation in a range of plant species, substantially higher concentrations in species known to be REE hyperaccumulators, and records of REE hyperaccumulators outside of the well-studied populations in China.

Investigation of the chemical composition of the domestic apple tree fruits by x-ray fluorescence analysis

Introduction. Apple fruits are widely used in the food industry and as non-pharmacopoeial medicinal raw materials. The value of this plant is due to the presence of a large number of biologically active compounds, namely: phenols, flavonoids and tannins. Despite the abundance of information on the chemical composition of this raw material, the study of the elemental composition of apple fruits remains relevant for potential use in the treatment of element deficiency conditions. Objective: to study the content of chemical elements using X-ray fluorescence analysis in three different parts of apple fruits – in the exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp for four varieties, as well as to identify the nitrate content and measure acidity for these apple varieties. Material and methods. Apple tree fruits for research were harvested in the Moscow region. After preliminary ashing of the samples, the content of chemical elements was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis with a silicon drift detector. pH and nitrate ion concentrations were measured using an EXPERT-001 pH meter. Results. Using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA), the elemental composition of four varieties of domestic apple fruits was studied for various parts of the fruit. An increased content of lead was noted in the exocarp of apples of the Spartan variety. A study of the content of nitrate ions and pH was also carried out. Conclusion. The chemical composition of domestic apple fruits was studied using X-ray fluorescence. The content of chemical elements was different in different parts of the fruit. The lowest content of chemical elements was determined in the mesocarp of the fruit. It is also worth noting the high lead content in the exocarp of Spartan apples.

Evaluation of Technological Properties of Mortars with the Addition of Plaster Byproduct

The incorporation of waste into construction materials is a potential topic for study and is seen as a solution for many industries that face the following impasse: the risk to the environment due to the accumulation of waste in yards. In view of this, during the production of lactic acid, which is widely used in industries, gypsum is produced as a byproduct, yielding one ton for each ton of lactic acid. Aiming at a functional destination for this byproduct, this study proposes its addition in mortars for covering walls and ceilings. The research proposal was a mortar in a 1:6 ratio (cement:sand) with the addition of 0, 3, 6 and 10% of industrial plaster byproduct. The cement used to prepare the mortar was CPII-E32. To characterize the raw materials, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction analysis were carried out. To evaluate the properties in the fresh state, a consistency index and mass density and entrained air tests were carried out. In the hardened state, mass density, axial compression strength, flexural tensile strength and water absorption via capillarity were evaluated after 28 days of age. Microstructural characterization techniques were also carried out on the reference mixtures and with 3% addition of the byproduct gypsum, such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the byproduct is hemihydrate and its addition improved the workability of the mortar. Mortars with the addition of byproduct gypsum showed a reduction in mechanical resistance. The most satisfactory results were for the mixes with a 3% addition, indicating greater resistance to axial compression and flexural traction, with 3.90 MPa and 1.14 MPa, respectively.

Quantification of [99Tc]TcO4- in urine by means of anion-exchange chromatography–aerosol desolvation nebulization–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry

To sensitively determine 99Tc, a new method for internal quantification of its most common and stable species, [99Tc]TcO4-\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{O}}_{4}^{-}$$\\end{document}, was developed. Anion-exchange chromatography (IC) was coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and equipped with an aerosol desolvation system to provide enhanced detection power. Due to a lack of commercial Tc standards, an isotope dilution-like approach using a Ru spike and called isobaric dilution analysis (IBDA) was used for internal quantification of 99Tc. This approach required knowledge of the sensitivities of 99Ru and 99Tc in ICP-MS. The latter was determined using an in-house prepared standard manufactured from decayed medical 99mTc-generator eluates. This standard was cleaned and preconcentrated using extraction chromatography with TEVA resin and quantified via total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis. IC coupled to ICP-MS enabled to separate, detect and quantify [99Tc]TcO4-\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{O}}_{4}^{-}$$\\end{document} as most stable Tc species in complex environments, which was demonstrated in a proof of concept. We quantified this species in untreated and undiluted raw urine collected from a patient, who previously underwent scintigraphy with a 99mTc-tracer, and determined a concentration of 19.6 ± 0.5 ng L−1. The developed method has a high utility to characterize a range of Tc-based radiopharmaceuticals, to determine concentrations, purity, and degradation products in complex samples without the need to assess activity parameters of 99(m)Tc.Graphical

Mechanisms of Uptake and Translocation of Thallium in Brassica Vegetables: An X-ray Fluorescence Microspectroscopic Investigation.

Most nonoccupational human exposure to thallium (Tl) occurs via consumption of contaminated food crops. Brassica cultivars are common crops that can accumulate more than 500 μg Tl g-1. Knowledge of Tl uptake and translocation mechanisms in Brassica cultivars is fundamental to developing methods to inhibit Tl uptake or conversely for potential use in phytoremediation of polluted soils. Brassica cultivars (25 in total) were subjected to Tl dosing to screen for Tl accumulation. Seven high Tl-accumulating varieties were selected for follow-up Tl dosing experiments. The highest Tl accumulating Brassica cultivars were analyzed by synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence to investigate the Tl distribution and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) to unravel Tl chemical speciation. The cultivars exhibited different Tl tolerance and accumulation patterns with some reaching up to 8300 μg Tl g-1. The translocation factors for all the cultivars were >1 with Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale) having the highest translocation factor of 167. In this cultivar, Tl is preferentially localized in the venules toward the apex and along the foliar margins and in minute hot spots in the leaf blade. This study revealed through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis that highly Tl-enriched crystals occur in the stoma openings of the leaves. The finding is further validated by XANES spectra that show that Tl(I) dominates in the aqueous as well as in the solid form. The high accumulation of Tl in these Brassica crops has important implications for food safety and results of this study help to understand the mechanisms of Tl uptake and translocation in these crops.

Pyrolysis kinetics behavior and pyrolysate compositions analysis of agriculture waste toward the production of sustainable renewable fuel and chemicals

AbstractThis work deals with the characterization of feed, kinetic, and compositional study of sugarcane baggage (SCB) using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Py‐GC‐MS, and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. XRF analyzer was used to determine the mineral of ash content, and Py‐GC‐MS was employed to determine the hot vapor composition produced during fast pyrolysis. Cots‐Redfrem (CR) methods and master plots were utilized to determine the kinetic parameters. Studies on the physicochemical properties of SCB have demonstrated its potential for use as a bioenergy feedstock. The average activation energy was found to be 25.44 kJ mol−1 at (n = 1) and 31.21 kJ mol−1 at n ≠ 1 using the CR model. The master plot study suggested that pyrolysis occurred with various mechanisms, while kinetic results of SCB demonstrated that activation energy varied with conversion value. XRF examination revealed significant mineral materials that aided in the pyrolysis process. Finally, the introduction of ZSM‐5 at 20 wt % results increased hydrocarbons (~3 wt %), furfurelas (~4 wt %) and reduced the phenols (~15 wt %), acid (~9 wt %) and oxygnetaed compounds. The present study showed that introducing zeolite catalysts improved pyrolysis products' properties.

Rapid X-ray fluorescence analysis as a modern alternative to traditional spectral methods in geochemical prospecting

The purpose of the study is to present the research results of the capabilities of modern portable rapid X-ray fluorescence analyzers when solving problems of geological and geochemical prospecting. On example of the applied SciAps X200 analyzer, the metrological indicators for the analysis results by portable instruments have been studied. The accuracy assessment results of analytical studies according to state standard reference samples are shown. Reproducibility of the analysis results is calculated on the basis of samples from promising gold sites of the Bodaibo synclinorium. The method is proved to be of high precision, and measurement errors in many cases are many times lower than the permissible certified values. The reproducibility is shown as 0,5–20 % depending on the element, which in most cases is significantly lower than the methodology permits. The results of interlaboratory comparative tests confirming the comparability of the analytical results of stationary and portable X-ray fluorescence analyzers are presented. For a number of significant elements, the authors have substantiated the lack of need to refine the results of the field rapid X-ray fluorescence analysis using labor-intensive and expensive methods with acid decomposition - atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It has been proved that introduction of portable express equipment into geological prospecting works will make it possible to conduct real-time “on site” analytical studies.

X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of the Elemental Composition of Tungsten, Nickel and Copper

The purpose of this work was to conduct an X-ray fluorescence analysis of the elemental composition of tungsten, nickel and copper metal waste using an Olympus Delta portable spectrometer.Methods. To determine the chemical composition of raw materials, samples of metal waste in the form of copper rods, tungsten rods of various diameters and scraps of nickel plates intended for recycling were examined. To determine the elemental composition of metal waste, the method of X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA) was chosen. The X-ray fluorescence method is based on the ratio of the intensity of X-ray fluorescence to the concentration of elements in the sample. Samples irradiated with powerful X-ray tube radiation, in response, emit characteristic fluorescent radiation of atoms proportional to their concentration in the sample. This method allows us to qualitatively assess the elemental composition of complex samples without violating their physico-chemical properties with minimal time costs. The Olympus Delta spectrometer was used as an express analyzer of metals and alloys, with the help of which experimental data on the composition of metal waste of tungsten, nickel and copper were obtained.Results. Based on the conducted studies aimed at X-ray fluorescence analysis of the elemental composition of tungsten, nickel and copper metal waste using the Olympus Delta portable spectrometer, it was found that the samples of the studied metal waste correspond to the following grades of alloys: tungsten rod made of tungsten grade VA; nickel plate made of nickel grade PNK-0T1; copper rod made of copper grade M3r.Conclusion. The results obtained will allow further research on their processing by the method of electroerosive dispersion and reuse in the production of heavy tungsten alloys. Renovation of metal waste, including tungsten, nickel and copper metal waste, will contribute to resource conservation, import substitution and ensuring the technological sovereignty of the Russian Federation.

Phytomineral complexes as elements of functional nutrition to enhance the protective function of the lymphatic system in aging

Background: The problem of aging remains relevant in the modern world, with a notable connection between aging and nutrition. It is important to find a way to slow down aging. Integration lymphology with functional food theory (or phytodietics) is the most promising idea. Detection of lymphotropic properties in bioactive food ingredients will increase the lymphatic system activity in aging. Our task is to improve the protective status of lymph nodes by taking a phytomineral product in aging. Objective: The research purpose is to provide evidence of the use of a plant-mineral complex to activate the lymph system (lymph nodes) in aging. Participants in the experiment are 160 Wistar rats divided into groups of old and young animals. Half of the aging animals took an additional food plant-mineral complex "IQdetoxSORB". The basis of the food complex is physiologically acting substances such as flavonoids, trace elements, food fibers, and others.Methods: Different methods have been applied to study systems forming components of lymph nodes. The system of lymph node compartments was examined by a histological method. The liquid component of the organ is evaluated by a thermogravimetric method. Lymph node trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se) were determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis using synchrotron radiation (RFA SR). The StatPlus Pro license program and statistical analysis of dynamic series were used to process digital data.Results: We first presented data on the effect of functional nutrition on the lymphatic system and proved the lymphotropic properties of the plant-mineral complex. The bioactive ingredients of the complex (flavonoids, trace elements, food fibers) are useful and influence the lymphatic system, improving health in old age. The increase in lymphatic system activity occurs through the implementation of a lymphosanation mechanism due to the stimulating and protective effects of plant ingredients. Intake of the phytomineral complex accelerates lymph flow, modifies lymph node compartments, and restores trace element balance. The positive effect depends on the formation of an association of bioelements with lymphoid compartments. A plant-based diet corrects and increases the protective status of lymph nodes. The result is a slowdown in age-induced changes in peripheral lymphoid organs. Conclusion: As an element of functional nutrition, the plant-mineral complex contains bioactive ingredients - flavonoids, trace elements, and food fibers. These bioactive substances alter the existing status of the lymphatic system, increasing protective potential. Increased activity of the lymph system (lymph nodes) is an argument for slowing aging and preventing age-associated pathology. The information presented is the basis for recommending plant-mineral complexes for wellness programs of anti-aging.Keywords:lymphatic system; lymph nodes; compartments; trace elements; gerontology, phytotherapy, nutriciology.

Atmospheric Air Dust Concentration, Composition And Size Distribution Data At Breathing Heights In Yekaterinburg.

Accurate information on air quality serves as the foundation for making regulatory and legal decisions aimed at reducing air pollution. This study investigates the vertical distribution of dust particle concentration, their elemental composition, and size distribution in the atmospheric surface layer in Yekaterinburg. Over eight days in April 2021, 64 dust samples were collected on filters at heights ranging from 0.5 m to 10 m at a single site using a mobile post. The mass concentration of the dust, characterized by heterogeneous data with a coefficient of variation exceeding 30%, exhibited a weak tendency to decrease with height. The proportion of particles smaller than 1 µm decreased with increasing altitude, except for 10 m, where their proportion increased. Conversely, the concentration of p articles ranging from one to two microns decreased closer to the surface. Dust grains of other sizes were nearly evenly distributed at various heights. Dust particles smaller than PM2.5 accounted for approximately 45% of the total particles. X-ray fluorescence analysis identified 12 elements in dust particles, with S, Ca, and Fe showing the most substantial content. The proportion of most metals and Ca in solid particles decreased with height, while the content of S and As increased. The Cu, Zn, and Sb content in dust particles remained constant at all measured heights.

Synthesis of Zinc Nanoparticles by the Gas Condensation Method in a Non-Contact Crucible and Their Physical-Chemical Characterization.

This work explored the zinc nanoparticles obtained by the one-stage induction flow levitation method. A 10 kW tube generator with an operating frequency of 440 kHz was used. The process used 8 mm diameter zinc granules (2 g weight) with a purity of 99.9%. Zinc wire was fed to replace the evaporated metal from the granule surface. This method productivity was 30 g/h of nanoparticles. In addition, various methods were used to characterize the resulting nanoparticles: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), dynamic light scattering (DLS), porosimetry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The resulting nanoparticle size, determined by SEM and porosimetry, was 350 nm, while the size of the primary crystallites was 21 nm. The amount of impurities in the resulting nanoparticles did not exceed 1000 ppm.

X-ray computed microtomography: A non-invasive and time-efficient method for identifying and screening Roman copper-based coins

This study utilises X-ray Computed Micro-Tomography (μXCT) as a non-destructive and non-invasive method to recover the original surface features and reveal the characteristics of encrusted, illegible Roman copper-based coins before any physical cleaning process is performed. The coins were retrieved from the topsoil during an archaeological survey in the countryside of the ancient city of Aquileia, Italy, and were severely degraded, covered with accumulated matter and pronounced encrustations developed over centuries of aging buried in soil. Despite their condition, most of the coins were identified from a numismatic standpoint using tomographic data alone, with the aid of reference images. They were subsequently cleaned using traditional manual methods and the results compared with μXCT. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis of the coins after the physical cleaning confirmed their numismatic attribution and revealed information regarding the influence of different alloy compositions on the applicability of the μXCT method, as well as on the corrosion process of the coins.This study showcases how the application of μXCT on fragile corroded metal artifacts prior to any intrusive manual procedures can expedite the identification process, mitigating the risk of information loss caused by physical handling and cleaning. This approach proves particularly valuable when dealing with large numbers of coins that would typically require restoration for identification purposes. It also emphasises the numerous advantages of using μXCT for coin identification, provenance determination, dating, virtual restoration, digitisation, and long-term preservation.

Comparison of Different Methods for Evaluating Quantitative X-ray Fluorescence Data in Copper-Based Artefacts

Handheld X-ray Fluorescence devices (HH-XRF) have given archaeologists and conservators the opportunity to study a wide range of materials encountered in their work with great accessibility and flexibility. The investigation of copper-based artefacts is a frequent application of these instruments in the field of cultural heritage as it gives direct and rapid quantitative results that can provide very important information about them, such as their fabrication technology. This paper discusses the comparison of quantitative results, obtained by a commercial handheld XRF device “Bruker Tracer 5g” on certified standards, compositionally significant in copper-based alloys of interest in the field of cultural heritage. The measured elemental concentrations were derived using three different calibrations, which were examined for their accuracy. Two of them were based on the empirical coefficients approach, performed by the built-in calibration/software (copper alloy calibrations provided by Bruker manufacturer and the Bruker EasyCal software), while the third one was performed off-line by processing the spectra with an independent fundamental parameters (FP) software (PyMca version 5.9.2., a X-ray fluorescence analysis software developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility). The results highlight that although HH-XRF devices simplify data collection, for optimal quantitative results, the correct choice of analysis conditions and calibration method still requires a detailed understanding of the principles of X-ray spectrometry.

Study of chemical effects on L X-rays spectra of 59Pr compounds using high resolution WDXRF and EDXRF measurements

Chemical effects on L X-rays spectra of PrF3, PrCl3, PrBr3, Pr2O3, Pr6O11 and Pr2(SO4)3 compounds have been investigated from measured ILi/ILα (i = l and β6), ILj/ILβ1 (j = η, γ5 and γ1), ILk/ILγ1 (k = γ5 and η) intensity ratios using high resolution poly-chromatic WDXRF, and monochromatic excitation by 6.49 keV in vacuum (10−2 Torr) and Ag Kαβ (22.581 keV) X-rays photons in EDXRF spectrometers. The experimental results clearly exhibit significant variation in measured intensity ratios of L X-ray components of investigated compounds from pure elemental form and theoretically predicted values evaluated using different atomic parameters. Furthermore, the change in inner shell/subshells binding energy resulting from the transitions of outer shell/subshell electrons is also inferred from the shifts of order ∼0.1–0.70 eV in Ll, Lβ2 and Lγ1 components of PrF3, PrCl3, PrBr3, Pr2O3, Pr6O11 and Pr2(SO4)3 WDXRF spectra relative to pure 59Pr. The variation in intensity ratios and shift in Ll, Lβ2 and Lγ1 X-ray components of 59Pr compounds are attributed to crystal defects, structural effects and exchange interactions between core and valence electrons of different ligands attached to central 59Pr atom. The reliable experimental data would be helpful in the theoretical interpretation of standard reference data for inner-shell vacancy decay parameters used in X-ray fluorescence analysis of compound samples.