Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Korbinian Heimler, Christine Gottschalk, Carla Vogt
Summary: Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence (CMXRF) spectroscopy is a valuable non-destructive technique for analyzing the elemental composition of samples. It uses mono- or polychromatic X-rays to excite atoms in the sample, resulting in the emission of fluorescence radiation that is detected with capillary optics. CMXRF has a depth-resolved analysis capability, making it useful for studying samples with inhomogeneous element distribution and a light matrix. It has applications in materials science, geology, biology, art, and archaeology, providing insights into the provenance, composition, and making of artifacts and works of art. Ongoing technical developments aim to increase sensitivity and improve quantification for three-dimensional samples, expanding the method's utility in various fields.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shiqi Dai, Fengshuai Sun, Lei Wang, Lanhao Wang, Rui Zhang, Han Guo, Yaowen Xing, Xiahui Gui
Summary: The presence of gallium and lithium in coal gangue has attracted attention, and their utilization remains a challenge. This study explores the potential of pre-enrichment and separation methods for effective utilization of these resources.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Nagayoshi Katsuta, Ayako Umemura, Sayuri Naito, Yuma Masuki, Yui Itayama, Masakazu Niwa, Sin-iti Sirono, Hidekazu Yoshida, Shin-ichi Kawakami
Summary: The study found that the intensity of Fe decreases with increasing grain size, but has a linear relationship with the composition of Fe2O3 if grain size remains constant. Experimental data agree well with theoretical curves, indicating that micro-beam XRF spectroscopy enables precise calibration for elements with narrow ranges of concentration and grain size. The theoretical curves for Lake Baikal sediment core show about a 30% maximum difference in Fe intensity within a specific grain size range.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Julie J. Kim, Florence T. Ling, Dan A. Plattenberger, Andres F. Clarens, Antonio Lanzirotti, Matthew Newville, Catherine A. Peters
Summary: The SMART mineral mapping approach developed in this study combines synchrotron-based machine learning, micro-scale XRF and XRD data analysis, and neural network techniques to accurately identify minerals in rock thin sections. The trained classifier was able to achieve a high accuracy rate in identifying minerals based solely on mu XRF data, demonstrating the efficiency and transferability of the SMART mapper in mineral mapping and characterization.
COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
H. Basafa, D. Agha-Aligol, Parastoo Masjedi Khak
Summary: This study investigates the elemental compositions of 18 metallic objects from the Bronze Age found at the Kalate Shoori site in northeastern Iran using micro-PIXE technique. The objects were categorized into two groups based on the analysis - copper-silver alloy objects and nearly pure copper objects. Surprisingly, no traces of tin were found in the composition, and impurities may have originated from raw materials, minerals, or surrounding soil. Analysis of trace elements indicated different mineral sources for the two groups of objects. Comparisons with similar samples from Altin Tepe, Turkmenistan suggest cultural and commercial exchanges between the regions.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Katherine Pinto Irish, Maggie-Anne Harvey, Hugh H. Harris, Mark G. M. Aarts, Cheong Xin Chan, Peter D. Erskine, Antony van der Ent
Summary: This review presents various techniques for studying selenium metabolism in plants, synthesizes the current knowledge in this field, and highlights future research directions.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
O. S. Philippova, A. Yu Dmitriev, T. J. Tsarevskaya, S. O. Dmitrieva
Summary: A study was conducted on the unique pre-Mongolian 12th century wall paintings from the St. George Cathedral in Veliky Novgorod, Russia. Seven complementary methods were used to investigate the pigments, plasters, and technique of the paintings, as well as to determine the presumable original view of the painting. The research provides valuable insights into the creation and preservation of church murals during that period.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ryosuke Kondo, Takuma Yamato, Alvaro Munoz-Noval, Sadao Honda, Yoshinori Nishiwaki, Kenji Komaguchi, Shinjiro Hayakawa
Summary: This study utilized micro X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (mu XRF-CT) to achieve three-dimensional imaging of trace elements in a single hair strand. Experimental determination of trace element concentration and observation of longitudinal changes were carried out successfully. Cross-sectional distribution of Br, Zn, Fe, and Cu were obtained and changes in distribution forms were also observed.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alessia Coccato, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Roberta Occhipinti, Paolo Mazzoleni, Alessandro D'Alessio, Alfonsina Russo, Germana Barone
Summary: The study focused on fragments and micro-fragments of painted plasters from the Sphinx Room in Rome, Italy, analyzing their composition through Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy, as well as micro-Raman spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. The research aimed to study elemental distribution, compare results with previous non-destructive analyses, and examine the contact between plaster and paint in the painted plaster's stratigraphy.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhaojun Liu, Wenzhong Xu, Yongjian Zhang, Yingying Wang, Jinwei Li
Summary: This study analyzed the chemical compositions of mural paintings in the tomb of a prime minister from the Tang dynasty. The results revealed the pigments used and the painting technique, with the use of a rare mineral pigment, vanadinite, for the yellow color. The findings contribute to our understanding of ancient Chinese painting techniques and pigment usage.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dongling Li, Wenyi Cai, Zongxin Liu, Xuejing Shen, Haizhou Wang, Guoliang Zhu, Da Shu
Summary: This study applied micro beam X-ray fluorescence (mu-XRF) to characterize the distribution of elements in the dendrite structure of IN718 superalloy for the first time. Results showed that the elemental distribution in the dendrite structure was inhomogeneous, with higher content of Nb, Mo, and Ti compared to Fe, Cr, and Ni. Large precipitates containing Nb and Ti elements were found in the inter-dendritic zone.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuefan Zhou, Dongling Li, Qingqing Zhou, Fan Jiang, Yan Song, Wanying Liang, Mingbo Liu, Xuejing Shen, Haizhou Wang
Summary: Inconel 718 (IN718) nickel-based superalloy is widely used in aerospace and nuclear applications due to its excellent mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and hot corrosion resistance. This study uses micro-beam X-ray fluorescence (mu-XRF) to quantitatively characterize the element micro-segregation in IN718 superalloy and found that the segregation degree of Nb and Ti is larger than other alloying elements. The correlation between the microstructure distribution and the segregation degree of Nb and Ti has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS).
Article
Energy & Fuels
Patrick Kin Man Tung, Amalia Yunita Halim, Huixin Wang, Anne Rich, Christopher Marjo, Klaus Regenauer-Lieb
Summary: Quantitative characterisation through mineral liberation analysis is essential in minerals processing. The combination of X-ray microcomputed tomography and micro-X-ray fluorescence offers a new opportunity for robust 3D mineral liberation analysis.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marija Nedeljkovic, Nikola Tosic, Patrick Holthuizen, Fernando Franca de Mendonca Filho, Oguzhan Copuroglu, Erik Schlangen, Sonja Fennis
Summary: The utilization of locally available concrete waste for producing recycled concrete aggregates is recognized as one of the most sustainable ways of satisfying the growing demand for concrete production. However, the quality of concrete waste depends on its origin and it may significantly differ from one concrete structure to another. A new non-destructive method using handheld X-ray fluorescence (hXRF) analyser for determining the cement and aggregate type in hardened concrete is presented in this paper. The method was tested on different raw powders and concrete samples and validated using desktop XRF and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. The results showed that the curing of concrete and the moisture on the surface can affect the measurement results.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Michael Iro, Dieter Ingerle, Martin Radtke, Ana Guilherme Buzanich, Peter Kregsamer, Christina Streli
Summary: The use of polycapillary optics in confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis enables the non-destructive 3D investigation of the elemental composition of samples. This study investigates the transmission properties of polycapillary half lenses and their importance in quantitative interpretation of CMXRF measurements. The results show good agreement between experimental and theoretical values, as well as analysis of fabrication errors and focal spot size.
JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jared W. Castle, Danielle M. Butzbach, G. Stewart Walker, Claire E. Lenehan, Frank Reith, Samuel P. Costello, K. Paul Kirkbride
Summary: A systematic study was conducted on the degradation of ziprasidone in simulated postmortem blood, and several potential degradation products were identified. This study provides important insights into the degradation mechanism of ziprasidone.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jared W. Castle, Danielle M. Butzbach, G. Stewart Walker, Claire E. Lenehan, Frank Reith, Samuel P. Costello, K. Paul Kirkbride
Summary: Recent research found that lurasidone degrades in unpreserved ante-mortem human whole blood inoculated with microorganisms, similar to the degradation rate of risperidone. The degradation products formed were identified using mass spectrometry, and some previously unreported degradation products were detected. The major degradation product identified was N-debenzisothiazole-lurasidone, which was also found in postmortem blood specimens. This finding has led to the addition of this degradation product in the drug screen to indicate lurasidone degradation in postmortem cases.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Gregor Meyer, Michael J. Bell, Peter M. Kopittke, Enzo Lombi, Casey L. Doolette, Gianluca Brunetti, Wantana Klysubun, Chelsea K. Janke
Summary: In order to improve crop nutrition, phosphorus (P) fertiliser is increasingly being applied in concentrated bands. Although information is available regarding the sequence of reactions that occur within the band itself, comparatively little is known regarding the reactions controlling P diffusion and availability further away from fertiliser bands. The present study used two contrasting soils in an incubation experiment to investigate the impact of soil characteristics, form of P fertiliser, and the co-application of potassium (K) on changes in P speciation and availability up to 40 mm away from the fertosphere (i.e., volume of soil which includes the fertiliser band and the fertiliser-enriched soil immediately adjacent band).
Article
Plant Sciences
Zi-Wen Ren, Meng Yang, Brigid A. McKenna, Xing-Ming Lian, Fang-Jie Zhao, Peter M. Kopittke, Enzo Lombi, Peng Wang
Summary: The concentration, chemical speciation, and spatial distribution of essential and toxic mineral elements in cereal seeds have significant implications for human health. X-ray fluorescence microscopy (mu-XRF) is used to identify genes responsible for element uptake, translocation, and storage, and an ImageJ-based pipeline is developed for spatial distribution analysis. This method is applied in rice seeds and diverse rice accessions, identifying loci and mutants associated with the spatial distribution of elements and providing a basis for investigating the genetics and molecular mechanisms controlling mineral elements in plant seeds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic techniques in investigating the geochemistry of vanadium in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is primarily hosted by phyllosilicate-III and is strongly associated with potassium-rich clay minerals. The findings suggest that differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments may not be possible, which has implications for vanadium isotope system studies.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahmoud Khedher, John Awad, Erica Donner, Barbara Drigo, Rolando Fabris, Martin Harris, Kalan Braun, Christopher W. K. Chow
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using the Flocculation Index (FI) as a control parameter to optimize turbidity removal. The results indicate that the FI can be used as an alternative parameter for optimizing the coagulation process.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengdong Han, Alan Levett, Mansour Edraki, Michael W. M. Jones, Daryl Howard, Gordon Southam
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biogeochemical influences on tungsten mobilization in wolframite tailings through a high-resolution depth profile analysis. It was found that several indigenous bacteria associated with iron and sulfur were highly correlated with tungsten, arsenic, and rare earth elements in the tailings. The weathering of wolframite was accelerated by the biooxidation of metal sulfides, which resulted in the mobilization of tungsten species. The study also highlighted the potential economic value of reprocessing tungsten waste for valuable metal recovery.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jowenna X. F. Sim, Barbara Drigo, Casey L. Doolette, Sotirios Vasileiadis, Erica Donner, Dimitrios G. Karpouzas, Enzo Lombi
Summary: Pesticides, such as fipronil, propyzamide, and flutriafol, have long lasting effects on non-target microorganisms. These pesticides affect soil microbial community structure, enzymatic activities, and abundance of key functional genes. Although the microbial community can recover from the pesticide effects, the persistent inhibitory effects on soil enzymatic activities indicate the lack of functional recovery.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Felicia J. Haase, Colton J. Vessey, Ryo Sekine, David Welsh, Jessica Hamilton, Yun Wang, Jessica White, Donald E. Canfield, Enzo Lombi, William W. Bennett
Summary: This article presents the geochemistry of vanadium (V) in low-oxygen marine environments and its interactions with reduced iron minerals such as green rust. The study finds that carbonate green rust can efficiently remove V from seawater under anoxic conditions, and V-rich green rust oxidizes to lepidocrocite in the presence of aerated seawater. The work provides further insights into V cycling and removal mechanisms in both modern and ancient marine systems.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengdong Han, Alan Levett, Mansour Edraki, Michael W. M. Jones, Daryl Howard, Gordon Southam
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using biogeochemical reprocessing for the decontamination of tungsten tailings and the recovery of valuable metals. It was found that while early-stage dissolution of tungsten minerals can occur, the formation of secondary tungsten minerals limits tungsten dissolution.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Esmat Ebadati, Eliza Switalska, Enzo Lombi, Stephen C. Warren-Smith, Drew Evans
Summary: Soil nutrients are essential for plant growth, but their availability can be influenced by soil pH. This review focuses on the development of polymer materials for in-ground pH sensing and discusses the importance of pH in nutrient availability and toxicity control.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Archaeology
Daniel E. Pierce, Rachel S. Popelka-Filcoff
Summary: This article investigates the use of ochre in the United States and examines the differences in ochre samples from different regions through geochemical analysis. The results show distinct compositional differences between ochre samples from the St. Louis region and Verkamp Rockshelter, while ochre samples from the Meramec River Valley are somewhat similar to artifacts from Verkamp Rockshelter, suggesting differential acquisition between the two areas.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
William W. Bennett, Enzo Lombi, Kirk G. Scheckel, Ryo Sekine, Scott G. Johnston, Edward D. Burton, Daryl L. Howard, Peter Kappen, Donald E. Canfield
Summary: This paper presents the use of synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to investigate the vanadium host phases in ancient marine sediments. The results show that vanadium is mainly present as vanadium (III) hosted by phyllosilicate. Strong associations between vanadium and potassium suggest that vanadium is hosted by potassium-rich clay minerals. Differentiating authigenic and detrital vanadium in ancient marine sediments is unlikely due to similar chemical speciation for both fractions.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antony van der Ent, Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybylowicz, Wojciech J. Przybylowicz, Alban D. Barnabas, Martin D. de Jonge, Hugh H. Harris
Summary: Nationally, most hyperaccumulator plants that contain high levels of nickel are found in tropical regions with ultramafic soils. Phyllanthus, a taxonomical group from the Phyllanthaceae family, is the most commonly represented genus globally. Two species from Sabah, Malaysia, are particularly notable as Phyllanthus balgooyi can secrete more than 16% nickel in its phloem exudate, while Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi reaches foliar concentrations of up to 3.5% nickel, which are among the highest concentrations found in any plant tissue. Advanced imaging techniques were used to study the element distribution in various plant organs of P. balgooyi and P. rufuschaneyi. The results showed that P. balgooyi has a remarkable enrichment of nickel in the veins of its leaves, while in contrast, P. rufuschaneyi has nickel mainly occurring in interveinal areas. The study highlights the significant differences in the distribution of nickel and other elements between species, even within the same genus.
