We have measured elemental concentrations in aerosols with a 2-h time resolution in two types of working environment: a chemistry laboratory and a machine workshop. A factor analysis points to 6-8 factors in the chemistry laboratory and the machine workshop, respectively, that describe most of the data variance. While sampling the total PM10 mass concentration with a minute resolution may lack the potential to identify the emission sources in a “noisy” environment, the averaging on a day time scale is too coarse to cope with the working dynamics.
F.11 Development of a new service
COBISS.SI-ID: 24015399The cadmium hyperaccumulator Thlaspi praecox Wulfen (Brassicaceae) can accumulate unusually high amounts of Cd ()1,000 µg g-1 dry weight) in its seeds without drastically affecting seed viability. The aim of this study was to investigate the Cd coordination and ligand environment in seeds of field collected T. praecox using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and to compare the Cd ligand environment to that in the vegetative tissues of the plant. In intact seeds and isolated embryos, almost two thirds of the Cd ligands were thiol groups (Cd-S-C-).
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 1321211We recorded a series of spectral maps of a hematite particle by combining a scanning proton microbeam excitation with detection of X-rays by a Si(Li) spectrometer equipped with polycapillary lens. The particle was driven through the sensitive microvolume to allow for a reconstruction of concentration in three dimensions. Beside the description of the experiment, important aspects of data analysis are emphasized to show the potential of the confocal micro-PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) imaging method: at present, this is limited by the focusing ability of the polycapillary lens.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 23149863A wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was employed to measure the proton induced L? X-ray emission spectra of Ag, Pd and Cd targets to lower detection limits for trace amounts of Pd and Cd in the silver matrix. As a consequence of ultrahigh experimental energy resolution, detection limits of only few tens of ppm were reached. The method can be used in general to improve substantially PIXE detection limits compared to standard energy dispersive spectroscopy for the measurement of trace elements with atomic number in the close vicinity of the atomic number of the target matrix element.
F.12 Improvements to an existing service
COBISS.SI-ID: 24014887In a popular article we inform wider public about types of honey that is being consumed in Slovenia. The study is based on a combination of a simple, fast, and inexpensive multielement TXRF analytical approach and the evaluation of data by chemometric methods that have the potential to discriminate the botanical origins of various types of honey.
F.30 Professional assessment of the situation
COBISS.SI-ID: 23764263