“Particle deposition in airways of chronic respiratory patients exposed to an urban aerosol”. Horemans B, Van Holsbeke C, Vos W, Darchuk L, Novakovic V, Fontan AC, de Backer J, van Grieken R, de Backer W, De Wael K, Environmental science and technology 46, 12162 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1021/es302755s
Abstract: Urban atmospheres in modern cities carry characteristic mixtures of particulate pollution which are potentially aggravating for chronic respiratory patients (CRP). Although air quality surveys can be detailed, the obtained information is not always useful to evaluate human health effects. This paper presents a novel approach to estimate particle deposition rates in airways of CRP, based on real air pollution data. By combining computational fluid dynamics with physical-chemical characteristics of particulate pollution, deposition rates are estimated for particles of different toxicological relevance, that is, minerals, iron oxides, sea salts, ammonium salts, and carbonaceous particles. Also, it enables some qualitative evaluation of the spatial, temporal, and patient specific effects on the particle dose upon exposure to the urban atmosphere. Results show how heavy traffic conditions increases the deposition of anthropogenic particles in the trachea and lungs of respiratory patients (here, +0.28 and +1.5 μg·h1, respectively). In addition, local and synoptic meteorological conditions were found to have a strong effect on the overall dose. However, the pathology and age of the patient was found to be more crucial, with highest deposition rates for toxic particles in adults with a mild anomaly, followed by mild asthmatic children and adults with severe respiratory dysfunctions (7, 5, and 3 μg·h1, respectively).
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
Impact Factor: 6.198
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1021/es302755s
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“Integration of analysis techniques of different scales using X ray induced and electron induced X ray spectrometry for applications in preventive conservation and environmental monitoring”. Van Grieken R, Darchuk L, Kontozova V, Potgieter-Vermaak S, van Meel K, Stefaniak E, Worobiec A page 53 (2011).
Abstract: In the past years, and also within the framework of this CRP, we have used a combination of several nuclear and non-nuclear techniques in fundamental research and especially in various applications. Most work has been done with energy-dispersive X ray fluorescence in combination with electron probe X ray microanalysis, but several other more common analysis techniques have been used as well. The applications have included mostly preventive conservation (e.g. characterisation of damaging atmospheric particles in many museums) and environmental monitoring (e.g. for atmospheric particles in relation to their health effects in outdoor and especially indoor environments). Fundamental aspects have been in the optimising of interfaced electron microprobe and Raman microprobe analysis and the evaluation of the potential of such an instrument for atmospheric aerosols; quite a few unexpected and unpredicted problems have appeared in the latter study.
Keywords: H2 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Compositional study of prehistoric pigments (Carriqueo rock shelter, Argentina) by synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction”. Vazquez C, Martin Palacios O, Darchuk L, Marco Parra L-M, Powder diffraction 25, 264 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1154/1.3478884
Abstract: In this work synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction technique was successfully applied for the analysis of pigments found in excavation at Carriqueo rock shelter, Neuquen, Argentina. The pigment samples of orange, red, and brown shades were collected from different levels of this archaeological site and compared with a suspected source of provenance (La Oficina creek). X-ray diffraction patterns of several yellowish, reddish, and red pigments showed the presence of haematite, goethite, kaolinite, and quartz. The majority of Carriqueo collected samples belonged to the same group of the suspected source, having haematite and quartz as main crystalline phases. The results indicate that the raw material from La Oficina is the source of most of the pigments found at Carriqueo. The present work helps us to understand the strategy of supplying raw materials by human groups in the North Patagonia region. (C) 2010 International Centre for Diffraction Data. [DOI: 10.1154/1.3478884]
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1154/1.3478884
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“Size distribution and chemical properties of welding fumes of inhalable particles”. Oprya M, Kiro S, Worobiec A, Horemans B, Darchuk L, Novakovic V, Ennan A, Van Grieken R, Journal of aerosol science 45, 50 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2011.10.004
Abstract: The goal of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the fume formation rate, welding conditions, chemical composition of welding fume particles and their size. In the range from 0.25 to 16 μm aerodynamic diameter, three distinct types of welding fume particles were identified in the welder's breathing zone. The elemental composition of each type depended completely on the used welding materials, and reflects their mechanism of formation. Their relative abundance in the welding fume appeared to be dependent on the electrode coating, as well as the heat input during welding.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAEROSCI.2011.10.004
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“Composition of prehistoric rock-painting pigments from Egypt (Gilf Kébir area)”. Darchuk L, Gatto Rotondo G, Swaenen M, Worobiec A, Tsybrii Z, Makarovska Y, Van Grieken R, Spectrochimica acta: part A: molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy 83, 34 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAA.2011.06.054
Abstract: The composition of rock-painting pigments from Egypt (Gilf Kebia area) has been analyzed by means of molecular spectroscopy such as Fourier transform infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Red and yellow pigments were recognized as red and yellow ochre with additional rutile.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAA.2011.06.054
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“Magnetic field oriented tetragonal zirconia with anisotropic toughness”. Zhang L, Vleugels J, Darchuk L, van der Biest O, Journal of the European Ceramic Society 31, 1405 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.JEURCERAMSOC.2011.02.002
Abstract: (0 0 1)-oriented 3 mol% yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (3Y-TZP) has been developed by reactive synthesis of undoped pure monoclinic zirconia and co-precipitated 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8Y-ZrO2). The dispersed pure monoclinic ZrO2 powder, having magnetic anisotropy, was first aligned in a strong magnetic field and co-sintered in a randomly distributed cubic 8Y-ZrO2 fine matrix powder. The reactive sintering resulted in a 3Y-TZP ceramic with a (0 0 1) orientation. The (0 0 1)-oriented 3Y-TZP showed a substantial toughness anisotropy, i.e. the toughness along the [0 0 1] direction is 54% higher than that of its perpendicular direction. Moreover, the toughness along the [0 0 1] direction is 49% higher than that of a non-textured isotropic reactively synthesized 3Y-TZP and 110% higher than that of an isotropic co-precipitated powder based 3Y-TZP. The substantially enhanced toughness was interpreted in terms of the tetragonal to monoclinic martensitic phase transformability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JEURCERAMSOC.2011.02.002
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“Damage and molecular changes under a laser beam in SEM-EDX/MRS interface : a case study on iron-rich particles”. Worobiec A, Darchuk L, Brooker A, Potgieter H, Van Grieken R, Journal of Raman spectroscopy 42, 808 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1002/JRS.2789
Abstract: The control of damage to individual environmental particles by a laser beam during Raman spectroscopy carried out in ambient air is generally well understood. The nature and control of damage under vacuum conditions (e.g. in the scanning electron microscopy with energy X-ray detection combined with micro-Raman spectroscopyinterfaced SEM-EDX/MRS) are more complex and less well comprehended. The physical and chemical processes that affect the damage caused to small particles by lasers still remain somewhat unclear, but certainly the atmosphere (vacuum/air) and the beam intensity have very significant influences. Furthermore, it has been determined that some particles (e.g. haematite), although stable under an electron beam, are damaged by the laser beam, hampering their analysis. Additionally, when simultaneous analyses by SEM/EDX and MRS are considered, the correct choice of the collection surface plays a crucial role. As a result, the following collection substrates were tested to determine their influence on the laser beam damage process to the particle: silver and aluminium foils and silicon wafers. A test study was performed using artificial examples of haematite (Fe2O3) particles. Exposure of Fe2O3 particles in vacuum to 514- and 785-nm laser radiation often leads to their melting, transformation and evaporation. The dependence of the damage caused by the laser beam on the particle structure is reported here. Molecular and crystallographic changes have also been revealed. Formation of magnetite (as an effect of re-crystallisation) and Raman inactive structures was detected.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1002/JRS.2789
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“Structural features of human tooth tissues affected by high dose of external ionizing radiation after nuclear catastrophe of Chernobyl plant”. Darchuk LA, Zaverbna LV, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, Microchemical journal 97, 282 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2010.09.016
Abstract: The application of micro-Raman spectroscopy is discussed for the analysis of structural features of human tooth tissues affected by high doses of external ionizing radiation (0.51.7 Gy) after the nuclear plant catastrophe in Chernobyl in 1986. The results have shown significant changes in the mineral matrix of dental enamel that lead to the decrease of tooth enamel hardness. Destruction of the collagen chain of the organic matrix has been observed for dentin and cementum.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2010.09.016
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“Micro-Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of environmental particles”. Potgieter-Vermaak S, Worobiec A, Darchuk L, Van Grieken R page 193 (2011).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Behavior of semi-volatile particles under a laser and electron beam: influence on the quality of analytical results”. Worobiec A, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Darchuk L, Vishnyakov V, Potgieter H, Van Grieken R, AIP conference proceedings 1267, 523 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3482653
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1063/1.3482653
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“Composition of aerosols from the shelter of the Chernobyl power plant”. Darchuk L, Worobiec A, Khan V, Krasnov V, Van Grieken R, AIP conference proceedings 1267, 512 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1063/1.3482646
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1063/1.3482646
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“Argentinean prehistoric pigments' study by combined SEM/EDX and molecular spectroscopy”. Darchuk L, Tsybrii Z, Worobiec A, Vázquez C, Palacios OM, Stefaniak EA, Gatto Rotondo G, Sizov F, Van Grieken R, Spectrochimica acta: part A: molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy 75, 1398 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAA.2010.01.006
Abstract: Composition of the prehistoric pigments (from Carriqueo rock shelter, Rio Negro province, Argentina) has been analysed by means of molecular spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and micro-Raman) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Red and yellow pigments were recognized as red and yellow ochre. The matrix of the pigments is composed of one or more substances. According to the matrix composition yellow and red pigments were also divided into two groupsi.e. those containing kaolinite or sulphates. Green pigment was detected as green earth, made up of celadonite as a chromophore.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAA.2010.01.006
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“X ray fluorescence in member states: Belgium: integration of analysis techniques of different scales using X ray induced and electron induced X ray spectrometry for applications in preventive conservation and environmental monitoring”. Van Grieken R, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Darchuk L, Worobiec A, XRF newsletter , 9 (2009)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Interfaced SEM/EDX and micro-Raman spectrometry for characterisation of heterogeneous environmental particles: fundamental and practical challenges”. Worobiec A, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Brooker A, Darchuk L, Stefaniak E, Van Grieken R, Microchemical journal 94, 65 (2010). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2009.09.003
Abstract: The molecular character of atmospheric particulate matter is of prime importance when interpreting air pollution trends and its subsequent influence on environmental monitoring and preventative conservation. The known methods of estimating the molecular composition normally involve elemental analysis of particles (both as bulk and computer controlled analyses of single particles) with subsequent multivariate analyses to clusterise the elements in groups of elements that are closely related to each other. With this approach one can at best suggest associations. Evidently the application of molecular spectroscopy in addition to elemental concentration profiles would provide intimate information regarding the nature of the particles and consequently their fate. This paper gives an overview of research performed in our laboratory and describes the optimisation of experimental parameters to use scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray detection (SEM/EDX) or electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA) in parallel with micro-Raman Spectrometry (MRS) to investigate single environmental particles. The challenges associated with the two stand-alone techniques are revealed and consequently those posed with an interfaced approach are discussed. Preliminary results, of an initial investigation of the SEM/EDX interfaced with MRS to ultra-fine heterogeneous environmental particles, are given.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2009.09.003
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“Composition of pigments on human bones found in excavations in Argentina studied with micro-Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy”. Darchuk L, Stefaniak EA, Vázquez C, Palacios OM, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R, e-Preservation Science 6, 112 (2009)
Abstract: Results on analysis of prehistoric pigments from excavations and pigments on coloured child bones from North Patagonia, Argentina, are reported. To analyze their composition we used two micro-analytical techniques: micro- Raman spectrometry (MRS) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray micro-analysis (SEM/EDX). Most investigated excavated pigments show red or yellow ochres consistent with reddish or yellow minerals, such as á- and ã-goethite, haematite, erdite, haapalaite and jarosite. Raman spectra show also evidence of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcite indicating lichen activity. Pigments covering human bones were identified as hematite and magnetite. This study allows us to infer that pigments found in excavation were employed for burial ceremonies, even though distances between excavated pigment archaeological site and buried remains are quite far, more than 50 km in a straight line.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Infrared investigation of hard human teeth tissues exposed to various doses of ionizing radiation from the 1986 Chernobyl accident”. Darchuk LA, Zaverbna LV, Bebeshko VG, Worobiec A, Stefaniak EA, Van Grieken R, Spectroscopy 22, 105 (2008). http://doi.org/10.1155/2008/843612
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
DOI: 10.1155/2008/843612
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“Ferrihydrite precipitation in groundwater-fed river systems (Nete and Demer river basins, Belgium) : insights from a combined Fe-Zn-Sr-Nd-Pb-isotope study”. Dekov VM, Vanlierde E, Billström K, Gatto Rotondo G, van Meel K, Darchuk L, Van Grieken R, et al, Chemical geology 386, 1 (2014). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMGEO.2014.07.023
Abstract: Two groundwater-fed river systems (Nete and Demer, Belgium) carry red suspended material that settles on the river bed forming red sediments. The local aquifer that feeds these river systems is a glauconite-rich sand, which provides most of the dissolved Fe to the rivers. The solid component of these systems, i.e., the red suspended material and sediments, has a simple mineralogy (predominantly ferrihydrite), but shows a complex geochemistry pointing out the different processes contributing to the river chemistry: (1) the red sediments have higher transition metal (excluding Cu) and detrital element (e.g., Si, Al, K, Rb, etc.) concentrations than the red suspended matter because of their longer residence time in the river and higher contribution of the background (aquifer) component, respectively; (2) the red suspended material and sediments have inherited their rare earth element (REE) patterns from the aquifer; (3) the origin of Sr present in the red suspended matter and red sediments is predominantly marine (i.e., Quaternary calcareous rocks), but a small amount is geogenic (i.e., from detrital rocks); (4) Pb in both solids originates mostly from anthropogenic and geogenic sources; (5) all of the anthropogenic Pb in the red suspended material and sediments is hosted by the ferrihydrite; (6) Nd budget of the red riverine samples is controlled by the geogenic source and shows little anthropogenic component; (7) the significant Fe- and Zn-isotope fractionations are in line with the previous studies. Their fractionation patterns do not correlate, suggesting that the processes controlling the isotope geochemistry of Fe and Zn are different: oxidation/reduction most likely governs the Fe-isotope fractionation, whereas adsorption/desorption or admixing of anthropogenic sources controls the isotope fractionation of Zn.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMGEO.2014.07.023
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“Compositional correlation between pigments found in excavations and on human bones investigated with micro-raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy”. Vázquez C, Darchuk L, Stefaniak EA, Van Grieken R, Palacios OR page 13 (2011).
Keywords: H2 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
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“Microchemical investigation of bone derived from mice treated with strontium in different chemical forms using scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy”. Jabłoński MB, Stefaniak EA, Darchuk L, Turzańska K, Gorzelak M, Kuduk R, Dorriné, W, Van Grieken R, Microchemical journal 108, 168 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICROC.2012.10.015
Abstract: We used SEM/EDX and micro-Raman spectroscopy to investigate the chemical changes (both on the level of elementary and molecular composition) of mice bones when strontium is incorporated in their microstructure after being administered in the form of two salts: chloride and ranelate. Strontium accumulated mainly in vicinity of bone edges, both cortical and close to bone marrow. The distribution of other elements comprising bone samples (Ca, P, Mg, K etc.) was also determined by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The area adjacent to a cortical bone edge with accumulated strontium has presented modified Raman spectral profiles. Besides most of the Raman bands typical for both mineral (hydroxyapatite with carbonate substitution type B) and organic phases of a bone, we observed a Raman band at 811 cm− 1. It was detected regularly in the sample with high strontium concentration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MICROC.2012.10.015
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“New insight into UO2F2 particulate structure by micro-Raman spectroscopy”. Stefaniak EA, Darchuk L, Sapundjiev D, Kips R, Aregbe Y, Van Grieken R, Journal of molecular structure 1040, 206 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.MOLSTRUC.2013.02.012
Abstract: Uranyl fluoride particles produced via hydrolysis of uranium hexafluoride have been deposited on different substrates: polished graphite disks, silver foil, stainless steel and gold-coated silicon wafer, and measured with micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS). All three metallic substrates enhanced the Raman signal delivered by UO2F2 in comparison to graphite. The fundamental stretching of the UO band appeared at 867 cm−1 in case of the graphite substrate, while in case of the others it was shifted to lower frequencies (down to 839 cm−1). All applied metallic substrates showed the expected effect of Raman signal enhancement; however the gold layer appeared to be most effective. Application of new substrates provides more information on the molecular structure of uranyl fluoride precipitation, which is interesting for nuclear safeguards and nuclear environmental analysis.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.1016/J.MOLSTRUC.2013.02.012
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“Molecular spectroscopy study of human tooth tissues affected by high dose of external ionizing radiation (caused by the nuclear catastrophe of the Chernobyl plant)”. Darchuk LA, Zaverbna LV, Worobiec A, Van Grieken R page 349 (2012).
Keywords: H1 Book chapter; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Laboratory Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP)
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“Micro-Raman and SEM analysis of minerals from the Darhib mine, Egypt”. Gatto Rotondo G, Darchuk L, Swaenen M, Van Grieken R, Journal of analytical sciences, methods and instrumentation 2, 42 (2012). http://doi.org/10.4236/JASMI.2012.21009
Abstract: The Darhib mine is one of the several talc deposits in the Hamata area of southeastern Egypt. Several specimens of minerals coming from this mine were subjected to complementary investigation by micro-Raman spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The difficulty in their identification is the appearance of most of them: they are all very small and only visible under the mineral binocular microscope(×10 – ×40). They appear as small crystals in fissures and holes and a visual determination on colour and crystal gives only a guess of what kind of mineral it could be. Therefore, only after analyzing them by micro-Raman and scanning electron microscopy it was possible to identify their structure and they can be divided in three main groups: one is quite generic and several minerals of different species were identified, such as quartz, talc, mottramite and chrysocolla, very common in the talc mine (these ones are Si-based minerals); the other one is constituted by four samples which are Zn and/or Cu rich, which means minerals of the rosasite or aurichalcite groups; the last group is constituted by two samples containing mainly Pb..
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
DOI: 10.4236/JASMI.2012.21009
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