Trace and Minor Element Analysis of Azurite Blues in Fine Arts: Possibilities and Limitations in Provenance Studies.

Azurite, a historical blue mineral pigment, has previously been described to contain certain elemental impurities. These may originate from host rocks, vein fillings, or the primary copper ore mineralization. In this study, azurites (and also green malachites) from three important Central European deposits with a potential of being exploited for pigment usage already in the Middle Ages have been studied, together with azurite from Chessy, France, with a different geological setting.

Archaeometric perspective on the emergence of brass north of the Alps around the turn of the Era.

Ancient brass (aurichalcum) was a valued commodity in the Antiquity, notably because of its gold-like appearance. After mastering brass fabrication using the cementation procedure in the first century BC in the Mediterranean, this material became widely used by the Romans for coins, jewellery and other artefacts. Because of its visual qualities, it is believed that since this period, brass played an important role in diplomatic and economic contacts with indigenous communities, notably Celtic and Germanic tribes north of Danube and west of Rhine.

Cu-Zn isotope constraints on the provenance of air pollution in Central Europe: Using soluble and insoluble particles in snow and rime.

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) isotope ratios can be used to fingerprint sources and dispersion pathways of pollutants in the environment. Little is known, however, about the potential of δCu and δZn values in liquid and solid forms of atmospheric deposition to distinguish between geogenic, industrial, local and remote sources of these potentially toxic base metals. Here we present Cu-Zn deposition fluxes at 10 mountain-top sites in the Czech Republic, a region affected by extremely high industrial emission rates 25 years ago.

The fate of atmospherically derived Pb in Central European catchments: insights from spatial and temporal pollution gradients and Pb isotope ratios.

Soils in polluted regions are generally regarded as a delayed, long-lasting source for Pb contamination of aquatic systems. Lead deposited on topsoil is slowly transported downward with particulate and colloidal organic matter, driven by infiltrating precipitation. Then, Pb is tightly retained in mineral soil.

Atmospheric deposition of beryllium in Central Europe: comparison of soluble and insoluble fractions in rime and snow across a pollution gradient.

Little is known about atmospheric input of beryllium (Be) into ecosystems, despite its highly toxic behavior. For three consecutive winters (2009-2011), we measured Be concentrations in horizontal deposition (rime) and vertical deposition (snow) at 10 remote mountain-top locations in the Czech Republic, Central Europe. Beryllium was determined both in filtered waters, and in HF digests of insoluble particles.