Uranium isotopes as a possible tracer of terrestrial authigenic carbonate.

The concentration and isotopic composition of uranium (δU, U/U activity ratio) in combination with traditional isotopes (δO, δC) were examined as potential tracers of authigenic carbonate formation in a karst aquifer. The U concentration and U/U activity ratios in the tufa-precipitating sections of two connected karst rivers (Krka and Zrmanja, Croatia) decreased downstream in water and in precipitated carbonate due to active self-purification processes, i.e.

Geostatistical evaluation of the design of the precipitation stable isotope monitoring network for Slovenia and Hungary.

A detailed knowledge of the stable isotope signature of precipitation is the basis of investigations in a variety of scientific fields and applications. To obtain robust and reliable results, the representativity of the currently operating (at least, as of 2018) precipitation stable isotope monitoring stations across Slovenia (n = 8) and Hungary (n = 9) was evaluated on the basis of amount-weighted annual averages with the aim of revealing any redundantly (i.e.

Case of Fatal Starvation: Can Stable Isotope Analysis Serve to Support Morphological Diagnosis and Approximate the Length of Starvation?

The diagnosis of death as a result of starvation is established on anthropological measurements, visual appearance of the deceased on external and internal examination, microscopic analysis, laboratory testing, and exclusion of other causes of death. Herein, we present our findings on a case of 95-year-old man who died of starvation. After the diagnosis of starvation was established by traditional forensic medicine methods, we have conducted retrospective segmental analysis of stable carbon (δ C) and nitrogen (δ N) isotope ratios in hair sample.

Historical records of mercury in southern latitudes over 1600 years: Lake Futalaufquen, Northern Patagonia.

Mercury is released to the environment from natural and anthropogenic sources, and through atmospheric transport is distributed globally. Lake Futalaufquen (42.8°S) is an oligotrophic lake located in Los Alerces National Park (Northern Patagonia), providing a remote and unpolluted study system.

Carbon isotopic composition (δ(13)C and (14)C activity) of plant samples in the vicinity of the Slovene nuclear power plant.

δ(13)C values of various plants (apples, wheat, and maize) collected in the vicinity of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (Slovenia) during 2008 and 2009 were determined. By measuring dried samples and their carbonized counterparts we showed that no significant isotopic fractionation occurs during the carbonization phase of the sample preparation process in the laboratory. The measured δ(13)C values of the plants were used for δ(13)C correction of their measured (14)C activities.

Atmospheric distribution and deposition of mercury in the Idrija Hg mine region, Slovenia.

The atmospheric distribution and deposition of Hg in the area of the former Idrija Hg-mine, Slovenia, were investigated. Mapping of air Hg(0) concentrations was performed to assess the spatial distribution and major sources of mercury to the atmosphere in the area. In addition, analyses of mercury speciation in the air over Idrija were performed during a 4-day sampling campaign in September 2006 to better understand the fate and transformation of Hg in the atmosphere of this specific mercury polluted site.

Recent environmental changes in the shallow Lake Pamvotis (NW Greece): evidence from sedimentary organic matter, hydrocarbons, and stable isotopes.

Lake Pamvotis is a shallow Mediterranean lake located in northwestern Greece that has been recognized as an internationally important conservation site. Here, an unprecedented investigation was undertaken to obtain and evaluate data related to sedimentary organic matter, hydrocarbon content, and stable isotopes of Lake Pamvotis sediments, thus tracking the origin of organic inputs and providing a record of environmental status. The study revealed a distinct spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with values between 34.

Comparison of monthly and daily isotopic composition of precipitation in the coastal area of Slovenia.

The stable isotopic composition (delta(2)H and delta(18)O) of short-term (daily) precipitation collected from October 2002 to September 2003 at two stations in a coastal, karstic area in south-western Slovenia was investigated. In addition, monthly composite samples were collected and analysed for comparison with amount-weighted monthly means. The delta(2)H and delta(18)O values obtained show a wide range and reflect seasonal climatic variations.

Identification of sources and production processes of bottled waters by stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios.

Bottled water is a food product that considerably depends on the environment from which it originates, not only at the place where it is produced, but predominantly on the conditions in the recharge area of the wells captured for bottling. According to their source and the bottling process, bottled waters can be divided into natural and artificially sparkling waters, still and flavoured waters. These waters originate from various parts of the hydrological cycle and their natural origin is reflected in their hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopic compositions (delta(2)H and delta(18)O).

Stable isotope composition of daily and monthly precipitation in Zagreb.

Stable isotopic compositions (delta2H and delta18O) of daily precipitation collected in the period from October 2002 to March 2003 and monthly precipitation in the period from 2001 to 2003, as well as the corresponding meteorological data (temperature, amount of precipitation), all collected in Zagreb, Croatia, are presented. delta2H and delta18O values, both daily and monthly, show large variations due to large temperature variations and the different origin of the air masses. Variations are larger for daily samples than for composite monthly samples.

Distribution of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon isotopes in the atmosphere of Croatia and Slovenia.

Monitoring of isotope distribution in the atmosphere included isotopes 2H, 3H and 18O in precipitation, and 13C and 14C in atmospheric CO2. This paper presents the results of atmospheric monitoring over Croatia and Slovenia overt the last few years. Monthly precipitations in Zagreb and Ljubljana had been collected since 1976 and 1981, respectively.

Geochemical estimation of copper contamination in the healing mud from Makirina Bay, central Adriatic.

The coastal sediment from Makirina Bay in the central Adriatic represents an important source of healing mud (peloid) of high quality organoleptic properties that could in future be used for medical treatment. In this study, we estimated the contamination of the sediment with copper which can cause some undesirable health effects. Concentrations of Cu vary from 12 to 63 mg/kg in surface sediment and are higher in the central part of the Bay where the mud fraction prevails.