Product quality tests require accurate and precise analytical techniques. Fertilizers belong to a group
of products whose chemical composition is of great importance due to health, environmental and economic
reasons. The following paper presents the results of the research into the content of selected substances in several mineral fertilizers manufactured in Poland. Ion chromatography (IC) was employed to determine selected
inorganic anions and cations, whereas energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) was used
to determine the content of selected elements.
This study characterizes the bronze jewellery recovered from the Lusatian culture urn-field in Mała Kępa (Chełmno land, Poland). Among
many common ornaments (e.g. necklaces, rings, pins) the ones giving evidence of a steppe-styled inspiration (nail earrings) were also
identified. With the dendritic microstructures revealed, the nail earrings prove the implementing of a lost-wax casting method, whereas
some of the castings were further subjected to metalworking. The elemental composition indicates the application of two main types of
bronze alloys: Cu-Sn and Cu-Sn-Pb. It has been established that the Lusatian metalworkers were familiar with re-melting the scrap bronze
and made themselves capable of roasting the sulphide-rich ores.
The collection from Mała Kępa has been described in terms of its structure and composition. The investigations were made by means of
the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive
X - ray analysis system (EDS) and optical microscopy (OM). In order to fingerprint an alloy profile of the castings with a special emphasis
on the nail earrings, the data-set (ED-XRF, EDS) was statistically evaluated using multidimensional analyses (FA, DA).
This preliminary study characterizes the bronze metalworking on a defensive settlement of the Lusatian culture in former Kamieniec
(Chełmno land, Poland) as it is reflected through casting workshop recovered during recent excavations. Among ready products, the ones
giving evidence of local metallurgy (e.g. casting moulds and main runners) were also identified. With the shrinkage cavities and dendritic
microstructures revealed, the artifacts prove the implementing a casting method by the Lusatian culture metalworkers. The elemental
composition indicates application of two main types of bronzes: Cu-Sn and Cu-Pb. Aside these main alloying additions, some natural
impurities such as silver, arsenic, antimony and nickel were found which may be attributed to the origin of the ore and casting technology.
The collection from Kamieniec was described in terms of its structure and composition. The investigations were made by means of the
energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive Xray
analysis system (EDS) and optical microscopy (OM). In order to fingerprint either local or non-local profile of the alloys, the ED-XRF
data-set was statistically evaluated using a factor analysis (FA).
Concentrations and elemental composition of fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5-10) ambient particles,
at two sampling points located at the same urban background sites, were investigated. The points were 20 m
distant from each other and at various heights (2 and 6 m) above the ground. A dichotomous sampler, equipped
with a virtual impactor, and a cascade impactor were used to sample the dust. An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used in the elemental analyses. The investigations revealed heterogeneity of the spatial distribution
and the elemental composition of suspended dust at the investigated urban background site. Coarse dust, whose
concentration at 2.0 m above the ground was affected by secondary emission from roads, soil and other local
low-level sources in some periods, appeared more heterogeneous.