1. Spatio‑temporal variations of strontium isotope ratios in the Mur River: a tool to support river managementUlrike Moser, Barbara Čeplak, Stefan Wagner, Shaun T. Lancaster, Martin Šala, Thomas Prohaska, Gorazd Žibret, Johanna Irrgeher, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: This study explores the application of strontium (Sr) isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) as geochemical tracers to understand hydrological connectivity and anthropogenic influences in a geologically diverse Alpine river catchment encompassing regions of Austria and Slovenia. Focusing on the Mur River and its tributaries, water samples were collected across 45 sites during three hydrological regimes to capture seasonal and spatial variability. In total, 28 tributaries were sampled to evaluate their influence on the isotope composition of the main river. Isotope analyses using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, supplemented by geospatial mapping and multivariate statistics, were combined with measurements of 26 elemental concentrations to investigate land–water interactions and human impacts. The results demonstrate substantial temporal and spatial variability in 87Sr/86Sr ratios (ranging from 0.70853 to 0.71322), reflecting both geological heterogeneity and varying tributary inputs. A preliminary aquatic isoscape was developed, enabling the monitoring of connectivity and the impacts of geological and human influences under varying flow regimes. Tributaries, such as the Mürz River, significantly modulate isotope signatures in the main channel, often overriding local geological signals. The application of isotope pattern deconvolution revealed a contribution of 17% from the Mürz River to the Mur River’s isotope signature downstream of the confluence. Correlations between 87Sr/86Sr and metal concentrations further suggest the utility of 87Sr/86Sr as a proxy for source identification and anthropogenic influence assessment. By constructing a preliminary strontium isoscape for the region, this research provides novel insights into riverine connectivity, catchment-scale processes, and ecosystem dynamics. The integration of isotope data contributes to interdisciplinary understanding across geological, chemical, and ecological boundaries, and supports the development of isotope-based tools for sustainable aquatic system monitoring and management, including potential applications in fish ecology and habitat tracking.
Keywords: environmental monitoring, Sr isotopes, multi-element analysis, river management, river catchment tracing
Published in DiRROS: 13.02.2026; Views: 27; Downloads: 10
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2. EITRM118891 D4.4.1 : Report on technical & economic analysis of the demonstration resultsVilma Ducman, Anže Tesovnik, Snježana Miletić, Gorazd Žibret, Lubica Kriskova, Christos Georgopoulos, 2024, treatise, preliminary study, study Abstract: The Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), with the assistance of the ENALOS Research and Development (ENALOS), the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL), has compiled a report documenting the demonstration and application phase of the project.
This report contains a technical analysis on the materials produced as well as an economic analysis, and thus more accurately calculates the financial benefits of the technology.
Keywords: odpadni materiali, waste materials, alkalijsko aktivirani materiali, alkali activated material, trajnostni pristop, sustainable approach, jeklarska žlindra, steel slag, rdeče blato, red mud
Published in DiRROS: 15.01.2026; Views: 173; Downloads: 0
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4. Comparing methods for determining the CO2 content in CO2-Sequestering materials and natural rockNika Kavčič, Sara Tominc, Lea Žibret, Gorazd Žibret, Mitja Kolar, Vilma Ducman, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Carbon capture plays an important role in the decarbonation of the building sector. One way to capture carbon is through mineral carbonation, in which Ca and Mg compounds react with CO2 to form stable carbonate minerals such as calcite, dolomite, magnesite and/or siderite, permanently sequestering CO2. Various techniques are available to measure the amount of permanently bound CO2 and quantify the carbonation potential. The suitability and accuracy of a particular method are very important, as the accurate determination of CO2 is crucial to correctly assess the sequestration potential of different materials. This study compares the three methods: calcimetric, gravimetric and thermogravimetric analysis used for CO2 determination in different types of ash, slag and natural rock. While the CO2 content in natural rock is stable, the CO2 content in slag and ash can change over time as the contained minerals gradually absorb CO2 (by natural or accelerated carbonation) until they are fully carbonated. To avoid errors in testing the CO2 uptake, as-received samples were first exposed to the full carbonation process and then tested. The comparison of calcimeter, thermogravimetric and gravimetric analysis of ground and sieved samples with a particle size below 125 μm shows that the results usually differ by less than 2 %. Higher deviations could be caused by non-carbonate minerals (especially in slags) that can react with hydrochloric acid during the calcimetric and gravimetric tests and/or decompose in the range where carbonates decompose, contributing to inaccurate CO2 measurements. The measurement uncertainty was calculated for all three quantitative methods to allow a practical comparability.
Keywords: CO2 sequestration, ash, slags, natural rocks, TGA, calcimetry, measurement uncertainty
Published in DiRROS: 15.10.2025; Views: 322; Downloads: 200
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5. Selective seperation of magnesium from Slovenian dolomitesJernej Imperl, Mitja Kolar, Vilma Ducman, Gorazd Žibret, Lea Žibret, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Although magnesium is one of the most abundant elements on Earth by weight, the demand for magnesium is constantly increasing due to its widespread use in a diverse range of industries such as metal alloys, electronics, batteries, agricultural and pharmaceutical compounds. For this reason, magnesium is categorised as a critical raw material by the European Union. Dolomite CaMg(CO3)2 is one of the most important mineral sources of magnesium, which in its pure form contains 13.18 % magnesium by weight. Various pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes have been developed and are used to extract magnesium from dolomite and other magnesium ores. In this study, samples of dolomite of different geological ages were collected in Slovenia and their elemental composition was analysed by microwave-assisted acid digestion and ICP-OES. Magnesium was then extracted by selective leaching and selective precipitation. Leaching was carried out with inorganic and organic acids. The separation of magnesium and calcium in a solution prepared by dissolving dolomite with acid was carried out by precipitation with hydroxide and oxalate. High extraction yields of magnesium and a significant separation between the two metals were achieved with both methods.
Keywords: magnesium, dolomite, extraction, selective leaching, selective precipitation
Published in DiRROS: 16.07.2025; Views: 509; Downloads: 285
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6. Dataset for the article Comparing methods for determining the CO2 content in CO2-Sequestering materials and natural rockSara Tominc, Nika Kavčič, Lea Žibret, Gorazd Žibret, Mitja Kolar, Vilma Ducman, 2025, complete scientific database of research data Abstract: The dataset supports the data in the tables and figures of the scientific article Comparing methods for determining the CO2 content in CO2-Sequestering materials and natural rock (doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.07.109). It contains the calcimetric measurements, the original results of the XRF measurements and the original data of the TGA, gravimetric and XRD analyzes as well as the calculations of the measurement uncertainty for the calcimetric, gravimetric and TG analyzes.
Keywords: sekvestracija CO2, pepel, žlindre, naravni kamen, TGA, kalcimetrija, merilna negotovost, CO2 sequestration, ash, slags, natural rocks, TGA, calcimetry, measurement uncertainty
Published in DiRROS: 24.06.2025; Views: 618; Downloads: 263
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7. Understanding the geochemical composition of alluvial sediments in a complex environmental system – A case study of the Mura/Mur riverBarbara Čeplak, Ulrike Moser, Johanna Irrgeher, Martin Šala, Polona Kralj, Gorazd Žibret, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The study provides a comprehensive investigation of the geochemical properties of stream and alluvial sediments in an area characterised by a complex natural (geochemical) and anthropogenic environment of the transboundary Mura River (Austria, Slovenia, EU). A total of 65 sediment samples from active river channel and tributaries, and 59 samples from 6 floodplain sediment profiles were collected and analysed. ICP–MS analysis was used to determine the levels of 59 elements in two fractions (<0.063 and 0.063–0.125 mm). Natural (geological) and anthropogenic factors influencing the elemental composition were determined. The sediments showed a low degree of weathering in the upper part of the river and a moderate degree in the middle and lower parts. They are enriched with As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, and Sb compared to the median values for the European stream and floodplain sediments. This can be a consequence of the presence of natural ore mineralisation in Upper Styria along with related lithological features. Factor analysis revealed four natural geochemical associations (K–Ba–Rb–Ga–Li–Tl–Cs–Be–Al–Cu–V; Th–YREE–U; Zr–Hf–Nb; Na–Sr), one anthropogenic association (Cd–In–Zn–Pb) and two combined (geogenic and anthropogenic) associations (Ni–Cr–Mg–Co–V and Fe–Sc–Ti–Nb). Particle analysis by SEM/EDS was used to identify characteristic carriers of specific elements and potentially to determine their sources.
Keywords: factor analysis, river sediments, CIA, PIA, ICV, geochemistry, particle characterization
Published in DiRROS: 21.02.2025; Views: 1084; Downloads: 271
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8. Alkali-activated mineral residues in construction : case studies on bauxite residue and steel slag pavement tilesLubica Kriskova, Vilma Ducman, Mojca Loncnar, Anže Tesovnik, Gorazd Žibret, Dimitra Skentzou, Christos Georgopoulos, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This research aimed to investigate the potential of using alkali activation technology to valorize steel slag and bauxite residue for the production of high-performance pavement blocks. By utilizing these industrial by-products, the study seeks to reduce their environmental impact and support the development of sustainable construction materials. Lab-scale testing showed that bauxite pavers showed a decrease in mechanical strength with increasing replacement of ordinary Portland cement. Partial replacement up to 20% still exceeded 30 MPa in compressive strength. Steel slag-based pavers achieved the 30 MPa threshold required for the application with selected mix designs. Pilot-scale production-optimized formulations and standards testing, including freeze–thaw resistance, confirmed the technical viability of these products. Life cycle analysis indicated a 25–27% reduction in CO2 emissions for slag-based tiles compared to traditional concrete tiles. Moreover, using industrial residue reduced mineral resource depletion. This study examined the properties of the resulting alkali-activated binders, their ecological benefits, and their performance compared to conventional materials. Through a comprehensive analysis of these applications, our research promotes the circular economy and the advancement of sustainable construction products.
Keywords: alkali-activated materials, building materials, bauxite residue, steel slag, pavers
Published in DiRROS: 20.01.2025; Views: 965; Downloads: 537
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9. The relationship between the inhalation bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements in road dust from a heavily polluted industrial area and the source of their pollutionMarija Zupančič, Miloš Miler, Gorazd Žibret, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: One of the sources of chronic exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTE), especially in polluted environments, is the inhalation of resuspended road dust (RD). The aim of this study is to assess the inhalation bioaccessibility of PTE in RD from highly polluted environments from mining/smelting industries and traffic, and to identify any correlations between the bioaccessibility fraction of PTE and the physicochemical characteristics of the particles. RD from the studied area contains extremely high total concentrations of Cr, V, and Mn, which are likely due to pollution from the smelting industry. Additionally, elevated total concentrations of other elements associated with traffic emissions including Zn, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Sn were also measured. The bioaccessibility of PTE was assessed using two synthetic extraction solutions - Gamble's solution (GS) and Artificial Lysosomal Fluid (ALF). The majority of elements showed negligible bioaccessibility in GS. However, quite high inhalation bioaccessibility was observed for Zn, Pb, Sb, Cd, and Mn in the ALF solution, with a mean bioaccessible fraction of 49, 51.5, 41, 50, and 40% respectively. The highest bioavailable fraction was measured for Cd (97%) in a sample collected near a steel production facility and for Pb (95%) in a sample collected near the highway. These results indicate that increased mobility of the elements in inhaled particles occurs only in the case of phagocytosis. The lowest inhalation bioavailability was measured for Cr (mean is 3%). Differential individual particle analysis revealed that about 60% of phases, mostly major (Cr,Ti,V)-bearing metallic alloys, silicates, oxides and sulphides, are stable in ALF solution, while 40% of phases, mostly (Fe,Ca,Mn)-bearing oxides, silicates, sulphides, metals and metallic alloys originating from steel production, ferrochrome, ferrosilicon and vanadium production and from traffic emissions have been heavily corroded or completely dissolved. The study provides valuable information to further assess health hazards from various emission sources.
Keywords: coal mining, inhalation bioaccessibility, mining/smelting pollution, potentially toxic elements, road dust, traffic pollution
Published in DiRROS: 09.09.2024; Views: 1140; Downloads: 3597
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10. Site-specific dataset of mining and metallurgical residues for resource managementCarlo Cormio, Marta Fernández-Alonso, Peter Cleall, Soraya Heuss-Aßbichler, Daniela Guglietta, Danielle Sinnett, Katalin Szabó, Gorazd Žibret, Maria Teresa Carvalho, Ulrich Kral, Tim T. Werner, Bruno Lemiere, 2024, other scientific articles Abstract: This geospatial dataset provides a compilation of findings from an evidence-based review of site-specific resource assessments of mining and metallurgical residues. Information pertaining to location, target material, geological knowledge, extractability, resource classification and stakeholder perspectives was collected from publicly available reports, articles, academic theses, and databases. The dataset includes 44 relevant data attributes from 64 mining and metallurgical sites in 27 countries. Resource classification is available for 38 sites. The dataset can be used by evaluators of recovery projects, authorities that provide permits, as well as by decision makers in support of developing regulatory policies. The dataset facilitates future addition of sites by the research community and can be further used as a starting point to bridge the estimates on recoverable quantities to the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). The UNFC is a universally applicable scheme for the sustainable management of all energy, primary and secondary mineral resources. Its use is stimulated by the European Commission and is intended to be adopted by geological surveys to harmonize the data on the availability of primary and secondary raw materials in Europe in future.
Keywords: resources, reserves, mining waste, secondary raw materials, tailings, geodatabase, circular economy, resource assessment
Published in DiRROS: 10.06.2024; Views: 1037; Downloads: 455
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