Barca D, Belfiore CM, Crisci GM, La Russa MF, Pezzino A, Ruffolo SA. Application of laser ablation ICP-MS and traditional techniques to the study of black crusts on building stones: a new methodological approach.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2010;
17:1433-1447. [PMID:
20405224 DOI:
10.1007/s11356-010-0329-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
In this work, we propose an innovative application of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as a methodological approach for the chemical characterisation of black crusts on stone monuments, associated with traditional micro-morphological (optical and scanning electron microscopy) and infrared spectroscopic techniques (FTIR).
METHODS
This new approach was tested on black crusts developing on two marble substrates, one, the columns of the San Cosimato cloister in Rome, and the other, a sculpture representing an angel, located in Pessano con Bornago, a small industrial town near Milan.
DISCUSSION
The main aim of this study was to develop and test the reliability of the LA-ICP-MS analytical method on black crusts and to explore the idea that trace element concentrations in black crusts can be applied to investigate their origin and the relations between concentrations of polluting elements in black crusts and environmental conditions.
CONCLUSION
The results obtained by applying traditional techniques find considerable support in the innovative method used here, which could determine the concentrations of a large number of trace elements (including heavy metals) in the black crusts examined, and thus could also be used as a reliable indicator of environmental pollution.
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