Papers by Nastja Rogan Šmuc
Materiali in tehnologije, 2021
In the Buchim porphyry copper deposit, we determined several representative rare mineral phases, ... more In the Buchim porphyry copper deposit, we determined several representative rare mineral phases, comprising metals from the gold-palladium group as well as those from the bismuth-selenium (Cu-Bi-Se-TeAs) group. The bismuth-selenium rare mineral phases are represented by new rare mineral phases in the Buchim porphyry copper deposit, bismuthinite, galenobismutite, krupkaite, friedrichite, emplectite, laitakarite and native bismuth as well as mineral phases of gold-palladium, including gold and palladium with their elemental mixtures. It should be stressed that both types of rare mineral phases were determined in pyrite and chalcopyrite from major ore paragenesis in the Buchim deposit. The bismuth-selenium mineral phases were related to the major quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite paragenesis, while the gold-palladium phases were related to a slightly higher temperature, oxido-sulphide parageneses such are magnetite-pyrite-chalcopyrite (Mt-Py-Cp) and pyrite-chalcopyrite (Py-Cp). Keywords: ore minerals, Au-Pd phases, rare Bi-Se mineral phases, Buchim mine Na obmo~ju bakrovega porfirskega rudi{~a Bu}im smo dolo~ili ve~reprezentativnih redkih mineralnih faz, ki vsebujejo kovine iz skupine zlato-paladij in nadalje iz skupine bizmut-selen (Cu-Bi-Se-TeAs). Redke mineralne faze bizmut-selen so predstavljene z novimi redkimi mineralnimi fazami, in sicer, bizmutinita, galenobismutita, krupkaita, friedrichita, emplektita, laitakarita in naravnega bizmuta, pa tudi mineralnih faz zlata-paladija, vklju~no z zlatom in paladijem iz njihove elementarne me{anice. Poudariti je treba, da sta bili obe vrsti redkih mineralnih faz dolo~eni v piritu in halkopiritu iz glavne rude na obmo~ju Bu}ima. Mineralne faze bizmut-selen so bile povezane z glavno paragenezo kremen-pirit-halkopirit, medtem ko so mineralne faze zlato-paladij povezane z nekoliko vi{jo temperaturo, torej z oksidno-sulfidno paragenezo, ki jo definirajo magnetit-pirit-halkopirit (Mt-Py-Cp) in pirit-halkopirit (Py-Cp).
Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2013
Tailings dam failures arc relatively rare but can cause extremely high and long-term impacts on t... more Tailings dam failures arc relatively rare but can cause extremely high and long-term impacts on the environment. The Sasa tailings dam collapsed in August 2003 and caused an intensive flow of tailings material through the Kamenica River all the way to Lake Kalimanci, where most of the tailings material discharged. This study deals with the characterization of surficial lake sediments from Lake Kalimanci in eastern Macedonia. Mineralogical, geochemical, and statistical analyses of surficial sediments in two sampling years, before and after the Sasa tailings dam failure, were carried out. To determine the pollution status of surficial lake sediments, two environmental indexes were calculated for 2001 and 2007. Spatial distribution of the analyzed heavy metals and metalloids shows that the highest concentrations were measured on the northern part of the lake, where the Kamenica River enters.
Darja Komar,*Tadej Dolenec, Matej Dolenec,Petra Vrhovnik,Sonja Lojen,Živana Lambasa Belak, Goran ... more Darja Komar,*Tadej Dolenec, Matej Dolenec,Petra Vrhovnik,Sonja Lojen,Živana Lambasa Belak, Goran Kniewald & Nastja Rogan Smuc Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Sibenik-Knin County, 22000 Sibenik, Croatia; Ruđer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Materials and Geoenvironment, 2019
The Zletovo is lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) deposit, adjacent to the Plavica volcanic centre (R. Macedonia) ... more The Zletovo is lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) deposit, adjacent to the Plavica volcanic centre (R. Macedonia) with high-sulphidation and porphyry mineralisation. The analysis of fluid inclusions showed homogenisation temperatures in the range 335–145°C, which reflects phases of pulsation of hydrothermal solutions and defined into four groups from the lowest to the highest temperatures. The frequency of the homogenisation temperatures ranged from 265 to 125°C and with the most dominant from 245 to 225°C, from 225 to 205°C and from 145 to 125°C. Also, it was confirmed that hydrothermal ore-bearing solutions were defined as NaCl-type with range from 4.4 to 8.6 wt% NaCl equivalent. The latest stage salinities ranged from 3 to 12 wt% NaCl equivalent, where those from 10 to 12 wt% and from 6 to 8 wt% NaCl equivalent, prevailed. This suggests that hydrothermal solutions within analysed quartz grains were at final mineralizing phase. Density of fluid inclusions ranged from 0.7 to 0.95g/cm3. Calculated p...
Science of The Total Environment, 2018
The transfer of metal(oid)s in a hypersaline environment was investigated. • Availability of meta... more The transfer of metal(oid)s in a hypersaline environment was investigated. • Availability of metal(oid)s from a health risk perspective was conducted. • Sediment-water physical and geochemical properties induced limited mobility dynamics. • Extraction testing in artificial sweat indicate low mobility of metal(oid)s.
Geosciences, 2018
Heavy metal abundance and potential environmental risks are reported for surface sediments (n = 2... more Heavy metal abundance and potential environmental risks are reported for surface sediments (n = 21) from the Port of Koper area, Republic of Slovenia. The enrichment factor (EF) indicates minor enrichment in arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and zinc (Zn), moderately to severely enriched with nickel (Ni). The trace metal chemistries, in the context of sediment quality guidelines (SQG), imply adverse threshold effect concentrations (TEC) and probable effect concentrations (PEC), for Ni only. Sediment sequential leaching experiments demonstrated that the majority of heavy metals were of natural lithogenic origin and low bioavailability. The heavy metals’ potential for “Risk Assessment Code” values exhibited no or low anthropogenic environmental burden, with the exception of Mo.
Applied Clay Science, 2017
Abstract With a rich spa and wellness heritage, Slovenia now boasts fifteen registered natural he... more Abstract With a rich spa and wellness heritage, Slovenia now boasts fifteen registered natural health resorts and spas. Certain locations feature the traditional use of the Secovlje Salina mud, or “fango.” This study represents the first investigation of the mineralogical, geochemical and thermophysical characteristics of this mud. The healing saline mud samples were characterized by very fine, sandy, medium silt in which the mud fraction greatly dominated over the sand fraction. The mineral fraction was predominantly composed of an amorphous phase, followed by quartz, calcite, illite/muscovite, gypsum and halite, albite, and clinochlore and pyrite. The results of XRD analysis with oriented preparation identified smectite, chlorite, interstratified layers of smectite/illite, and kaolinite mineral components. The contents of the major and trace elements of saline muds were comparable to their mean concentrations in surface sediment from the Central Adriatic Sea. The samples had a high cation exchange capacity, yet low total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total sulphur content. The concentrations of select trace metals were in the range of that found in other healing saline muds. Additionally, the physical properties of the mud (i.e., density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and viscosity) were measured. This study contributes new knowledge about natural peloid characteristics and their quality criteria related to wellness and therapeutic purposes.
Tailings dam failures are relatively rare but can cause extremely high and long-term impacts on t... more Tailings dam failures are relatively rare but can cause extremely high and long-term impacts on the environment. The Sasa tailings dam collapsed in August 2003 and caused an intensive flow of tailings material through the Kamenica River all the way to Lake Kalimanci, where most of the tailings material discharged. This study deals with the characterization of surficial lake sediments from Lake Kalimanci in eastern Macedonia. Mineralogical, geochemical, and statistical analyses of surficial sediments in two sampling years, before and after the Sasa tailings dam failure, were carried out. To determine the pollution status of surficial lake sediments, two environmental indexes were calculated for 2001 and 2007. Spatial distribution of the analyzed heavy metals and metalloids shows that the highest concentrations were measured on the northern part of the lake, where the Kamenica River enters.
Key Engineering Materials, 2016
Aims and Scope: "Key Engineering Materials" specializes in rapid publication of thematically comp... more Aims and Scope: "Key Engineering Materials" specializes in rapid publication of thematically complete volumes from international conference proceedings and complete special topic volumes. We do not publish stand-alone papers by individual authors. "Key Engineering Materials" covers entire range of basic and applied aspects of the synthesis and research, modelling, processing and application of advanced engineering materials. "Key Engineering Materials" is one of the largest periodicals in its field. Authors retain the right to publish an extended and significantly updated version in another periodical.
Key Engineering Materials, 2016
The parts of jawbones and selected teeth (malleolus) of adult marine benthic fish Sparus aurata a... more The parts of jawbones and selected teeth (malleolus) of adult marine benthic fish Sparus aurata and Diplodus sargus was collected from different station during east Adriatic coast (Croatia). Biominerals were prepared for three different instrumental analyses: elemental analysis by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-AES); mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD).The XRF results showed major and traces elements incorporated in the fish teeth. The concentration of zinc (Zn) expressed in mg kg-1 in the enamel - outside part of the malleolus dental surface (teeth crown) varied from 77 up to 1.975 in both fish species. In the root of the same teeth samples of Zn concentration was lower and amounted from 77 - 153 mg kg-1. Contrary, maximal amount of strontium (Sr) was registered in the teeth root from 801 – 1.310 mg kg-1, and in the enamel 476 – 1.104 mg kg-1 respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis based on the Statistica 6.0. PCA has...
TURKISH JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES, 2015
Carbonatites are mantle-derived igneous, intrusive (as well as extrusive) rocks mainly found in s... more Carbonatites are mantle-derived igneous, intrusive (as well as extrusive) rocks mainly found in stable, intraplate continental settings that are composed of more than 50 modal percent primary magmatic carbonate minerals containing less than 20 wt.% SiO 2 and are markedly different from most other igneous rocks . There are now more than 500 known occurrences of carbonatites. They have been found on all continents except for Antarctica, but have only been identified at two oceanic localities (the Cape Verde and Canary Islands) . Carbonatites range in age from Archean to recent, and are closely associated with alkaline intrusions and intracontinental rifting . They are formed by the crystallization of carbonate-rich magmas. In contrast to the intracontinental occurrences, the same carbonatites were also found at two intraoceanic localities (the Cape Verde and Canary Islands) . The origin of carbonatites is still the subject of debate. There are a variety of petrogenetic models that can be generated in the formation of this rock type. Several studies provide evidence that carbonatites can be produced from the mantle by the partial melting of a carbonatebearing mantle source (
Acta chimica Slovenica, 2013
In our research the concentrations of major and minor elements were determined in natural sea sal... more In our research the concentrations of major and minor elements were determined in natural sea salts from the Se~ovlje salina (Piran salts, Slovenia) and compared to those of selected samples of commercially available unrefined salts with different geographical origins (Croatia, Austria, Italy, Portugal, India, and Pakistan). In the case of major element contents such as sodium (Na), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and titanium (Ti) many similarities were observed among the analysed salt samples. On the other hand, Piran salts are characterized by lower silicon (Si) values. Among the salts from the Sečovlje salina, the salt with the trade name Piran salt has a higher Mg content while Flower of salt has a lower concentration of calcium (Ca). In Slovenian samples the majority of trace element values were lower than 0.5 µg g-1, which was comparable to the results from commercially available unrefined salts. The salt composition differences observed indicate area-specific signa...
Geologia Croatica, 2015
This research focuses on determination of the mineralogical composition, geochemical characterist... more This research focuses on determination of the mineralogical composition, geochemical characteristics and evaluation of pollution status of the Makirina Bay sediments. Calculated enrichment factor (EF) values show no enrichment (< 1) for Cd, Ni, and Zn, minor enrichment (< 3) for As, Cu, and Pb, and minor to moderate enrichment for Mo. The results of the sequential leaching procedure for the aforementioned potentially toxic elements (PTE) indicates that the mobility and bioavailability characteristics of the PTE studied declined in the following order: Mo > Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > As. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis confirmed the PTE distribution depends mainly on the geogenic mineral components and anthropogenic activities in the areas surrounding the bay. Calculated transfer factor (TF) values from sediment to seagrass Cymodocea nodosa (C. nodosa) were < 1, showing that despite the results of the sequential extraction procedure, PTE transfer from sediment to roots was not effective.
E3S Web of Conferences, 2013
The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of several potentially toxic ele... more The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of several potentially toxic elements (PTE) in the recent marine sediment of Makirina bay (central Adriatic), which could according to its organoleptic properties be used as a virgin material for medical treatment, wellness and relax purposes. Sediment samples were collected in June and July 2010 from six different sites in the central part of the bay. The range of measured elemental concentrations in analysed surficial sediment were: As (11-15,8 ppm), Cr (61,6-109,5 ppm), Cu (19,4-54,2 ppm), Pb (16,8-29,6 ppm) and Zn (37-52 ppm). Sediment PTE pollution assessment was performed using contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (C deg) and pollution load index (PLI). The calculated environmental index values show a low to moderate contamination status of sediment. Future geochemical investigation on these sediments are necessary prior actual use in various therapeutic treatment.
Environmental Earth Sciences, 2013
ABSTRACT This study is a geochemical analytical approach to the characterization of pottery sampl... more ABSTRACT This study is a geochemical analytical approach to the characterization of pottery samples from an archaeological site near Mošnje (Slovenia). Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and statistical analyses were used to determine detailed geochemical properties of the pottery sherds and to identify potentially individual groups among the samples studied. The geochemical results indicated the existence of four major groups of the pottery sherds: the first and second groups are assembled from eight samples, all generally characterized by their high CaO and TOT/C content; the third group comprised the samples with the highest SiO2 concentrations; and the fourth group is represented by the samples K3, K5 and K13. The principal component analysis and cluster analysis validated the existing groups and revealed a high degree of chemical similarity between these groups. The geochemical and statistical data confirmed the archaeologists’ hypothesis and interpretation of a similar origin/alteration of source material/probable local ceramic production for the majority of the pottery sherds; the imported origin of samples K3 and K13 was recognized, while sample K5 had been intentionally imported as a sample for comparative purposes.
Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2015
In this study the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Lake Dojran surficial (0-5, 5-... more In this study the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Lake Dojran surficial (0-5, 5-10, 10-15 cm) sediments were studied in order to determine their suitability for use as potential raw material in balneotherapeutic treatments. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses were performed, and thereupon chemical index of alteration (CIA) and enrichment factor (EF) values were calculated. The XRD results revealed close association of sediment mineralogy with the prevailing metamorphic, volcanic and igneous rocks of the region surrounding Lake Dojran. CIA values of around 67% suggest a moderate degree of weathering in the lake catchment area. According to the EF value results, surficial Lake Dojran sediments are little enriched with Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, moderately enriched with Au, Ni and Sb, moderately severely enriched with Au, severely enriched with Sb and very severely enriched with As. This elemental enrichment likely originates from various different geogenic (geological background and polymetallic mineralization) and anthropogenic (tourism, traffic, coatings, untreated wastewater discharge and agrochemicals) sources. The abundances of the major elements, trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs) were almost constant, changing very little throughout the surficial (0-5, 5-10, 10-15 cm) sediments. Comparison of sediment trace element concentrations with consensus-based threshold effect concentration (TEC) and probable effect concentration (PEC) values showed that lake biota may be under threat of contamination with As, Cu and Ni. Given the present results, we cannot recommend/confirm the application of Lake Dojran dark mud sediment in balneotherapeutic treatments.
Environmental Earth Sciences, 2012
Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag Ber... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be selfarchived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your article, please use the accepted manuscript version for posting on your own website. You may further deposit the accepted manuscript version in any repository, provided it is only made publicly available 12 months after official publication or later and provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on Springer's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The final publication is available at link.springer.com".
Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 2014
Geologia Croatica, 2011
Stable nitrogen isotope ratios of particulate matter POM, zooplankton and selected biota such as ... more Stable nitrogen isotope ratios of particulate matter POM, zooplankton and selected biota such as Mytilus galloprovincialis were used to assess the impact of anthropogenically derived organic matter from untreated domestic sewage, municipal and industrial effl uents on the coastal ecosystem of Kosirina Bay (Murter Island). The differences in δ 15 N values observed in POM and organisms collected in Kosirina Bay were compared to POM and biota sampled at unaffected sites from the southern part of Kornati Island and highly impacted Pirovac Bay. This revealed only very minor effects of anthropogenic inputs of nutrients and organic matter, most probably derived from a sewage outfall south of Tužbina Island.
Environmental Pollution, 2013
The objectives of the research were: (1) to examine the concentrations of metals in Vimba melanop... more The objectives of the research were: (1) to examine the concentrations of metals in Vimba melanops and Rana temporaria and (2) to evaluate the potential risks of the contaminated organisms to human health in Makedonska Kamenica region. Analyses identified high levels of Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb in studied animals, which also exceeded their permissible levels in food. In sediment and soil samples, levels of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn and As were perceived, while Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se and As were increased in water samples. Results of transfer factor revealed that the examined animals had higher bioaccumulation rate from surrounding waters than from sediments or soils. The accomplished Health Risk Index disclosed that studied animals can have considerably high health risks for inhabitants. Conclusively, they could be considered as highly contaminated with metals and can consequently harm human health, especially children in their early development stages.
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Papers by Nastja Rogan Šmuc