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We report a correlation outcome for mechanical and gamma-ray transmission properties of tellurite glasses by increasing tungsten(vi) oxide concentration in glass structure. The mechanical properties as well as Poisson’s ratio (σ) of the studied glasses are estimated by applying Makishima–Mackenzie model. Gamma-ray attenuation properties using various fundamental parameters are determined in 0.015–15 MeV energy range. Poisson’s ratio (σ) decreased from 0.43017 to 0.42711, while all elastic moduli increased linearly with the molar increment of either [WO3] or [TeO2] in the molecular structure of the glass network. Moreover, gamma-ray attenuation properties are enhanced as a function of increasing WO3 substitution amount from 30 to 50% mol in the glass structure. Half-value layer values at 15 MeV are found to be between 2.648 and 2.8614 cm. I4 samples with a composition of 20TeO2–50WO3–30GdF3 and density of 6.0530 g/cm3 was found to have superior material properties in terms of elastic and gamma-ray attenuation properties. It can be concluded that maximized WO3 contribution into the tellurite glasses may be considered as a critical tool in terms of establishing a symmetry between mechanical and gamma-ray attenuation properties for high-density tellurite glasses for their potential utilization in nuclear waste management, radiation shielding, and radioactive source transportation purposes.

We report the mechanical properties, elastic moduli, and gamma ray attenuation properties of some TeO2–WO3–GdF3 glasses. Using the chemical composition of the selected glasses, the dissociation energy per unit volume (G t) and the packing density (V t) were calculated. Using the G t and V t values, Young’s, Shear, Bulk, Longitudinal Modulus, and Poisson’s ratio of the glasses are calculated. Next several fundamental gamma ray attenuation properties such as linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number, effective electron density, effective conductivity, exposure, and energy absorption buildup factors are calculated in 0.015–15 MeV energy range. As a consequence of WO3–GdF3 substitution, the glass densities are observed in different values. The overall gamma ray attenuation properties are found to be enhanced through WO3 addition. Moreover, the increasing WO3 incorporation into glass configuration decreases the overall elastic moduli of glasses. It can be concluded that increasing WO3 may be a useful tool for enhancing the gamma ray attenuation qualities and decreasing the elastic moduli of TeO2–WO3–GdF3 in situations where a material with versatile mechanical properties is required.

This study investigates the effect of substituting tungsten(vi) oxide/gadolinium(iii) fluoride in tellurite glasses whose densities varies from 5.0879 to 5.3246 g/cm3 on gamma-ray absorption properties. A range of fundamental absorption parameters, including attenuation coefficients, half-value layer thicknesses, effective atom and electron numbers, effective conductivity, exposure, and energy absorption buildup factors, were studied for five different glass samples with varying substitution ratios. The ratio of tungsten(vi) oxide to gadolinium(iii) fluoride varied between 0 and 20 mol%, as well as the TeO2 ratio in the composition was maintained between 90 and 80 mol%. The sample with the composition of 80–20 mol% TeO2/WO3, which attained the maximum density value with 20 mol% WO3 addition, showed the highest gamma-absorption capabilities based on the obtained findings in the range of 0.015–15 MeV. In consideration of the mechanical and physical properties of WO3 in tellurite glasses, it can be concluded that WO3 incorporation is a crucial monotonic process that may be utilized to further improve the properties of glass shields.

We report the role of the chemical modifications on various gamma-ray attenuation properties of four different tellurite glasses reinforced through WO3. The chemical compositions and glass densities are used in terms of determining some critical attenuation properties, such as linear and mass attenuation coefficients, half value layer, and effective atomic number values. Based on the rise in density, it was determined that the maximum concentration of WO3 also resulted in a significant change in the overall gamma-ray absorption properties, when all of the study’s findings were examined. It was observed that the glass sample, in which TeO2 and WO3 were 40 mol%, had the highest density. It was found that this glass with the highest density has the highest linear attenuation coefficient and mass attenuation coefficient and the lowest half value layer among the four samples specified. This demonstrates that WO3 inclusion is a functional component that may be used in tellurium glasses and is a suitable material for situations requiring increased gamma-ray absorption properties.

The aim of this study is to assess the individual gamma-ray transmission factors (TFs) and some fundamental gamma-ray attenuation properties of several types of glasses based on WO3–TeO2–B2O3 glasses system. MCNPX (version 2.7.0) is used for the calculation of TFs. Other critical parameters are determined using the Phy-X/PSD program. To determine the TFs of studied glasses, several medical radioisotopes are determined along with their characteristic gamma-ray energies. The superior values for the investigated parameters are found in glass sample S6. Furthermore, the exposure build-up factor and energy absorption build-up factor values for glass sample S6 were the lowest. S6 glass sample with the chemical composition 0.03833B + 0.26075O + 0.11591Zn + 0.52783Te + 0.05718W and a density of 3.3579 g/cm3 is found to have exceptional gamma-ray attenuation qualities, according to our findings. It can be concluded that the prospective attributes of WO3-doped glass systems and associated glass compositions would be beneficial for scientific community in terms of providing a clearer view for some advanced applications of these glass types.

We report some fundamental gamma-ray shielding properties and individual transmission factors (TFs) of five distinct glass samples with a nominal composition of xSb2O3·(40 − x)PbO·60B2O3·0.5CuO and (where; 0 ≤ x ≤ 40 mol%). Phy-X/PSD and MCNPX (version 2.7.0) Monte Carlo code are utilized to determine several critical parameters, such as cross-sections, attenuation coefficients, half and tenth value layers, build-up factors, and TFs. A general transmission setup is designed using basic requirements. Accordingly, TFs are evaluated for several medical radioisotopes. Next, the gamma-ray shielding parameters and TFs are assessed together in terms of providing the validity of the findings. Our results showed that there is a positive contribution of increasing Sb2O3 amount in the glass matrix owing its direct effect to the density increment as well. This positive effect on gamma-ray shielding properties is also observed for decreasing mean free path values from S1 to S5 samples. The exposure build-up factor (EBF) and energy absorption build-up factor (EABF) values, increasing the quantity of Sb2O3 supplementation, resulted in a general reduction in EBF and EABF values (i.e., from 0.5 to 40 mfp). When the quantity of Sb2O3 rises from S1 to S5, the collision rate of incoming gamma rays in glass samples increases significantly. The TF figures reveal that S5 showed the least transmission behavior across all the above-mentioned studied glass thicknesses. It can be concluded that increasing the Sb2O3 additive is a beneficial and monotonic technique, when the gamma-ray shielding qualities or TF values must be further enhanced.

We report the radioprotective attitude of Annona muricata (AM) leaf extract as antioxidant material to prevent cellular damage in the ileum tissue. The protective effects of an ethyl acetate extract of AM leaves are comprehensively investigated against radiation-induced ileal damage in numerous rats. Thirty-two adult female rats were separated into 4 groups (3 intervention groups and 1 control) as follows: controls received 0.01 mL/kg distilled water, the AM group received 300 mg/kg AM leaf extract, the ionizing radiation (IR) group received a single dose of whole body radiation (8.3 Gy) after 0.01 mL/kg saline treatment, and the AM + IR group received 300 mg/kg AM leaf extract treatment and were subjected to whole body radiation (8.3 Gy) 1 h after the last gavage. All treatments are administered by oral gavage once a day for 9 days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical total oxidant status (TOS, interleukin-6, and caspase) and histological examinations are performed on blood samples as well as ileum tissue. TOS levels are found to be significantly high in rats, which received irradiation, and those in the AM group when compared to controls. These findings suggest that AM has radioprotective effects on ileum tissue, likely because of its antioxidative properties. The findings of this research may contribute to the minimizing of major side effects induced by excessive radiation exposure in patients undergoing radiotherapy and may serve as a significant impetus for further assessments. However, future studies are highly recommended to confirm safety and to determine extraction technique and dosage before human use can be considered.

This study investigates the effect of Annona muricata (AM) leaf extract against irradiation-induced damage by the evaluation of hepatic tissue and the levels of oxidative and inflammatory stress in the circulation.

We present the findings of an extensive examination on newly designed CdO-rich and transparent glass shields for nuclear medicine facilities in lieu of traditional and unfavorable materials, such as lead and concrete. Gamma-ray transmission factors of newly designed glass shields are determined using a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and research radioisotopes, including 67Ga, 57Co, 111In, 201Tl, 99mTc, 51Cr, 131I, 58Co, 137Cs, 133Ba, and 60Co. A general-purpose Monte Carlo code MCNPX (version 2.7.0) is used to determine the attenuation parameters of different material thicknesses. Next, the findings are compared using a standard concrete shielding material. The results indicate that adding more CdO to the glass composition improves the overall gamma-ray attenuation properties. As a result, among the heavy and transparent glasses developed, the C40 sample containing 40% CdO exhibited the best gamma-ray absorption properties against all radioisotopes. Furthermore, the gamma-ray absorption characteristics of this created high-density glass were shown to be better to those of a standard and heavy concrete sample. It can be concluded that the newly developed CdO-rich and transparent glass sample may be used in medical radiation fields where the radioisotopes examined are used in daily clinical and research applications.

Thallium-activated sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) detectors can be used in gamma cameras, environmental radiation assessments, including radiation emission levels from nuclear reactors, and radiation analysis equipment. This three-phase investigation aimed to model a standard NaI(Tl) detector using the Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) general-purpose Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Accordingly, a standard NaI(Tl) detector was designed along with the required properties. Next a validation study of the modelled NaI(Tl) detector has been performed based on the experimental results for absolute detector efficiency values obtained from 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K radioisotopes. Our findings indicate that the obtained absolute detector efficiency values are quite close to used experimental values. Finally, we used the modelled detector for determination of mass attenuation coefficients of Ordinary concrete, Lead, Hematite-serpentine concrete, and Steel-scrap concrete at 186.1, 295.22, 351.93, 609.31, 1120.29, 1764.49, 238.63, 911.2, 2614, and 1460.83 keV gamma-ray energies. Additionally, according to our findings, mass attenuation coefficients obtained from the newly designed detector are compatible with the standard NIST (XCOM) data. To conclude, continuous optimisation procedures are strongly suggested for sophisticated Monte Carlo simulations in order to maintain a high degree of simulation reliability. As a result, it can be concluded that the validation of the simulation model is necessary using measured data. Finally, it can also be concluded that the validated detector models are effective instruments for obtaining basic gamma-ray shielding parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients.

The study area is situated in the central part of the Western Desert of Egypt between latitude 28°00′ to 30°00′ N and longitude 25°00′ to 30°00′ E. That region is distinguished by a featureless plain that is divided by depressions in Siwa, Qattara, and Bahariya. The purpose of the current study is to study the predominant structures in the area and how they relate to basin structure. Utilizing aerogravity data (Bouguer gravity, residual gravity, downward continuation, and Euler deconvolution) and aeromagnetic data (reduced to the northern Pole [RTP] anomalies and tilt derivative) is essential to accomplish this purpose. Through both qualitative analyses, these data were submitted to various processing and interpretation approaches. The subsurface structure configuration trending in E–W, N–S, NW–SE, NE–SW, ENE–WSW, and NNE–SSW directions has been simulated by utilizing aerogravity and aeromagnetic data. According to these maps, the study area is divided by around 44 faults. The study's findings indicated that the direction of the basement structure was almost NE–SW and N–S. The optimum Euler depth deconvolution at structure index, SI = 0 shows several features in the study area, including Sill, Dyke, Ribbon, and Step structures.

Mechanical properties, elastic moduli, transmission factors (TFs), and gamma-ray shielding performance of quaternary glass systems with chemical composition (0.25−x)Bi2O3–xB2O3−0.75(50%P2O5−50%V2O5), where x = 0.05 (S1), 0.10 (S2), 0.15 (S3), and 0.20 (S4) mol%, were comprehensively studied. The MCNPX code, Phy-X/PSD software, and the Makishima–Mackenzie model were utilized to achieve the mentioned purposes. The values of the packing density (V t) decreased from 0.634432 to 0.600611, while those of the dissociation energy (G t) increased from 51.6125 kJ/cm3 for the S1 glass sample (with Bi2O3 = 5 mol%) to 56.7525 kJ/cm3 for the S4 glass sample (with Bi2O3 = 20 mol%). This means that the mechanical properties were enhanced by increasing the Bi2O3 content in glasses. Linear (µ) and mass attenuation (µ m) coefficients for the S4 glass sample were the greatest compared to those for glass materials investigated, i.e., (µ, µ m)S1 < (µ, µ m)S2 < (µ, µ m)S3 < (µ, µ m)S4. Half- and tenth-value layers (HVL and TVL, respectively) follow the trend: (HVL, TVL)S1 > (HVL, TVL)S2 > (HVL, TVL)S3 > (HVL, TVL)S4. The effective atomic number (Z eff) of investigated glasses has the same trend as of linear and mass attenuation coefficients. Our findings indicate that increasing the amount of Bi2O3 reinforcement decreased the exposure buildup factor and energy absorption buildup factor values for all mean free path values (0.5–40 mfp). All glasses recorded the minimum TF values at a thickness of 3 cm. The findings would benefit the scientific community in determining the most appropriate additive bismuth(iii) oxide/diboron trioxide type and related glass composition to provide the shielding properties previously mentioned in terms of needs and utilization requirements, as well as the most suitable glass composition.

Granite rocks are currently one of the foremost raw materials that can be used for various economic purposes such as ornamentation and building materials, because they do not possess radioactive concentrations and have good physical and mechanical properties. The granite rocks of north Um Taghir are connected to neoproterozoic rocks and integrated to the north Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), which lies in Northeast Africa. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence analysis, concurrent to some statistical analysis, have been carried for major oxides and some trace elements to extract much fundamental information by following certain mathematical methods. The exposed granite rock units in north Um Taghir are classified into four rock units represented by tonalite, granodiorite, monzogranite, and alkali-feldspar granite which are cut by different types of dikes. The magma of tonalite and granodiorite is low-to-medium K calc-alkaline affinity, while the magma of monzogranite and alkali-feldspar granite is medium-to-high K calc-alkaline affinity, and of metaluminous to peraluminous nature. Granite rocks show a slightly depletion of fractionated patterns from light rare earth elements (LREEs) to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) with slightly positive to negative Eu anomalies from tonalite to monzogranite and alkali-feldspar granites. The statistical criteria have been achieved to explore the significant differences of radiological hazard parameters among samples. It is obvious that there is no homogeneity among samples; furthermore, in Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney test, and Pearson correlation coefficient, it can be noticed that there are significant differences between each pair of samples: tonalite, monzogranite; tonalite, alkali-feldspar granite; granodiorite, monzogranite; and granodiorite, alkali-feldspar granite. There is a strong direct relationship among granodiorite and both tonalite and alkali-feldspar granite, and among alkali-feldspar granite and tonalite and granodiorite. There is a strong inverse relationship among monzogranite and tonalite, granodiorite, and alkali-feldspar granite. As stated by all results, it can be mentioned that the granite rocks have a worthy result of mechanical and physical properties. So that they can be used for various economic purposes.

This study aimed to investigate the nuclear radiation shielding properties of erbium (Er)-reinforced and samarium (Sm)-reinforced borate glasses. In the 0.015–15 MeV photon energy range, attenuation coefficients, as well as half-value layer tenth-value layers, and the mean-free path have been calculated. Additionally, effective, and equivalent atomic numbers, effective atomic weight, electron density, and exposure and energy absorption build-up factors were also calculated. To evaluate the overall nuclear radiation attenuation competencies of Er-rich and Sm-rich glasses, effective removal cross-section values for fast neutrons and projected range/mass stopping power values for alpha and proton particles were also determined. The glass sample BZBEr2.0 had the highest linear and mass attenuation coefficients (µ and µ m), effective conductivity (C eff), the effective number of electrons (N eff), and effective atomic number (Z eff) values as well as the lowest half-value layer (T 1/2), tenth value layers (T 1/10), mean free path (λ), exposure build-up factor, and energy absorption build-up factor values. µ m values were reported as 2.337, 2.556, 2.770, 2.976, 2.108, 2.266, 2.421, 2.569, and 2.714 for BZBEr0.5, BZBEr1.0, BZBEr1.5, BZBEr2.0, BZBSm0.0, BZBSm0.5, BZBSm1.0, BZBSm1.5, and BZBSm2.0 glass samples at 0.06 MeV, respectively. The results showed that Er has a greater effect than Sm regarding the gamma-ray shielding properties of borate glasses. The results of this investigation could be used in further investigations and added to older investigations with the same aim, to aid the scientific community in determining the most appropriate rare-earth additive, to provide adequate shielding properties based on the requirement.

This work is mainly concerned with the effect of anthropogenic activities, the presence of black sand spots, factory construction, and shipping, in addition to other activities like agriculture, on soil heavy metal pollution along the Mediterranean shores of Lake El-Burullus, Egypt, to assess the contamination levels and to identify possible sources and the distribution of these metals. This study focuses on the various heavy metal contamination levels in El-Burullus Lake coastal sediments. Sediment samples were collected and analyzed by the XRF technique for heavy metals, including Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Zr, Pb, Ba, Sr, Ga, Rb, V, and Nb. Statistical analyses, including correlation coefficient, factor analysis, and cluster analysis, were employed to understand the interactions and sources of these metals. The highest concentrations recorded were for Zr (84–1436 mg/kg) and Pb (1–1166 mg/kg), with average concentrations of 455.53 mg/kg and 79.27 mg/kg, respectively. Cr, Zr, Nb, and Pb showed average values higher than the average shale concentration, indicating potential pollution. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between several metals, suggesting common sources of both natural and anthropogenic origin and similar distribution patterns. Factor analysis indicated four main factors accounting for 94.069% of the total variance, with the first factor heavily dominated by Cr, Ni, Zn, and Ba. The contamination factor (Cf) and degree (DC) analyses revealed varying contamination levels, with most metals exhibiting the greatest values in the western half of the area. The pollution load index (PLI) indicated high-quality sediment samples without significant pollution. Our findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and management techniques to reduce possible environmental and health concerns associated with these pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-ray shielding properties of eight different metallic glasses based on CuxZr100-x: x = 35 (Cu35Zr65) − 70 (Cu70Zr30) were determined using Monte Carlo simulations and Phy-X/PSD software. A typical gamma-ray transmission setup has been modeled in MCNPX Monte Carlo code. The general trend of the linear attenuation coefficients (μ) was reported as (μ)Cu35Zr65 < (μ)Cu40Zr60 < (μ)Cu45Zr55 < (μ)Cu50Zr50 < (μ)Cu55Zr45 < (μ)Cu60Zr40 < (μ)Cu65Zr35 < (μ)Cu70Zr30. In terms of half value layer (HVL) values, the Cu35Zr65 sample has the highest value (2.984 cm) and the Cu70Zr30 sample has the lowest value (2.769 cm) at 8 MeV photon energy. The mean free path (MFP) values were 4.305 and 3.995 cm for Cu35Zr65 and Cu70Zr30 samples, respectively. Generally, MFP and HVL values of the studied glasses were reported as (MFP,HVL)Cu35Zr65 > (MFP,HVL)Cu40Zr60 > (MFP,HVL)Cu45Zr55 > (MFP,HVL)Cu50Zr50 > (MFP,HVL)Cu55Zr45 > (MFP,HVL)Cu60Zr40 > (MFP,HVL)Cu65Zr35 > (MFP,HVL)Cu70Zr30 for all photon energy range. The Cu70Zr30 sample showed maximum values of both the effective conductivity (C eff) and effective electron density (N eff). In addition, the Cu70Zr30 sample has minimum exposure and energy absorption buildup factor (EBF and EABF) values at all studied gamma-ray energies. The results revealed that the Cu70Zr30 sample has superior attenuation properties among all studied samples.

We report the gamma-ray shielding properties of five different lithium silicate glasses based on the (40 − x) Li2O–10Pb3O4–50SiO2 nominal composition. Transmission factor values and some basic shielding parameters such as linear (µ) and mass attenuation coefficients (µ/ρ), half-value layer, tenth value layer, and mean free path (MFP) values of the investigated glass samples are determined in a large photon energy range. Using the G–P fitting method at various MFP values, the exposure buildup factor and energy absorption buildup factor values of the examined glasses are also calculated. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the S5 glass specimen, which exhibits the greatest Ag2O additive and density among the various glass samples, represents a favorable choice for the purpose of shielding against gamma radiation.

Austenitic stainless steels (SSs) are commonly used as in-core and surrounding structural materials in today’s industrial BWR and PWR systems. Such adaptable steels have also been the primary materials studied and used in several advanced nuclear reactor technologies, such as fast breeding and magnetic fusion reactors. In this study, some critical material properties, such as structural, physical, and radiation-shielding properties of REX-734 and 316L SS, were experimentally evaluated and compared to those of a number of other alloys. In addition to homogeneous element distribution, both alloys exhibit strong crystal orientation. The REX-734 alloy has a tensile strength of 1,259 MPa, whereas the 316L SS alloy has a tensile strength of 495 MPa. Moreover, nitrogen in the REX-734 alloy formed ultra-hard nitrides with Cr, Nb, and Si and precipitated into the structure and increased the strength. According to our findings, the mass attenuation coefficient values of the 316L SS sample were slightly higher than those of the REX-734 sample at all energies. It can be concluded that the REX-734 sample, with its exceptional strength qualities and excellent radiation attenuation capabilities, may be a viable nuclear power plant material for future investigations.

The study aimed to evaluate for the first time the degree of contamination of soil and crops with major and trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, F, Na, Mg, Si, P, Cl, Fe, Al) in agricultural lands situated in the Lower Danube Basin, Galati and Braila counties (SE Romania), impacted by the steel industry. Soil samples, as well as leaves and seeds of wheat, corn, and sunflower, were collected from two depths in 11 different sites. Along with elemental and mineralogical analyses, performed by HR-CS AAS, PIGE, SEM-EDX, and ATR-FTIR, the soil pH, texture, organic matter, electric conductivity, and CaCO3 content were investigated. The results showed that the levels of Cr (83.27–383.10 mg kg−1), Cu (17.11–68.15 mg kg−1), Ni (30.16–55.66 mg kg−1), and F (319–544 mg kg−1) in soil exceeded the Romanian regulations for sensitive use of the land. Igeo, EF, PI, and PERI pollution indices indicate that the soil is moderate to highly contaminated with Cr, Ni, and Cu, while the CSI and mERMQ indices suggested a relatively low risk for metal contamination. The elemental concentrations in plant tissues and bioaccumulation factors (BFs) provide valuable insights into the soil–plant relationship, health risks, and the selectivity of plant compartments for different elements. Thus, the results revealed that the wheat plants tended to exclude the bioaccumulation of particular elements in their tissues, while exhibiting a different bioaccumulation pattern for Zn and Cu. In the case of corn, most BFs were below one, indicating a limited phytoaccumulation capacity. However, exceptions were observed for Cd, Zn, and Cu with the sunflower BFs indicating higher bioconcentration of these elements in leaves and seeds compared to other elements. Chromium (Cr) contributes to non-carcinogenic dermal contact and ingestion hazards, children being more susceptible to the adverse effects of this contaminant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of soil contamination in the vicinity of integrated siderurgical plants is of outmost importance for agroecosystems and human health, and sensitive techniques should be employed for accurate assessment of chemical elements (metals, potential toxic elements, rare earths, radioelements) in soil and further evaluation of potential ecological and safety risk. In this paper a total of 45 major, minor and trace elements (Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr) were quantified in soils located around a large siderurgical works (Galati, SE Romania) using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in combination with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). The statistical analysis results and vertical distribution patterns for three depths (0–5 cm, 5–20 cm, 20–30 cm) indicate inputs of toxic elements in the sites close to the ironmaking and steelmaking facilities and industrial wastes dumping site. For selected elements, a comparison with historical, legislated and world reported concentration values in soil was performed and depth migration, contamination and toxic risk indices were assessed. The distribution of major, rock forming elements was closer to the Upper Continental Crust (UCC), and to the Dobrogea loess, a finding confirmed by the ternary diagram of the incompatible trace elements Sc, La and Th, as well as by the La to Th rate. At the same time, the La/Th vs. Sc and Th/Sc vs. Zr/Sc bi-plots suggested a felsic origin and a weak recycling of soils' mineral components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]