Search

Abstract: An NMR and chemometric analytical approach to classify extra virgin olive oils according to their geographical origin was developed within the European TRACE project (FP6-2003-FOOD-2-A, contract number: 0060942). Olive oils (896 samples) of three consecutive harvesting years (2005, 2006, and 2007) coming from Mediterranean areas were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Olive oil samples from Liguria, an Italian region, were chosen as a case study and PLS-DA and SIMCA modeling analyses were used to build up statistical models both to discriminate between Ligurian and non-Ligurian olive oils and to define the Ligurian olive oil class to confirm the declared provenience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of early Byzantine glasses, recovered in Ganzirri (Sicily, Italy), was analysed for major, minor and trace elements. All the analysed fragments were found to be natron-based silica–lime glass. Concerning minor and trace elements, the samples can be divided into two groups: glass with high Fe, Ti and Mn contents ( HIMT glass) and glass with low levels of Fe, Ti and Mn. These results, strictly in agreement with literature data for glass of the Mediterranean region, can be interpreted as a consequence of the wide trade network established in this region and of the intense circulation of raw glass and artefacts from different Mediterranean areas. X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies at Fe and Mn K-edges, performed on HIMT glass, indicate that Fe is in the oxidized form while Mn is in the reduced form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glass finds from the Medieval Val Gargassa glasshouse (Genova, Italy) were investigated by chemical and spectroscopic techniques (colorimetric analysis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy) with the aim to obtain information on the ancient glass production technique. Sampling covers all the typologies of archaeological findings unearthed by the digging, as well as fragments of finished glass-wares. The results indicated that the samples are soda-lime based glasses. The color variability was exerted by the glassmakers by both controlling the kiln atmosphere and/or adding MnO2 as decoloring agent. In both cases, the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio was modified at a specific step of the production cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]