Mineralogical and geochemical features of human body ash residue of spatially-localized technogenic system (Norilsk city)

Abstract

The paper presents the information on the element and mineral composition of the human body ash residue of Norilsk residents. The data are obtained by such methods as X-ray analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy. This research has identified the content of 47 elements, 17 of which have their own mineral phases. Besides, the estimation of average content of chemical elements in terms of sex and correlation analysis of the data was conducted in this research. The final results indicate the influence of Norilsk industry on the element and mineral composition of ash residue. For example, the accumulation of such elements as Zr, Al, Ca, Y, some rare earth, and radioactive elements has been observed in the human body ash residue of Norilsk residents. The presence of Ag, Au, Pt microphases and numerous compounds of Cu, Ni etc. was detected among all mineral phases.