X-ray Diffraction Analysis to Clarify the Unusual Origin of an Intraocular Foreign Body

Abstract

Purpose: To clarify the origin of a metallic intraocular foreign body (IOFB) due to a firecracker injury and to show the utility of X-ray diffraction analysis in the identification process. Methods: Interventional case report using X-ray diffraction technique. Results: We report a mechanism of firecracker ocular injury not previously described in the published literature. It involved penetration into the eye by a ground particle of calamine (originated from the area of detonation) and not, as it could be suspected, by a firecracker fragment. Conclusion: X-ray diffraction analysis showed environmental debris in the area of detonation can be injected as foreign material into the eye.

Transboundary sediment transfer from source to sink using a mineralogical analysis. Case study: Roseires Reservoir, Blue Nile, Sudan

“…Whereas in X-ray spectrometry one can obtain detection limits in the low parts per million regions, the powder method has difficulty in identifying several tenths of one percent. To this extent it is less sensitive than the fluorescence method by about three orders of magnitude (Ascaso andBlasco, 2012, Jenkins, 2000). Notwithstanding these possible shortcomings, the method appears the most promising one to study the mineral content of the sediment from the Blue Nile Basin.…”