This master's thesis examines the geochemical imprint of dentistry in the environment, focusing on the emissions of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and particulate matter. Sampling of street dust and airborne particulate matter was conducted in Maribor and its surrounding areas. The goal of the study was to determine whether dental activities emit PTEs to a detectable extent in the outdoor environment, to identify the particulate matter and chemical elements characteristic of dental activities, and to define the morphological and chemical properties of the solid PTE carriers originating from dental activities. The mineral composition of the samples was determined using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The analysis showed the predominance of dolomite and quartz, along with the presence of illite, plagioclase, calcite, amphiboles, kaolinite and probably smaller amounts of hematite and halite. Chemical analysis of street dust using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) showed statistically significant higher contents of mercury (Hg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), and partly platinum (Pt) near dental clinics. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS), we discovered irregularly shaped fragments in the samples with varying amounts of silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), palladium (Pd), and tin (Sn). All particles were sharp-edged, and some showed signs of abrasion. Since these elements are components of materials used in dentistry and their highest contents were found near dental clinics, we conclude that they originate from dental activities. We also found individual other solid particles that may originate from dentistry (Co-Cr alloys, Bi-O and Zr-O particles. The results of the study showed that dental activities cause sufficient emissions of certain PTEs in the form of characteristic particulate matter, detectable in the environment near clinics, both in urban and rural areas.
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