This study investigated the influence of different cooling regimes on the microstructure and consequent reactivity of belite-sulfoaluminate clinkers. The cement clinkers were synthesized by incorporating secondary raw materials, such as titanogypsum and bottom ash, to the natural raw materials. Clinker phases were determined by Rietveld quantitative phase analysis, while the distribution morphology and the incorporation of substitute ions in the phases were characterized by scanning electron microscopy using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Clinker reactivity was studied using isothermal calorimetry and was additionally investigated through compressive strength, which was determined for the cement prepared from the synthesized clinkers. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that, as well as the three main phases (belite, calcium sulfoaluminate, and ferrite), the clinkers contained additional minor phases (mayenite, gehlenite, arkanite, periclase, and perovskite), the ratios of which varied according to the cooling regime utilized. Microscopic observations indicated that the cooling regime also influenced the crystal size and morphology of the main phases, which consequently affected clinker reactivity. Furthermore, a smaller amount of substitute elements was incorporated in the main phases when cooling was slowed. Results showed that, in comparison to clinkers cooled at slower rates, air quenched clinkers reacted faster and exhibited a higher compressive strength at 7 days.

Long-term monitoring of stable isotopes in precipitation (δ¹⁸O, δ²H), alongside meteorological data, is key to understanding how large-scale hydroclimate variability influences regional and local climate. This study presents one of the longest records in Central and Southeastern Europe: the multi-decadal (1981-2024) dataset of monthly composite precipitation stable isotope records from Ljubljana, Slovenia. The δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and d-excess values are increasing (+0.02 ‰, +0.18 ‰, and +0.05 ‰ per year, respectively), consistent with regional warming. Seasonal patterns were evident, with elevated d-excess values during autumn. The decomposition of the δ¹⁸O, δ²H and d-excess time series using Hilbert-Huang Transform revealed statistically significant annual oscillations in all variables. These oscillations correlated strongly with the annual oscillation of temperature, but a lag of 2-3 months was identified for d-excess. Lower-frequency (multi-year) oscillations of d-excess were also observed. HYSPLIT back-trajectory analysis confirmed a significant contribution of Mediterranean-sourced air masses to autumn precipitation, but did not explain d-excess oscillations. Similar results were observed also for coastal (Portorož, Slovenia) and continental (Vienna, Austria) stations. The findings imply an accelerating, exponential-like isotopic response to warming that has already propagated into the water cycle, providing isotope evidence that precipitation-surface water-groundwater interactions in investigated region changed in last decade.

The isotope and elemental composition of tap water reflects its multiple distinct inputs and provides a link between infrastructure and the environment over a range of scales. For example, on a local scale, they can be helpful in understanding the geological, hydrogeological, and hydrological conditions and monitor the proper functioning of the water supply system (WSS). However, despite this, studies examining the urban water system remain limited. This study sought to address this knowledge gap by performing a 24 h multiparameter analysis of tap water extracted from a region where the mixing of groundwater between two recharge areas occurs. This work included measurements of temperature and electrical conductivity, as well as pH, δ²H, δ¹⁸O, d, δ¹³C_DIC, and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios and major and trace elements at hourly intervals over a 24 h period. Although the data show only slight variations in the measured parameters, four groups were distinguishable using visual grouping, and multivariate analysis (Spearman correlation coefficient analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal components analysis). Finally, changes in the mixing ratios of the two sources were estimated using a linear mixing model. The results confirm that the relative contribution from each source varied considerably over 24 h.

Urban water supply systems (WSS) are complex and challenging to manage since the properties of water in the WSS change from source to the end user over time. However, understanding these changes requires a more profound knowledge of the WSS. This study describes the urban water cycle within the WSS of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where different water parameters such as temperature, electrical conductivity, total alkalinity, δ²H, δ¹⁸O, and δ¹³C_DIC were monitored from September to November 2018. Altogether 108 samples were collected, including from the source (3) and at different levels of the WSS: wells (41), joint exits from water pumping stations (7), reservoirs (22), water treatment locations (2), drinking fountains (13), taps (19) and wastewater system (1). The data show that although the ranges of δ²H and δ¹⁸O values were small, each well is represented by a unique fingerprint when considering additional parameters. A statistically significant difference was observed between sampling months, and temperature and most parameters showed higher variability within the wells than across the WSS, suggesting a more unified WSS. Finally, based on δ¹³C_DIC values, a distinction could be made between river/groundwater interactions within the WSS and between shallower and deeper wells and their distance from the river bank.

This article presents a comprehensive multi-matrix dataset collected to support the investigation and validation of catchment-scale contaminant transport processes using combined hydrochemical, multi-element, and isotopic approaches. The dataset was generated within a targeted monitoring program conducted in two medium-sized Central European catchments, the Koppány River (Hungary) and the Ledava River (Slovenia), both characterized by intensive agricultural land use, wastewater inputs, and erosion-sensitive conditions.