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In the framework of anomalous effects coming out because very close interaction of some specific gas (usually Deuterium-D, some times Hydrogen-H) with some specific solid materials (usually Palladium-Pd, some times Nickel or others) is an emerging evidence that the physical condition at the surface of the host element play a crucial role. It has been experimentally demonstrated, by Yoshiaki Arata at Osaka University, that nanoparticles of Pd, embedded in a matrix of Zr0 2 , are able to absorb extremely large amounts of H and/or D, at even room temperature and pressure. Because of such results, we re-analyzed some of our previous experiments under the new point of view and were convinced that most of our "positive" results in Condensed Matter Nuclear Science come because of lucky, specific condition of our Pd cathode. We decided to improve the quality of Pd, from the point of view of production of nanostructure at its surface as large (and stable) as possible, in a controllable way, using both electrolytic procedure and special preparation of Pd before the use. Some of our efforts seemed to give positive results, although the stability at long time as to be improved.

Discussed in this paper is the evolution of work that started by using the M. Fleischmann and S. Pons method and ended by using thin palladium wires electrolyzed in an electrolyte consisting of slightly acidic heavy alcohol-water solution containing thorium (Th) and mercury (Hg) salts at micromolar concentrations. The resulting large and dynamic loading of the Pd wires was studied. The recent use of thorium instead of strontium resulted in thermal anomalies and detection of new elements in larger amounts. The results with Sr are qualitatively in agreement with what was found by Y. Iwamura (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) using multilayers of Pd-CaO-Pd-Sr in flowing deuterium gas. Most results seem to be in agreement with a "multi-body resonance fusion of deuterons" model recently developed by A.Takahashi (Osaka University).

A rapid and simple method to determine phosphides in stainless-steel slag is described. Phosphides are determined in stainless-steel slag either to check the extent of de-phosphorisation of the steel or when the slag is t o be disposed of on the land. Dissolution of the slag with hydrochloric acid was carried out to'generate phosphine, which was fixed in a saturated bromine solution. After removal of the excess of bromine, the concentration of phosphorus was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The limit of detection was 0.5 pg g-I of phosphorus, i.e., 1 pg g-1 in analysing a 50-9 sample.

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