Radioisotope Analysis Research Articles

Investigation and Analysis of Beta Radioisotopes for Optimal Use in Betavoltaic Batteries

This research aims to investigate and analyze the optimal beta radioisotopes for use in betavoltaic batteries, focusing on enhancing a betavoltaic battery’s performance and efficiency. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 1252 radioisotopes, among which are 955 beta emitters and 502 beta-minus decay modes. We identified 27 pure beta emitters and further narrowed these down to select the most suitable candidates for betavoltaic applications. We utilized the ICRP 107 report and DECDATA auxiliary software to evaluate some characteristics and features of beta emitters. Our evaluation led to the selection of two groups of radioisotopes—3H and 63Ni from pure beta emitters, and 147Pm, 151Sm, 171Tm, and 155Eu from impure beta emitters—based on their power, minimum volume factor, and cell and source dimensions. The selected radioisotopes demonstrate the potential to significantly improve betavoltaic battery design, offering a balance between energy output and realistic dimensions for practical applications. The findings provide a framework for selecting and utilizing suitable beta emitter radioisotopes, which is crucial for advancing betavoltaic battery technology. Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of the characteristics required for optimal radioisotope selection, paving the way for more efficient and compact betavoltaic batteries.

Development and applications of accelerator mass spectrometry methods for measurement of 14C, 10Be and 26Al in the CENTA laboratory

Terrestrial and extraterrestrial radioisotope research has been strongly dependent on the development of analytical methods which would enable to trace radioisotopes at low concentrations in subgram samples (e.g., in tree rings, ice cores, meteorites, etc.). Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) has become the most sensitive technique for ultralow-level analysis of long-lived radioisotopes, such as 14C, 10Be and 26Al. We review developments and applications carried out in the CENTA laboratory, and describe a recently installed fully equipped AMS line, designed for analysis of long-lived radioisotopes from tritium to curium.

Cranioplasty with autograft and bone grafting material: a clinical case study

A clinical study of the effectiveness of delayed cranioplasty with an autologous bone flap using allogenic bone grafting material was performed. The autograft was preserved, saturated with human collagen type 1, lyophilized and sterilized. Bone-plastic material was used to fill diastases. The patient was followed up in the postoperative period for 24 months. No clinical complications were registered. Radiological and radioisotope analysis showed normal fixation of the autograft after 6, 12 and 24 months. Biopsy analysis after 12 months showed the presence of regenerative processes in the absence of inflammation. The clinical result was assessed as successful.

Cranioplasty with autograft and bone grafting material: a clinical case study

A clinical study of the effectiveness of delayed cranioplasty with an autologous bone flap using allogenic bone grafting material was performed. The autograft was preserved, saturated with human collagen type 1, lyophilized and sterilized. Bone-plastic material was used to fill diastases. The patient was followed up in the postoperative period for 24 months. No clinical complications were registered. Radiological and radioisotope analysis showed normal fixation of the autograft after 6, 12 and 24 months. Biopsy analysis after 12 months showed the presence of regenerative processes in the absence of inflammation. The clinical result was assessed as successful.

The quality of beef in the conditions of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site.

The territory of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site represents vast areas of grassy steppes, their use as pastures seems promising. The purpose of work was to compare beef samples obtained from settlements belonging to different categories of radiation risk: Kokpekty village, Chagan urban-type settlement, Krivinka village, Sarzhal village, threesamples were examined from each settlement. Organoleptic analysis, radiometric determination of 137 Cs, was used as criteria. Also, an analysis of the amino acid composition by the high-performance liquid chromatograph method was carried out and a calculation of protein indicators was made: meat tenderness, amino acid usefulness, nutrition value. The organoleptic examination showed the compliance of all samples with the standards, with the exception of one sample from the Sarzhal village. The study of the specific activity of 137 Cs showed a direct correlation between the category of radiation risk and the content of this radioisotope in meat from different zones. The availability of some deviations in the samples indicators obtained from the Sarzhal village indicates the need to approach the products control from this zone more carefully, and radioisotope analysis should become a decisive criterion in determining the safety profile of the product.

Development of an experimental model of tumor growth under hypothyroidism

Development of an experimental model of tumor growth under hypothyroidism

The implications of using organic-rich industrial wastewater as biomethanation feedstocks

Acetic acid and methanol are found in wastewater of many industries and they can be excellent substrates for anaerobic digestion (AD). However, the research determining the efficient use of these wastewater as AD substrates and evaluating their impact on the AD process is scarce. The current study aims to assess the use of acetic acid-rich (WW-HAc) and methanol-rich (WW–MeOH) wastewater for methane production by evaluating (1) their effect on the AD process pH, (2) their toxicity on a typical non-acclimated methanogenic inoculum, (3) their effect on the methanogenic activity and (4) their effect on the acetate metabolic pathway when co-digested in continuous, manure-based anaerobic reactors. The pH experimental results showed that an organic loading (OL) of 5.97 g VS L−1 of WW-HAc lowered the pH below the optimum range for AD (6.5–8.5). The toxicity test on AD process showed that IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) was 6.9 and 14.31 g VS L−1 for WW-HAc and WW-MeOH, respectively. In the continuous reactors experiment, high organic loading rates of up to 5.7 and 9.7 g VS L−1 d−1 for WW-HAc and WW-MeOH, respectively, where achieved under steady state (i.e., less than 10% variation in production), with 79% and 87%, respectively of the maximum theoretical methane production. Radioisotopic analysis showed that aceticlastic methanogenesis was dominant in both reactors. Overall, the assessment of using acetic acid-rich and methanol-rich wastewater as substrates, revealed significant production benefits for the AD process together with operational restrictions that must be followed to prevent toxicities or overloading effects.

Radiocarbon measurements using new automated graphite preparation laboratory coupled with stable isotope mass-spectrometry at Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (India)

Conventional beta counting technique based radiocarbon dating facility at Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences- Lucknow was established in 1974 (Rajagopalan,1978). In 2017–18, BSIP received an upgrade with installation of an Automated Graphitization Equipment (AGE) coupled with an Elemental Analyser, a Carbonate Handling System (CHS) along with an in-line stable isotope mass-spectrometer (IRMS). Using this combo, stable Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and Sulfur (S) isotopic measurements could be carried out in both organic and inorganic type samples followed by graphite preparation (~1 mg) for 14C measurement by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). This communication addresses details of pre-processing, processing, and quality checks adopted for achieving acceptable and demonstrable accuracy and precision of measured Δ14C, δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S measurements. Information regarding chemical preparation of samples for aforesaid stable and radio isotopic analysis is provided in succinct manner. Overall, average coefficient of variation determining precision of our graphite powders for 14C measurements is ~2.4%. The mean age of blank (anthracite) processed using established EA-IRMS-AGE unit comes as 42,100 ± 300 years.

Qualitative Analysis of Long-Lived Residual Radioisotopes in 18 MeV Proton Bombarded Enriched Water Target

Residual radioisotope analysis as a result of cyclotron-based 18F production is of paramount importance since it relates to the radiation safety of patients as well as radiation workers. In this investigation, 18-MeV proton beams were employed to irradiate enriched water (H2 18O) target for 18F production while Talys Evaluated Nuclear Data Library (TENDL) 2017 were used to study the origins of the radionuclide impurities. Gamma rays emmitted by the residual radionuclides were detected using a gamma ray spectroscopic system following a month of decay while their origins were analyzed from the TENDL 2017 nuclear cross-section calculations. Experimental results indicated that several long-lived radionuclides such as 109Cd, 57Co, 57Ni, 58Co and 56Co were recorded by the gamma ray spectroscopic system. The long-lived residual radionuclides were presumably due to proton interactions with Havar window and Silver body. Using the TENDL 2017-calculated nuclear cross-sections, it was discovered that several nuclear reactions responsible for the residual radioisotopes include 109Ag(p,n)109Cd which corresponded to the generation of 109Cd radioisotope, 60Ni(p,α)57Co and 58Ni(p,2p)57Co reactions for the formation of 57Co, 58Ni(p,d)57Ni reaction for the production of 57Ni radioisotope, 58Fe(p,n)58Co reaction for the generation of 58Co, and 56Fe(p,n)56Co reaction for the formation of 56Co. This experimental result can be used as a reference for future production of 18F and other radioisotopes should Havar window and silver body are used in the target system.

Trace analysis of radioisotopes by laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

Trace analysis (at fg-level) of radioisotopes requires a considerable push in analytical technology. Among most sensitive are a Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence (TRLIF) and Chemiluminescence (TRLIC) methods for detection of elemental compositions and valence states and a Resonance Ionisation Spectroscopy (RIS) in combination with mass spectrometry for isotope composition determination. The radioisotopes of interest in environmental radiochemistry and planetary science and their analysis using TRLIF/TRLIC/RIS are discussed. The aspects of the development of the new technology implementing these methods are also described.

Soil properties on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island: Fundamental indicators of ecosystem function and potential change

We examined the nature and properties of soils on Australian sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island to determine key environmental factors driving their distribution, development and change. We provide the first classification of these soils using Australian and international (WRB) systems while combining elemental, stable and radio-isotope analysis to interpret processes of soil formation and key controlling environmental factors. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations across the island were influenced largely by elevation and topographic position with coastal soils and wetter depressions containing more SOC and TN compared with drier and higher elevation locations. Soils on the high, exposed plateau of the island contained low SOC and TN concentrations by comparison. Results suggested that soils of the coastal zone are subject to ongoing aggradation with significant inputs of nutrient, particularly extractable P (Ext P), from oceanic and especially avifauna sources. Nutrient subsidy was concentrated on coastal margins and the more sheltered eastern side of the island, diminishing significantly with increasing elevation and distance from the coast. Soils of the central plateau contained very low Ext P concentrations throughout the profile and appear to be relic if not degrading. Further comprehensive soil mapping, classification and monitoring across Macquarie Island will elucidate the important role that soils serve for healthy ecosystem function in these sub-Antarctic environments and provide early warning indicators of significant environmental change.

Accumulation Mechanism of 2-Nitroimidazole-based Hypoxia Imaging Probes Revealed by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Hypoxia in tumor tissues plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and angiogenesis, and is associated with cancer therapeutic resistance. For the diagnosis of hypoxia, non-invasive imaging techniques, especially positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-nitroimidazole-based probes, are used, since 2-nitroimidazole-based probes are considered to undergo reductive metabolism on their 2-nitroimidazole moiety and become trapped in hypoxic cells. However, the detailed mechanism of their accumulation remains unclear because of the difficulty in estimating the metabolites by radioisotopic analysis. Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) can distinguish the distribution patterns of the drug and its metabolites. To clarify the accumulation mechanism of 2-nitroimidazole-based probes in hypoxic cells, we evaluated [18F]fluoromisonidazole (FMISO), a 2-nitroimidazole-based PET probe, in combination with radioisotopic analysis and IMS. We found that the glutathione conjugate of reduced FMISO (amino-FMISO-GS) was the main FMISO metabolite, and was specifically distributed in the hypoxic regions of tumors. The same phenomenon was observed when we examined another 2-nitroimidazole-based probe, pimonidazole. The in vitro cellular uptake study revealed that FMISO accumulation in hypoxic cells depends on the cell type. In those cells exhibiting higher FMISO uptake, the reactive glutathione level and enzyme (glutathione S-transferase; GST) activity catalyzing the glutathione conjugation reaction was significantly higher, whereas the expression level of the efflux transporter (multidrug resistance-associated protein 1; MRP1) was significantly lower. Our study suggests that 2-nitroimidazole-based probes accumulate in hypoxic cells via glutathione conjugation following reductive metabolism, which depends not only on the glutathione conjugation capacity of the cells but also on hypoxic conditions.

16s rRNA gene sequencing and radioisotopic analysis reveal the composition of ammonia acclimatized methanogenic consortia

Different mesophilic and thermophilic methanogenic consortia were acclimatised and enriched to extreme total ammonia (9.0 and 5.0 g NH4+-N L−1, respectively) and free ammonia (1.0 and 1.4 g NH3-N L−1, respectively) levels in this study. [2-14C] acetate radioisotopic analyses showed the dominance of aceticlastic methanogenesis in all enriched consortia. According to 16S rRNA gene sequencing result, in mesophilic consortia, methylotrophic Methanomassiliicoccus luminyensis was predominant, followed by aceticlastic Methanosarcina soligelidi. A possible scenario explaining the dominance of M. luminyensis includes the use of methylamine produced by Tissierella spp. and biomass build-up by metabolizing acetate. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to pinpoint the exact metabolic pathway of M. luminyensis. In thermophilic consortia, aceticlastic Methanosarcina thermophila was the sole dominant methanogen. Overall, results derived from this study demonstrated the efficient biomethanation ability of these ammonia-tolerant methanogenic consortia, indicating a potential application of these consortia to solve ammonia toxicity problems in future full-scale reactors.

MULTIDIRECTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF BONE STRUCTURE INCLUDING RADIOISOTOPIC ANALYSIS IN PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.

In postmenopausal period, changes in bone turnover markers (BTM), vitamin D3, cytokines and parathyroid hormone (PTH) are frequently observed. The study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism index (IBM) in the perimenopausal women. 2013-2014. One hundred and thirteen women were divided into four groups: group I (35 not menstruating 50 - 60 years old with osteoporosis), II (23 not menstruating 50 - 60 years old without osteoporosis), III (30 menstruating 40 - 49 years old with osteoporosis), IV (25 menstruating 40 - 49 years old without osteoporosis). The following parameters were measured: IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, hormone oestradiol (E2), PTH, FSH, TSH, calcium (Ca2+), phosphates (P), alkaline phosphatase (bALP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen alpha 1 chain (α1CTX), osteocalcin (OC), BMD, IBM. IBM and BMD were significantly lower in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women. The concentration of OC, CTX, 25OH D3 and PTH levels differed significantly between group I vs. II, group I vs. III and group II vs. IV. The levels of BTM, D3, PTH differed significantly between groups. This study demonstrated that bone metabolism depended mainly on processes related with menopause state and changes in D3, PTH and cytokines levels.

240+239Pu depositional signatures as a viable geochronological tool in the Amazon Basin

Abstract Anthropogenic radionuclide signatures associated with nuclear testing are increasingly utilized in environmental science to explore recent sedimentation. In this study, we assess the suitability of Pu radioisotope analysis in floodplain lake environments in the Amazon Basin to form geochronologies during the 20th century. The 240Pu + 239Pu (240+239Pu) signatures in six sediment cores indicate sediment accumulation rates in the floodplain lakes of the major rivers; Amazon (2.3 mm year-1), Tapajos (10.2 and 2.4 mm year-1) and Madeira (3.4, 4.2 and 6.2 mm year-1). The results from this study show that 240+239Pu fallout activities, and the well documented (240Pu/239Pu) atomic ratios of the above ground nuclear tests which began in the 1950’s, are sufficient and well preserved in Amazon floodplain lake sediments to infer chronologies. Lead-210 dating analyses in the same sediment cores produced comparable sediment accumulation rates at three of the six sites. The differences between dating methods may be attributed to the different time scale these dating methods represent and/or in the solubility between Pb and Pu along the sediment column. The geochronologies derived from the 240+239Pu and 210Pb dating methods outlined in this work are of interest to identify the effects of changing sediment accumulation rates during the previous century as a result of development, including deforestation, along the Amazon Basin which increased towards the middle of the 20th century. This study shows that Pu dating provides a viable alternative geochronology tool for recent sediment accumulation (previous ~60 years) along the Amazon Basin.

Thermal characteristics of spent activated carbon generated from air cleaning units in korean nuclear power plants

To identify the feasibility of disposing of spent activated carbon as a clearance level waste, we performed characterization of radioactive pollution for spent activated carbon through radioisotope analysis; results showed that the C-14 concentrations of about half of the spent activated carbon samples taken from Korean NPPs exceeded the clearance level limit. In this situation, we selected thermal treatment technology to remove C-14 and analyzed the moisture content and thermal characteristics. The results of the moisture content analysis showed that the moisture content of the spent activated carbon is in the range of 1.2–23.9 wt% depending on the operation and storage conditions. The results of TGA indicated that most of the spent activated carbon lost weight in 3 temperature ranges. Through py-GC/MS analysis based on the result of TGA, we found that activated carbon loses weight rapidly with moisture desorption reaching to 100°C and desorbs various organic and inorganic carbon compounds reaching to 200°C. The result of pyrolysis analysis showed that the experiment of C-14 desorption using thermal treatment technology requires at least 3 steps of heat treatment, including a heat treatment at high temperature over 850°C, in order to reduce the C-14 concentration below the clearance level.

Sulfate reduction and inorganic carbon assimilation in acidic thermal springs of the Kamchatka peninsula

Thermoacidophilic sulfate reduction, which remains a poorly studied process, was investigated in the present work. Radioisotope analysis with 35S-labeled sulfate was used to determine the rates of dissimilatory sulfate reduction in acidic thermal springs of Kamchatka, Russia. Sulfate reduction rates were found to vary from 0.054 to 12.9 nmol SO4/(cm3 day). The Oil Site spring (Uzon caldera, 60°C, pH 4.2) and Oreshek spring (Mutnovskii volcano, 91°C, pH 3.5) exhibited the highest activity of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes. Stable enrichment cultures reducing sulfate at pH and temperature values close to the environmental ones were obtained from these springs. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that a chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Thermodesulfobium sp. 3127-1 was responsible for sulfate reduction in the enrichment from the Oil Site spring. A chemoorganoheterotrophic archaeon Vulcanisaeta sp. 3102-1 (phylum Crenarchaeota) was identified in the enrichment from Oreshek spring. Thus, dissimilatory sulfate reduction under thermoacidophilic conditions was demonstrated and the agents responsible for this process were revealed.

Comparative analysis of taxonomic, functional, and metabolic patterns of microbiomes from 14 full-scale biogas reactors by metagenomic sequencing and radioisotopic analysis.

Background Biogas production is a very complex process due to the high complexity in diversity and interactions of the microorganisms mediating it, and only limited and diffuse knowledge exists about the variation of taxonomic and functional patterns of microbiomes across different biogas reactors, and their relationships with the metabolic patterns. The present study used metagenomic sequencing and radioisotopic analysis to assess the taxonomic, functional, and metabolic patterns of microbiomes from 14 full-scale biogas reactors operated under various conditions treating either sludge or manure.ResultsThe results from metagenomic analysis showed that the dominant methanogenic pathway revealed by radioisotopic analysis was not always correlated with the taxonomic and functional compositions. It was found by radioisotopic experiments that the aceticlastic methanogenic pathway was dominant, while metagenomics analysis showed higher relative abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Principal coordinates analysis showed the sludge-based samples were clearly distinct from the manure-based samples for both taxonomic and functional patterns, and canonical correspondence analysis showed that the both temperature and free ammonia were crucial environmental variables shaping the taxonomic and functional patterns. The study further the overall patterns of functional genes were strongly correlated with overall patterns of taxonomic composition across different biogas reactors.ConclusionsThe discrepancy between the metabolic patterns determined by metagenomic analysis and metabolic pathways determined by radioisotopic analysis was found. Besides, a clear correlation between taxonomic and functional patterns was demonstrated for biogas reactors, and also the environmental factors that shaping both taxonomic and functional genes patterns were identified.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13068-016-0465-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Determination of 241Pu by the method of disturbed radioactive equilibrium using 2πα-counting and precision gamma-spectrometry

A simple technique is proposed for the determination of the content of 241Pu, which is based on disturbance of radioactive equilibrium in the genetically related 237U←241Pu→241Am decay chain of radionuclides, with the subsequent use of 2πα-counting and precision gamma-spectroscopy for monitoring the process of restoration of that equilibrium.It has been shown that the data on dynamics of accumulation of the daughter 241Am, which were obtained from the results of measurements of α- and γ-spectra of the samples, correspond to the estimates calculated for the chain of two genetically related radionuclides, the differences in the estimates of 241Pu radioactivity not exceeding 2%.Combining the different methods of registration (2πα-counting, semiconductor alpha- and gamma-spectrometry) enables the proposed method to be efficiently applied both for calibration of 241Pu-sources (from several hundreds of kBq and higher) and for radioisotopic analysis of plutonium mixtures. In doing so, there is a deep purification of 241Pu from its daughter decay products required due to unavailability of commercial detectors that could make it possible, based only on analysis of alpha-spectra, to conduct quantitative analysis of the content of 238Pu and 241Am.

Evidence for erosion and deposition by the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami on the nearshore shelf of Sendai Bay, Japan

Ongoing geological research into processes operating on the nearshore continental shelf and beyond is vital to our understanding of modern tsunami-generated sediment transport and deposition. This paper investigates the southern part of Sendai Bay, Japan, by means of high-resolution seismic surveys, vibracoring, bathymetric data assimilation, and radioisotope analysis of a core. For the first time, it was possible to identify an erosional surface in the shallow subsurface, formed by both seafloor erosion and associated offshore-directed sediment transport caused by the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami. The area of erosion and deposition extends at least 1,100 m offshore from the shoreline down to water depths of 16.7 m. The tsunami-generated sedimentological signature reaches up to 1.2 m below the present seafloor, whereas bathymetric changes due to storm-related reworking over a period of 3 years following the tsunami event have been limited to the upper ~0.3 m, despite the fact that the study area is located on an open shelf facing the Pacific Ocean. Tsunami-generated erosion surfaces may thus be preserved for extended periods of time, and may even enter the rock record, because the depth of tsunami erosion can exceed the depth of storm erosion. This finding is also important for interpretation of modern submarine strata, since erosion surfaces in shallow (depths less than ~1 m) seismic records from open coast shelves have generally been interpreted as storm-generated surfaces or transgressive ravinement surfaces.