Content Of Radioactive Elements Research Articles

RADIATION AND ECOLOGICAL STUDIES OF VEGETATION OF LUTSK DISTRICT OF VOLYN REGION

Abstract. The content of radionuclides of 137Сs, 90Sr and heavy metals in vegetation and agricultural products was found out in the settlements of Lutsk district of Volyn region. The results of our own field expeditionary research, as well as the results of generalization of stock materials of the Laboratory of Ecological Land Safety and Product Quality of the Volyn branch of the state institution “Institute for Soil Protection of Ukraine” (Lutsk) are the basis of the research. The plant products contain a small content of radioactive elements in the settlements of the Lutsk district of the Volyn region. The greatest pollution of plant products was found in the settlements of Sytnytsia and Omelіano. The content of the 137Сs, 90Sr does not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. Exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations for the content of heavy metal salts was found in potatoes in the villages of Pozharky, Vesele. The results of the radiation-ecological study can be taken into account for the optimization of nature management and are necessary for state emergency management bodies of natural-technogenic content, for the possibility of reasonable planning and effective implementation of measures and projects for strengthening ecoenvironmental safety. The data obtained are important for the development of the National Concept to overcome the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster on the contamination of agricultural products with radionuclides and heavy metals.

A sustainable clean energy source for mitigating CO2 emissions: numerical simulation of Hamit granitoid, Central Anatolian Massif

Türkiye relies on coal-fired power plants for approximately 18 GW of annual electricity generation, with significantly higher CO2 emissions compared to geothermal power plants. On the other hand, geothermal energy resources, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and hydrothermal systems, offer low CO2 emissions and baseload power, making them attractive clean energy sources. Radiogenic granitoid, with high heat generation capacity, is a potential and cleaner energy source using EGS. The Anatolian plateau hosts numerous tectonic zones with plutonic rocks containing high concentrations of radioactive elements, such as the Central Anatolian Massif. This study evaluates the power generation capacity of the Hamit granitoid (HG) and presents a thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) model for a closed-loop geothermal well for harnessing heat from this granitoid. A sensitivity analysis based on fluid injection rates and wellbore length emphasizes the importance of fluid resident time for effective heat extraction. Closed-loop systems pose fewer geomechanical risks than fractured systems and can be developed through site selection, system design, and monitoring. Geothermal wellbore casing material must withstand high temperatures, corrosive environments, and should have low thermal conductivity. The HG exhibits the highest heat generation capacity among Anatolian granitoid intrusions and offers potential for sustainable energy development through EGS, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

Are fluorite mines prone to high concentrations of radon gas inside? The case of the Lújar mine in Órgiva (Granada, Southeast Spain)

The Sierra de Lújar, located in the south of Granada (Spain), hosts one of the few currently active underground fluorite mines in Spain. Considering that high concentrations of radon gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco, can occur in underground workplaces, the concentration of radon gas inside a fluorite underground mine has been measured, in order to prevent health risks to workers. QueryAlthough no significant concentration of radioactive elements has been detected in the geochemical analysis, the radon gas concentration values measured ranged between 28 and 1211 Bq m−3, and there were important variations, depending on the area of the mine. Some values exceed the limits established by European regulations. Despite these high values, the annual effective dose (E) ranges between 0.13 and 5.71 mSv, in most cases being below 3 mSv, which is the recommended value in underground mines. Improvement in the ventilation of main galleries, especially in the benefit plan area (level 423), the isolation of mined-out areas using bulkhead, continuous monitoring of radon concentration, and periodic health controls to workers are estimated as the main mitigation measures to take into consideration. The findings from this research suggest that workers in this underground fluorite mine may face substantial risk of receiving radon doses that could meet or surpass the recommended thresholds established by European regulations. This underscores the imperative for additional investigations into radon levels within underground operations in Spain.

Still potentially deadly after all these years: how to safely handle and display radioactive dinosaurs and other fossils

Most curators and collection managers responsible for a geological collection will be aware of the risk posed by rocks and minerals which emit ionising radiation and will have put measures in place to reduce this risk to collection users. However, fewer people are aware that fossils, ranging from fish to dinosaurs, and even coprolites can be radioactive too. A fossil may be radioactive if it has been exposed to uranium-bearing fluids during diagenesis and fossilisation processes. Any uranium-enriched groundwater moving through nearby porous deposit can contaminate the rocks and fossils with radioactive elements. Over time the skeletons or other remains being fossilised incorporate these elements into their min- eral structure, such that the concentration of radioactive elements in fossils may be greater than that in the host rock. The greater the volume of fossil material, e.g. a large dinosaur bone, the greater the potential for higher levels of radioactivity, and a greater risk to hu- mans (although some small specimens can be highly radioactive). Whilst most radioactive fossils may not present a danger to health through direct absorption of radiation, unless there is prolonged exposure at close quarters (e.g. hundreds of hours), a risk is posed by the ingestion or inhalation of small radioactive particles derived from the specimen. Here, we describe what measures can be taken to reduce these risks and also provide a list of locations around the world known to yield radioactive fossils, which we hope can be augmented by others. The general principles discussed here are widely applicable, but it is recommended that specialist advice is sought to comply with national regulations in each instance. In ad- dition to the health risks posed by these specimens, there are also legal penalties for failing to comply with regulations.

The role of continental lithospheric thermal structure in the evolution of orogenic systems: application to the Himalayan–Tibetan collision zone

Abstract. Continental collision is a crucial process in plate tectonics. However, in terms of the evolution and the controlling parameters of its lateral heterogeneity, our understanding of the tectonic complexities at such a convergent plate boundary remains largely unclear. In this study, we conducted a series of two-dimensional numerical experiments to investigate how continental lithospheric thermal structure influences the development of lateral heterogeneity along the continental collision zone. The following two end-members were achieved. First, continuous subduction mode, which prevails when the model has a cold procontinental Moho temperature (≤450 ∘C). In this case, a narrow collision orogen develops, and the subducting angle steepens with the increasing retrocontinental Moho temperature. Second, continental subduction with a slab break-off, which generates a relative wide collision orogen and dominates when the model has a relatively hot procontinental Moho temperature (≥500 ∘C), especially when the Moho temperature ≥ 550 ∘C. Radioactive heat production is the second-order controlling parameter in varying the continental collision mode, while it prefers to enhance strain localization in the upper part of the continental lithosphere and promote the growth of shear zones there. By comparing the model results with geological observations, we suggest that the discrepant evolutionary paths from the continuous subduction underlying the Hindu Kush to the continental subduction after slab break-off beneath eastern Tibet may originate from the inherited lateral inhomogeneity of the Indian lithospheric thermal structure. Besides, the high content of crustal radioactive elements may be one of the most important factors that controls the formation of large thrust fault zones in the Himalayas.

What the Flux? – Water-Rock-Microbe Interactions and Crustal Gases in the Deep Subsurface

The deep, dark fracture zones of the continental crust host a fascinating interplay between water, rocks, and microbes, resulting in the production and consumption of gases, including methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hydrogen. Various geological factors influence the formation and release of these crustal gases, including the local rock type with its concentration of radioactive elements and carbon, temperature, and the connectivity and dynamics of fracture systems with each other and to the surface. To understand the formation, accumulation, and release of crustal gases, methodologies of hydrogeochemistry, biogeochemistry, and isotope geochemistry can be employed. Sample collection from drill holes and mines, coupled with on-line monitoring of gas flux rate and composition, provides important data. Furthermore, the integration of molecular biological methods enhances our understanding of the water-rock-microbe interactions that shape the deep subsurface gas realm. Crustal gases have crucial implications for life in extreme environments, including those outside of our planet Earth, but potentially also pose significant challenges to drilling, mining, and their environmental impact. Moreover, crustal gases hold relevance for the energy sector, contributing to both the long-term safety of geological disposal of nuclear waste, carbon footprint of geothermal wells, and the exploration of hydrogen as a sustainable energy resource.

Assessment of Activity concentrations of radioactive elements in selected groundwater samples of Kwara State Polytechnic and its environs, North Central Nigeria

A NaI (TI) indicator was used to quantify the activity concentrations level of Uranium (U-238), Thorium (Th-232) & Potassium (K-40) in forty (40) groundwater samples collected across the premises of Kwara state polytechnic and its environs in order to determine the health hazard due intake of drinking water which has its origin from the subsurface. This investigation became necessary as a result of an outbreak of water borne diseases reported by the medical personnels in the clinics around the area. The results obtained from this measurement shows a range of values from 1.01 ± 0.02 to 8.21 ± 1.73, a mean of 3.88 ± 0.609 Bq.l−1 for U-238, 0.97 ± 0.01 to 14.81 ± 2.79, a mean value of 7.02 ± 0.99 Bq.l−1 Th-232 & 4.44 ± 0.12 to 147.33 ± 6.59 Bq.l−1, a mean of 48.08 ± 2.513 Bq.l−1 for K-40. The mean of these Radionuclides (U-238, Th-232 and K-40) are higher than the Universal value 10 Bq.l−1 for K-40 and 1 Bq.l−1 for U-238 and Th-232 as the permissible level for drinking water (United Nations Scientific Committee on Effects of Atomic radiation recommended (UNSCEAR)). In addition, most of the average values of the calculated radiological indices are within the recommended allowable tolerable boundary, although higher values were obtained in some within the study area. These results shows that U-238, Th-232 and K-40 concentrations and radiological parameters in the samples are high and low in values but might take a Probabilistic effect on the residents in the near future

Radionuclide Concentration of Soil and Sediment in Gold-Mining Locations of Atakumosa-West Local Government, South-West Nigeria

This study determined the activity concentrations of ⁴⁰K, ²³²Th and ²³⁸U in the soil, and sedimentusing gamma spectroscopy. This is with a view to determining the impacts of the mining operations on concentration of radioactive elements in the environment. Soil and Sediment were collected from three gold mining locations of Atakumosa-west Local Government area of Osun State for a period of 12 months. The control site selected for the study is Tonkere village, about 13Km from the study site, in Ife North-Central Local Government area of the State. Collected samples were analysed using gamma spectrometer. The NaI detector used was properly calibrated using absolute gamma ray energy for easy identification of peaks in the gamma spectrum. Results obtained from Gamma spectroscopic analysis revealed higher concentration of the three primordial radionuclidewith ⁴⁰K having a generally high value in the locations 1 and 2 and increasing through the wet season while having lower values in the dry season. A similar trend was observed for ²³²Th and ²³⁸U whose recorded values were also higher in the wet season than in the dry season. Values recorded in all the samples were higher than world safe limits. Notably, similar results obtained for samples from control site were lower.

Influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry of Wadi Itwad Aquifer, Saudi Arabia: Assessment using multivariate statistics and PMWIN simulation

The quantity and quality of the aquifers have been depleted by human activities such as industrialization, the use of fertilizers, excessive pumping, and the discharge of domestic wastewater. The government of Saudi Arabia (SA) built three dams in the Wadi Itwad so that Abha city could get 15,000 m3/d of water. Ten groundwater samples have been collected from ten wells (Well 1 – Well 10) located in Wadi Itwad. The samples were analyzed for total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, turbidity, temperature, chloride (Cl-), potassium (K), sulphate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3–), nitrite (NO2–), fluoride (F-), ammonia (NH4), radium (Ra)-226, 228, and 234, total uranium (TU), and total faecal coliforms to evaluate the aquifer quality and quantity and to preserve it by isolating it during dry periods. Geographic Information System (GIS)–Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) contour maps were utilized to collect and display the aquifer's hydrogeological parameters. The southeast of the downstream area shows the highest, whereas the lowest drawdown was in the northeastern and southwest parts of the downstream area. The TDS concentration was consistently within a narrow range of 573 to 606 ppm, and the anomalies in the SO42- and NO3– concentrations were consistent with and representative of runoff from agricultural areas. The low levels of NO2–, F-, and NH4 indicated negligible pollution. The concentration of radioactive elements was below the maximum contaminant level. Different hydrogeochemical processes within the aquifer system were distinguished using multivariate statistical analyses, including correlation analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Processing Modflow Windows (PMWIN) groundwater modeling explains that the abstraction rate needs to be lowered during the first few days of pumping and then raised again afterwards. This could aid in decreasing withdrawals and enhancing aquifer hydrogeological properties.

Data Corroboration of The Catastrophic Chernobyl Tragedy Using Arc-Length Estimate Conjecture

Nuclear power is perhaps one of the biggest keys to empowerment for any country. In fact, nuclear power has been the backbone of the international superpowers like the US and USSR since the 20th Century. Alongside its merits, nuclear power carried some demerits propping on it. One of the biggest amongst all was the Chernobyl nuclear cataclysm that occurred on the 26’th April 1986. Within hours of the explosion, nuclear radiation blanketed the whole city of Pripyat, Ukraine. In this paper, we have developed a notion namely “Arc-Length Estimate Conjecture” to detect anomaly, and fairness in data sets. If an anomaly is found, the Arc Length Estimate Conjecture is capable of dissecting the anomality in magnitudical terms. Further we have analyzed the Radiation that emerged from the Chernobyl Catastrophe by looking at the concentration of radioactive elements that were measured from different parts of the world. We have considered the elements I131 and Cs134 as elements of utmost importance and have tried to verify the data put forward by USSR regarding the radiation emission level of these radio actives. social-circles, and non-religious students. The results of this study and related studies to follow will be used to inform improvements to mental health counseling and outreach to at- risk individuals at universities across the United States.

Natural H2 exploration: tools and workflows to characterize a play

Natural dihydrogen (H2) exploration is now active in various countries, but tools and workflows that help to characterize prospective zones are still poorly defined. This review paper is dedicated to share our experience in characterizing H2 plays based on exploration efforts carried out in many countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Oceania between 2017 and 2023. We decided to focus on onshore exploration where three main reactions are generating H2: (i) redox reactions between Fe2+ and H2O, (ii) radiolysis of water and, (iii) organic late maturation where H2 comes from hydrocarbons. This leads to classify the H2 generating rocks (H2_GR) into four types that seem us the more likely to be of economic interest: basic and ultrabasic rocks of oceanic/mantellic affinity (H2_GR1), iron-rich bearing sedimentary and intrusive rocks, (H2_GR2), radioactive continental rocks (H2_GR3) and organic matter-rich rocks (H2_GR4). For the pre-fieldwork, the workflow aims to target new promising areas for H2 exploration. Cross-referencing the presence of H2_GR in the basement, classical geological-hydrodynamic features (fault, water source), and already-known H2 occurrences at the surface remain essential but should be accompanied by remote sensing analyses to detect possible H2 occurrences. For the fieldwork, the focus is made on gas and rocks. A discussion is led concerning the importance of punctual measurements and long-term monitoring of gas seepages, that allow to conclude on dynamics of H2 leakage from depth through space and time. For the post-fieldwork, we present the most useful analytical tools to characterize H2 gas seepages and the suspected H2_GR. The critical parameters to estimate the H2 potential of a rock are the content in Fe2+/Fetot (H2_GR1 and H2_GR2), the content of radioactive elements U, Th, K (H2_GR3), and the total organic content (H2_GR4). The hydrogen exploration is in its infancy and all the profession is attempting to define an automated and fast workflow. We are still far away from it due to a lack of data, yet this review presents a practical guide based on the current knowledge.

Britholite-(Ce) from the metaluminous granite of SW Egypt

Abstract Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses were used to characterize britholite-(Ce) of the metaluminous granite (Proterozoic) intruded into the Nubian Formation in southwestern Egypt and having a relatively high content of radioactive elements (potassium = 4.4 wt%, thorium = 52 ppm, uranium = 10 ppm). The britholite-(Ce) studied here incorporates light rare earth elements (LREE) including lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium as well as thorium. The mineral forms as tabular crystals in a fine-grained quartz-K-feldspar-plagioclase matrix, coexisting with other accessory minerals including biotite, zircon, clinochlore, titanite, and magnetite. Primary britholite-(Ce) usually includes titanite, zircon, and magnetite and is occasionally included in biotite. The inclusion of britholite-(Ce) in biotite suggests that the two minerals crystallized approximately coevally. Petrographical and SEM-EDS data indicate breakdown of the primary magmatic britholite-(Ce) in the samples. This study constitutes the first report for a sole presence of britholite-(Ce) as LREE phase in metaluminous granite samples from Egypt.

The Effect of Sunlight Exposure on Physicochemical Properties of Plastic Bottled Water at Al-Mogran Station in Khartoum State, Sudan

In this work, Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy Technique (ICPE) has been used to study the physicochemical properties of plastic bottled water before and after sun light exposure. One sample has been taken from Al-Mogran Station in Khartoum State, Sudan at the end of the fall season in 2019.This sample has been exposed to sunlight in plastic bottled for 50 days. Before exposure to sunlight, many macro and micro minerals such as (Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfur, Copper, Iron, Iodine, Rubidium, Silicon, Boron, Lithium, Manganese, and Zinc) were detected with different concentrations at (97,3.0,140,22,930,15,170, 15,730,220,0.87,0.05,0.75, and 0.95 ) respectively. Some toxic and radioactive elements such as (Aluminum, Barium, Erbium, Titanium, and Strontium) were appeared with various concentrations at (63, 0.21, 12, 6.2, and 0.32 ) consecutively. These results may return to the location of sample, vital activities, and the floods that transport the dirt to the Nile River in the fall season. After sunlight exposure, concentrations of macro and micro minerals above were changed to (100,1.6,100,15,730,11,43,12,700 ,95,0.49 ,0.05,0.35, and 0.26 ) respectively. One new micro minerals which called (Vanadium) was found with concentration at . The concentrations of toxic and radioactive elements above were modified to (29, 0.14, 4.6, 2.5, and 0.35 ) successively, and five new toxic elements like (Arsenic, Bismuth, Antimony, Holmium, and Platinum) were existed with concentrations at (21+, 4.8, 5.9, 1.5, and 23 ) respectively, and these results might relate to the interaction between water and plastic. The results before and after exposure to sunlight were found at range within background values except for (Titanium, Arsenic, and Bismuth). Keywords: Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy, Concentration, Sunlight, Drinking Water, Plastic Bottled.

Reconstruction of petrophysical zoning of the Blagodatnoye gold deposit in the Yenisei Ridge: Geodynamic and physical-chemical aspect

Research subject. Petrophysical zoning of the Blagodatnoye gold-sulfide deposit in the Yenisei Ridge. Aim. To determine indicative petrophysical characteristics of the products of the main occurrence stages and to develop an evolutionary petrophysical model of the investigated deposit.Materials and methods. Physical fields were studied by the methods of magnetic and electrical exploration and gamma-spectrometry. The petromagnetic heterogeneity and mineralogical-geo chemical features of formation of polymetamorphic complexes, metasomatites and ores were studied by a neutron activation analysis of the content of rare earth and radioactive elements, petrochemical x-ray fluorescence analysis, as well as by an electron-probe microanalysis of pyrite.Results. The syncollisional fold-overthrust fault (785 Ma) of the preparatory stage provided structural control over the ore-bearing mineral-forming system. The signs of zone dislocation metamorphism include geophysical anomalies: magnetic and natural electrical anomalies due to pyrrhotite and graphite mineralization of cleavage zones on fold limbs, and specific electrical resistance from silicification zones in fold hinges. The metasomatism of the pre-ore (753 Ma) and ore (698 Ma) stages took place under rifting conditions. Pre-ore quartz-muscovite and chlorite metasomatites with carbon mineralization and supra-background Au concentrations were formed under the action of reducing reaction solutions; they remained unaltered in the non-productive part of the deposit. These formations are characterized by elevated concentrations of radioactive elements and natural electrochemical polarizability. During the ore stage, Au was concentrated by fluids with hydro-carbonate-sulfide composition under the violation of the strike-slip kinematics, which caused significant petrophysical transformations of the productive part of the deposit. Early carbon metasomatites in the sub-ore and root sections of the ore bodies were depleted in terms of U, at the same time as retaining their electrochemical activity. Uranium accumulated in the upper horizons of the productive part, whose rocks lost their polarizability due to scattered carbonate mineralization. Magnetic pyrrhotite crystallized as part of sulfides with a regular increase in its proportion in the root sections of the ore bodies. At the final stage (368 Ma), the mineralized zone was broken into a series of blocks with unequal vertical displacements and levels of erosional truncation by upcasts. This led to the exposure of various-depth sections with contrast petrophysical characteristics.Conclusions. The Blagodatnoye deposit was formed in four stages: preparatory, two ore-generating and final. The petrophysical features of the products of each stage formed the basis for the developed evolutionary petrophysical model, which will be tested on the materials of geophysical studies of the Yenisei Ridge territories.

Chemical, radiological and microbiological characterization of a drinking water source: a case study.

This study examined water samples from a local stream in Central Serbia, which was consumed as drinking water. The chemical parameters (chemical oxygen demand, COD; pH, total concentration of dissolved substances and electrical conductivity), the concentration of major, trace and radioactive elements in the water as well as the content of those from the environment, were examined. In addition, the microbiological quality of the water was inspected. The water samples were acidic (pH from 5·27-5·69) and COD ranged in upper permissible limits (up to 6·25 mg O2 l-1 [WR]). The concentrations of major, trace and radioactive elements, including radon, were below maximum contaminant levels. The water contained a higher number of total coliform bacteria (TCB) than it was allowed (˃10 colony-forming units (CFU) in 100 ml of water) as well as enterococci and Escherichia coli. The characterization of the isolated bacteria indicated that two isolates demonstrated proteolytic activity, while full antibiotic resistance was not detected. The isolates showed moderate to strong ability to produce biofilm, while the isolates of E.coli were nonpathogenic. The results indicated that examined water samples were not microbiologically and chemically safe, therefore, the usage of analysed water was not recommended as a water supply. Further research needs to include more frequent monitoring in order to propose measures for the improvement of the water quality and prevention of health risks for consumers.

Advances in the management of radioactive wastes and radionuclide contamination in environmental compartments: a review.

Several anthropogenic activities produce radioactive materials into the environment. According to reports, exposure to high concentrations of radioactive elements such as potassium (40K), uranium (238U and 235U), and thorium (232Th) poses serious health concerns. The scarcity of reviews addressing the occurrence/sources, distribution, and remedial solutions of radioactive contamination in the ecosystems has fueled data collection for this bibliometric survey. In rivers and potable water, reports show that several parts of Europe and Asia have recorded radionuclide concentrations much higher than the permissible level of 1Bq/L. According to various investigations, activity concentrations of gamma-emitting radioactive elements discovered in soils are higher than the global average crustal values, especially around mining activities. Adsorption technique is the most prevalent remedial method for decontaminating radiochemically polluted sites. However, there is a need to investigate integrated approaches/combination techniques. Although complete radionuclide decontamination utilizing the various technologies is feasible, future research should focus on cost-effectiveness, waste minimization, sustainability, and rapid radionuclide decontamination. Radioactive materials can be harnessed as fuel for nuclear power generation to meet worldwide energy demand. However, proper infrastructure must be put in place to prevent catastrophic disasters.

Integrated radioactive mineralization modeling using analytical hierarchy process for airborne radiometric and remote sensing data, East Wadi Qena (EWQ), Eastern Desert, Egypt

Considering the current economic growth that Egypt is going through, it is necessary to increase research about the exploration of mineral resources. The current study is one of those studies that aim to define highly radioactive zones at East Wadi Qena area (EWQ), Eastern Desert using airborne radiometric and remote sensing data. This area is characterized by a complex geological setting which encountered multi-phases of deformation and tectonic events. Airborne radiometric data are used for identifying the presence of uranium, thorium, and potassium in the present study. Ternary composite map is important in radioelement exploration, as they reveal the source of radioactivity. In addition, semi-quantitative statistical analysis is an effective way in calculating radiometric anomalies. Moreover, processing and classification of remote sensing data are applied for valuable mapping of alteration and mineralization zones in the granitic rocks in the considered area. In this regard, radioactive potential zones (RPZ) have been evaluated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) through geospatial analysis tools in Geographic Information System (GIS). Five spatial maps are extracted from among the dominant and contributing factors to the concentration of radioactive elements for resolving a radioactive prediction model. The results show that EWQ area is promising for radioactive minerals exploration at diverse phases of granitic rocks, unexpectedly Dokhan volcanics and metavolcanic rocks. The integration between remote sensing and airborne radiometric data can effectively expect the radioactive favorable zones in the study site that can be help for future investigations in other difficult accessible areas.

Electrodialysis for the volume reduction of the simulated radionuclides containing seawater

In this study, electrodialysis (ED) was performed to concentrate the radionuclides containing seawater for volume minimization. The concentration behaviors of the trace radioactive elements were also explored. Under the optimal voltage drop of 6 V and the volume ratio of 1:40, the concentration times of Cs+, Co2+, Sr2+ and I- could reach 9.9, 9.5, 20.1 and 32.5, respectively. Furthermore, it enabled over 80% volume reduction and over 90% removal of all hazardous radionuclides. Hence, ED is a feasible and promising method to manage the radioactive wastewater due to its high concentration and decontamination performances. For identical ion contents, the concentration rate for the cations presented the order of Na+ > Cs+ > Sr2+ > Co2+; the hydration radius and hydration free energy played the dominant roles in ion concentration. In contrast, for the ED concentration of trace radioactive elements, of which the contents are several magnitudes lower than the predominant salt concentration, the concentration rate presented the order of Sr2+ > Cs+ > Co2+ > Na+; the specific charge began to play an important role when the predominant ion approached its saturated salt concentration. For the anions, I- always migrated faster than Cl- at diverse concentrations.

Study of the characteristics of the gamma spectrometer UDS-GCA-BGO for radiometric surveying

The calibration procedure of the gamma spectrometer UDS-HZ-BGO, created at the IPGG SB RAS, is formulated. The efficiency of the technique has been confirmed experimentally. Using the example of gamma-spectrometric studies of the territory of the IPGG SB RAS, the presence of a temperature drift of the device response caused by insufficient temperature compensation was recorded. The dependences of the change in the value of the measured content of radioactive elements U, Th, K at points on the territory of the IPGG on the ambient temperature in the range from plus 15 C to minus 20 C are obtained. The results are recommended to be used for temperature correction of element concentrations during radiometric survey.

Sustainable recycling of iron concentrate obtained from the processing of iron-silicate uranium ore

In the processing of iron silicate ore by blast-furnace smelting for uranium extraction, the problem of safe reuse of iron concentrate arises. That concentrate contains up to 65% of iron and therefore can be used as raw material for ferrous metallurgy. This provides significant resource savings compared to other industrial uranium ore processing technologies. However, the increased content of radioactive elements (U, Ra, Po) in this concentrate requires the development of methods for separating these elements before smelting. In this regard, we studied the distribution of radioactive elements (U, 228Ra, 210Po, and 210Pb) in ordinary ore of the Pershotravneve deposit (Ukraine) and other products (agglomerates, slag, dust, iron concentrate). Data on nitric acid leaching of ore under various conditions showed a possibility of reducing the radioactivity of slag for up to 84% calculated for 210Po and 210Pb. Results indicate a significant release of 210Po and 210Pb into the gaseous phase during agglomeration, which requires the implementation of an additional off-gases cleaning system. Nevertheless, the results show that mixing the iron concentrate with ordinary ore (in an amount of ≤3 wt%) leads to an insignificant increase in the overall activity during agglomeration (no more than 4–10% for 210Po and 210Pb altogether). Thus, such slags can be safely used as a building material.