Detection Of Beryllium Research Articles

Beryllium determination in non-optimal matrices using the $^{9}$\textbf{Be(d,n$\gamma )$}$^{10}$\textbf{B}

An alternative method for the detection of beryllium in light element matrices is proposed, implementing the use of a deuteron beam at energies from 1 to 2.1 MeV and the $^{9}$Be(d,n$\gamma )^{10}$B reaction. A HP GE detector of 20{\%} relative efficiency was used to detect the 718 keV gamma ray of $^{10}$B. The minimum detection limits obtained for beryllium, are compared to those taken with other NRA techniques (PIGE, heavy-ion and charged-particle spectroscopy) in complex matrices containing high concentrations of light elements. The absolute $\gamma $-ray yield of the reaction is also compared to absolute $\gamma $-ray yields from literature.

Assessment of personal airborne exposures and surface contamination from x-ray vaporization of beryllium targets at the National Ignition Facility

ABSTRACTThis article presents air and surface sampling data collected over the first two years since beryllium was introduced as a target material at the National Ignition Facility. Over this time, 101 experiments with beryllium-containing targets were executed. The data provides an assessment of current conditions in the facility and a baseline for future impacts as new, reduced regulatory limits for beryllium are being proposed by both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Department of Energy. This study also investigates how beryllium deposits onto exposed surfaces as a result of x-ray vaporization and the effectiveness of simple decontamination measures in reducing the amount of removable beryllium from a surface. Based on 1,961 surface wipe samples collected from entrant components (equipment directly exposed to target debris) and their surrounding work areas during routine reconfiguration activities, only one result was above the beryllium release limit of 0.2 µg/100 cm2 and 27 results were above the analytical reporting limit of 0.01 µg/100 cm2, for a beryllium detection rate of 1.4%. Surface wipe samples collected from the internal walls of the NIF target chamber, however, showed higher levels of beryllium, with beryllium detected on 73% and 87% of the samples during the first and second target chamber entries (performed annually), respectively, with 23% of the samples above the beryllium release limit during the second target chamber entry. The analysis of a target chamber wall panel exposed during the first 30 beryllium-containing experiments (cumulatively) indicated that 87% of the beryllium contamination remains fixed onto the surface after wet wiping the surface and 92% of the non-fixed contamination was removed by decontaminating the surface using a dry wipe followed by a wet wipe. Personal airborne exposures assessed during access to entrant components and during target chamber entry indicated that airborne beryllium was not present in workers' breathing zones. All the data thus far have shown that beryllium has been effectively managed to prevent exposures to workers during routine and non-routine work.

Detection of beryllium in oxides and silicates by electron-probe microanalysis

Detection of beryllium in oxides and silicates by electron-probe microanalysis

A highly selective molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor for ultra-trace beryllium detection

A new molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was proposed for highly sensitive and selective determination of ultratrace Be2+ determination. The complex of Be2+ with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR) was chosen as the template molecule for the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). In this assay, the complex molecule could be eluted from the MIP, and the cavities formed could then selectively recognize the complex molecules. The cavities formed could also work as the tunnel for the transfer of probe molecules to produce sound responsive signal. The determination was based on the intensity of the signal, which was proportional to the concentrations of the complex molecule in the sample solution, and the Be2+ concentration could then be determined indirectly. The results showed that in the range of 7×10−11molL−1 to 8.0×10−9molL−1, the ECL intensity had a linear relationship with the Be2+ concentrations, with the limit of detection of 2.35×10−11molL−1. This method was successfully used to detect Be2+ in real water samples.

Accelerator mass spectrometry detection of beryllium ions in the antigen processing and presentation pathway

Exposure to small amounts of beryllium (Be) can result in beryllium sensitization and progression to Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). In CBD, beryllium is presented to Be-responsive T-cells by professional antigen-presenting cells (APC). This presentation drives T-cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-2, TNFα, and IFNγ) production and leads to granuloma formation. The mechanism by which beryllium enters an APC and is processed to become part of the beryllium antigen complex has not yet been elucidated. Developing techniques for beryllium detection with enough sensitivity has presented a barrier to further investigation. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is sensitive enough to quantify the amount of beryllium presented by APC to stimulate Be-responsive T-cells. To achieve this goal, APC - which may or may not stimulate Be-responsive T-cells - were cultured with Be-ferritin. Then, by utilizing AMS, the amount of beryllium processed for presentation was determined. Further, IFNγ intracellular cytokine assays were performed to demonstrate that Be-ferritin (at levels used in the experiments) could stimulate Be-responsive T-cells when presented by an APC of the correct HLA type (HLA-DP0201). The results indicated that Be-responsive T-cells expressed IFNγ only when APC with the correct HLA type were able to process Be for presentation. Utilizing AMS, it was determined that APC with HLA-DP0201 had membrane fractions containing 0.17–0.59 ng Be and APC with HLA-DP0401 had membrane fractions bearing 0.40–0.45 ng Be. However, HLA-DP0401 APC had 20-times more Be associated with the whole cells (57.68–61.12 ng) than HLA-DP0201 APC (0.90–3.49 ng). As these findings demonstrate, AMS detection of picogram levels of Be processed by APC is possible. Further, regardless of form, Be requires processing by APC to successfully stimulate Be-responsive T-cells to generate IFNγ.

Detection of beryllium in digested autopsy tissues by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using a high matrix interface configuration

This article describes a robust methodology using the combination of instrumental design (high matrix interface-HMI), sample dilution and internal standardization for the quantification of beryllium (Be) in various digested autopsy tissues using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The applicability of rhodium as a proper internal standard for Be was demonstrated in three types of biological matrices (i.e., femur, hair, lung tissues). Using HMI, it was possible to achieve instrumental detection limits and sensitivity of 0.6 ng L(-1) and 157 cps L ng(-1), respectively. Resilience to high salt matrices of the HMI setup was also highlighted using bone mimicking solution ([Ca(2+)] = 26 to 1,400 mg L(-1)), providing a 14-fold increase in tolerance and a 2.7-fold decrease in method detection limit compared to optimized experimental conditions obtained without the HMI configuration. Precision of the methodology to detect low levels of Be in autopsy samples was demonstrated using hair and blood certified reference materials. Be concentration ranging from 0.015 to 255 μg kg(-1) in autopsy samples obtained from the U.S. Transuranium and Uranium Registries were measured using the methodology presented.

Highly sensitive and selective detection of beryllium ions using a microcantilever modified with benzo-9-crown-3 doped hydrogel

A microcantilever sensor modified by chitosan/gelatin hydrogels that are doped with benzo-9-crown-3 has been developed for the sensitive and selective detection of beryllium ions in an aqueous solution. The microcantilever undergoes bending deflection upon exposure to Be(2+) due to selective absorption of Be(2+) in the hydrogel. The detection limit is 10(-11) M. Other metal ions, such as Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+), have a marginal effect on the deflection of the microcantilever. The mechanism of the bending is discussed and the results showed that the microcantilever may be used for in situ detection of beryllium.

Fluorescence “Turn-On” chemosensor for the selective detection of beryllium

A new fluorogenic method for selective and sensitive determination of beryllium using 2,6-diphenyl-4-benzo-9-crown-3-pyrane (DBCP) was developed. The proposed fluorescent probe undergoes fluorescent emission intensity enhancement upon binding to beryllium ions in MeOH/H 2O (70:30, v/v) solution. The fluorescence enhancement of DBCP is attributed to a 1:1 complex formation between DBCP and Be 2+ ion, which has been utilized as the basis for selective detection of Be 2+ ion. With the optimum condition described, the fluorescence enhancement at 531 nm was linear to the concentration of beryllium in the range of 1.6 × 10 −8–1.6 × 10 −7 M and a detection limit of 1.5 × 10 −9 M. The fluorescent probe exhibits high selectivity for Be 2+ ion over the other common mono, di- and trivalent cations.

Towards the differentiation of non-treated and treated corundum minerals by ion-beam-induced luminescence and other complementary techniques

Differentiation of treated and non-treated gemstones is a chief concern for major jewellery import companies. Low-quality corundum specimens coming from Asia appear to be often treated with heat, BeO or flux in order to enhance their properties as precious minerals. A set of corundum samples, rubies and sapphires from different origins, both treated and non-treated has been analysed at the Centre Européen d'Archéométrie, with ion-beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) and other complementary techniques such as Raman, proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), and proton-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE). IBIL, also known as ionoluminescence, has been used before to detect impurities or defects inside synthetic materials and natural minerals; its use for the discrimination of gemstone simulants or synthetic analogues has been elsewhere discussed (Cavenago-Bignami Moneta, Gemología, Tomo I Piedras preciosas, perlas, corales, marfil. Ediciones Omega, Barcelona, 1991). PIXE has been frequently applied in the archaeometric field for material characterisation and provenance studies of minerals (Hughes, Ruby & sapphire. RWH Publishing, Fallbrook, 1997; Calvo del Castillo et al., Anal Bioanal Chem 387:869-878, 2007; Calligaro et al., NIM-B 189:320-327, 2002) and PIGE complements the elemental analysis by detecting light elements in these materials such as-and lighter than-sodium that cannot be identified with the PIXE technique (Sanchez et al., NIM-B 130:682-686, 1997; Emmett et al., Gems Gemology 39:84-135, 2003). The micro-Raman technique has also been used complementarily to ion beam analysis techniques for mineral characterisation (Novak et al., Appl Surf Sci 231-232:917-920, 2004). The aim of this study is to provide new means for systematic analysis of corundum gemstone-quality mineral, alternative to the traditional gemmologic methods; for this purpose, a Spanish jewellery import company supplied us with a number of natural corundum samples coming from different places (part of them treated as explained above). The PIXE elemental concentrations of the samples showed large quantities of calcium and lead in some cases that can be linked to treatment with fluxes or lead oxide. The plot of the chromium and iron concentration grouped the samples in various aggregates that corresponded to the different types of corundum analysed. Micro-Raman complemented the PIXE analysis corroborating the presence of lead oxides but the use of the PIGE technique was not successful for the detection of beryllium due to the low cross section of the nuclear reaction chosen for its identification. IBIL was capable of distinguishing between treated and non-treated samples of the same type based on the luminescent features of the materials.

Flow injection system for potentiometric determination of alkaline phosphatase inhibitors

A simple flow injection system for potentiometric detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has been developed and adapted for determination of selected inhibitors of this enzyme. In this system monofluorophosphate (MFP) has been applied as a specific ALP substrate. The use of this substrate enables application of fluoride ion selective electrode (FISE) as a detector of the product of the enzyme catalyzed reaction. Moreover, chemical stability and low cost of MFP enables the use of the substrate as a component of the carrier. This way, fluoride ions contained in this substrate define and stabilize baseline signal generated by the detector. Effects from several potential ALP inhibitors and interfering species were studied and discussed. The system allows inhibitive detection of beryllium and vanadate ions at ppb levels with relatively high selectivity, short time of analysis and high throughput of the system (near 8 samples h −1).

Validation of a standardized portable fluorescence method for determining trace beryllium in workplace air and wipe samples

Beryllium is widely used in industry for its unique properties; however, occupational exposure to beryllium particles can cause potentially fatal disease. Consequently, exposure limits for beryllium particles in air and action levels on surfaces have been established to reduce exposure risks for workers. Field-portable monitoring methods for beryllium are desired in order to facilitate on-site measurement of beryllium in the workplace, so that immediate action can be taken to protect human health. In this work, a standardized, portable fluorescence method for the determination of trace beryllium in workplace samples, i.e., air filters and dust wipes, was validated through intra- and inter-laboratory testing. The procedure entails extraction of beryllium in 1% ammonium bifluoride (NH(4)HF(2), aqueous), followed by fluorescence measurement of the complex formed between beryllium ion and hydroxybenzoquinoline sulfonate (HBQS). The method detection limit was estimated to be less than 0.02 microg Be per air filter or wipe sample, with a dynamic range up to greater than 10 microg. The overall method accuracy was shown to satisfy the accuracy criterion (A< or = +/-25%) for analytical methods promulgated by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Interferences from numerous metals tested (in >400-fold excess concentration compared to that of beryllium) were negligible or minimal. The procedure was shown to be effective for the dissolution and quantitative detection of beryllium extracted from refractory beryllium oxide particles. An American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International voluntary consensus standard based on the methodology has recently been published.

Determination of Beryllium Compounds by NIOSH 7303

Abstract The fourth edition of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Manual of Analytical Methods contains a new, simplified procedure for elemental analysis in workplace atmospheres by Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) titled NIOSH 7303. This method uses hot block digestion with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO3). The method was presented as fully valid for elemental beryllium. It was further investigated and also found to be valid for beryllium sulfate tetrahydrate and has a recovery efficiency of about 80 % for beryllium oxide. Additionally, no matrix effect on beryllium analysis is apparent by NIOSH 7303 for five common sampling media: polyvinylchloride filters, mixed cellulose ester filters, Whatman® 42 filters, Ghost™ wipes, and Palintest® wipes. Finally, the method has been reevaluated and found to produce a beryllium detection level of 0.0002 μg/mL (0.005 μg/sample for air samples) and a quantifiable level of 0.0005 (0.0125 μg/sample). At this detection limit, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.002 mg/m3 can be achieved at the method's detection level with an air sample of 2.5 L or one tenth of the PEL with a sample of 25 L under the prescribed preparation and analytical conditions.

Development of a New Fluorescence Method for the Detection of Beryllium on Surfaces

Abstract A rapid, quantitative, sensitive test for the detection of beryllium on surfaces has been developed. The method is based on the fluorescence of beryllium bound to sulfonated hydroxybenzoquinoline at pH 12.8, which emits at 475 nm when excited at 380 nm and includes a novel dissolution technique. The intensity of fluorescence is linear with respect to beryllium concentration. A detection limit of 0.02 µg Be/100 cm2 has been achieved, which is ten times lower than the DOE recommended working limit for non-beryllium work areas [1]. Interference studies have been carried out with a variety of metals including Al, Fe, Pb, U, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ca, W, Ni, Co, and Cu with minimal or no interferences found for detection of Be at 100 nM in the presence 0.4 mM of the other metal. The method has proven successful under various operating conditions, including the detection of beryllium on a variety of surfaces both in laboratory settings and in field trials. It fulfills the requirements for a fast, inexpensive, field deployable method of detection of beryllium on surfaces.

Beryllium in turnoff stars of NGC 6397: Early Galaxy spallation, cosmochronology and cluster formation

We present the first detection of beryllium in two turnoff stars of the old, metal-poor globular cluster NGC 6397. The beryllium lines are clearly detected and we determine a mean beryllium abundance of log (Be/H) = −12.35 ± 0.2. The beryllium abundance is very similar to that of field stars of similar Fe content. We interpret the beryllium abundance observed as the result of primary spallation of cosmic rays acting on a Galactic scale, showing that beryllium can be used as a powerful cosmochronometer for the first stellar generations. With this method, we estimate that the cluster formed 0.2-0.3 Gyr after the onset of star formation in the Galaxy, in excellent agreement with the age derived from main sequence fitting. From the same spectra we also find low O (noticeably different for the two stars) and high N abundances, suggesting that the original gas was enriched in CNO processed material. Our beryllium results, together with the N, O, and Li abundances, provide insights on the formation of this globular cluster, showing that any CNO processing of the gas must have occurred in the protocluster cloud before the formation of the stars we observe now. We encounter, however, difficulties in giving a fully consistent picture of the cluster formation, able to explain the complex overall abundance pattern.

Nano levels detection of beryllium by a novel beryllium PVC-based membrane sensor based on 2,3,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-1,4,7,10-benzotetra oxacyclododecine-12-carbaldehyde-12-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)hy

A novel poly(vinyl chloride)-based 2,3,5,6,8,9-hexahydro-1,4,7,10-benzotetra oxacyclododecine-12-carbaldehyde-12-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)hy (PBC) with sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB) as an anion excluder, benzyl acetate (BA), acetophenon (AP) and o-nitrophenyloctyl ether (NPOE) as plasticizing solvent mediators was prepared and investigated as a beryllium selective sensor. The best performance was observed with the membrane having the PVC–NaTPB–NPOE–PBC composition 30%:3%:62%:5%, which worked well over a very wide concentration range (1.0×10 −7 M to 1.0×10 −1 M). The sensor exhibits a Nernstian slope of 29.9 mV per decade of Be 2+ activity. The detection limit of the sensor is 7.0×10 −8 M (∼630 ppt). The proposed electrode shows excellent discriminating ability toward Be 2+ ion with regard to alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. It was successfully applied to the determination of beryllium in a mineral sample.

Beryllium Detection in Human Lung Tissue using Electron Probe X-Ray Microanalysis

Chronic berylliosis is an uncommon disease that is caused by the inhalation of beryllium particles, dust, or fumes. The distinction between chronic berylliosis and sarcoidosis can be difficult both clinically and histologically, as both entities can have similar presentations and exhibit nonnecrotizing granulomatous inflammation of the lungs. The diagnosis of chronic berylliosis relies on a history of exposure to beryllium, roentgenographic evidence of diffuse nodular disease, and demonstration of beryllium hypersensitivity by ancillary studies, such as lymphocyte proliferation testing. Additional support may be gained by the demonstration of beryllium in lung tissue. Unlike other exogenous particulates, such as asbestos, detection of beryllium in human lung tissue is problematic. The low atomic number of beryllium usually makes it unsuitable for conventional microprobe analysis. We describe a case of chronic berylliosis in which beryllium was detected in lung tissue using atmospheric thin-window energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (ATW EDXA). A woman with a history of occupational exposure to beryllium at a nuclear weapons testing facility presented with progressive cough and dyspnea and a nodular pattern on chest roentgenograph. Open lung biopsy showed nonnecrotizing granulomatous inflammation that was histologically indistinguishable from sarcoidosis. Scanning electron microscopy and ATW EDXA demonstrated particulates containing beryllium within the granulomas. This application of EDXA offers significant advantages over existing methods of beryllium detection in that it is nondestructive, more widely available, and can be performed using routine paraffin sections.

Sensitive detection of beryllium using a fiber optic liquid waveguide cell

The metallochromic chelating agent, Chromazurol S, has been utilized in conjunction with a fiber optic liquid waveguide capillary cell to enable the sensitive detection of beryllium in solution (30 ng l −1 detection limit) and following extraction from a contaminated plexiglas surface (0.5 ng cm −2 detection limit). The addition of a cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium chloride, to Chromazurol S at pH 10 in Tris–HCl buffer results in the formation of two bathochromic peaks in the visible spectrum following metal chelation by beryllium. The first absorbance band, at 515 nm, is intermediate in nature, permitting maximal sensitivity for low beryllium concentrations, but diminishing in intensity at concentrations above 100 μg l −1. The second absorbance band, centered at 610 nm, dominates for beryllium concentrations of 100 μg l −1 and above. Experimental conditions including pH, buffer type, additive surfactants, masking agents, and dye concentration were investigated in order to optimize detection sensitivity and selectivity. A fiber optic spectrometer is used with both a liquid waveguide capillary cell and 1 cm cuvette cell, to give a sensitive and broad dynamic range for beryllium detection that capitalizes on both beryllium metal chelate absorbance bands formed under these conditions.

Detection of Beryllium in Human Lung Tissue Using Energy Dispersive X -ray Analysis

Detection of Beryllium in Human Lung Tissue Using Energy Dispersive X -ray Analysis

Highly sensitive beryllium detection with microwave plasma source atomic emission spectrometry

A highly sensitive technique for beryllium determination using microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MIP-AES) is explored in this work based on a self-assembled instrumental system. The analytical performance of this system for beryllium determination was examined using argon as working gas and an ultrasonic nebulization–desolvation system for solution sample introduction. Experimental operating parameters, such as working gas flow rate, microwave power, and observation height were optimized during the system characterization. Influence of matrix elements on beryllium determination was studied. The matrix elements, such as Cu and Ni, were found to have little influence on Be(I) 265.06 nm spectral line even at a concentration of 50 μg ml −1, which is 1000 times higher than that of beryllium. Short-term stability of the MIP-AES system was evaluated and a relative standard deviation of 1.8% is achieved. A calibration range of five orders of magnitude for beryllium determination could be obtained with its multiple spectral lines. The detection limits of Be(II) 313.04/313.11, and Be(I) 234.86 nm were calculated based on 3 σ using 1% HNO 3 blank solution and shown to be in parts per trillion level.

United Kingdom Beryllium Registry: mortality and autopsy study.

This report is based on 30 deaths from chronic beryllium disease (CBD) in the United Kingdom with details of 19 autopsies. The majority were fluorescent lamp workers and machinists who died from respiratory failure. There were no cases of lung cancer. The survival times ranged from less than 1 to 29 years and was longest in machinists. All of the workers showed interstitial pulmonary fibrosis with varying degrees of cystic change. The majority showed hyalinized, and a few active sarcoid-type, granulomas. Extrathoracic granulomas, as in a U.K. sarcoid autopsy series, were rare. A notable difference was the absence of myocardial involvement in CBD compared to an incidence of 20% in the sarcoid autopsies. The detection of beryllium in the criteria for diagnosis is emphasized and the cases classified as definite include 12 of 19 positive analysis, 6 of 19, negative or unavailable analysis. The remaining case was classified as dubious because, despite a positive analysis, granulomas were absent. The main differential diagnosis is sarcoidosis.