Detection Of Heavy Elements Research Articles

Detection of Heavy Elements in the Pulp of Snow-Capped Seabuckthorn Medicinal Plant Using Emission Spectroscopy

Seabuckthorn (SBT) is a very popular plant in high-altitude cold desert areas which has tremendous medicinal properties. The present study used Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to analyze SBT fruit pulp extracts concerning heavy metals Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Nickel, Cadmium and Lead. This study found that heavy metals in SBT herbal plant was in the range of 8.65 g/kg Potassium, 1.74 g/kg Phosphorus, 0.692 g/kg Calcium, 0.546 g/kg Magnesium, 39.45 mg/kg Iron, 5.468 mg/kg Copper, 12.68 mg /kg Manganese, 8.25 mg/kg Zinc, 11.36 mg/kg Boron, 0.35 mg/kg Nickel, 0.021 mg/kg Cadmium and 0.027 mg/kg Lead. The findings of this study were compared with the prescribed limits of these metals in WHO guidelines and the content of all these heavy metals was found to be within safe limits.

Detection of heavy elements in plant supplements that are dealt with in the Iraqi market

Detection of heavy elements in plant supplements that are dealt with in the Iraqi market

Detection of Heavy Elements and Pathogenic Microorganisms in the Water and Sediments of Domestic Water Tanks in the Center of AL- Nasiriyah

The current study was conducted to show the presence of heavy elements and pathogenic microorganismsand the quality and validity of water and sediments in the household water tanks at the city center of Nasiriyahand their suitability for household and drinking uses from the autumn 2019 to summer 2020. Physical,chemical and biological checks of water were carried out in three stations, two selected stations located inthe center of Nasiriyah city (1- Erido 2- Al-Salhiya), and the third station, Al-Asalah, which is located inAl-Shatrah district. Samples were collected monthly and quarterly, with three replications per station. Thestudy included measuring the temperature of air and water, the pH, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen DO,and the Biological Oxygen Demand BOD5. In addition, the concentration of four heavy elements (cadmium,copper, lead and zinc) in the water was measured in its entirety. The study included measuring the TOCcontent and mixing the sediment, and also the concentration of four heavy elements (cadmium, Copper,lead and zinc) are completely sediment. The study also included investigation of bacterial contamination bydetecting the total numbers of aerobic bacteria, the number of coliform bacteria, the number of fecal coliformbacteria, the numbers of fecal and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria in the water and sediments. The resultsof the physical and chemical tests of water in the study stations showed that the values of air and watertemperatures ranged between (20.1-40) C and (17.50-30) C, respectively, and that the water of the studiedstations was basic as the pH values ranged between (7.00-8.20) The salinity values ranged between (485-837) ppm, and the turbidity values were between (2.50-6.79) NTU. The dissolved oxygen values rangedbetween (5.39-8.01) mg/liter, and the Biological Oxygen Demand BOD5 were between (2.93-8.5) mg/liter.

X-ray fluorescence detection for serial macromolecular crystallography using a JUNGFRAU pixel detector.

Detection of heavy elements, such as metals, in macromolecular crystallography (MX) samples by X-ray fluorescence is a function traditionally covered at synchrotron MX beamlines by silicon drift detectors, which cannot be used at X-ray free-electron lasers because of the very short duration of the X-ray pulses. Here it is shown that the hybrid pixel charge-integrating detector JUNGFRAU can fulfill this function when operating in a low-flux regime. The feasibility ofprecise position determination of micrometre-sized metal marks is also demonstrated, to be used as fiducials for offline prelocation in serial crystallography experiments, based on the specific fluorescence signal measured with JUNGFRAU, both at the synchrotron and at SwissFEL. Finally, the measurement of elemental absorption edges at a synchrotron beamline using JUNGFRAU is also demonstrated.

On the detection of heavy elements in the Euphorbia indica plant using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation time of flight mass spectrometry

In this paper, we have addressed the phytoremediation, the ability to absorb heavy metals, of the Euphorbia indica plant by detecting heavy metals in its roots, stem and leaves using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-TOF-MS).

Rapid detection of heavy elements in blood extracted from wounds using x-ray fluorescence analysis

In radiation emergency situations involving persons having plutonium (Pu)-contaminated wounds, rapid assessment of the degree of Pu contamination is required to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Currently, rapid on-site detection of Pu is usually performed by analysis of α-particles emitted from the adhesive tape peeled off the wound. However, the detection of α-particles is difficult, especially in traumatic skin lesions with oozing blood, because of the low permeability of α-particles in blood. Therefore, we focused on x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis because x-rays easily pass through several millimetres of blood. In this study, we developed a new methodology for the rapid detection of heavy elements in wounds based on XRF analysis of the contaminated blood collected by gauze patch and filter paper, using stable lead (Pb) as a model contaminant substitute for Pu. Mouse blood samples contaminated with Pb were dropped on gauze patches or absorbed by filter papers and were subjected to XRF measurement. Small pieces of filter paper served as more suitable extraction materials than gauze patches because the entire amount of blood absorbed could be measured. When we used filter paper, the signal intensity of the Pb Lα peak was proportional to the Pb concentration in the blood. With a measurement time of 30 s, the minimum detection limit of Pb in blood collected by filter paper was 2.4 ppm.

ERDA at the 9 MV Tandem and at the 3 MV Tandetron of IFIN-HH

Recoil spectrometry using heavy ions proposed in 1976 by L’Ecuyer has evolved into a universal IBA technique. Few years later an experimental setup for simultaneous light and medium heavy element detection including a compact ΔE(gas)–Er(solid) telescope, was developed at the Tandem accelerator of IFIN-HH. To increase the resolution, an integrated preamplifier was mounted close to the ionization chamber. The calibration procedure for the telescope and the software for the quantitative evaluation of the data are briefly presented. Recently, a 3MV Tandetron accelerator has been installed and commissioned at the IFIN-HH. Among several ion-beam techniques for detection and depth profiling of hydrogen isotopes, Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis (ERDA) technique using a low energy 4He beam, proposed by Doyle and Peercy, is particularly advantageous. By measuring simultaneously both the H or D recoiling at a forward angle and backscattered 4He ions, a rather complete characterization of the sample can be achieved. Selected results from our investigations, obtained using these facilities, are presented.

ON THE EFFECT OF EXPLOSIVE THERMONUCLEAR BURNING ON THE ACCRETED ENVELOPES OF WHITE DWARFS IN CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES

The detection of heavy elements at suprasolar abundances in the atmospheres of some accreting white dwarfs in cataclysmic variables, coupled with the high temperatures needed to produce these elements requires explosive thermonuclear burning. The central temperatures of any formerly more massive secondary stars in CVs undergoing hydrostatic CNO burning are far too low to produce these elements. Evidence is presented that at least some cataclysmic variables contain donor secondaries that have been contaminated by repeated novae ejecta and are transferring this material back to the white dwarf. This scenario does not exclude the channel in which formerly more massive donor stars underwent CNO processing in ystems that underwent thermal timescale mass transfer. Implications for the progenitors of CVs are discussed.

A new HVE 6 MV AMS system at the University of Cologne

CologneAMS is the new Centre for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at the University of Cologne. It will operate a dedicated AMS system designed to measure all standard cosmogenic nuclides ( 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 36Cl, 41Ca, 129I) and which uses a 6 MV Tandetron™ accelerator equipped with an all solid-state power supply, foil and gas stripper. The system also enables a sensitive detection of heavy ions up to 239U and 244Pu. The high-energy mass-spectrometer consists of a 90 degree magnet with a radius of 2 m and a mass-energy product of 351 AMU MeV to allow the detection of 244Pu 5+ up to the maximum terminal voltage of 6 MV. This magnet is followed by an electrostatic energy analyzer and a switching magnet that can transport the rare isotope beam into various beamlines. The switching magnet forms a third analyzing element which is needed especially for the sensitive detection of heavy elements. So far two beamlines are equipped with their own detection system. One of these lines is used for suppression of isobaric background in the case of the analysis of e.g. 36Cl. This is accomplished by an absorber foil which generates a Z-dependent energy loss in combination with a momentum/charge-state selection via a 120 degree magnet that features up to 30 mrad acceptance for efficient beam transport. In this contribution we will introduce the new Centre, the layout and specific characteristics of the AMS system as well as the main topics of the future scientific work to be performed at CologneAMS.

Identification of hydrogen and helium in elastic recoil detection measurements using a compact (ΔE − Er) ionization chamber

Recoil spectrometry with heavy ions has evolved into a rather universal IBA technique. Hydrogen is an important element in a wide variety of thin film materials. In this paper we present the capabilities of a compact ΔE(gas ionization chamber)−Eres(solid) telescope for simultaneous light and medium heavy element detection. To increase the resolution an integrated preamplifier was mounted close to the ionization chamber. To achieve the simultaneous detection of very light elements (H and He) and of the heavier ones (C, O, Mg, Al) the two outputs from the preamplifier were fed into two main amplifiers, operated with high and low gain, respectively. The calibration procedure for the telescope and the software for the quantitative evaluation of the data are briefly presented. The results obtained in some ERDA measurements using a 63Cu beam from the FN tandem accelerator of NIPNE are also presented.

Probing for heavy element impurities in the shell of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, with nuclear microscopy

Nuclear microscopy was performed on shells of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, to probe for heavy element impurities. For the studies 14 shells from the Auckland and the Marlborough Sounds region were chosen. In sections, the shells appear as opaque with white and grey zones, which are related to alternating layers of calcite and aragonite. Raster scans with 2.5 MeV protons over the sections (scan area 5 × 5 mm) were used in the experiment to measure trace elements in the ppm region using proton induced X-ray spectroscopy. Two dimensional maps and line scans revealed the presence of bromine in all shells investigated. Bromine was found to be related with the pattern of calcium. Hot spots of iron proved to be a common feature in the shells as well. In some shells, copper and zinc were also measured in hot spots of a few micrometers in diameter. Spatially resolved results on the micrometer level indicate the usefulness of nuclear microscopy for the detection of heavy elements in shells of the Pacific oyster.

Bremsstrahlung-induced highly penetrating probes for nondestructive assay and defect analysis

Nondestructive assay and defect analysis probes based on bremsstrahlung-induced processes have been developed to identify elements and probe defects in large volume samples. Bremsstrahlung beams from (electron accelerators) with end-point energies both above and below neutron emission threshold have been used. Below neutron emission threshold these beams (from 6 MeV small pulsed linacs), which exhibit high penetration, create positrons via pair production inside the material and produce X-ray fluorescence (XRF) radiation. Chemical assays of heavy elements in thick samples up to 10 g/cm 2 thick are provided by energy dispersive XRF measurements. The pair-produced positrons annihilate within the material, thereby emitting 511 keV gamma radiation . Doppler broadening spectroscopy of the 511 keV radiation can be performed to characterize the material and measure defects in samples of any desired thickness. This technique has successfully measured induced strain due to tensile stress in steel samples of 0.64 cm thick. Bremsstrahlung beams above neutron emission threshold, from a 20 MeV pulsed electron linac, have also been used to produce residual nuclei in excited states via photonuclear reactions allowing the detection of heavy elements via their characteristic γ-rays. This can be developed into a technique to trace some heavy metals in large rocks and soils for environmental applications.

AMS of heavy elements with an ECR ion source and the ATLAS linear accelerator

Detection of heavy elements by accelerator mass spectrometry with the electron cyclotron resonance ion source, Argonne linear accelerator and fragment mass analyzer (ECRIS–ATLAS–FMA) system has been developed. The use of the ECR–ATLAS system for AMS of heavy elements has two interesting features: (i) the efficient production of high-charge state ions in the ECR source ensures the elimination of molecular ions at the source stage, a highly attractive feature for any mass-spectrometric use not exploited so far; (ii) the linear acceleration based on velocity matching and the beam transport system act as a powerful mass filter for background suppression. We have shown that our system reaches an abundance sensitivity of 1×10 −14 for Pb isotopes. The 236 U detection sensitivity is 236 U/ U≳1×10 −12 , limited mainly by the ion source output.

Analyses of petrified wood by electron, X-ray and optical microprobes

Samples of petrified wood of different origins were analyzed by the use of the electron microprobe, capillary X-ray fluorescence microprobe, synchrotron capillary X-ray microprobe and optical microscope, applied in a microprobe manner. The main attention was given to the investigation of the ring structure of the petrified wood and the comparison of this with the ring structure of the living trees analyzed by much the same methods. The continuous X-radiation, applied in a microprobe manner, the distribution of the gray-scale representation of the secondary electron intensities and the characteristic X-ray signals, mainly from the light elements, were registered by the use of the electron microprobe method. The X-ray capillary microprobe detected the Rayleigh and Compton signals, scattered from microareas of the samples, and the characteristic X-ray signals, mainly from the heavier elements. In the synchrotron-based capillary microanalytical measurements, one of the most important results was achieved by the microprobe application of scattered synchrotron radiation. The emission and scattering results were supplemented by transmission measurements, where possible. All the methods proved to be complementary in the analysis of such periodic structures as tree rings. Both capillary microprobes were much more efficient in the detection of heavy elements and penetrated deeper than the traditional electron microprobe. Careful analysis of different signals indicated that some samples of petrified wood in the authors' possession, composed of silica of variable density, are the chemical negatives of the primordial living wood. This is the first such observation in the literature. Microdiffraction studies of the samples proved that polycrystalline α-quartz was the main matrix component of all these samples. The elemental analysis of the petrified wood gives important indications about the petrification processes. Comparison of the particular ring structure of the petrified wood with the ring structure of living trees shows great similarities. The widths of rings, density variations and density maxima are easily readable from the microanalysis of petrified wood. These parameters potentially can be exploited for the investigation of the biological, chemical, chronological and climatic information included in the fossilized tissues.

Determination of Toxic Elements in Liquid Hazardous Waste Using Hogh-resolution Energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

P. A. RUSSELL and R. JAMES, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 1997, 12, 25 DOI: 10.1039/A603605H

Detection of Heavy Elements in the EUVE Spectrum of a Hot White Dwarf

Observations with the ROSAT satellite have already indicated that metal absorbers must be present in the atmosphere of the hot DA white dwarf PG 1234+482. This is now confirmed by strong absorption features found in the short and medium wavelength EUVE spectrum of the star. With fully blanked model atmospheres, taking into account several million lines of heavy elements, we could attribute the strongest features to absorption by FeVI and FeVII. Since the spectrum has not been dithered during the observation other elements could not be identified with the same level of confidence, but upper limits could be determined. These are in general lower than predicted by models, which attempt to explain the presence of the metals by theoretical calculations of radiative forces in hot DA white dwarf atmospheres.

First results of the tunable monochromatic gamma-ray source at the Ghent 15 MeV linac

By combining a curved crystal spectrometer, operated in Cauchois geometry, with a broad gamma-ray source emitting a continuous energy spectrum, it is possible to obtain gamma-ray beams of which both the bandwidth and the energy can be tuned. The feasibility of such a facility is demonstrated using bremsstrahlung produced by the high intensity electron accelerator of the University of Ghent as a primary source and the former SCK Mol bent crystal spectrometer to select the wanted energies via Bragg diffraction. Applications of the obtained gamma-ray beams, i.e. the direct measurement of the K-edges of heavy elements or the detection of heavy elements in materials, are indicated and illustrated by the first experiments performed with the tunable gamma-ray source.

The use of ion beam analysis in biological sciences

The use of ion beams in biomedical analysis is reviewed. Nuclear induced reactions are used for the detection of light elements and PIXE for trace detection of heavy elements. Typical biological and biomedical applications are described in order to investigate the potentiality of the technique. The determination of the concentration of trace elements and their correlation opens new ways for the possibility of the diagnosis of diseases before the appearance of symptoms; the most promising method being the scanning of samples with proton microbeams.

Light and heavy element detection in thin sections of soils with the ion microprobe mass analyzer (IMMA).

Previous research with the scanning electron microscope (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDXRA) and the electron microprobe analyzer (EMA), showed that the detection of light elements in thin sections of soils was problematic or even impossible. Consequently initial experiments were performed with the ion microprobe mass analyzer (IMMA). These preliminary investigations were carried out on a piece of root material in soil (containing both light and heavy elements) which has a 'clayey' appearance and is known as a clayified root (Parfenova et al., 1964). The presence of heavier elements in this sample was investigated by SEM-EDXRA prior to IMMA analysis. The results with the ion microprobe mass analyzer showed that all chemical elements could be analyzed in the plant fragment. Also much higher elemental detection sensitivities were found with IMMA as compared to SEM-EDXRA and EMA. This even allowed ion imaging of trace elements. High-quality ion images of both light and heavy elements could be obtained in much shorter exposure times than with SEM-EDXRA and EMA techniques. Furthermore by analysis of fragmentation ('fingerprint') spectra additional information was obtained with respect to the chemical binding of the analyzed elements. Due to these preliminary results IMMA offers full possibilities for microchemical analysis in situ of all important elements in soil specimens. This technique considerably increases possibilities in soil micromorphology. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

The detection sensitivity of heavy impurities in Si using 280 keV He2+ and C2+ back-scattering

Background limitations, especially those involving pulse pile-up, on the sensitivity to detection of heavy elements near the surface of Si were investigated with back-scattered 250 keV He2+ and C2+. Using gated electronics, pulse pile-up was reduced by as much as a factor of 1/60, which permitted a detection sensitivity, i.e., equal signal and background, of approximately 2 x 1011 Tl atoms/cm2 for He2+ back-scattering, while C2+ back-scattering data showed a detection sensitivity of about 2 x 1010 Tl atoms/cm2. Back-scattering from Si implanted with 20 keV Tl+to doses of 1 x 1013 and 1 x 1012 and C2+ back- scattering sensitivities.