Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis Research Articles

Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis for Bacterial Transformations of Chromium

Most powerful primary analytical technique, neutron activation analysis, was applied to study indigenous bacteria, namely, Arthrobacter genera which can be successfully used in detoxification and immobilization of toxic substances. In the present study the effect of Cr(VI) on the elemental content of these bacteria has been examined. The concentrations from 12 to 19 elements such as Na, Al, Cl, K, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Sb, Ba, Tb, Th, U were determined in the bacterial cells. The high rate of Cr accumulation in the tested bacterial cells was shown. In bacteria treated with chromate some similarity in the behaviour of the following essential elements − potassium, sodium, chlorine − was observed. Such non-essential elements as Ag, As, Br and U were determined in all bacteria and have to be considered by cells as toxins.

Heavy metal contamination of topsoils around a lead and zinc smelter in the Republic of Macedonia

The results of a first systematic study of spatial distribution of different elements in surface soil over the Veles region (50 km(2)) known for its lead and zinc industrial activity in the recent past are reported. A total of 201 soil samples were collected according to a dense net in urban area and less dense net in rural area. The total of 42 elements were analyzed by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) and by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The content of elements such as As, Au, Cd, Cu, Hg, In, Pb, Sb, Se, Zn in soil samples around the lead and zinc smelter and in the adjacent part of the town of Veles has appeared to be much higher than in those collected in the surrounding areas due to the pollution from the plant. Thus, the content of Cd (three times); Pb and Zn (two times) is even higher than the corresponding intervention (critical) values according to the Dutch standards. The results obtained by two complementary analytical techniques, AAS and ENAA, are discussed in terms of multivariate statistics. GIS technology was applied to depict the areas most affected by contamination from the lead and zinc smelter.

Determination of iodine in biological materials by pseudo-cyclic epithermal INAA using anti-coincidence gamma-ray spectrometry and estimation of expanded uncertainties

Epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (EINAA) technique in conjunction with anti-coincidence gamma-ray spectrometry (AC) has been applied for the determination of ppm to ppb levels of iodine in biological materials containing high levels of Al, Br, Cl, K, Mn, and Na. Both conventional EINAA-AC and pseudo-cyclic EINAA-AC (PC-EINAA-AC) methods using a combination of Cd and B filters have been developed using Dalhousie University SLOWPOKE-2 reactor (DUSR) facility. The expanded uncertainties (EU), at about 95% confidence level, for iodine in biological materials by EINAA-AC varied between 6 and 10%. The advantages of the non-destructive PC-EINAA-AC method has been successfully demonstrated by analyzing the NIST Pine Needles (SRM 1575) containing a low amount of iodine in presence of high quantities of Mn and other interfering elements where an iodine content of 92.8 μg kg−1 with an EU of 6.1 μg kg−1 and a detection limit of 40 μg kg−1 has been obtained at the end of fourth cycle.

Evidence of tin and other anthropogenic metals in particulate matter in Lisbon, Portugal

Thermal and epithermal neutron activation analysis techniques were used to analyze 27 Teflon air filters which were exposed to ambient air in Lisbon, Portugal, in February 2007. Tin was detected which is strongly suggestive of an anthropogenic source. Arsenic, antimony and copper were shown to be highly correlated, which is also suggestive of anthropogenic pollution. Trace element analysis of short- and medium-lived isotopes was performed yielding concentration information of various elements. Analytical sensitivities were enhanced using a Compton suppression system. Enrichment factor analysis shows that arsenic, tin, zinc, copper and antimony are at elevated concentrations in the Lisbon atmosphere.

The determination of uranium in food samples by Compton suppression epithermal neutron activation analysis

Eight foods common to the Nigerian diet were analyzed for trace amounts of uranium using epithermal neutron activation analysis. Food sample sizes of roughly one-half gram, irradiated for 10 min, with a 15 min decay time and counting time for 10 min yielded detection limits between 0.02 and 0.04 Bq/kg. Dried milk, chicken pasta, spaghetti and biscuits had less than detectable amounts of uranium, while sorghum, wheat and brown beans contained 0.73, 0.23 and 0.16 Bq/kg, respectively.

Epithermal neutron activation, radiometric, correlation and principal component analysis applied to the distribution of major and trace elements in some igneous and metamorphic rocks from Romania

Six major (Na, Al, K, Ca, Ti, Fe) and 28 trace (Sc, Cr, V, Mn, Co, Zn, Cu, As, Br, Sr, Rb, Zr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Cs, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta, W, Th and U) elements were determined by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) in nine Meridional Carpathian and Macin Mountains samples of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Correlation and principal factor analysis were used to interpret data while natural radionuclides radiometry shows a good correlation with ENAA results.

Epithermal neutrons activation analysis, radiochemical and radiometric investigations of evaporitic deposits of Slanic-Prahova (Romania) salt mine

Summary. Three highly sensitive analytical methods: epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA), radiometric assay and UV/Vis spectroscopy were used to investigate the elemental composition of both halite and mineral fractions (sediments) of salt collected from the Slanic-Prahova salt mine, near the location of Low Background Radiation Laboratory. For halite with all three methods and within experimental uncertainties, it was not possible to observe the presence of any natural radioactive elements. For the mineral fraction both radiometric and ENAA showed the presence of 40 K, 232 Th and 238 U in concentrations comparable to the upper continental core (UCC). The same was true for the distribution in the mineral fraction of 7 other major (Na, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Ti and Fe) and 29 trace elements (Sc, Cr, V, Mn, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Ne, Eu, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta, W, Th, U) as determined by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA), which demonstrates a continental origin of the sediments in the existing salt deposit.

Estimation of iodine in food, food products and salt using ENAA

An epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) method using boron carbide filter was standardised for the determination of low levels of iodine in various food and food products like milk, milk powder, baby food and health drink powders. The concentrations of iodine were also determined in seven samples of iodised salt used in cooking in India. Advantage of iodine determination by ENAA was evaluated by determining boron ratios of iodine and its interfering elements like Na, K, Mn, Cl and Br. Iodine concentrations were determined in seven biological reference materials obtained from NIST and IAEA, out of which three SRMs were used as the control samples. The results showed that trace levels of iodine can be determined in samples even in the presence of high salt content without chemical separations.

Assessment of iodine content in Brazilian duplicate portion diets and in table salt

Excess dietary intake may increase the risk for the hyperthyroidism in the elderly. This study investigated iodine dietary intake by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) analyzing duplicate portion diet and fortified table salt samples. Duplicate diet samples were obtained from a group of twenty-five steel mill workers from the city of Sao Paulo, over a 3-day period. The samples were freeze dried, mixed and homogenized. Fortified table salt brands were collected from the market and were analyzed with no pre-treatment. Assays for the iodine concentration in the table salt samples revealed values between 24 to 65 mg/kg. The average iodine daily intake for the worker’s diets was 813 μg/day, ranging from 402 to 1363 μg/day. In some cases daily intakes were around 10 times higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) value (150 μg/day).

INAA of geological materials using a combination of epithermal activation and Compton suppression: Prediction of possibilities

Nuclear data relevant to the determination of elements in geological materials by instrumental neutron activation analysis using a combination of epithermal neutron activation and Compton suppression counting are presented. The feasibility of this combination is discussed considering data for desired as well as interfering nuclides. Among elements determined after short irradiation, the conditions for Sr, Zr, I, Cs, Eu and U should be improved. After long epithermal irradiation and appropriate decay, Compton suppression should lead to improvement in determination of As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Gd, Ho, Tm, W, Au, Th, and U. In the case of Ga, Se, Ag, In, Cs, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, and W, the use of Compton suppression in connection with epithermal activation is not recommended because the radionuclides concerned decay with coincident γ-rays. In general, the use of Compton suppression should improve the determination of trace elements in geological materials by epithermal neutron activation analysis, but more work is needed to better quantify these improvements.

Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis at the IBR-2 reactor of the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna)

Experience of the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) Department in employing epithermal activation in life sciences and materials science is summarized. The potential of a combination of epithermal activation and the suppression of Compton scattering and contributions from cascade-photon-emitting elements for raising NAA-based analytical studies up to a new level are discussed.

Simultaneous determination of 76As, 122Sb and 153Sm in Chinese medicinal herbs by epithermal neutron activation analysis

Optimal conditions for the simultaneous determination of As, Sb and Sm in Chinese medicinal herbs using epithermal neutron activation analysis were investigated. The minimum detectable concentrations of 76As, 122Sb and 153Sm in lichen and medicinal herbs depended on the weight of the irradiated sample, and irradiation and decay durations. Optimal conditions were obtained by wrapping the irradiated target with 3.2 mm borated polyethylene neutron filters, which were adopted to screen the original reactor fission neutrons and to reduce the background activities of 38Cl, 24Na and 42K. Twelve medicinal herbs, commonly consumed by Taiwanese children as a diuretic treatment, were analysed since trace elements, such as As and Sb, in these herbs may be toxic when consumed in sufficiently large quantities over a long period. Various amounts of medicinal herbs, standardised powder, lichen and tomato leaves were weighed, packed into polyethylene bags, irradiated and counted under different conditions. The results indicated that about 350 mg of lichen irradiated for 24 h and counted for 20 min following a 30-60 h decay period was optimal for irradiation in a 10(11)n/cm s epithermal neutron flux. The implications of the content of the studied elements in Chinese medicinal herbs are discussed.

Fractionation analysis of iodine in bovine milk by preconcentration neutron activation analysis

Iodine is an essential trace element for human beings. The main source of iodine is generally food items such as fish and milk. Either the lack or the excess of iodine can cause health problems. There exists an increasing interest in the determination of total iodine as well as various species of iodine in milk. We have developed an epithermal neutron activation analysis method with a Compton suppression (ENAA–CS) counting system for the determination of ng mL −1 levels of iodine. We have also employed chemical separation methods prior to ENAA–CS to measure the fraction-specific concentrations of iodine in bovine milk. We have measured the following iodine concentrations in homogenized milk (3.25%milk fat): 0.48 ± 0.02 μg mL −1 of total iodine, 0.020 ± 0.003 μg mL −1 of lipid-bound iodine, 0.039 ± 0.002, 0.019 ± 0.002 and 0.021 ± 0.004 μg mL −1 of protein-bound iodine depending on the protein separation method and 0.45 ± 0.02 μg mL −1 of inorganic species.

An ENAA and PGAA comparative study of anoxic Black Sea sediments

A comparative study performed by means of both epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGAA) concerning the distribution of 9 elements (Na, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn Fe and Sm) in unconsolidated sediments collected from the Black Sea anoxic region is presented. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a supplementary method in interpreting experimental data. The final results have shown that eight of them (Na, Al, Cl, K, Ti, Mn, Fe and Sm) have concentrations which differ by less than 30% from the corresponding concentrations of Upper Continental Crust (UCC), confirming the continental origin of sediments. At the same time, Ca concentration was about six times higher than that of UCC, this significant enrichment being due to the presence of the neighbouring oxygenated zone of considerable deposits of shell debris, characteristic of the Western Black Sea Continental Platform. Excepting Na and Mn, the concentrations of all other elements involved in this intercomparison were coincident within one standard deviation which attests the accuracy of this test. At the same time, PCA revealed the presence of five clusters, which could be put into concordance with the mineralogical composition of sediments, each of them consisting in equal proportions of elements determined by both methods.

Molecular iodine selective membrane for iodate determination in salt samples: chemical amplification and preconcentration

A molecular iodine selective membrane has been used for preconcentration of I(2) generated in situ by iodometric reaction of IO(3)(-) with excess I(-) in acidic medium (pH 1-2). This iodometric reaction amplifies the iodine content six times resulting in enhancement of analytical response ranging from three times for molecular methods to six times for elemental methods. The chemical conditions of this iodometric reaction were optimized for quantitative generation and subsequent sorption of I(2) in the membrane samples (96 +/- 3%). The homogeneous transparent membrane was prepared by immobilizing I(2)-complexing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the plasticized cellulose triacetate matrix. Four different analytical methods were examined for quantitative determination of IO(3)(-) in iodized salt samples by preconcentrating it as I(2) in the membrane matrix. These methods were: (1) spectrophotometry of the PVP-I(2) complex formed in the membrane matrix, (2) a radiotracer method using I(-) tagged with (131)I radiotracer, (3) instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), and (4) energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis. The IO(3)(-) contents thus determined in the iodized salt samples by the membrane-based radiotracer method were compared with the total iodine determined in salt samples by epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (EINAA). The membrane-based method for iodate determination in salt samples has advantages over conventional analytical methods, for example preconcentration and chemical amplification, and is free from interference from anions.

Design of a permanent Cd-shielded epithermal neutron irradiation site in the Syrian Miniature Neutron Source Reactor

A Cd-shield (cylindrical shell 1 mm in thickness, 34 mm in diameter and 180 mm in length) was used to design a permanent epithermal neutron irradiation site for epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) in the Syrian Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR). This site was achieved by shielding the surface of the aluminum tube of one of the outer irradiation sites. The calculated depression ratio of thermal neutron flux was 1/10. Homogeneity of the neutron flux in the first outer irradiation site has been found numerically using the WIMSD4 and CITATION codes and experimentally by irradiating five short copper wires using the outer irradiation capsule. Good agreement was obtained between the calculated and the measured results of the neutron flux distributions.

Determination of Uranium in Samples of Perna perna Mussel Transplanted Along the São Paulo Seashore, by Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis (ENAA)

Bivalve mussels are being used in many studies, for biomonitoring purposes, in coastal regions, due to their capacity of accumulating pollutants. This paper presents the results obtained for uranium determinations in samples of mussels of the Perna perna species (Linnaeus, 1758), transplanted along the northern seashore of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Mussels produced at a cultivation site in the Cocanha Beach, in Caraguatatuba (control site) were transplanted, in all seasons of the year, to four different sites: Engenho d‘Água Beach, in Ilhabela; Almirante Barroso Terminal (TEBAR), in São Sebastião; e Palmas Island and Itaipu, in the Santos Bay. For uranium determination, the method of epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) was used and for analytical quality control the reference materials NIST SRM 1566b Oyster Tissue and NIST SRM 1575 Pine Needles were used. The results obtained in these materials were in good agreement with the certified values (percentages of error less than 2.2%) and presented good precision (relative standard deviations below 3.3%). The uranium concentrations in mussel samples varied from 40.8 to 101.1 μg kg–1 (dry weight). The comparison among the uranium concentrations obtained in the different sites of transplantat indicated that the region of Santos has the highest and the lowest concentration of U, depending on the period of exposure of the samples of mussels.

Determinação de paládio em amostras biológicas aplicando técnicas analíticas nucleares

This study presents Pd determinations in bovine tissue samples containing palladium prepared in the laboratory, and CCQM-P63 automotive catalyst materials of the Proficiency Test, using instrumental thermal and epithermal neutron activation analysis and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence techniques. Solvent extraction and solid phase extraction procedures were also applied to separate Pd from interfering elements before the irradiation in the nuclear reactor. The results obtained by different techniques were compared against each other to examine sensitivity, precision and accuracy.

Determination of cadmium in Arctic air filters by epithermal neutron activation analysis and Compton suppression

Arctic pollution is a problem of great concern, because its characteristics (transportation, assimilation into the environment, etc.) are complex and not fully understood. Detection of elemental constituents has been undertaken through the use of neutron activation analysis and Compton suppression (to lower the detection limits for radionuclides characteristic of mainly single gamma-ray emission) to discover possible pollutant sources. The goal of this project was to perform a feasibility study to determine the suitability of neutron activation analysis (NAA) to evaluate cadmium concentrations on air filters collected in the Arctic.

Epiboron NAA: An option to analyze unfavorable matrices

Boron filter with 500 mg/cm2 surface density has been constructed and used for epithermal neutron activation analysis of geological and biological materials. Bare and boron-covered irradiations were performed to determine the boron activation ratios (R B ) and improvement factors (IF B ) for 23 nuclides. Biological and geological SRMs were also analyzed to demonstrate the practical use of this technique. Experiments have proved that epiboron activation extends the applicability of NAA to samples with unfavorable matrices (i.e., Na, Ca, P, Sc, etc.).