External Beam Proton-induced X-ray Emission Research Articles

Ionome mapping and amino acid metabolome profiling of Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds imbibed with computationally informed phytoengineered copper sulphide nanoparticles

This study reports the effects of a computationally informed and avocado-seed mediated Phyto engineered CuS nanoparticles as fertilizing agent on the ionome and amino acid metabolome of Pinto bean seeds using both bench top and ion beam analytical techniques. Physico-chemical analysis of the Phyto engineered nanoparticles with scanning-electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CuS nanoparticles. Molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction of some active phytocompounds in avocado seeds that act as reducing agents with the nano-digenite further showed that 4-hydroxybenzoic acid had a higher affinity for interacting with the nanoparticle’s surface than other active compounds. Seeds treated with the digenite nanoparticles exhibited a unique ionome distribution pattern as determined with external beam proton-induced X-ray emission, with hotspots of Cu and S appearing in the hilum and micropyle area that indicated a possible uptake mechanism via the seed coat. The nano-digenite also triggered a plant stress response by slightly altering seed amino acid metabolism. Ultimately, the nano-digenite may have important implications as a seed protective or nutritive agent as advised by its unique distribution pattern and effect on amino acid metabolism.Graphical abstract

Development of analysis methodology using Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) as a complementary technique to determine trace elements in environmental matrices

This article presents the methodology of analysis of industrial and environmental materials using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. The application of thick target PIXE technique using a 3 MeV proton beam at 3 MV Tandetron at Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Romania, in industrial and environmental complex studies proved to be very useful for the identification of a large series of trace elements, some of them being toxic for living organisms and humans and others contributing to the elemental cycling in natural environments. The main elements determined by PIXE are K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb, using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) GDP-05145 (BSI) type detector of 20 mm2 surface, 8 mm thickness. In addition, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, and Cl could be determined using external beam PIXE with X-123 SDD Fast Amptek silicon detector of 25 mm2 surface, 500 µm thickness. PIXE technique successfully complements other atomic and nuclear techniques, such as: energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and ion beam technique particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE). A discussion is made regarding the suitability of PIXE technique to be further used in studies related to soil-crop toxic metal transfer in an agroecosystem, as well as heavy metals biosorbtion from industrial wastewater, for the investigation of level of contamination with metals and toxicants occurrence in environmental factors and human health risk assessment. The paper was presented at the Scientific Conference of the Doctoral School of Dunarea de Jos University of Galati (SCDS-UDJG), 7th edition, Galati, Romania, 13-14 June, 2019.

Beam charge integration in external beam PIXE–PIGE analysis utilizing proton backscattering with an extraction window

In this study, we present a new method for the indirect integration of beam charges in external beam proton-induced X-ray emission and proton-induced γ-ray emission (PIXE–PIGE) analysis. We recorded proton spectra backscattered by a Kapton film extraction window in different sample situations and under different beam currents. We also simulated backscattering spectra using the simulation of backscattering spectra program (SIMNRA). We determined that in a specific geometrical arrangement, different sample situations did not significantly affect factor CQ (the ratio between integral backscattering proton counts and integral beam charges). We also studied the reproducibility and beam current dependence of factor CQ. The statistic factor of CQ was 28.95 ± 0.6 kilo counts/μC, with a relative standard deviation of 2.0 %. Significantly, in external beam PIXE–PIGE analysis, we were able to calculate beam charge integration from the integral backscattering proton counts in an energy region.

The Chemical Compositions and Origin Characters of Serpentine Jade from Different Deposits

This work aims to explore the sources of raw materials of archaic serpentine jade artifacts by comparing their trace element content. The major and trace elements of serpentine jade samples from different deposits in China are determined by external-beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Trace element concentrations are also measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy for comparison. The relationship between the trace element content and the mechanism of serpentine formation is discussed. The results indicate that Type I jade has a small amount of Ni in it and almost no Cr and Co while significant amount of Cr, Co and Ni was found in Type II jade. Thus, this could be used to distinguish the two kinds of serpentine jade formed by different mechanisms.

Nondestructive analysis of Lantian jade from Shaanxi Province, China

Lantian jade is a kind of ancient Chinese jades. The modified external-beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the chemical and mineral composition of the modern Lantian jade from Shaanxi Province. The jade samples can be categorized into two classes. The first class consists of mainly of antigorite and the level of serpentinization is high. One sample exhibited Raman characteristic bands of lizardite, a serpentine mineral which was described for the first time in Lantian jade. Therefore, Lantian jade can be further subdivided into Lantian antigorite jade and Lantian lizardite jade, which can be distinguished from each other by the XRD and Raman spectra. The second class consists mainly of calcite, serpentine and augite, with traces of talc, dolomite and tremolite. Also Mn, Zn and Zr contents are higher compared to the other trace elements. Lantian jade formed when dolomitic marble was converted to serpentine minerals by magmatic hydrothermal metasomatism at low temperature. These characteristics can provide useful data for archeological research on Lantian jade.

Comparison of the detection limits in the analysis of some medium atomic number elements measured with a portable XRF and an external proton beam PIXE spectrometer system

AbstractA portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer system was constructed using an Amptek Mini‐X X‐ray tube and an X‐123 compact spectrometer. The spectrometer is optimised for the best limits of detection. Its analytic properties are tested and compared with an analogous laboratory‐based instrument, an external beam proton‐induced X‐ray emission spectrometry (PIXE) setup. Depending on elements in question the thick target detection limits of this portable XRF device are comparable or even lower than the PIXE setup. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Studies on the Element Characteristics of Nephrite Minerals from Different Deposits by GD-MS

Element characteristics of nephrite minerals were determined by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GD-MS) through surface adherence method. To solve the conductivity problem of non-conductive nephrite samples, high purity indium pin (>99.9999%) was used as discharge host. During the preparation procedure, a small piece of nephrite sample was ground into powder (about 200 meshes), and then the sample powder was coated on the surface of indium pin to form a rod sample. Typical elements of nephrite minerals were analyzed by GD-MS, and the relative standard deviations showed that the stability and reproducibility of this method were good. Meanwhile, four nephrite samples from two different deposits were further studied by this method. The GD-MS results of major elements and trace elements revealed that typical elements of the nephrite minerals from same deposit were similar, and those from different deposits exhibited significant difference. In addition, results of external-beam proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) were consistent with the result of GD-MS determination. The present approach had been proven to be simple, efficient to perform the rapid screening and multi-element semi-quantitative analysis of nephrite samples.

中国古代玻璃的拉曼光谱及质子激发X射线荧光发射无损鉴定

Nondestructive Raman spectroscopy and external-beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique to analyze eight ancient glasses unearthed from the provinces of Henan, Hubei, and Jiangsu, which allowes for a good characterization of the glass matrix and chemical compositions, is carried out. The results indicate that all the eight glass samples could be typically divided into three systems: faience (sample No. SZWG-4), PbO-BaO-SiO2 (sample Nos. NYWKI-5-1, HNWKII-88, and HNWKII-84), and Na2OCaO-SiO2 (sample Nos. HBWKI-16, HBWKI-17, HBWKI-18, and SZWG-1). Additional relationships between the Raman spectra and parameters, such as residues of raw materials and opacifying agent, are also discussed by respectively comparing them with similar glass samples excavated from other historical sites.

Semi-Continuous Aerosol Measurement for Visibility Variation Using an External Beam PIXE Method

This study introduces the application of a semi-continuous monitoring and analytic technique to examine the elemental composition for a visibility-impairing aerosol. Semi-continuous measurements of the chemical composition for visibility-impairing aerosol were made during the spring period of 19 30 May 2007 in the urban area of Seoul, Korea. These included measurements of the aerosol elemental composition by a proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method, of the aerosol ionic composition by ion chromatography (IC) method and of the aerosol carbonaceous composition by a thermal optical transmittance (TOT) method. Light extinction, scattering and absorption coe cients were measured simultaneously with a transmissometer, a nephelometer and an aethalometer, respectively. The average light extinction coe cient and visual range were measured to be 343 186 Mm 1 and 11.8 4.2 km, respectively, during the intensive monitoring period. The average mass concentrations of PM1:0, PM2:5 and PM10 were measured to be 24.0 13.4, 44.6 30.6 and 77.0 56.1 g m 3 and the correlation coe cient r2 of submicron and ne particles to bext were calculated to be relatively higher values of 0.7835 and 0.7824, respectively. However, the value of r2 for coarse particles was a low value of 0.1261. The results revealed that visibility impairment in the urban atmosphere of Seoul was a ected by ne particles, including submicron particles, rather than coarse particles. On a clear day and a hazy day, the mass concentration of mineral dust was not sensitive to variations in bext. On an Asian dust event day, visibility degradation was dominantly caused by increases in the SO2 4 and the NO 3 components between 12:00 and 14:00, during which time they combined with a large loading of mineral dust caused severely reduced visibility. The ability to observe rapid changes in the aerosol composition using semi-continuous aerosol measurements and the PIXE method was helpful in understanding the diurnal variation of visibility.

IN-AIR PIXE ANALYSIS OF INDIAN COPPER COINS

Coins are important archaeological objects and analysis of metallic compositions of coins can provide valuable information regarding coin minting, methodology, classification, provenance, art, culture and economics of the minting time. In-air Proton Induced X-ray emission (PIXE) is a good scientific method for non-destructive analysis of coins preserved in museum. Selected ten Kushana copper coins (3rd-4th century A. D.) from the Orissa State Museum, Bhubaneswar have been analysed, for the first time as preliminary work, by using an external beam PIXE facility at Institute of Physics. Our study reveals that copper is the main constituent of the Kushana coins, with minor/trace elements like titanium, iron, and nickel, zinc, lead and bismuth.

Use of proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis in the evaluation of large volume parenteral rubber stoppers

The use of external beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis for determining the elemental composition of three different types of rubber stoppers used to seal parenteral solutions is described. The stoppers were immersed in 0.9% sodium chloride solution in conical flasks. The flasks were then autoclaved in a pilot autoclave using an F o value of 15 min at 121°C. The PIXE measurements were performed at the 2.5 MeV Van de Graaff accelerator in the University of Helsinki. The results show that the PIXE method clearly revealed the differences between different types of rubber stoppers. The elements found were, e.g., Fe, Ti, Zn, Br. The limits of detection were 2 ppm for Ti, 6 ppm for Fe, 2 ppm for Cu, 1 ppm for Zn, 3 ppm for Br and 0.5 ppm for Pb. The concentrations of a certain element vary greatly from sample to sample, for example, that of Zn by a factor of 4000. The elemental compositions of 4482 PH 4001/45 and 4782 PH 4106/50 are nearly identical, whereas the elemental composition of 4443 PH 21/50 is more complicated. Heavy elements were either non-existent or present in very low quantities. PIXE analysis is useful for detecting and quantifying elements with atomic numbers greater than 12. A particular feature of the method is that many elements can be analyzed simultaneously if a detection system with sufficient resolution is available. The sensitivity of the method at the ppm level and the fact that analyses may be performed on samples of small size make it a promising technique for analyzing the chemical composition of rubber stoppers. This method could be used in various pharmaceutical applications, since analysis can be performed under a normal atmosphere without requiring the use of a vacuum.

Elemental Analysis of Water and Sediments by External Beam PIXE Part 2. Industrial Zone of Ptolemais, Greece

Abstract In the industrial zone of Ptolemais, Greece there are two coal-fired power plants, one nitrogen-fertilizer producing plant and a factory making coal-bricks. The industrial and the municipal waste effluents of this area are discharged into the lake Vegoritis via a small stream named Solou. Water and core or grab sediment samples taken from the Solou stream and Vegoritis Lake were analyzed for metallic elements by the proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method and the different pollution sources of the area under study, as far as metal pollution is concerned, were tentatively identified. The communities contribute to the pollution with loads of Pb and Ni; Ca, Cr, and Mo are contributed mainly by industries, while Fe, Zn, Mn, Sr, and Br have their origin to both sources. Also the sediment enrichment factors (SEF) are calculated and discussed.

Detection of Bullet Residue in Bone Using Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Analysis

External beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis has been used to verify the presence of lead in the finger bone of a murder victim. The deceased, who had been buried several years, was known to have suffered a bullet wound to his right hand several years before death. X-ray radiographs of the right second proximal phalanx revealed the possible presence of metal fragments below the surface of the bone. To verify the presence of lead in a nondestructive manner, the bone was scanned with a 1.5-MeV proton beam. PIXE analysis showed that lead was present only in the vicinity of the fragments previously detected in the radiographs. A study of gunshot residue in bone shows that the distribution of lead around the bullet hole is independent of the firing distance for distances greater than 0.6 m.

Trace element analysis of maternal scalp hair by external beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE)

We have constructed an external beam proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) system for trace element analysis of biological and environmental samples. Optimization of sample preparation and experimental PIXE set up has produced a rapid, accurate, sensitive, and reliable PIXE analysis procedure. The analytical procedure was evaluated using maternal scalp hair from pregnant women 16–19 weeks' gestation. The samples were irradiated with 3.5 MeV protons from the Rutgers Nuclear Physics Department's 8 MV Tandem FN Van de Graaff accelerator. The concentrations of the elements calcium (Ca) to cadmium (Cd) in hair are reported for 50 subjects. The analytical procedure is suitable for non-invasive clinical analysis for evaluation of nutritional states and for environmental exposure to toxic metals.

Determination of total zinc in soils by external-beam proton-induced X-ray emission spectrometry

A rapid non-destructive determination of total zinc in soils is reported. The 1 mm thick targets were prepared without a binder. Multiple standard additions were used for calibration. For a 10-μC irradiation with 2-MeV protons, the detection limit was about 2 ppm of zinc. The precision was within 5% and good agreement was found with spectrophotometric measurements of zinc.