Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Method Research Articles

Determination of mass fractions of 12 elements in more common apple varieties in Iran by instrumental neutron activation analysis

In this study, the amount of 12 elements in five widespread varieties of apples (Malus pumila) used in the Arak markets in Iran (Uromieh golden apple—Maragheh golden apple—Semirom golden apple, Semirom green apple, Semirom red apple) were determined using the instrumental neutron activation analysis method. In this work, the Tehran research reactor was used as a source of thermal neutron flux. The highest concentrations of Cl, K, Mg, Na and Zn were detected in Maragheh golden apple which indicates that from the point of view of nutrition, the best cultivar of studied apples is Maragheh golden apple.

Elements-indicators of oil refineries impact in the components of adjacent ecosystems

This paper discusses differences in chemical elements concentration by the components of an ecosystem exposed to the refinery, relative to the territory taken as the background. The study was conducted in the Antipinsky Oil Refinery location area, the territory of the Tyumen Federal Reserve was considered as the background. The change in the elemental composition of the soil, bedding, grass stand, and birch leaves has been studied. The study was carried out by instrumental neutron activation and atomic absorption analysis methods. For all considered components of ecosystems, the patterns of the spatial distribution of elements with respect to refinery were analyzed (both to remote and to cardinal directions). The change in the associations of chemical elements in technogenic conditions was studied. The obtained results were compared with the clarke and literature data, on the basis of which the background status of the natural territory was confirmed, and low pollution of the technogenic region was revealed. According to the results, an elevated content of many of the studied chemical elements in the upper soil horizon was found. For most of them, a change in the distribution over the profile was recorded. The greatest pollution among the studied objects is characteristic of birch leaves. The spatial distribution of pollution is different for the components considered, but is consistent with the predominant wind direction. In the studied components of the technogenic ecosystem, an accumulation of elements specific to the oil refining industry was found: Br, Sb, La, Tb, Yb, Ce, As, Hg, Zn, Co. In all considered components of the technogenic ecosystem a violation of correlations and the presence of specific associations were recorded.

Estimation of daily selenium intake by 3- to 5-year-old Japanese children based on selenium excretion in 24-h urine samples.

To evaluate the daily Se intake of 3- to 5-year-old Japanese children, we used seventy-two urine samples collected from fifty-three children (twenty-seven male and twenty-six female) from two cities in Miyagi prefecture, Japan. For measuring low Se concentrations with high precision, accuracy and rapidity in the 24-h urine samples, we developed an instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) method, that is without any chemical separation, using the short-lived 77mSe (t1/2 = 17·4 s) nuclide. The estimated Se intake of the fifty-three children was 51·5 (sd 30·2) µg/d (geometric mean: 42·7 µg/d). Ten subjects (three male and seven female), successfully provided 24-h urine samples over two or three consecutive days; their Se intake was 37·4 (sd 5·9) µg/d. Based on the logarithmically transformed data of these ten subjects, the ratio of intra-/inter-individual variances of usual Se intake was 16·7 (28·0/1·7) and geometric mean was 27·7 µg/d. The 5th to 95th percentile of usual Se intake of these ten subjects was 17·5 to 40·4 µg/d, which ranged between the recommended dietary allowance and tolerable upper intake level of Se by the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015).

Investigation of Impurities of RBMK Graphite by Different Methods

ABSTRACTSamples of graphite from a RBMK-1500 reactor at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant from different construction elements (stack, sleeve, and bushing) were analyzed by the instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) method (LVR-15 experimental reactor of the Research Centre Řež, Ltd.) using the prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) method (Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum) and with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) (CPST, Lithuania). These measurements were performed with the aim of obtaining the missing information on the impurity distribution in the RBMK-type nuclear graphite constructions as well as for intercomparison purposes, with the results measured in the graphite sleeve samples previously obtained by INAA & GDMS (Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry) at CEA Saclay, France, and ICP-MS (CPST, Lithuania) methods. Validation of the ICP-MS method for the nuclear graphite impurity concentration determination was proven. The experimentally obtained RBMK-1500 graphite impurity values in different graphite constructions were compared with other measurements and new limits of the possible maximal concentrations of nuclear RBMK graphite impurity concentrations were obtained.

INAA and ion-beam analysis of elemental admixtures in carbon-based nanomaterials for battery electrodes

Six carbon materials with potential application in research and development of battery electrodes were tested for mass fractions of more than 40 elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis and ion-beam methods. The results indicate potential of the methods for characterization of materials with very low content of impurities (carbon black) as well as those with relatively high content of certain transition metals (e.g., single walled carbon nanotubes, SWCNT). A batch-to-batch variability of elemental impurities was found for commercial SWCNT. Quality control was performed by analysis of CRM SWCNT-1, NIST SRM 1633b, NIST SRM 2711, and NIST SRM 1547.

Neutron activation analysis of major and trace elements in Arabica and Robusta coffee beans samples consumed in Algeria

Abstract The Algerian neutron activation analysis laboratory is highly involved in nutrition applications in the framework of research activities using the Es-Salam research reactor. The main objective of this work is to contribute, by using nuclear analytical techniques, for studying a large number of natural food samples consumed in Algeria related to nutrition and human health. The present study focuses on the analysis of the most popular beans consumed worldwide, namely, the coffee species of Arabica and Robusta, based on the international markets. Chemical content of samples was assessed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and k 0-INAA techniques, through the irradiation of samples during 6 h at a thermal neutron flux of 4.5×1013cm−2s−1 of Es-Salam research reactor. A total of 17 elements were assessed such as, (Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Zn, Lu and Th) obtained by using INAA and k 0-INAA methods, While we used the radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA and k 0-RNAA) to determine Selenium at low level concentrations, the accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing CRM and SRM. QC/QA was evaluated by using the statistical parameter U-score. Results were compared with those obtained for samples from Brazilian, Caribbean, Indian and Kenyan coffee beans reported in the literature. The daily intake of essentials and toxic elements was determined and compared with the recommended values. The probable cumulative intake of toxic elements was found to be well below the tolerance limits.

Determination of trace elements in the seeds of fruits using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in Arak, I.R. Iran

In this study, four fruit’s seed samples as Punica granatum L., Citrus medica var. limonum, Malus domestica L. and Citrus vulgaris Risso were prepared from Arak’s markets. They were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation method (INAA). In this method, Tehran research reactor as a neutron source and relative INAA method has been used as the analysis method and to record gamma ray spectrum, the high purity germanium detector was used. Pomegranate seeds had the highest number of essential elements. Apple seeds and sour orange seeds contain the highest levels of Mg and K, Respectively.

A preliminary study on identification of Thai rice samples by INAA and statistical analysis

This study aims to investigate the elemental compositions in 93 Thai rice samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and to identify rice according to their types and rice cultivars using statistical analysis. As, Mg, Cl, Al, Br, Mn, K, Rb and Zn in Thai jasmine rice and Sung Yod rice samples were successfully determined by INAA. The accuracy and precision of the INAA method were verified by SRM 1568a Rice Flour. All elements were found to be in a good agreement with the certified values. The precisions in term of %RSD were lower than 7%. The LODs were obtained in range of 0.01 to 29 mg kg-1. The concentration of 9 elements distributed in Thai rice samples was evaluated and used as chemical indicators to identify the type of rice samples. The result found that Mg, Cl, As, Br, Mn, K, Rb, and Zn concentrations in Thai jasmine rice samples are significantly different but there was no evidence that Al is significantly different from concentration in Sung Yod rice samples at 95% confidence interval. Our results may provide preliminary information for discrimination of rice samples and may be useful database of Thai rice.

INAA Application for Trace Element Determination in Biological Reference Material

Trace element determination in biological samples is often used in the study of health and toxicology. Determination change to its essentiality and toxicity of trace element require an accurate determination method, which implies that a good Quality Control (QC) procedure should be performed. In this study, QC for trace element determination in biological samples was applied by analyzing the Standard Reference Material (SRM) Bovine muscle 8414 NIST using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Three selected trace element such as Fe, Zn, and Se were determined. Accuracy of the elements showed as %recovery and precision as %coefficient of variance (%CV). The result showed that %recovery of Fe, Zn, and Se were in the range between 99.4-107%, 92.7-103%, and 91.9-112%, respectively, whereas %CV were 2.92, 3.70, and 5.37%, respectively. These results showed that INAA method is precise and accurate for trace element determination in biological matrices.

Trace elements study of high purity nanocrystalline silicon carbide (3C-SiC) using k0-INAA method

Silicon carbide (3C-SiC) nanoparticles have been irradiated by neutron flux (2×1013n·cm-2·s-1) at TRIGA Mark II type research reactor. After neutron irradiation, the radioisotopes of trace elements in the nanocrystalline 3C-SiC were studied as time functions. The identification of isotopes which significantly increased the activity of the samples as a result of neutron radiation was carried out. Nanocrystalline 3C-SiC are synthesized by standard laser technique and the purity of samples was determined by the k0-based Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA) method. Trace elements concentration in the 3C-SiC nanoparticles were determined by the radionuclides of appropriate elements. The trace element isotopes concentration have been calculated in percentage according to k0-INAA method.

Determination of Selected Trace Elements in the Cerebrum of Rat Pups (Rattus norvegicus) Following Prenatal Ethanol Gavage

Of all the potential substances of abuse, ethanol (alcohol) is one of the most readily available. Most adults regularly or occasionally consume it. The most tragic effect of ethanol is on the central nervous system particularly during pregnancy. To assess this effect 6 pregnantly-timed dams divided into 3 groups were ingested with experimental equivalent concentrations of ethanol: low (8% v/v), medium (15% v/v) and high (45% v/v) via oro-gastric intubation procedure. A separate group was fed distilled water via same route. Administration of ethanol was done in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of the rat gestational period. After natural delivery, cerebral tissues were obtained by dissection after a light anaesthesia followed by decapitation. The samples were analyzed for trace elements via an Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis method (INAA) with the aid of a Nigerian Nuclear Research Reactor (NNRR-1). One way ANOVA was used to analyze the results at p<0.05. Game Howell and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests were used to check for the difference. Ca, Cu, Fe, Rb, Se, Zn, Na, Al and K were detected and quantified accordingly. Mean relative tissue concentrations for Cu, Rb, Zn, K and Al trace elements showed changes that were statistically significant at p<0.05 when compared to the normal control. No significant difference was found for Na, Fe, Se and Ca. Results from this study showed the teratogenic potential of ethanol on the developing cerebrum.

Analysis of Zirconium and Nickel Based Alloys and Zirconium Oxides by Relative and Internal Monostandard Neutron Activation Analysis Methods

Abstract Background The chemical characterization of metallic alloys and oxides is conventionally carried out by wet chemical analytical methods and/or instrumental methods. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) is capable of analyzing samples nondestructively. As a part of a chemical quality control exercise, Zircaloys 2 and 4, nimonic alloy, and zirconium oxide samples were analyzed by two INAA methods. The samples of alloys and oxides were also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and direct current Arc OES methods, respectively, for quality assurance purposes. The samples are important in various fields including nuclear technology. Methods Samples were neutron irradiated using nuclear reactors, and the radioactive assay was carried out using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Major to trace mass fractions were determined using both relative and internal monostandard (IM) NAA methods as well as OES methods. Results In the case of alloys, compositional analyses as well as concentrations of some trace elements were determined, whereas in the case of zirconium oxides, six trace elements were determined. For method validation, British Chemical Standard (BCS)-certified reference material 310/1 (a nimonic alloy) was analyzed using both relative INAA and IM-NAA methods. Conclusion The results showed that IM-NAA and relative INAA methods can be used for nondestructive chemical quality control of alloys and oxide samples.

Determination of trace concentration of aluminium in raw rice samples using instrumental neutron activation analysis and particle induced gamma-ray emission methods

Determination of aluminium concentration in food samples is important for the food safety and quality control purpose owing to its toxicity. This work demonstrates determination of aluminum concentrations in raw rice samples, obtained from agricultural field, by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using reactor neutrons and high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Particle induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) method was also standardized for the determination of aluminium content in some samples. The aluminium contents were found to be in the range of 5–80 mg kg−1. INAA and PIGE methods were validated by analyzing five reference materials obtained from NIST and IAEA.

Quantitative and structural analyses of hazardous elements in Chinese medicines and herbs

ABSTRACTThirty samples of Chinese medicines and herbs were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods, mainly noting on the hazardous elements arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), chromium, antimony and cobalt. The three Niuhuang Jiedu Pian samples contained 8.6%, 8.3% and 2.2% As. Two out of four Liushen Wan samples contained approximately7% of both As and Hg. Despite being identically named, the other two Liushen Wan samples did not contain such high concentrations. Japanese Liushen Wan for children contained 1.2 ± 0.03% As and 31 ± 12 mg/kg Hg, whereas Liushen Wan for adults manufactured by another Japanese company contained 550 ± 22 mg/kg As and 1.2 ± 0.05 mg/kg Hg. All the chemical structural formulas of As and Hg in the high-concentration Niuhuang Jiedu Pian and Liushen Wan were realgar (As4S4), uzonite (As4S5) and cinnabar (HgS). Although the human body is generally not believed to absorb sulphides, continuous intake of these Chinese medicines is potentially no good because it is possible that some arsenic-sulfides will dissolve in gastric acid and then alter their chemical structures. Additionally, many herbs contained low concentrations of Hg, and their chemical structures were unknown.

Geographic determination of the growing origins of Jamaican and international coffee using instrumental neutron activation analysis and other methods

This study was undertaken to determine whether elemental analysis could distinguish the growing origins of Jamaican versus international coffee and identify intra-island growing regions. Twenty-four samples of roasted and ground coffee and soluble coffee were collected and analysed using instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Sixteen elements were selected for statistical evaluation. Soluble clustered discretely from roasted and ground samples. The distinction among roasted and ground samples was not as discrete. Geographic growing regions could be determined by statistical analysis; separating the growing sub-regions in Jamaica would require additional analyses.

INAA method optimization using a 2 k factorial design

In this work a 23 factorial design was carried out aiming the multivariate optimization of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) for mass fraction determination of Co, Cr, Fe, Rb, Sc, Se and Zn in biological samples and Co, Cr, Fe, Sc and Zn in geological samples. The factors investigated in this study were sample decay time, sample distance to detector and sample measurement time. The optimal condition for each method was outlined according to the main effect and interactions results. It was observed that sample decay time is the most important factor for the INAA optimization in the different methods.

Optimization of a fast INAA method for determination of trace concentrations of chlorine in zirconium based alloy and oxide samples

A simple, fast and sensitive instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) method has been optimized for the determination of trace concentrations of chlorine in five types of samples namely zirconium oxide, zircaloy 2, zircaloy 4, Zr–Nb alloy and Zr–Sn alloy samples. The samples were neutron irradiated for short duration (1 min) using pneumatic carrier facility of Dhruva research reactor at a neutron flux of 5 × 1013 cm−2 s−1 and measurement of 1,642.7 keV gamma-ray of 38Cl was carried out using a 40 % HPGe detector coupled to 8 k MCA. Concentrations of chlorine were found to be in the range of 9–575 mg kg−1. The 3σ detection limits of chlorine were in the range of 0.1–2.7 mg kg−1 for various samples.

Anticoincidence counting further improves detection limits of short-lived products by pseudo-cyclic instrumental neutron activation analysis

A systematic investigation was carried out on the merits and limitations of anticoincidence counting for short-lived radionuclides (t 1/2 < 75 s) used in instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and pseudo-cyclic INAA (PC-INAA) methods for single as well as simultaneous multielement determinations in botanical and nutritional reference materials. The list of radionuclides of interest included: 108Ag, 110Ag, 165mDy, 20F, 75mGe, 179mHf, 86mRb, 46mSc, 77mSe, and 177mYb. Precision and accuracy of measurements were good, and detection limits were of the order of µg kg−1.

Elemental Analysis of Brown Rice by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Thai jasmine rice samples were collected from the paddy field in the north and northeast of Thailand. After dehulling, the brown rice samples were determined for the elemental concentrations by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, and P were determined by ICP-AES and the concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Zn were analyzed by INAA. The ICP-AES and INAA methods were validated by certified reference materials. The results showed that the methods are reliable to analyze the elemental concentrations in rice samples. The order of the mean concentration of elements was P > K > Mg > Ca >Mn > Zn > Fe. The concentrations of elements ranged from 3,024-3,830mg kg-1 P, 1,404-1,927mg kg-1 K, 980-1,284mg kg-1 Mg, 72-128mg kg-1 Ca, 21.9-43.8mg kg-1 Mn, 22.5-32.7mg kg-1 Zn, and 5.10-9.75mg kg-1 Fe.

Ecological Dangers of Chemical Contamination of Urban Areas Soils: Casestudy of Tomsk

The elemental composition of soils in Western Siberia industrial center – Tomsk city is studied. The content of 28 elements in soils of the four administrative districts is determined by the instrumental neutron activation analysis method. The value of calculated total pollution index indicates a high degree of soil contamination, and dangerous levels of human health risk. The main contributors to the total pollution index value are elements: Tb, Br, Sb and Ta. The districts were ranked by the accumulation level of some elements, and it is shown that increased concentration values are confined to industrial enterprises and fuel cycle. The specificity of city districts soil cover is the increased values of relative to the city average values of several elements contents: Kirovsky district- Na and Ba, Oktyabrsky - Hf, Sc, Tb, Sm, La, Ce, Yb, Lu, and Br, Leninsky - Ca, Rb, Sr. The main sources of chromium and barium in the Tomsk city environment are analyzed.