Levels Of Beryllium Research Articles

Beryllium: an easily scavenged metal ion in the environment

This study was specifically aimed to determine the levels of beryllium in environmental samples near the vicinity of the beryllium metal plant (BMP). Air particulate samples collected at the BMP site, in the non-monsoon and monsoon seasons, showed an average beryllium concentration of 0.3 and 0.1 ng m −3 respectively, where as rain water samples showed the beryllium values in the range of 0.01–0.2 ng ml −1. The suspended particulate matter (dust load) at the site studied was 570 and 250 μg m −3 in the non-monsoon and monsoon seasons respectively. The results obtained show that, in the environment, 80% of the total beryllium present is removed by rain.

Beryllium concentrations in ambient air and its source identification. A case study.

Beryllium concentrations in atmospheric particulate and soil samples in and around a Beryllium Processing Facility (BPF) have been measured. The mean air concentration level of beryllium in and around the fence line of the BPF is 0.48 +/- 0.43 ng m(-3) (n = 397) and is mostly influenced by diurnal and seasonal changes. The observed air concentration levels were well below the prescribed ambient air quality (AAQ) standard of 10 ng m(-3). The soil concentration levels of beryllium in the study area were found to be in the range of 1.42-2.75 microg g(-1). The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of beryllium aerosols in ambient air was found to be 6.9 microm. Source identification using the Enrichment Factor (EF) approach indicates soil as the predominant contributory source for air concentrations at the site.

Beryllium in food and drinking water - a summary of available knowledge

In an overall evaluation of the situation published by IARC in 1993, beryllium and beryllium compounds are identified as carcinogens to humans. This prompted the initiation of this study on beryllium which reviews the situation up to 1998 on the aspects: properties and applications, toxicity, analytical procedures for food and drinking water, reference materials, occurrence in food and drinking water and estimates of daily dietary exposure. Special emphasis is put on analytical aspects and levels of beryllium in food and drinking water.

Carcinogenic responses of transgenic heterozygous p53 knockout mice to inhaled 239PuO2 or metallic beryllium.

The transgenic heterozygous p53+/- knockout mouse has been a model for assessing the tumorigenicity of selected carcinogens administered by noninhalation routes of exposure. The sensitivity of the model for predicting cancer by inhaled chemicals has not been examined. This study addresses this issue by acutely exposing p53+/- mice of both sexes by nose-only inhalation to either air (controls), or to 1 of 2 levels of 239PuO2 (500 or 100 Bq 239Pu) or beryllium (Be) metal (60 or 15 micrograms). Additional wild-type p53+/+ mice were exposed by inhalation to either 500 Bq of 239PuO2 or 60 micrograms of Be metal. These carcinogens were selected because they operate by differing mechanisms and because of their use in other pulmonary carcinogenesis studies in our laboratory. Four or 5 of the 15 mice per sex from each group were sacrificed 6 mo after exposure, and only 2 pulmonary neoplasms were observed. The remainder of the mice were held for life-span observation and euthanasia as they became moribund. Survival of the p53+/- knockout mice was reduced compared to the p53+/+ wild-type mice. No lung neoplasms were observed in p53+/- mice exposed to air alone. Eleven of the p53+/- mice inhaling 239PuO2 developed pulmonary neoplasms. Seven p53+/+ mice exposed to 239PuO2 also developed pulmonary neoplasms, but the latency period for pulmonary neoplasia was significantly shorter in the p53+/ mice. Four pulmonary neoplasms were observed in p53+/- mice exposed to the higher dose of Be, whereas none were observed in the wild-type mice or in the heterozygous mice exposed to the lower dose of Be. Thus, both p53+/- and p53+/+ mice were susceptible to 239Pu-induced carcinogenesis, whereas the p53+/- but not the p53+/+ mice were susceptible to Be-induced carcinogenesis. However, only 2 pulmonary neoplasms (1 in each of the 239PuO2 exposure groups) were observed in the 59 p53+/ mice that were sacrificed or euthanatized within 9 mo after exposure, indicating that the p53+/- knockout mouse might not be appropriate for a 6-mo model of carcinogenesis for these inhaled carcinogens.

A study on the beryllium lymphocyte transformation test and the beryllium levels in working environment.

The relationship between airborne concentration of beryllium in the working environment and workers' beryllium lymphocyte transformation test (Be-LTT) values was examined based on data obtained from a four-year survey (1992-1995) conducted at beryllium-copper alloy manufacturing factories. This study showed that the T cells of workers continuously exposed to beryllium of more than 0.01 microgram/m3 could be activated and that the cell-mediated immune response of workers could be promoted. On the other hand, the Be-LTT of workers exposed to beryllium levels of less than 0.01 microgram/m3 was shown to be unaffected by beryllium. These findings suggest that beryllium sensitization is not manifested when level of beryllium in working environment are less than 0.01 microgram/m3. Therefore, in such cases workers do not develop Chronic beryllium disease (CBD). We concluded that the Be-LTT can be applied as a medical indicator to detect the development of CBD.

Electrochemical Studies of the Influence of Beryllium on the Corrosion Resistance of Ni‐25Cr‐10Mo Cast Alloys for Dental Applications

Whereas addition of beryllium into Ni‐based dental alloys can improve their casting properties, its effect on the corrosion behavior may be deleterious. The influence of beryllium addition on the corrosion resistance of Ni‐25Cr‐10Mo cast dental alloys has been investigated by different electrochemical techniques in artificial saliva and by measuring the rate of dissolution through atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis of the medium. The corrosion attack has also been examined by scanning electron microscopy. The coherent results obtained from the different techniques indicate that a low beryllium content [below 0.6 weight percent (w/o)] has no significant influence when the alloy is exposed to artificial saliva, whereas higher beryllium content results in negative effects on the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Hence, despite high content of chromium and molybdenum, the nickel‐based dental alloy is susceptible to localized corrosion attack such as pitting and crevice corrosion when the alloy contains higher levels of beryllium. This is due to the high heterogeneity of the alloys, i.e., the formation of an intermetallic phase in the eutectic structure which is susceptible to corrosion attack.

Background levels of soil beryllium in several countries

Beryllium and aluminium contents in uncontaminated soils from six countries are reported. The means and ranges of beryllium in the surface soils were as follows: 1.43(0.20-5.50)μg g(-1) in Thailand (n=28), 0.7 (0.31-1.03) μg g(-1) in Indonesia (n=12), 0.99(0.82-1.32) μg g(-1) in New Zealand (n=3), 0.58(0.08-1.68)μg g(-1) in Brazil (n=16), 3.52(2.49-4.97)μg g(-1) in the former Yugoslavia (n=10), and 1.56(1.01-2.73) μg g(-1) in the former USSR (n=8). The mean and range of beryllium contents of the surface soils in Japan (1.17(0.27-1.95)μg g(-1) n=27) are situated within the values of the soils from these countries except for the Yugoslav soils derived from limestones. The mean of the mean beryllium contents of the surface soils in all these countries is 1.42 μg g(-1) which will be used as a tentative average content of beryllium in uncontaminated surface soils, except for the soils derived from parent materials high in beryllium content. The beryllium contents of the subsoils were higher than those of the surface soils in New Zealand and Yugoslavia as is the case with Japan. The correlation coefficient between the contents of beryllium and aluminium in all the soil samples (n=113) including surface soils and subsoils was 0.505 (p < 0.001).

Off-line and on-line preconcentration of trace levels of beryllium using complexing agents with atomic spectrometric and fluorimetric detection

Two methods were investigated for the determination of traces of beryllium. One was developed using polyethylene powder as an adsorbent for preconcentration of the stable complex formed between beryllium and Chrome Azurol S. After elution, the preconcentrated metal was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. With the analytical procedure developed for water analysis, detection limits of 0.8 μg 1 −1, relative standard deviations of 2.5–4.1% and recoveries of 92–104% can be achieved for beryllium in tap water. In the other method, ion exchange was incorporated in a flow-injection system by using an ion-exchange microcolumn in the sample loop of a six-port valve. The effects of sampling time, eluent composition and concentration and sample acidity were investigated to develop a preconcentration procedure for the determination of beryllium in tap water using fluorimetric detection with morin reagent. The proposed method was characterized by a precision of about 1.5%, a detection limit of 0.2 μ1 −1 and recoveries of 95–105%.

Effect of beryllium on fish in acid water is analogous to aluminum toxicity

Trace metals such as aluminum, when mobilized by acid deposition, may be important toxic agents in acidified waters. Beryllium is chemically similar to aluminum, and its solubility and aqueous speciation properties suggest that it may also be a problem in some acidic waters. Elevated beryllium levels have been found in some waters, but little is known of the potential toxic effects of beryllium in soft water at low pH. We exposed juvenile perch Perca fluviatilis and roach Rutilus rutilus to beryllium at two levels of pH. Beryllium concentrations of 10 μg/l or more caused increased mortality at pH 4.5 in perch, but only higher concentrations (>50 μg/l) were lethal at pH 5.5. In roach, beryllium concentrations ≥100 μg/l killed most fish within 96 h, regardless of pH. Beryllium also produced gill abnormalities similar to those caused by aluminum at concentrations as low as 10 μg/l. The abnormalities became more severe at higher beryllium levels, and included development of chloride cell apical crypts, increased mucus production, microridge loss, epithelial hyperplasia, and fusions of primary lamellae. The effects of beryllium and aluminum are similar, but beryllium causes gill damage at lower concentrations, suggesting that it may be an important, unrecognized contaminant in some acidic waters.

Autoionizing levels of beryllium from the multiconfiguration relativistic random-phase approximation.

Autoionizing levels of beryllium near its first ionization threshold are investigated using the multiconfiguration relativistic random-phase approximation. The 2pns $^{1}$P${\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}_{1}$ and 2pnd $^{1}$P${\mathrm{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}}_{1}$ Rydberg series of doubly excited states manifest as autoionization resonances in the 2s photoionization cross section. Theoretical predictions and available experimental data are in excellent agreement within 0.05 eV.

Determination of trace elements by ion chromatography : I. Beryllium

A method for the determination of beryllium by ion-exchange chromatography followed by post-column derivatization with 4,5-dihydroxy-3-(8-hydroxy-3,6-disulpho-1-naphtylazo)naphthalene-2,7-disulphonic acid (Beryllon II) and spectrophotometric detection at 625 nm is described. With injection of 50 μl of the sample, the calibration graph was linear from at 50 to 5000 μ/l of beryllium with a detection limit (3σ) of 42 μg/l. The detection limit for direct injection of a 500-μl volume is 2 μg/l. Typical relative standard deviation of 0.9–0.2% and 1.5–2.0% for 10 mg/l and 10 μg/l beryllium standards, respectively, were obtained. Freedom from interference from nine cations investigated is reported. The method was applied successfully to the determination of low levels of beryllium in environmental samples.

Clearance, translocation, and excretion of beryllium following acute inhalation of beryllium oxide by beagle dogs

Beagle dogs inhaled radiolabeled beryllium oxide ( 7BeO) particles that were calcined at either 500 or 1000°C, resulting in either high (mean of 50 μg/kg body wt) or low (mean of 17 μg/kg body wt) initial lung burdens (ILBs) of both preparations of BeO. Levels of beryllium in whole body, tissue, and excreta were measured by external γ-ray counting. Dogs were euthanized in pairs at 8, 32, 64, and 180 days after exposure to determine beryllium distribution in tissues. Beryllium oxide calcined at 1000°C was retained more tenaciously in the lungs (62% of the ILB retained at 180 days after exposure) than BeO calcined at 500°C (14% of the ILB retained at 180 days after exposure). Most of the beryllium that was cleared from the lungs and not excreted was translocated to the tracheobronchial lymph nodes, skeleton, liver, and blood. More beryllium was translocated to the skeleton and liver at 180 days after inhalation of BeO prepared at 500°C than at 1000°C. The predominant mode of excretion at early times after exposure was through the feces, with urinary excretion assuming predominance at later times. These data are important for interpreting the toxic effects of beryllium in the exposed dogs. Furthermore, because little is known concerning the retention and clearance of inhaled beryllium in man, these results provide information that may be used to understand the disposition of beryllium in accidentally exposed humans.

Clearance, Translocation, and Excretion of Beryllium following Acute Inhalation of Beryllium Oxide by Beagle Dogs

Clearance, Translocation, and Excretion of Beryllium following Acute Inhalation of Beryllium Oxide by Beagle Dogs. FINCH, G. L., MEWHINNEY, J. A., HOOVER, M. D., EIDSON, A. R, HALEY, P. J., AND BICE, D. E. (1990). Fundam Appl. Toxicol. 15, 231–241. Beagle dogs inhaled radiolabeled beryllium oxide (7BeO) particles that were calcined at either 500 or 1000'C, resulting in either high (mean of 50 ng/kg body wt) or low (mean of 17 ug/kg body wt) initial lung burdens (ILBs) of both preparations of BeO. Levels of beryllium in whole body, tissue, and excreta were measured by external -y-ray counting. Dogs were euthanized in pairs at 8, 32, 64, and 180 days after exposure to determine beryllium distribution in tissues. Beryllium oxide calcined at 1000'C was retained more tenaciously in the lungs (62% of the ILB retained at 180 days after exposure) than BeO calcined at 500°C (14% of the ILB retained at 180 days after exposure). Most of the beryllium that was cleared from the lungs and not excreted was translocated to the tracheobronchial lymph nodes, skeleton, liver, and blood. More beryllium was translocated to the skeleton and liver at 180 days after inhalation of BeO prepared at 500*C than at 1000'C. The predominant mode of excretion at early times after exposure was through the feces, with urinary excretion assuming predominance at later times. These data are important for interpreting the toxic effects of beryllium in the exposed dogs. Furthermore, because little is known concerning the retention and clearance of inhaled beryllium in man, these results provide information that may be used to understand the disposition of beryllium in accidentally exposed humans.

Pulmonary Disease: An Annotated Bibliography of Recent Literature

Pulmonary Disease: An Annotated Bibliography of Recent Literature

Atomic emission spectrometry of trace levels of beryllium in industrial aerosols

A direct, sensitive, rapid and simple direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometric method was developed to measure traces of beryllium in industrial aerosol samples. The response is linear from 0.001 µg Be/mL to 5 µg Be/mL. Cellulose fiber and cellulose ester membrane filters are wet ashed with mineral acids. “Filtrete” filters are first dry ashed and subsequently treated with mineral acids. All Be is solubilized in 5% HCl and is measured using a Direct Current Plasma Emission Spectrometer at a wavelength of 234.9 nM. Quality control measures include analysis of reagents, blanks, spikes and NBS standard reference materials. Results of analysis of industrial samples collected in different filter media are reported. Some particle size measurements made with a new adaptation of a multicyclone sampler and with a Mercer impactor are also reported. Iron interferes with the Be measurement when it is present in very large concentrations.

Trap Levels of Beryllium in Silicon

Trap Levels of Beryllium in Silicon

Growth response of cabbage plants to beryllium and strontium under water culture conditions

Abstract Cabbage plants (B. oleracea L. var. capitata L.) were grown for 37 days in culture solutions containing 4 levels (0, 0.5, 5, 25 ppm) of beryllium or strontium with a low or high supply (20 or 200 ppm) of calcium, and the effects of the cations supplied on the growth of the plants were studied. The total dry weights of the plants decreased successively with increasing levels of Be and Sr in the culture solution, concurrfnt with an increase in the contents of each cation in the plants. The decrease in the yield (dry weight of inner leaves) was most pronounced in the Be treatment with the low Ca supply. The critical contents of Be and Sr which resulted in a 50% decrease in the yield due to the excess injury were estimated to be about 0.0006 and 0.4% on a dry basis in the outer leaves and 0.3 and 0.4% in the roots, respectively, regardless of the Ca supply.

Investigations into Levels of Both Airborne Beryllium and Beryllium in Coal at the Hayden Power Plant Near Hayden, Colorado

Abstract The paper presents data on beryllium levels found in coal used presently by the Ute and Salt River REA power plant near Hayden, Colorado. Also, the level of airborne beryllium found as an effluent from the Hayden plant is compared to both rural and urban averages for airborne beryllium. This paper reports on field research investigating both the level of beryllium in coal and airborne beryllium at and near the Hayden power plant in northern Colorado. Two trips were made to the site during July and October of 1972. On the first trip in July, coal, spoil, and fly ash samples were collected. This second trip was for direct atmospheric sampling by means of a high volume air sampler. Beryllium is a natural constituent of coal and is found in varying concentrations depending on from where the coal originated. Table 1 reflects the average beryllium content of the major coal producing areas of the United States.

Study of Beryllium and Beryllium-Lithium Complexes in Single-Crystal Silicon

When beryllium is thermally diffused into silicon, it gives rise to acceptor levels 191 and 145 meV above the valence band. Quenching and annealing studies indicate that the 145-meV level is due to a more complex beryllium configuration than the 191-meV level. When lithium is thermally diffused into a beryllium-doped silicon sample, it produces two new acceptor levels at 106 and 81 meV. Quenching and annealing studies indicate that these new levels are due to lithium forming a complex with the defects responsible for the 191- and 145- meV beryllium levels, respectively. Electrical measurements imply that the lithium impurity ions are physically close to the beryllium impurity atoms. The ground state of the 106-meV beryllium-lithium level is split into two levels, presumably by internal strains. Tentative models are proposed to explain these results.

Elastic scattering of 13.6 MeV deuterons by light nuclei

Measurements were made of the differential cross section or elastic scattering of 13.6 MeV deuterons by 19 nuclei, from beryllium to iron, and of the cross sections for inelastic scattering corresponding to the excitation of the lower excited levels of beryllium, carbon, titanium-46, and titanium-48. Several features found in the angular distributions are attributed to the interference of Coulomb and nuclear scattering. All the angular distributions are analyzed on the basis of the optical model; a quite good agreement is found between theory and experiment. A calculation is carried out for scattering by titanium-48 by the method of complex angular momenta. This model satisfactorily describes inelastic scattering of deuterons.