Levels Of Uranium Research Articles

HR-ICP-MS method for the determination of ultratrace uranium in multi-stage atmospheric particles

Objective To establish an effective and reliable method for analysis of ultratrace uranium in multi-stage atmospheric particles providing the monitoring and evaluation of the content of radioactive uranium in the atmosphere. Methods A large volume six-stage-impactor sampler of atmosphere particles was used to collect aerosol samples, and ultratrace uranium in particles was digested using microwave and measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The filter material, digestion conditions and microwave digestion system had been optimized. Results The background of uranium level on the cellulose filter was the lowest, and the samples were digested by using HNO3-HCl (aqua regia)-H2O2 solution. Reference material SRM2783 was used to validate the accuracy of the method, and the relative error of the 238U was 7%, The detection limit of the method was 2×10-4 ng/m3. The aerosol actual samples were analyzed using the established method. The mass concentrations of uranium in PM2.5 was in the range of 0.023-0.065 ng/m3. Conclusions The established method was effective and reliable to monitor the concentration level of ultratrace uranium in multi-stage atmospheric particles. Key words: Atmospheric particles; High resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS); Size distribution; Uranium

Uranium, thorium and tungsten concentration measured in the soil of Italian Military Forces firing range “Poligono Interforze Salto di Quirra”: natural background or enhancement of concentration levels caused by military activities?

The training activities of the Italian Military Forces are currently being conducted in over one hundred military firing ranges over the national territory. The large-scale firing range, named “Poligono Interforze Salto di Quirra (PISQ)” is located in Sardinia. PISQ is divided into two main areas: one for ground fire training exercises, and the other for training at sea. This work summarizes and discusses the large amount of analytical data produced for the geochemical characterization of the ground firing range and the surrounding areas, with particular attention to uranium, tungsten and thorium concentration levels in soils. Mining activities, even if long since stopped, have affected the region for a long time, while, more recently, the environmental legislation was subjected to a continuous evolution imposing new limits with the aim of protecting the environment. The studies carried out in the period 2002–2015 aimed, in particular, to verify if the concentrations of uranium, thorium and tungsten in soils of the firing range area have been enhanced by military training operations, causing a risk for the environment and the human health. Results seem to exclude this hypothesis; moreover it was demonstrated that depleted uranium is practically absent in the area.

Reusable Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for the Detection of Waterborne Uranium

AbstractWe have developed an electrochemical biosensor for the detection of uranium, in the uranyl ion form, at low levels in water. This biosensor could have both academic and environmental monitoring applications. Uranium contamination of water sources poses serious health consequences, and this biosensor may aid in the improvement of targeting and the efficiency of remediation of contaminated water sources by improving the speed of initial identification as well as monitoring during remediation efforts. Our design uses a modified uranyl‐binding aptamer that has been inserted into an oligonucleotide scaffold to create a reusable, conformation‐switching electrochemical DNA biosensor with an apparent dissociation constant of 15±5 μM and a limit of detection within an order of magnitude of the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contamination level for uranium in drinking water.

Multilinear analysis of Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectra of U(VI) containing natural water samples

Natural waters’ uranium level monitoring is of great importance for health and environmental protection. One possible detection method is the Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy (TRLFS), which offers the possibility to distinguish different uranium species. The analytical identification of aqueous uranium species in natural water samples is of distinct importance since individual species differ significantly in sorption properties and mobility in the environment. Samples originate from former uranium mine sites and have been provided by Wismut GmbH, Germany. They have been characterized by total elemental concentrations and TRLFS spectra. Uranium in the samples is supposed to be in form of uranyl(VI) complexes mostly with carbonate (CO3 2− ) and bicarbonate (HCO3 − ) and to lesser extend with sulphate (SO4 2− ), arsenate (AsO4 3− ), hydroxo (OH− ), nitrate (NO3 − ) and other ligands. Presence of alkaline earth metal dications (M = Ca2+ , Mg2+ , Sr2+ ) will cause most of uranyl to prefer ternary complex species, e.g. Mn (UO2 )(CO3 )3 2n-4 (n ∊ {1; 2}). From species quenching the luminescence, Cl− and Fe2+ should be mentioned. Measurement has been done under cryogenic conditions to increase the luminescence signal. Data analysis has been based on Singular Value Decomposition and monoexponential fit of corresponding loadings (for separate TRLFS spectra, the “Factor analysis of Time Series” (FATS) method) and Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC, all data analysed simultaneously). From individual component spectra, excitation energies T 00 , uranyl symmetric mode vibrational frequencies ω gs and excitation driven U-Oyl bond elongation ΔR have been determined and compared with quasirelativistic (TD)DFT/B3LYP theoretical predictions to cross -check experimental data interpretation.

Health Effects and Environmental Justice Concerns of Exposure to Uranium in Drinking Water.

We discuss the recent epidemiologic literature regarding health effects of uranium exposure in drinking water focusing on the chemical characteristics of uranium. While there is strong toxicologic evidence for renal and reproductive effects as well as DNA damage, the epidemiologic evidence for these effects in people exposed to uranium in drinking water is limited. Further, epidemiologic evidence is lacking for cardiovascular and oncogenic effects. One challenge in characterizing health effects of uranium in drinking water is the paucity of long-term cohort studies with individual level exposure assessment. Nevertheless, there are environmental justice concerns due to the substantial exposures for certain populations. For example, we present original data suggesting that individuals living in the Navajo Nation are exposed to high levels of uranium in unregulated well water used for drinking. In 10 out of 185 samples (5.4%), concentrations of uranium exceeded standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Therefore, efforts to mitigate exposure to toxic elements in drinking water are warranted and should be prioritized.

Assessment of bacterial community composition in response to uranium levels in sediment samples of sacred Cauvery River.

Global industrialization is a major cause of effluent discharge from industries up to alarming concentrations. Especially, uranium concentrations in water bodies are of great concern, as its radioactivity significantly affects the persistent diversity of microbiota. Recently, continuous application of pesticides in the agricultural lands and accumulation of quartz that enter the Cauvery River has significantly increased the concentration of uranium (U) and other heavy metals. To perceive the impact of uranium on bacterial diversity in Cauvery River, sediment samples collected from polluted (UP) site with 32.4Bq/K of U concentration and control (UNP) site were scrutinized for bacterial diversity through metagenomic analysis of the V3 region of 16S rDNA by Illumina sequencing. Taxonomic assignment revealed that the unpolluted sample was dominated by Bacteroidetes (27.7%), and Firmicutes (25.9%), while sediment sample from the highly polluted site revealed abundance of Proteobacteria (47.5%) followed by Bacteroidetes (22.4%) and Firmicutes (14.6%). Among Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria was the most prevalent group followed by alpha, delta, epsilon, and beta in the uranium-polluted sample. Rare and abundant species analysis revealed that species like Idiomarina loihiensis was abundant in the pollutant sample; however, it was rare (<0.1%) in the sample from pristine environment. Similarly, the species distribution in both the samples varied, with the bacteria potentially active in redox activity and biosorption potential dominating in the polluted sample. Outcomes of the present study demonstrated the impact of uranium and metal accumulation on the bacterial communities and further confirmed the promising candidature of specific bacterial species as bioindicators of contamination.

Uranium contaminated drinking water linked to leukaemia—Revisiting a case study from South Africa taking alternative exposure pathways into account

The paper presents results of a follow-up to an earlier study which established a geospatial link between naturally elevated uranium (U) levels in borehole water and haematological abnormalities in local residents serving as a proxy for leukaemia prevalent in the area. While the original study focussed on drinking water only, this paper also explores alternative exposure pathways including the inhalation of dust and the food chain.U-levels in grass and tissue of sheep generally reflect U-levels in nearby borehole water and exceed background concentrations by 20 to nearly 500 times. U-levels in sheep tissue increase with age of the animal. Wool showed the highest U-concentration followed by other non-consumable tissue such as hooves, teeth and bones. Lower levels occur in edible parts such as meat and inner organs. The U-deposition rate in wool is several orders of magnitudes higher than in bone as a known target organ. Wool is an easy-to-sample non-invasive bioindicator for U-levels in meat. Depending on the original water content, dried samples show up to 5 times higher U-levels than identical fresh material.Contaminated drinking water is the main exposure pathway for farm residents resulting in U-uptake rates exceeding the WHO's tolerable daily intake (TDI) limit by up to 900%. This is somewhat mitigated by the fact that U-speciation is dominated by a neutral calcium-uranyl-carbonate complex of relatively low toxicity. Commercially available household filters are able to significantly reduce U-levels in well water and are thus recommended as a short-term intervention. Based on average consumption rates sheep meat, as local staple food, accounts for 34% of the TDI for U. Indoor levels of radon should be monitored, too, since it is linked to both, U and leukaemia. With elevated U-levels being present in other geological formations across South Africa boreholes in these areas should be surveyed.

Uranium in well drinking water of Kabul, Afghanistan and its effective, low-cost depuration using Mg-Fe based hydrotalcite-like compounds

Toxic elements in drinking water have great effects on human health. However, there is very limited information about toxic elements in drinking water in Afghanistan. In this study, levels of 10 elements (chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, antimony, barium, mercury, lead and uranium) in 227 well drinking water samples in Kabul, Afghanistan were examined for the first time. Chromium (in 0.9% of the 227 samples), arsenic (7.0%) and uranium (19.4%) exceeded the values in WHO health-based guidelines for drinking-water quality. Maximum chromium, arsenic and uranium levels in the water samples were 1.3-, 10.4- and 17.2-fold higher than the values in the guidelines, respectively. We next focused on uranium, which is the most seriously polluted element among the 10 elements. Mean ± SD (138.0 ± 1.4) of the 238U/235U isotopic ratio in the water samples was in the range of previously reported ratios for natural source uranium. We then examined the effect of our originally developed magnesium (Mg)-iron (Fe)-based hydrotalcite-like compounds (MF-HT) on adsorption for uranium. All of the uranium-polluted well water samples from Kabul (mean ± SD = 190.4 ± 113.9 μg/L; n = 11) could be remediated up to 1.2 ± 1.7 μg/L by 1% weight of our MF-HT within 60 s at very low cost (<0.001 cents/day/family) in theory. Thus, we demonstrated not only elevated levels of some toxic elements including natural source uranium but also an effective depurative for uranium in well drinking water from Kabul. Since our depurative is effective for remediation of arsenic as shown in our previous studies, its practical use in Kabul may be encouraged.

Heavy metals in tissues of scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) caught from Black Sea (Turkey) and potential risks to human health.

Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) is a demersal fish species commercially important for its of which meat is tough and delicious. The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal (Al, Cu, Ni, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, U) concentrations in this fish species which is traditionally consumed in the Black Sea Area and, to compare the concentrations of various toxic elements in different organs of the fish specimens (muscle, liver, gill, and skin). Within this scope, the mineralization was performed using microwave digestion system. Thirty-two scorpionfish caught from Sinop Inland Port during 2010 were analyzed. The heavy metal concentrations were determined with the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Verification of the method was demonstrated by analysis of standard reference material (NRCC-TORT-2 lobster hepatopancreas). After evaluation of the results, it was determined that the highest heavy metal accumulation was generally found in the liver. The maximum aluminum level and the minimum uranium level were found in the analyzed tissues. In terms of heavy metals, Al, Cu, Cd, and Hg showed a statistically significant difference between tissues (p<0.05). It was determined that heavy metal concentrations obtained from the muscle tissues did not exceed the national and international recommended limits; and also it was found that daily intake amounts did not exceed tolerable daily intake amounts. Furthermore, in THQ based risk evaluation, the value 1 which is crucial for children and adults was not surpassed. In terms of public health, it was found out that there was not any risk in consumption of scorpionfish in the study area.

용인 ○○마을 지하수내 우라늄 및 라돈-222의 산출특성

The occurrence of natural radioactive materials such as uranium and radon-222 in groundwater was examined with hydrogeochemistry and geology at ○○ village in the Yongin area. Two rounds of 19 groundwater and 5 surface water sampling were collected for analysis. The range of pH value in groundwaters was 5.81 to 7.79 and the geochemical types of the groundwater were mostly Ca(Na)-HCO3 and Ca(Na)-NO3(Cl)-HCO3. Uranium and radon-222 concentrations in the groundwater ranged from 0.06 to 411 μg/L and from 5.56 to 903 Bq/L, respectively. Two deep groundwaters used as common potable well-water sources exceeded the maximum contaminant levels of the uranium and radon-222 proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Three groundwater samples from residential areas contained unsuitable levels of uranium, and 12 groundwater samples were unsuitable due to radon-222 concentrations. Radioactive materials in the unsuitable groundwater are naturally occurring in a Jurassic amphibole- and biotite-bearing granitic gneiss. High uranium and radon-222 groundwater concentrations were only observed in two common wells; the others showed no relationship between bedrock geology and groundwater geochemical constituents. With such high concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials in groundwater, the affected areas may extend tens of meters for uranium and even farther for radon-222. Therefore, we suggest the radon-222 and the uranium did not originate from the same source. Based on the distribution of radon-222 in the study area, zones of higher radon-222 concentrations may be the result of diffusion through cracks, joint, or faults. Surface radioactivity and uranium concentrations in the groundwater show a positive relationship, and the impact areas may extend for ~200m beyond the well in the case of wells containing high concentrations of uranium. The highest uranium and thorium concentrations in rock samples were detected in thorite and monazite.

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopic determination of heavy metals and trace elements in aerial parts of &lt;i&gt;Origanum sipyleum&lt;/i&gt; L from Turkey

Purpose: To determine the heavy metal and trace element composition of the powdered aerial parts of Origanum sipyleum L. and its water extract.Methods: The heavy metal and trace elements content of the powdered plant material and 2 % aqueous extract were evaluated by x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy with silicon drift detector SDD at a resolution of 145 eV and 10,000 pulses. The process conditions were 0.1 g sample weight, process time of 300 s at a voltage of 25 kV and 50 kV, and at a current of 0.5 and 1.0 mA under helium atmosphere.Results: The major elements, K, Ca and Na, known as macronutrients, constituted 11990, 10490 and 970 ppm of the powdered drug and 8910, 2991 and 810 ppm of the water extract, respectively. Among other constituents, arsenic, lead and uranium levels were &lt; 1, 2.1 and &lt; 3 ppm, respectively, in the powdered material while in the aqueous extract, the levels were &lt; 1, &lt; 2 and 200 ppm, respectively.Conclusion: O. sipyleum is a potential source of macro- and micronutrients from which useful food additives and health supplements can be derived.Keywords: Lamiaceae, Origanum sipyleum, Trace elements, Heavy metals, X-ray fluorescence

Structural changes in amber due to uranium mineralization

The presence of uranium, with a bulk mass fraction of about 1.5 wt% and radiolytic alterations are a feature of Cenomanian amber from Křižany, at the northeastern edge of the North Bohemian Cretaceous uranium ore district. Pores and microcracks in the amber were filled with a mineral admixture, mainly in the form of Zr-Y-REE enriched uraninite. As a result of radiolytic alterations due to the presence of uranium, structural changes were observed in the Křižany amber in comparison with a reference amber from Nové Strašecí in central Bohemia; this was of similar age and botanical origin but did not contain elevated levels of uranium. Structural changes involved an increase in aromaticity due to dehydroaromatization of aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbons, loss of oxygen functional groups, an increase in the degree of polymerization, crosslinking of CC bonds, formation of a three-dimensional hydrocarbon network in the bulk organic matrix, and carbonization of the organic matrix around the uraninite infill.

Dissolved radon and uranium in groundwater in a potential coal seam gas development region (Richmond River Catchment, Australia)

The extraction of unconventional gas resources such as shale and coal seam gas (CSG) is rapidly expanding globally and often prevents the opportunity for comprehensive baseline groundwater investigations prior to drilling. Unconventional gas extraction often targets geological layers with high naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and extraction practices may possibly mobilise radionuclides into regional and local drinking water resources. Here, we establish baseline groundwater radon and uranium levels in shallow aquifers overlying a potential CSG target formation in the Richmond River Catchment, Australia. A total of 91 groundwater samples from six different geological units showed highly variable radon activities (0.14–20.33 Bq/L) and uranium levels (0.001–2.77 μg/L) which were well below the Australian Drinking Water Guideline values (radon; 100 Bq/L and uranium; 17 μg/L). Therefore, from a radon and uranium perspective, the regional groundwater does not pose health risks to consumers. Uranium could not explain the distribution of radon in groundwater. Relatively high radon activities (7.88 ± 0.83 Bq/L) in the fractured Lismore Basalt aquifer coincided with very low uranium concentrations (0.04 ± 0.02 μg/L). In the Quaternary Sediments aquifers, a positive correlation between U and HCO3− (r2 = 0.49, p < 0.01) implied the uranium was present as uranyl-carbonate complexes. Since NORM are often enriched in target geological formations containing unconventional gas, establishing radon and uranium concentrations in overlying aquifers comprises an important component of baseline groundwater investigations.

Comparative proteomics of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans grown in the presence and absence of uranium

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an acidophile that thrives in metal-contaminated environments and tolerates high levels of uranium. To gain a better understanding of the processes involved in U(VI) resistance, comparative proteomics was used. The proteome of A. ferrooxidans was grown in the presence and absence of 0.5 mM U(VI); expression of 17 proteins was upregulated and one was downregulated. Most proteins with increased expression are part of the general stress response or are involved in reactive oxygen species detoxification. Four novel proteins showed increased expression in the presence of U(VI) and may contribute to U(VI) resistance via thiol homoeostasis and U(VI) binding.

Characterization of Crude Oil, Asphaltenes Based on Bismuth (Bi), Thorium (Th) and Uranium (U) Levels: Potential Environmental Impact

The actinides (Th, U) and bismuth exist at ultra-trace levels in petroleum and have rarely been reported to characterize combustible fuels. However, high-performance mass spectrometry coupled with plasma technology has succeeded in reaching detectable limits in the ng/L range, and has thus made such characterization possible. Crude oil is used as sludge for certain agricultural purposes; and asphaltenes are converted to by-products for constructing car parks, pavements, roofing material and thoroughfares. Our study uncovers an area that has not been previously explored and we examine the potential ecotoxicology of bismuth, thorium and uranium in this context. Asphaltene derivatives were separated from crude oil samples via multiple-stage soxhlet extraction. The virgin crude oil and isolated asphaltenes were investigated for Bi, Th and U content using a high-powered hyphenated facility. A Perkin Elmer SCIEX DRC-e ICP coupled to a quadrupole mass spectrometer was employed to detect the elements of interest. The levels of these elements occurred in the mg/L (ppm) and μg/L (ppb) ranges and were compared for crude oil and asphaltenes. The data showed higher levels of the detected elements in the asphaltene phase. The feasibility of applying the experimental results as a fingerprinting tool for provenancing crude oil and asphaltenes was examined. The results are discussed from the perspective of bismuth and actinide pollution and its long-term impact on sustainable development.

Urinary excretion of uranium in adult inhabitants of the Czech Republic

The main aim of this study was to determine and evaluate urinary excretion of uranium in the general public of the Czech Republic. This value should serve as a baseline for distinguishing possible increase in uranium content in population living near legacy sites of mining and processing uranium ores and also to help to distinguish the proportion of the uranium content in urine among uranium miners resulting from inhaled dust. The geometric mean of the uranium concentration in urine of 74 inhabitants of the Czech Republic was 0.091 mBq/L (7.4 ng/L) with the 95% confidence interval 0.071–0.12 mBq/L (5.7–9.6 ng/L) respectively. The geometric mean of the daily excretion was 0.15 mBq/d (12.4 ng/d) with the 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.20 mBq/d (9.5–16.1 ng/d) respectively. Despite the legacy of uranium mines and plants processing uranium ore in the Czech Republic, the levels of uranium in urine and therefore, also human body content of uranium, is similar to other countries, esp. Germany, Slovenia and USA. Significant difference in the daily urinary excretion of uranium was found between individuals using public supply and private water wells as a source of drinking water. Age dependence of daily urinary excretion of uranium was not found. Mean values and their range are comparable to other countries, esp. Germany, Slovenia and USA.

Relationship between Radiogenic Heat Generation and High Subsurface Temperatures in Sedimentary Basins in Western Australia

Higher than normal subsurface temperatures are found in the Perth and Carnarvon basins in Western Australia. Both basins are known to be underlain by granitoid rocks which may possess higher than normal levels of the elements uranium and thorium, which in turn contribute to heat generation in those rocks. Airborne and ground radiometric data confirm the presence of radiogenic-granitoid rocks surrounding the Perth Basin, which are believed to be the cause of the observed elevated subsurface temperatures in that basin. Heat generation in these granitoid rocks typically ranges between 2 and 20 µWm-3. New radiometric data for crystalline rocks, inferred to underlie the high subsurface-temperature regions of the Carnarvon basin, also indicate regions of anomalously high uranium and thorium. Brief reference to other high-radiogenic rocks in Western Australia and possible implications for heat flow is also made. One and two dimensional static heat-flow models, incorporating new upper-crustal radiogenic information, for the Perth and Carnarvon basins have been developed. The models are used to review the thermal history of these basins.

LA-ICP-MS analysis of plastics as a method to support polymer assay in the assessment of materials for low-background detectors

Ultra low-background radiation measurements are essential to several large-scale physics investigations. Assay of solid polymer materials for extremely low levels of radioactive elements, such as uranium, presents challenges. This paper describes an initial investigation into the use of laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for screening a solid plastic, polyethylene, for gross uranium levels.

Study of uranium mobilization from Himalayan Siwaliks to the Malwa region of Punjab state in India

Fossils, palaeosols and associated sedimentary rock samples from well-dated Siwalik sediments have been measured for their uranium content by low background gamma ray spectrometry with a view to study the role of geo-genic mobilization in enhancing the levels of uranium in ground water bodies of Malwa region in Punjab state, North Western India. Uranium activity in pure palaeosol and palaeosol associated samples i.e. calcrete and nodules varied between 46 and 214 Bq/kg whereas the same in pure fossil samples varied between 208 and 4837 Bq/kg. The data indicates a geo-genic contribution in the enhancement of uranium concentration in groundwater of the region.

Fertilizing water contamination

Enviromental Science Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems. Nutrient-rich fertilizer runoff stimulates productivity, which can lead to harmful algal blooms or fish kills. Nolan and Weber show that such pollution has another wide-ranging consequence: increasing the mobility of uranium in groundwater. Geochemical data for two major aquifers in the United States, which in combination provide drinking water to millions and irrigation for one-sixth of U.S. agriculture, show that increased nitrate levels correlate strongly with the presence of uranium. Nitrate can oxidatively dissolve naturally occurring uranium minerals, which in turn can lead to potentially harmful levels of soluble uranium in groundwater, especially in shallow aquifers. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 10.1021/acs.estlett.5b00174(2015).