Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory Research Articles

Enhancing analytical techniques and measurement procedures in the TRIGA Mark II neutron activation analysis laboratory: leveraging simulation and continuous evaluation strategies

Enhancing analytical techniques and measurement procedures in the TRIGA Mark II neutron activation analysis laboratory: leveraging simulation and continuous evaluation strategies

Enhancing analytical techniques and measurement procedures in the TRIGA Mark II neutron activation analysis laboratory: leveraging simulation and continuous evaluation strategies

Enhancing analytical techniques and measurement procedures in the TRIGA Mark II neutron activation analysis laboratory: leveraging simulation and continuous evaluation strategies

Comparison of relative and k0 neutron activation analysis methods at MA-R1 TRIGA MARK II Research Reactor of CNESTEN (Morocco)

Since the installation of the TRIGA MARK II reactors in the National Centre for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN), Neutron Activation Data Analysis software (NADA) for neutron activation analysis (NAA) based on the relative method was the first software used; Over the years, the neutron activation analysis laboratory has been seeking to develop other softwares based on k0-INAA standardization namely the K0-IAEA software and the k0 software for Windows. In this paper we will focus on the comparison between the performance of k0 software for Windows and NADA. We compared the results obtained by the NADA Software and k0 for windows for the same input parameters (sample mass, nuclear data, net peak area for the same gamma line and cooling measurement times). In the neutron activation analysis laboratory of the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN) we analysed several reference materials (RM) or certified reference materials (CRM) and WEPAL samples. In this analysis, only certified or recommended values were used to compare the two processes for the different elements.

Improved performance of neutron activation analysis laboratories by feedback workshops following interlaboratory comparison rounds.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) implemented an innovative project for assisting neutron activation analysis laboratories in improving the validity of their results by feedback workshops for discussion of results from participation in interlaboratory comparisons rounds in 2010. The participants learned during these meetings to identify the most probable sources of errors in their analytical procedures and how to implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence. The outcome of successive rounds between 2010 and 2018 is discussed and experiences during the feedback workshops are given. The quantitative evaluation of the results shows an overall improvement in satisfactory performance. Moreover, there is a clear indication that improvements are consolidated in most laboratories but also stimulate laboratories to develop to a higher level of excellence. Regional differences in performance are also analysed.

Calibration Of The Short Irradiation Facility For k0 - NAA Implementation At The IEA-R1 Reactor

The short irradiation facility of the IEA-R1 nuclear research reactor at IPEN, São Paulo, Brazil, has been used for short irradiation of samples for the purpose of determining the concentration of elements of these samples through the use of the instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. With the aim of implementing the k0-NAA method at the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory (LAN), the reactor parameters a and f were obtained using the bare triple method. In this method, a set of three neutron flux monitors were irradiated without Cd-cover. The efficiency curve of the gamma-ray spectrometer used was determined by measuring calibrated radioactive sources at the commonly used counting geometries. The results for the parameters a and f were respectively 0.0384±0.0016 and 35.67±0.26. This value of f shows that the neutrons in the irradiation position are well thermalized.The variation of these parameters was studied with time and the reproducibility was verified.

Elemental Analysis of Wepal Sample Using INAA In The Framework of The 2017 IAEA Proficiency Test Program

The 2017 IAEA Proficiency Test Program has been carried out to improve the performance of the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) laboratory. This activity has been organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cooperated with Wageningen Evaluating programs for Analytical Laboratory (Wepal). Eight samples of ISE (soil samples) and IPE (plant samples) obtained from Wepal under the 2017 Proficiency Test program. Moisture content has been determined using a gravimetric method at 105-110 C and 100-105 for ISE and IPE samples respectively. Target irradiation was carried out for long, medium, and short irradiation using a thermal neutron flux of about 2.3x1013 n.cm−2.s−1 at the rabbit facility of GA Siwabessy reactor. Elemental analysis has been done using kay zero (k0) and comparative method of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). On the kay zero-INAA method, the Al-0.1%Au alloy of IRMM-530R has been used as a flux monitor. Short half-life radionuclide was calculated using an Excel program for the comparative method and correction for a dead and counting time was applied. Quantitative determination has been carried out on a dry weight basis. The water content of the IPE sample was higher than that of the ISE sample. The result of the moister content of the IPE sample was in the range of 8% to 10%; meanwhile the moister content of the ISE sample was 2% to 6%. The elements detected on the IPE samples were less than that on the ISE sample. The elements of Na, Mn, V, Cl, Sc, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Zr, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, U, and Th have been determined on ISE sample. In the meantime, for IPE sample, the elements of K, Na, Mn, Cl, Mg, Al, Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Sb, Cs, La, and Th can be evaluated quantitatively. Most of the elements evaluated have Z-score and Zeta-score of-3 to +3, which indicate good analytical performance for some elements, but for the element, some of them are out layer.

Measurement of selenium in two Algerian chenopods (Atriplex canescens (Pursh.) Nutt. and Suaeda fruticosa (Linn.) Forssk)

Neutron activation analysis laboratory (NAA measurement) was applied for the determination of selenium (Se) contents in two perennial forage species (Atriplex canescens (Pursh.) Nutt. and Suaeda fruticosa (Linn.) Forssk) used in extensive livestock production systems, in arid rangelands of Algeria. Se content was estimated in leaves and in the soil in which the plants were grown. The vegetal and soil samples were irradiated for 6 h duration with a thermal neutron flux of 4.5 × 1013 cm−2 s−1 of Es-Salam research reactor (Berine, Algeria). The daily intake of Se was determined and compared with the values recommended by National Research Council (NRC) guidelines. Result showed that the highest contents of Se were found in the rainy period (January–15 winter) for both species. By way of contrast, for the surrounding soil this metalloid was higher during dry season (July–15 summer). The maximum uptake of Se was predominantly recorded in A. canescens (0.16 ± 0.07 μg g−1) compared to S. fruticosa (0.07 ± 0.03 μg g−1). The bioaccumulation factor (BFSe) from soil to plant showed a high enrichment of Se especially for A. canescens. In conclusion, this study envisages that A. canescens can be gazed by livestock in winter season as a source of Se; however the problem of Se deficiency was expected during the other seasons for animals grazing A. canescens and S. fruticosa.

Application of INAA technique for analysis of essential trace and toxic elements in medicinal seeds of Carum carvi L. &Foeniculum vul-gare Mill. used in Algeria

Traditional medicinal seeds such as caraway “Carum carvi L.” and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. commonly called fennel have been largely used since several centuries for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used as a galactagogue agent for lactating mothers. 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 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 seeds of caraway and fennel used in our country by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique. Twenty-seven elements were assessed (As, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Hf, La, Mo, Lu, Nd, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Tb, Yb, Th, Ba, Br, Rb, Sr, Zn, Ca, K, Na and Fe) and the accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing the Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). The daily intake of essential and toxic elements was determined and compared with the recommended values and was found to be well below the tolerance limits.

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.

Automatic sample changer for neutron activation analysis at CDTN, Brazil

An automatic sample changer was recently developed and installed in the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) Laboratory. The certified reference material BCR-320R, Channel Sediment, was analysed in order to verify the reliability of the results obtained by NAA, k0-standardisation method, using this automatic system during the gamma-ray measurement step. The results were compared to those manually obtained. The values pointed out that the automatic sample changer is working properly. This changer will increase the productiveness of the neutron activation technique applied at Nuclear Technology Development Centre, CDTN/CNEN expanding its competitiveness as an analytical technique in relation to other techniques.

Automatic sample changer control software for automation of neutron activation analysis process in Malaysian Nuclear Agency

Most of the procedures in neutron activation analysis (NAA) process that has been established in Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) since 1980s were performed manually. These manual procedures carried out by the NAA laboratory personnel are time consuming and inefficient especially for sample counting and measurement process. The sample needs to be changed and the measurement software needs to be setup for every one hour counting time. Both of these procedures are performed manually for every sample. Hence, an automatic sample changer system (ASC) that consists of hardware and software is developed to automate sample counting process for up to 30 samples consecutively. This paper describes the ASC control software for NAA process which is designed and developed to control the ASC hardware and call GammaVision software for sample measurement. The software is developed by using National Instrument LabVIEW development package.

Long-term performance assessment of HPGE detectors used in the neutron activation analysis laboratory of IPEN-CNEN/SP (Brazil)

In this work, verification data for 11 HPGe detectors from two different manufacturers and three different intrinsic configurations were analyzed in respect to the stability of both the efficiency and resolution for the 122keV peak from 57Co and the 1332keV peak from 60Co. The results allow a discussion about the stability of these parameters over time (in some cases, almost 15 years), their sensitivity to imminent detector failures and their performance after a failure has been corrected; moreover, the results show a clear correlation between the manufacturer or configuration and the long-term performance of the detector.

Upgrade of the Budapest neutron activation analysis laboratory

Just 1 year after the Budapest Research Reactor went critical on 29 March 1959, the Neutron Activation Analysis laboratory started its operation. During the past 55 years this laboratory contributed to many important innovations in NAA and gamma spectroscopy, including the k 0-standardization, irradiation-site characterization, detector efficiency calibration and gamma spectroscopy. From 2012, the laboratory is being revitalized and instrumentally modernized. This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the present technical capabilities, the ongoing upgrade program and the prospects for future utilization. The analysis protocols are discussed in details to give guidance to our user community.

Trace and essential elements determination in baby formulas milk by INAA and k 0-INAA techniques

As a part of the food analysis program executed at Es-Salam research reactor by neutron activation analysis laboratory, the concentration of As, Ba, Br, Ca, Fe, K, La, Rb and Zn in baby formulas milk have been determined by using INAA and k0-NAA techniques. It was found that the concentration of all elements obtained by both techniques was relatively identical for the three brands of the 0–6 and 6–12 months of analyzed samples. In addition, the analytical results have been compared with those given by producers.

K 0-INAA of biological matrices at IPEN neutron activation analysis laboratory, São Paulo, using the k0_IAEA software

This study presents the results obtained in the application of the k0-standardization method at the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory at IPEN (LAN-IPEN), for biological sample analysis, by using the k0_IAEA software, provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The thermal to epithermal flux ratio f and the shape factor α of the epithermal flux distribution of the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor of IPEN were determined for the pneumatic irradiation facility and one selected irradiation position, for short and long irradiations, respectively. To obtain these factors, the “bare triple-monitor” method with 197Au–96Zr–94Zr was used. To evaluate the accuracy of the results, bias (%) and En-number test were applied to the results obtained in the analysis of the biological reference materials NIST SRM 1547 peach leaves, INCT-MPH-2 mixed polish herbs and NIST SRM 1573a tomato leaves. Bias (%), for most elements, ranged from 0 to 30 %, in relation to certified values. En-number values showed that, with few exceptions (Na in NIST SRM 1547 and NIST SRM 1573a, and Al, Cr, Sc and Zn in INCT-MPH-2), the results were within a 95 % CI. These results pointed to the possibility of using the k0-INAA method with the k0_IAEA software for analysis of biological samples at LAN-IPEN.

Implementation of the k 0-standardization method for analysis of geological samples at the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory, São Paulo, Brazil

The Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory (LAN-IPEN) has been analysing geological samples for many years with the INAA comparative method, for geochemical and environmental research. This study presents the results obtained in the implementation of the k 0-standardization method at LAN-IPEN, for geological samples analysis, by using the program k 0-IAEA, provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The thermal to epithermal flux ratio f and the shape factor α of the epithermal flux distribution of the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor of IPEN were determined for the pneumatic irradiation facility and one selected irradiation position, for short and long irradiations, respectively. To obtain these factors, the “bare triple-monitor” method with 197Au–96Zr–94Zr was used. In order to validate the methodology, the geological reference materials basalts JB-1 (GSJ) and BE-N (IWG-GIT), andesite AGV-1 (USGS), granite GS-N (ANRT), SOIL-7 (IAEA) and sediment Buffalo River Sediment (NIST–BRS-8704), which represent different geological matrices, were analysed. The concentration results obtained agreed with assigned, with bias <10 % except for Zn in AGV-1. The U-score test showed that all results, except Mg in JB-1, are within 95 % confidence interval. These results indicate excellent possibilities of using this parametric method at the LAN-IPEN for geochemical and environmental studies.

EVALUATION OF NAA LABORATORY RESULTS IN INTER-COMPARISON ON DETERMINATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES

Inter-comparison program is a good tool for improving quality and to enhance the accuracy and precision of theanalytical techniques. By participating in this program, laboratories could demonstrate their capability andensuring the quality of analysis results generated by analytical laboratories. The Neutron Activation Analysis(NAA) laboratory at National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (BATAN), Nuclear Technology Center forMaterials and Radiometry-PTNBR laboratory participated in inter-comparison tests organized by NAA workinggroup. Inter-comparison BATAN 2009 was the third inter-laboratory analysis test within that project. Theparticipating laboratories were asked to analyze for trace elements using neutron activation analysis as theprimary technique. Three materials were distributed to the participants representing foodstuff, and environmentalmaterial samples. Samples were irradiated in rabbit facility of G.A. Siwabessy reactor with neutron flux ~ 1013n.cm-2.s-1, and counted with HPGe detector of gamma spectrometry. Several trace elements in these sampleswere detected. The accuracy and precision evaluation based on International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)criteria was applied. In this paper the PTNBR NAA laboratory results is evaluated.Keywords: inter-comparison, neutron activation analysis, trace elements, foodstuff, environmental samples,NAA laboratory

Critical evaluation of laboratory performance from IAEA-452 (fish scallop) inter-comparison exercise results

The International Atomic Energy Agency Marine Environmental Laboratory (IAEA-MEL) conducted an intercomparison exercise for the “Trace elements and methyl mercury in fish scallop: IAEA-452” in 2009. The Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) laboratory at PINSTECH, Pakistan took part in this exercise. Comparison with the IAEA results showed that of the 18 elements reported to the IAEA 7 had unacceptable z-scores while the data for two elements was questionable (2 3.

New opportunities for the enhanced NAA services through the research reactor coalitions and networks

Although the number of research reactors (RRs) is steadily decreasing, more than half of the opera- tional RRs are still heavily underutilized, and in most cases, underfunded. The decreasing and rather old fleet of RRs needs to ensure the provision of useful services to the community, in some cases with adequate revenue genera- tion for reliable, safe and secure facility management and operations. Enhancement of low and medium power research reactor (RR) utilization is often pursued by increasing the neutron activation analysis (NAA) activities. In this paper we will present the strategy and concrete actions how NAA as one of the most popular RR appli- cations can contribute to the above goals in particular through (a) RR coalitions and networks, (b) implementa- tion of automation in different stages of NAA, (c) QA/QC, including skills improvement of involved personnel, (d) dedicated proficiency tests performed by a number of targeted analytical laboratories. We also show that despite the IAEA's efforts, some of the NAA laboratories still perform badly in proficiency tests, do not have formal QA/ QC procedures implemented, have not implemented auto- mation to process large number of samples or lack of clear marketing strategies. Some concrete actions are proposed and outlined to address these issues in the near future.

Participation in IAEA proficiency test exercise on major, minor and trace elements in ancient Chinese ceramic (IAEA-CU-2006-06) using low power research reactor

A proficiency test (PT) exercise was offered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for major, minor and trace elements in Chinese ceramic reference material (IAEA-CU-2006-06). Neutron activation analysis (NAA) laboratory at PINSTECH, Pakistan participated in the exercise and submitted the results for 28 elements. The aim of participation was to develop a suitable methodology for accurate measurement of as many elements as possible in ceramic material using a low power reactor (PARR-2) as this would help future investigation in a project on the authenticity of art objects, for provenance, conservation and management of ancient cultural heritage of the country. After receiving the final report of the PT exercise, a critical review of our data and final scoring of each element is made to check the suitability of our methodology and reliability of the acquired data. Most of the reported results passed different statistical evaluation criterion such as relative bias, z-score and u-scores and ratio of our results and IAEA target values. One element (Yb) falls in the unacceptable range of relative bias and z-scores. Hf and Tb showed slightly high z-scores within the questionable range. Ho, Mo and Sn were determined during this study but their results were not submitted to the IAEA. The confidence of accuracy observed for most of the elements in ceramic material has made it mandatory to report their results as information values.