Neutron Activation Analysis Technique Research Articles

Correlation between nutrients, rare earth elements and heavy metals in O. Sativa rice plant organs by instrumentation neutron activation analysis and proton induced x-ray emission techniques

The accumulation of halogens and metals from roots to stems, leaves and grains of Oryza sativa rice plant collected in Northern Senegal (St Louis region) at the same stages of growth but at different salinity soil levels was investigated by measuring their elemental concentration by invasive instrumental techniques of neutron activation analysis and proton induced x-ray emission. The normalized elemental concentration of Na, Cl, K, (Cs, Rb, Sr, Sb, Ba Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sb was correlated with one of rare earth elements, La, Ce, Sm, Yb, Nd, Eu, Tb, Tm, and Lu) and the one of the heavy metals Hf, Ta and Th and to assess their subsequent distribution within the Oryza sativa rice plant in a particular salinity environment. The exploration of the experimental data was performed by applying machine learning techniques with Python to find their elemental correlations. This study shows that the accumulation of iron is highly correlated with the amount of rare earth elements and heavy metals investigated. We observe an inverse correlation between Fe and Cl concentrations in the roots and stems of the Oryza sativa rice plant, in which higher levels of Fe in the roots relative to stems correspond to lower levels of Cl. We also remark that there is no accumulation of rare earth elements in the root tissues of the different Oryza sativa rice plants studied. Whereas, in the stem, leaf, and grain organs there is a strong correlation between metal contents and rare earth elements.

Evaluation of elemental pollution in soil samples from Klang industrial area

Rapid development in industries will contribute to the pollution of the soil. Studies of elemental pollution in the soil in the Klang industrial area were conducted to determine the concentration level in that area. Analysis of the content of elemental pollution in soil samples has used neutron activation analysis (NAA) techniques. The average concentration of major elements (Fe, Mg, Ti), heavy metals (As, Sb, Cr, Zn), uranium (U) and thorium (Th) in the soil of the Klang industrial area exceeded the average concentration in granitic igneous rocks. In comparison, the average concentration of rare earth elements (REEs) in soil samples in the study area is lower than the reference value of granitic igneous rocks. The elements of As, Zn and Cr showed a high concentration in the SL 11 area, where business activities, vehicle workshops and residential were located. The REEs show a high concentration in the SL 14 area compared to other sites. The geo-accumulation (Igeo) index was applied to identify the pollution status. The Igeo index for the elements of Mg and U can be categorised as unpolluted to moderately polluted. As and Sb can be categorised as unpolluted to moderately polluted, and as extremely polluted in the areas of SL 11 and SL 14. The element of Th can be categorised as unpolluted to moderately and strongly polluted. The Igeo index of REEs can be categorised as unpolluted in the soil of the Klang Industrial area.

Quantification of Pollution Index of Selected Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils in Kafin Hausa Area, Northwest Nigeria

In this study, the level of heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils in Kafin Hausa, Nigeria, was investigated and characterised using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis technique via the Nigeria Research Reactor-1. Fifteen soil samples were collected from five different sampling sites and analysed for eight heavy metals: aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), holmium (Ho), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and rubidium (Rb). Heavy metal pollution indices were estimated using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). The results showed that the mean Igeo indexes of Al (-3.09), As (-4.88), Ba (-0.89), Fe (-3.53), K (-2.20), and Mg (-4.95) were lower than zero, indicating that the soil of the studied region was uncontaminated by these metals. The mean EF of Ho was significantly higher than other metals, indicating that the soil is enriched with this metal. As (0.40) and Mg (0.36) had the lowest EF values. Similarly, the mean CF of all metals was lower than 1, suggesting minimal or low contamination. In contrast, Ho (1.60) exhibits the highest CF value, signifying moderate contamination. The PLI values for all metals were between 0.16 and 0.51, indicating that the studied area is unpolluted. There are strong correlations between all the elements, with p-values at 0.01 level, particularly for K – Rb, Ba – K, and Ba – Rb, with values ranging from 0.94 to 0.94. Hence, the results of this study suggest that the agricultural soils in Kafin Hausa are uncontaminated by heavy metals.

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling of Accumulation Kinetics of Silver Nanoparticles in a Mammalian Organism

A mathematical model of the biokinetics of silver nanoparticles in the mammalian organism using the example of C57Bl/6 laboratory mice with application of the concept of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and the previously obtained by a highly precise technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) experimental data is proposed. A numerical solution of this model was recieved. The applicability of the various assumptions was considered and justified. The obtained solution was analyzed, and the biokinetic transition-rate constants, the times of reaching the plateau and the mass content of the stable equilibrium were calculated. The numerical parameters were compared with the previously obtained parameters on the biokinetics of silver nanoparticles of the same brand. It is concluded that the proposed approach is well applicable for modeling the biokinetics of silver nanoparticles in a living organism.

Comparison of the Analytical Performance of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Techniques in the Elemental Analysis of Coal Fly Ash

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) were applied to study the elemental content of coal combustion residues. Both methods’ analytical applicability and suitability for this type of material were described in detail. A certified reference material, fine fly ash (CTA-FFA-1), was used to examine the capabilities and validation of both methods. A comparison study allowed for the modification of the procedures for these materials (previously elaborated in the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology), resulting in more accurate data with lower uncertainty. We highlighted that INAA and ICPs complemented each other in the analysis of coal and coal combustion residues. The digestion procedure was an integral part of the measurement and affected the environmental analysis results. Both methods were applied to the chemical characteristics of coal ashes from household furnaces. The hard coal was from Polish, Columbian, and Kazakh mines. The majority of elements had similar concentrations, independently of coal origin. Because ash from domestic coal combustion is used as a fertilizer or an anti-icing agent, we assessed the potential environmental impact via leaching experiments (according to PN-EN 12457-2). The potential risk of soil contamination due to ash dumping around the house and its surroundings was determined as insignificant (for the elements investigated).

Radiation exposure and health concerns associated with the environmental geochemistry of relatively higher radioactivity in a fresh water basin

This study was carried out on a negligible anthropogenically impacted Indo-Bangla transboundary river basin (Atrai, Bangladesh) to elicit radionuclides' and elemental distributions. Thirty sediment samples were collected from the Bangladesh portion of the river, and instrumental neutron activation analysis and HPGe γ-Spectrometry techniques were used to determine environmental radionuclides (e.g., 232Th, 226Ra, 40K) and associated elemental concentrations, respectively. Metal concentrations (Sc, V, Fe, Eu, Sm, La, Yb, Ce, Lu, Ta, Hf) were determined to comprehend the genesis of greater radioactivity. Recognizing the mean concentration of absorbed gamma dose rate (158.7 hGyh−1) is 2.88-times more than the recommended value (55 hGyh−1) that describes ionizing radiation concerns regarding potential health risks to the surrounding communities and the houses of native residents, which are constructed by Atrai river sediment. This work will assist relevant policymakers in exploring valuable heavy minerals and provide information regarding radiological health risks from a fluvial system.

Assessment and quantification of heavy metals in cultivated soils in Kafin Hausa Jigawa State Nigeria using Nigerian research reactor‐1

AbstractAnthropogenic activities that cause heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils pose a significant health risk to humans who consume contaminated agricultural foods such as rice and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to access the level of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils in Kafin Hausa by analyzing soil samples from five different sampling sites for heavy metals including aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn). A total of 15 soil samples were collected using a soil auger from various locations within Kafin Hausa area, and the concentrations of the collected soil samples were estimated using the Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) technique via the Nigeria Research Reactor‐1. The results of the study showed that the mean concentrations of these heavy metals in the sampled soils were within the limits set by the World Health Organization. In addition, pollution indexes such as enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and geo‐accumulation index (Igeo) were adequately determined. The sampling sites were identified to have significant enrichment, except for BR3 which was moderately enriched with Al and Ti, followed by Fe, and had an EF value of 4.87. Mean Igeo values indicated that all the sampling sites were uncontaminated. Furthermore, multivariate statistics revealed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) among the investigated metals, suggesting that the major sources of those metals are similar.

The contamination appraisal and depthwise scrutiny of trace elements in sediments of the Moyur river, Bangladesh

Trace element pollution in river sediments from multiple sources can pose ecological risks to aquatic systems. Therefore, the evaluation of elemental contamination and ecological risks in sediments is important for the proper management of a river system. In this study, concentrations of 12 major and trace elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Al, Br, Rb, V, Co, As, Ta, Th, and U) were measured in sediments of the Moyur River, Bangladesh using neutron activation analysis technique. It is observed that concentrations of As, Br, Rb, Ta, Th, and U are higher than those of the upper continental crustal average values. Different environmental contamination indicators suggest that Moyur River sediments are heavily contaminated by Br. The pollution load index derived from the contamination factor also indicate the deteriorating condition of the sediments at different sampling points of the river. The depth-wise variation of the trace elements elucidates their contamination profiles along the sediment cores. An ecological risk assessment by different ecological risk factors and sediment quality guidelines indicates that sediments of the Moyur River are subjected to ecological risk by Cr and As. The multivariate statistical analyses indicate the origin and transport behavior of the studied elements in the sediments of the river. This study will provide baseline elemental concentration data for future monitoring of the contamination and to develop effective pollution control strategies for this urban river.

Determination of heavy metals and rare earth elements in sediment and river water of the Citarum Watershed

Citarum River and its tributary rivers flows through Bandung Regency, with the watershed area about 6080 km2. These rivers play important role for local people in various field. Unfortunately, the anthropogenic activities in Citarum watershed have caused some environmental problems such as erosion, sedimentation, and water quality deterioration. Many various elements and heavy metals enter into the river from industrial waste, domestic waste, and some lithogenic materials where they will be distributed to aquatic ecosystem components such as sediment and aquatic biota. The aim of this research is to determine the distribution of heavy metals and rare earth elements in water and sediment river in Citarum River and its tributary river. The heavy metals and rare earth elements were measured using neutron activation analysis technique that can determine many elements simultaneously. The samples were collected from 10 sampling stations, from Situ Cisanti (upper segment) to Saguling Reservoir inlet, in March 2022. The result indicated that there were 13 elements detected in river water that consist of Na, K, Ca, Al, Mg, Ti, Co, Zn, Rb, Rb, Sb, Cs, La, V. In river sediment, 25 elements were detected that consist of 9 major elements (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, Ti, V, Mn), 10 minor elements (Co, Zn, Rb, Sb, Cs, Ba, Ta, Cs, Th, U, Hf) and 6 rare earth elements (La, Sc, Ce, Sm, Eu, Yb).

Evaluation of Some Toxic Trace Elements in Crocus Sativus L. and Soil Using Neutron Activation Analysis Technique

Neutron activation analysis was used in this research to measure the concentrations of aluminum (Al), bromine (Br), chlorine (Cl), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and thorium (Th) in soil and saffron plants as well as their contamination, enrichment, and translocation rates. The edible part of the saffron showed a higher Hg concentration than the WHO/FAO-permitted level in the urban area. The soil was not intoxicated and contaminated by Al, As, and Th except in the urban areas, which were slightly polluted by As. The calculated contamination degree and pollution load index indicated that the soil was almost uncontaminated. The enrichment factors (EF) showed minimal enrichment levels of Al and Th and low As contamination, which may still increase due to human activities in the environment. The tested elements’ translocation abilities were also evaluated by the paired t-test statistical method and indexes of translocation, and it was found that Al, As, and Th can quickly relocate into different soil depths. Saffron was also evaluated as a very poor absorber of the elements studied. While Cl and Th can easily move from the saffron’s corm to its aerial parts, Al and Hg merely translocate from the corm to the petal. It was also found that Al, Cl, and Th can move between the petals and the thread.

Determination of Trace Elements in Different Pistachio Variety by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Technique

Elemental analysis of nine samples of seven popular pistachios was performed using the neutron activation analysis technique. Thermal neutrons of Isfahan Miniature Neutron Source Reactor and related devices were used for activation analysis. The results show that the concentrations of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) varied from 1670.20 to 1680.60, from 0.472 to 1.42, from 1170.50 to 1460.75, from 47.0 to 65.10 in mg/kg, respectively. Arsenic (As) was present in small amounts in some pistachio samples. Essential elements such as copper and zinc in Rafsanjan Akbari sample had higher amounts than other varieties.

Mineral Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-Urease and Anti-α-Amylase Activities of the Unripe Fruit Extracts of Pistacia atlantica

Pistacia Atlantica in folk medicine is used by Algerian traditional healers for treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions including dyspepsia, digestive problems, peptic ulcers, and, in particular, inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity (using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS+, and reducing power methods), enzyme inhibitory activity (towards α-amylase and urease), antibacterial activity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica collected from different parts of the Djelfa region of Algeria. According to the findings, various aqueous extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and enzymatic activities in all tests, but showed that they have a weak inhibitory effect against all tested bacterial strains. Twenty-one minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U, and Zn) were determined using the technique of neutron activation analysis (INAA). The result indicates that the concentration of the mineral element is close to the minimal FAO recommendation. In addition, the result revealed significant anti-inflammatory activities. The data generated can be a valuable source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. These results suggest that the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica have an appropriate potential to be utilized across a wide range of contexts as an agent with multifunctional uses, as well as a natural remedy for other physiological diseases.

Investigating Geochemical Patterns of Major and Trace El-ements in Granitic Rocks of the Oulmes Region, Central Morocco: Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA)

In this study, we used the instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA) for analysis of granite samples from four locations in Oulmes region of central Morocco. In order to investigate the geochemical behavior of both major and trace elements in granite rocks from study area. The four samples almost accurately reflect the geochemical variety and heterogeneity of the formations were taken from distinct outcrops. The aim of study was to characterize the mineralization patterns of granitic rocks, their sources and basic composition. The results highlight the importance of nuclear techniques in geochemical investigations and provide some insights into the geochemical processes that shaped these rocks.

Magnesium-based alloys analyses by nuclear techniques

Magnesium-based alloys have been proposed for used in temporary biomaterials in the applications that request their biocompatibility and degradability. Analyses of these alloys are of great interest to verify if their element composition is within the product specification and also to evaluate the impurities that may cause toxic effects to the human health or influence in their corrosion processes. In this study, nuclear techniques of neutron activation analysis (NAA) and wavelength dispersive X ray fluorescence spectrometry (WD XRFS) were applied in the analyses of two magnesium-based alloys: commercially pure magnesium (CP-Mg) and AZ31 alloy. The NAA procedure consisted of irradiating aliquots of sample and synthetic element standards followed by measurements using a HGe detector and the WD XFRS was carried out using the Model RIX 3000 X-ray spectrometer. In the CP-Mg sample several element impurities were quantified. In the AZ31 alloy, the alloying element mass fractions were within the product specification and the impurities of As, La, Na and Sb were also quantified. Nickel and sulfur were quantified only by WD XFRS. The Horwitz method was a good parameter to evaluate the repeatability of the results in Al, Mg, Mn and Zn determinations. In conclusion, the results indicated the viability of using NAA and WD XFRS in the analyses of magnesium-based materials mainly due its multielement determinations, precision of the results, quantification of elements in a wide range of mass fractions and the lack of need for sample dissolution.

Phytoremediation test of aquatic plant species in Lake Ledulu Rote Island (Indonesia) using neutron activation analysis

Ledulu Lake is one of the lakes in the Rote Ndao Region. Lake Ledulu was formed in the Quaternary period with Cenozoic constituents and Neogene deposits based on geological formations. The formations found in the Lake area are sediment, chemical, limestone. The purpose of this study was to measure the metal content in the lake water and its absorption by aquatic vegetation in the ecosystem of Ledulu lake, using Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique. NAA is one of the modern methods that is able to measure the level of heavy metal uptake in aquatic biota (water animals and aquatic plants). The metal content in the water of the lake (mg/L) is: Bromine 405.06, Calcium 7,195.66, Cerium 9.10, Cobalt 2.43, Chromium 45.90, Lanthanum 12.07, Magnesium 1,189.93, Sodium 24,382.31. Aquatic plants that absorb heavy metals in lake Ledulu are Panicum sp, Ludwigia adscendens (L.) H.Hara, Ottelia alismoides (L) pers, Najas sp, Ipomea aquatica Forssk, Pontederia korsakowii (Regel & Maack) M.Pell. & C.N.Horn, Callitriche sp, Bacopa monnierii, and Nymphaea alba L. Sodium is not absorbed by Panicum sp, Ludwigia adsendence (L), and Nymphaea alba. Lanthanum is only absorbed by Panicum sp and Callitriche sp. All other elements can be absorbed by aquatic plants in the Ledulu lake ecosystem with different absorption concentrations.

Feasibility study on rare earth ion exchange resin saturation analysis based on PGNAA technique

In this work, prompt gamma ray neutron activation analysis technique was used to monitor the REEs saturation in resin. A facility consisted of a D-T neutron generator, a BGO detector and a 3He detector was established and applied to analyze REEs (Gd and Sm) samples. Neutron self-shielding effect was also corrected. The enriched Gd and Sm in resin were close to saturation at about 400 min. The results showed a satisfactory agreement with the XRF tests, which demonstrated that PGNAA was sufficient for monitoring REEs saturation in resin.

Experimental cross section of the 164Dy(n,γ)165Dy reaction at the neutron energy of 0.0372 eV using Neutron Diffraction Facility

Abstract The neutron capture cross section for the 164Dy(n,γ)165Dy reaction at 0.0372 eV energy was measured using the horizontal channel (Neutron Diffraction Facility) of Es-Salam nuclear research reactor in Birine-Algeria. The Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) technique using 197Au(n,γ)198Au as reference reaction was adopted. The γ ray spectra for the Dy2O3 target powder and two thin gold foil were detected for the Germanium Hyper Pure coupled in the Genie 2000 data acquisition software. A resulting σ-value (2198.5 ± 94) b was measured for the thermal neutron cross section after correcting the thermal neutron self-shielding and γ attenuation effects. The measured value was then compared to the evaluated cross sections reported in two different libraries of neutron databases ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3. The measured data at 0.0372 eV has been extrapolated to the energy of 0.0253 eV assuming 1/ν dependence in the thermal energy region and the result was compared with the fully measured values reported in the literature.

Implication of nuclear analytical techniques for the assessment of coal quality in terms of ash content

ABSTRACT The manuscript deals with the utilization of Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), external (in air) Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) for comprehensive characterization of Indian coal in order to evaluate their quality in terms of ash contents. NAA was used involving short irradiation at Pneumatic Carrier Facility (PCF) at Dhruva reactor, India, for determination of Na, Mg, Al and K; whereas long irradiation at Apsara-U reactor was used for estimation of Fe and Ca. External PIGE was applied for quantification of low Z elements (Na, Mg, Al and Si). Method was validated using coal-based standard reference materials: NIST 1635a and 1633c. Comparative evaluation was also carried out using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. Total concentration of Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti and Fe oxides has been used as markers for identifying the quality of coal in terms of coal ash contents. Elements such as Sc, Cr, Co, Zn, Se, Cs, Ce, Sm, Hf, U and Th were determined at trace level using conventional NAA techniques after long irradiation at Apsara-U reactor. The coal with higher ash content was found to contain high concentration of trace elements and the better quality coal contains lower concentration of trace elements.

Discovery of neutron activation analysis

It is well known that George Hevesy and Hilde Levi were the original discoverers of neutron activation analysis. However, there were many other researchers in Europe that firstly unknowingly and knowingly discovered the neutron, and others who experimented in neutron induced radioactivity. A historical timeline of the several parallel experiments in a very short period is given in this synopsis. It eventually was Hevesy and Hilde to first use the powerful technique of neutron activation analysis for analytical chemistry.

Nondestructive instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of Tecoma stans (L) Juss. Ex Kunth flower samples collected from different sites in Egypt

Abstract Chemical and radiochemical studies have been carried out on flower samples of the plant Tecoma stans (L) Juss. Ex Kunth which is now increasingly cultivated all over Egypt because of its many useful properties. This plant is considered as an important source of many medicinal phytochemicals. The flower samples analyzed were collected from plants cultivated at different sites in some governorates in Egypt. Nondestructive instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique has been performed in order to determine the inorganic elemental contents of these flower samples. INAA has been carried out under chosen irradiation and decay time conditions. Thus, the irradiations have been for under short and long times. The analyzed elements were: Ag, Al, Au, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb, and Zn. Some elements were major or minor elements whereas others were trace elements. 17 elements were found in all analyzed samples where others were only found in some samples. The determined concentrations of some of the analyzed elements were much higher than those found in soil or earth crust, which may indicate that these elements are important. Generally, plants have high tendency to concentrate elements from sites. On the other hand, some other elements are considered toxic, e.g. Ag, Br, Co, Cr, and Sb. Three certified slandered reference materials have been used to assure the accuracy and precision of the INAA technique; these are IAEA soil-7, IAEA 140/TM (seaweed) and IAEA-155 (whey).