Nuclear Track Detectors Research Articles

Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors Applied to Assess Workers Exposure to Radon in Small Scale Tanzanite Mines in Tanzania

The Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) type CR-39 were used to measure levels of radon gas in the Small Scale Tanzanite Mining blocks B, C and D at Mirerani area, Northern Tanzania. Workers Exposure to Radon was assessed using the concepts of Working Level, Working Level Month and dose conversion factors recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Results revealed that radon levels ranged from below action level of 300 Bqm-3 recommended by the ICRP to 5.3 times higher. The corresponding mean annual effective doses ranged from 0.8 to 11.8 mSvy-1, 1.4 to 4.4 mSvy-1 and 1.9 to 2.3 mSvy-1 for block B, D and C, respectively. These results indicate that the estimated doses are below the regulatory limit of 20mSvy-1. However, measures to keep the exposures as low as reasonably achievable are recommended as mining advance to deeper layers where the available means of ventilation may not be sufficient to lower radon levels.

Diurnal variations of indoor short-lived radon daughters with positive 218Po and 214Pb clusters and their impact on atmospheric air ions.

Diurnal variations of indoor short-lived radon daughters with positive 218Po and 214Pb clusters and their impact on atmospheric air ions.

The relationship of Cadmium, Lead, and Uranium with the geographical location of non-smoking Thalassemia individuals: A comparative study.

The relationship of Cadmium, Lead, and Uranium with the geographical location of non-smoking Thalassemia individuals: A comparative study.

Utilizing solid-state nuclear track detectors to evaluate radon adsorption in MOF-doped nanofibers

Abstract Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Since people spend a significant part of the day in closed areas, it is necessary to take measures to reduce and mitigate indoor radon levels. This study focuses on using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as novel radon adsorbents. The solid-state nuclear trace method was adopted to determine the radon adsorption of MOFs. The study consisted of four stages: MOF synthesis, characterization, MOF-doped nanofabric production, and determination of radon adsorption of fabrics. The results showed that MOF-doped nanofibers have radon adsorption potential.

Impact of Structural and Environmental Parameters on Indoor Radon Gas Levels from Locations in Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe States Nigeria

Indoor radon gas concentrations are influenced by structural and environmental factors, including ventilation rates, room volume, foundation floor thickness, indoor temperature, and relative humidity. This study investigates the impact of these parameters on radon accumulation in residential dwellings across Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe States, Nigeria. Using Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors (CR-39 SSNTDs), radon concentrations were measured over six months. Results indicate that poor ventilation, small room volumes, and high indoor temperatures significantly increase radon levels, while thicker foundation floors and higher relative humidity reduce radon accumulation/concentrations in an indoor spaces. Almost all the sampling locations considered in this study indicates high accumulated values of indoor radon gas above the recommended limit set by UNSCEAR, ICRP and WHO 100 Bq/m3. The findings highlight the need for improved building designs and ventilation systems to mitigate indoor radon gas accumulation and possible radon-related health risks.

Influence of effective decay constant uncertainty on radon exhalation rate measurement from medium surfaces using CR-39.

Influence of effective decay constant uncertainty on radon exhalation rate measurement from medium surfaces using CR-39.

Radiological hazard assessment of radon gas in vegetable and fruit samples using solid state nuclear track detectors

ABSTRACT This study examines the concentrations of radon, radium, and uranium, along with the annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of radon in vegetable and fruit samples collected randomly from eleven sites in the Ranya district, Iraq. The solid state nuclear track detector CR-39 was used to monitor radon levels and their progeny. The findings demonstrate that the average concentrations of radon, radium, and uranium in vegetable and fruit samples were 91.05 Bq m−3, 0.26 Bq kg−1, and 0.06 ppm, respectively. These results were lower than the global average recommended by ICRP and UNSCEAR. Additionally, the average values of annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were 0.02 µSv y−1 and 0.08 × 10−6, respectively. These results comply with internationally recommended safe levels for human consumption. Further research is recommended to evaluate the transfer of radionuclides from soil to edible crops.

Sensitivity analysis of fluorescent nuclear track detectors for fast and high-energy mono-energetic neutron dosimetry.

In ion beam radiotherapy, treatment radiation fields are inevitably contaminated with secondary neutrons. The energies of these neutrons can reach several hundreds of MeV. Fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTDs) offer a promising solution for dosimetry of fast and high-energy neutrons, particularly given their low linear energy transfer in water (LET) detectionthreshold. This study presents an experimental FNTD sensitivity analysis in six fast mono-energetic neutron fields, comparing the response to poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) neutron detectors, and investigates the feasibility of estimating ambient dose equivalent for neutrons, (10). Moreover, it investigates the impact of converter thickness on the detector signal for both fast and high-energy neutrons and analyzes the resulting differences insignal. FNTDs and PADCs were exposed to mono-energetic neutron fields with energies of 1.2 MeV, 2.5 MeV, 5 MeV, 6.5 MeV, 14.8 MeV, and 19MeV and evaluated based on the track density. The (10) values for FNTDs were determined by applying energy calibration factors, , which were determined through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The benchmarked MC model is employed to investigate the sensitivity of FNTDs to high-energy neutrons up to 200MeV for various polyethylene (PE) converter thicknesses and to analyze the detector signal, including the particle type and the recoil protonLET. The sensitivity values revealed an energy dependence for FNTDs, with variations by a factor of up to 23, whereas PADC detectors showed a smaller variation, ranging from 3 to 12. Accurate (10) estimation can be achieved employing MC-derived factors, with deviations not exceeding . The sensitivity values increased almost continuously up to for PE converter thicknesses above , whereas plateaued for thinner PE converters above 10 MeV to 15MeV. For neutrons above , the generated fragments are deuterons, tritons and , which constitutes up to or more of the total fluence in a neutron field. The recoil proton LET dropped from approximately to nearly one order of magnitude less between 1.2 MeV and 19MeV, with an average LET of approximately at . This study compares FNTD and PADC detector sensitivities, demonstrating a notable energy and converter thickness dependence for FNTDs, which is essential for precise dosimetry. Accurate (10) values for fast mono-energetic neutrons up to were determined utilizing MC simulations. A benchmarked MC model for fast neutrons was then applied to analyze the FNTD signal for high-energyneutrons.

Utilizing plasma interaction as a novel etching technique for CR-39 nuclear track detector

Utilizing plasma interaction as a novel etching technique for CR-39 nuclear track detector

Indoor radon concentrations in dwellings and public buildings in the western districts of the Orenburg region with increased respiratory system cancer morbidity rates

Introduction: The paper presents results of a radon survey conducted in 2021-2022 in existing dwellings and public buildings in 31 settlements of three districts of the western part of the Orenburg region (Buguruslanskiy, Buzulukskiy and Matveevskiy districts). Since exposure to radon and its progeny is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking, the selection of the districts for the survey was based on average standardized trachea, bronchi, and lung cancer morbidity rates in the districts of the Orenburg region for 2009–2018. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted using solid-state nuclear track detectors in 31 settlements of the districts, where 83.5 % to 90.9 % of the population of each district live (9 settlements in Buguruslanskiy district, 9 in Buzulukskiy district, and 13 in Matveevskiy district). Results and Discussion: The results of measurements: taken in 51 dwellings and 45 public buildings in three districts showed that in 45 dwellings and 25 public buildings indoor radon concentrations do not exceed the established hygienic norm (action level) of 200 Bq/m3 (EEC) adopted in Russia for existing buildings. In six dwellings the action level is exceeded; in 20 public buildings with non-round-the-clock occupancy, additional measurements using instant or continuous methods during building operating hours are required. The highest values of annual average indoor radon EEC were obtained in the settlements of the Matveevskiy district: 745 Bq/m3 in Starokutlumbet'evo and 643 Bq/m3 in Kuz'kino. The largest number and percentage of exceedances of the established action level were also found in the settlements of the Matveevskiy district. Conclusion: The principle applied in the selection of districts for priority survey, based on the analysis of average standardized trachea, bronchi, and lung cancer morbidity rates, proved its effectiveness: the highest levels of indoor radon concentration were found in the district with the highest trachea, bronchi, and lung cancer morbidity rate in the Orenburg region.

Radiation Hazards of Alpha Particles Transferred from Soil to Vegetables in Some Areas of Karbala

Abstract The specific activity of 222Rn-radon concentration, 226Ra-radium concentration, and 238U-uranium concentration were measured for 20 vegetable and soil samples collected from agricultural areas of Karbala Governorate, using a nuclear track detector. The average values of 222Rn in airspace above soil and vegetable samples were 122.807, and 48.833 Bq/m3 respectively, while the average value of 222Rn in samples were 2004.959, 797.248 Bq.m−3, respectively. The value of 226Ra in soil and vegetable samples varied from 0.094 to 0.474 mBq.kg−1 with a mean-value of 0.185±0.079 mBq/kg and 0.599 to 1.593 mBq/kg1 with a mean value of (1.205± 0.255) mBq.kg−1, respectively. The results of 238U varies from 0.121 to 0.613 ppm with a mean value of 0.240±0.103 ppm and 0.048 to 0.126ppm with an average-value of 0.095±0.02ppm respectively. The average-value of surface exhalation rate, mass exhalation rate, effective annual dose, excess lifetime cancer risk, annual-average internal dosage, excess life time cancer in soil and vegetable samples was 34.607 mBq.m−2.d−1, 1.495mBq.kg−1.d−1, 3.244 mSv.y−1, 0.012×10−3, and 13.761mBq/m2.d, 0.594 mBq/kg.d, 4.574 nSv.y−1, 17.625×10−6, respectively. The values of transfer factor for 222Rn, 226Ra, and 238U were 0.4268, 0.4269, and 0.427, respectively. The concentrations of alpha particles used in this investigated is safer for human health and is within the internationally permitted range.

DTPA and anti-inflammatory drug associations to alleviate Pu-induced response of macrophages in vitro.

DTPA and anti-inflammatory drug associations to alleviate Pu-induced response of macrophages in vitro.

CONCENTRATIONS OF RADON IN URINE AND SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH RENAL STONE AND RENAL FAILURE

Background: Natural and artificial sources of radiation affect humans when exposed to them. Radionuclides emit alpha and beta particles, which can interact with the electrons of the surrounding atoms of different matter, which leads to the ionization and destruction of these tissues, which may lead to many diseases. The concentration of radiation in the blood and urine increases; one of the most dangerous sources of radiation available is radon. The aim is to determine the concentration of radon gas (222Rn) in biological samples (urine and serum) using a solid-state nuclear track detector (CR-39). Methods: biological samples (urine and serum) were analyzed in this study in Najaf Governorate, Iraq, of renal stone patients, renal failure patients, chronic kidney disease patients, and a group of healthy control patients in three age groups. Results: the mean levels of 222Rn in urine samples for healthy controls and renal stones patients (17.27 and 22.77), the mean levels of 222Rn in serum samples for healthy controls, renal stones patients, renal failure patients, chronic kidney disease patients (2.43, 9.83,6.99 and 4.24) respectively. Discussion: it was found that the 222Rn levels are higher in urine samples compared to the serum, and the 222Rn levels in the serum of all patients are higher than in healthy people. These differences are statistically significant p < 0.01, which indicates that renal stone patients and renal failure patients are associated with a significant increase in 222Rn levels compared to healthy people. Conclusions: levels of 222Rn in urine and serum can be considered as a biomarker to discriminate between patients and healthy individuals. The findings of this study can, therefore, be used as a potential diagnostic tool for kidney patients.

Alpha emitters concentration of natural radionuclides and lung cancer cases in blood of smokers and non-smokers using passive detector

Abstract Recently, cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs are very common in Kurdistan region, Iraq. As a result, natural radionuclides, such as 222Rn, 226Ra, 214Po, and 218Po, are inhaled by smoking which increases the possibility of cancer. In this study, blood samples were taken from volunteers at seven age groups. A solid state nuclear track detector (CR-39) was used to detect radon gas and their daughters in male blood samples. The results show that the mean values of alpha emitters concentrations from 222Rn, 226Ra, 214Po, and 218Po in powdered blood samples for cigarette, vape, hookah smokers and non-smokers were 207.78, 239.02, 251.87, 25.92 Bq m−3, 0.794, 0.913, 0.962, 0.099 Bq kg−1, 29.686, 34.150, 35.985, 3.703 Bq m−3 on the walls of the chamber (POW), and 36.202, 41.645, 43.884, 4.516 Bq m−3 on the face of detector (POS) respectively. The findings demonstrate that age and smoking affect all alpha emitters. It was noted that hookah smokers had a higher alpha emitters concentration than other groups. The mean value for smokers were within the recommended global exposure limit of 200 Bq m−3 for 222Rn, while non-smokers were well below it. Then, absorbed effective dose by an inhalation of 222Rn and for smokers’ lung have been found for cigarette, vape, hookah smokers and non-smokers which were within the recommended limit (3–10 mSv y−1) for smokers as recommended by ICRP. In addition, the mean case of lung cancer for smokers were within the EU limit. Results indicate that smoking causes an increase in the alpha emitters concentration in the blood.

Determination the concentration for uranium in phosphrous fertilizers by using nuclear track detector CR-39

The aim of this research was to study the concentrations of Uranium in the phosphorus fertilizers using Nuclear track detector (CR-39). Our present investigation is based on the study of 10 types samples for different kinds of phosphorus fertilizers which were available in the local market Some of them were Iraqi made and the others from different countries like, (Iran, Italy, Holland, Lebanon and Jordan) .. The result obtained shows that the Uranium concentration in phosphorus fertilizers samples varies from (3.59ppm) to(2.59ppm). Based on the radioactive concentration of Uranium in the samples all the results obtained between(3.59ppm) in the Iraqi super phosphate to (2.59ppm) in the mixture Iraqi phosphate fertilizer are within the international levels as given by IAEA (International atomic Energy Agency) date if compares that equal by 12ppm .

Measurement of Alpha Emitters Concentration in Tomato Fruits Using CR – 39 Plastic Track Detector

Our country suffered from pollution translation as a result to the wars events, so, it is necessary to measure the amount of radiation in the fields that are of indirect contact with human life and health. The main aim of the present work is to measure the concentration of alpha emitters in tomato fruits collected from different farms in Al – Basra governorate in the south of Iraq. Nuclear track detectors of type CR – 39 are used as a detection device and Can technique as a detection technique. Results show that the maximum concentration recorded is sample no.7 of site Al – Rafidhya which was equal to (6.9621 ± 0.111) ppm and sample no.1 of site Lothan with concentration equals to (4.9236 ± 0.117) ppm. The minimum concentrations were in sample 6 of site Al – Lehaiss (1.5360 ± 0.084) ppm followed by sample 9 of site Malhan which recorded (1.6840 ± 0.111) ppm (20.208 ± 1.332 Bq/m3).

Calibration of Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors for rare event searches

The calibration of the CR39® and Makrofol® Nuclear Track Detectors of the MoEDAL experiment at the CERN-LHC was performed by exposing stacks of detector foils to heavy ion beams with energies ranging from 340 MeV/nucleon to 150 GeV/nucleon. After chemical etching, the base areas and lengths of etch-pit cones were measured using automatic and manual optical microscopes. The response of the detectors as measured by the ratio of the track-etching rate over the bulk-etching rate, was determined over a range extending from their threshold at Z/β ∼ 7 and ∼ 50 for CR39 and Makrofol, respectively, up to Z/β ∼ 92.

Indoor Radon Monitoring in Residential Areas in the Vicinity of Coal Mining Operations in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Coal mining and combustion have the potential to increase exposure to radon, a form of radioactive gas recognized as one of the major contributors to lung cancer incidents. In South Africa, coal is used as the primary energy source for producing electricity and for heating, predominantly in informal settlements and township communities. Most of the existing coal-fired power plants are found in the Mpumalanga province. This paper presents long-term radon (222Rn) measurements in dwellings surrounding coal mining centres in the Mpumalanga province and evaluates their contributions to indoor radon exposures. The indoor radon measurements were conducted using solid-state nuclear track detectors and were performed during warm and cold seasons. It was found that the overall indoor radon activity concentrations ranged between 21 Bq/m3 and 145 Bq/m3, with a mean value of 40 Bq/m3. In all the measured dwellings, the levels were below the WHO reference level of 100 Bq/m3 and 300 Bq/m3 reference level recommended by the IAEA and ICRP, with the exception of one dwelling that was poorly ventilated. The results reveal that individuals residing in the surveyed homes are not exposed to radon levels higher than the WHO, ICRP, and IAEA reference levels. The main source influencing indoor radon activity concentrations was found to be primarily the concentration of uranium found in the geological formations in the area, with ventilation being an additional contributing factor of radon levels in dwellings. To maintain good air quality in homes, it is recommended that household occupants should keep their dwellings well ventilated to keep indoor radon levels as low as possible.

Determination of Uranium Concentration in Human Urine at Al-Tuwaitha Region

In this study, 60 urine samples were collected from healthy volunteer individuals (both males and females) residing in the Tuwaitha region (aged 20-60 years) and compared with 30 urine samples from individuals living in another area of Baghdad, far from AL- Tuwaitha nuclear site (aged 20-60 years). The uranium concentration of these samples was measured using a solid-state nuclear track detector CR-39. The results indicated that the average uranium concentration for the Tuwaitha group was 0.507±0.032μg/L, which is higher than the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization, which is 0.3μg/L. While the uranium concentration for the control group was 0.267±0.045μg/L. The study also explored the relationship between uranium concentrations and gender, age, and smoking habits.

Initial approaches for establishing of the fast neutron radiography with PADC material

Abstract Fast neutron radiography appears as a promising tool for large industrial components testing. The solid-state nuclear track detectors made of poly-allyl diglycol carbonate may be an alternative imaging tool. The presented work aimed to identify the main parameters necessary for the performance of fast neutron imaging using a DD neutron source. The parameters were determined using simulations in MCNP and Track $$\_$$ _ P, and experiments performed with the Pu–Be neutron source. The thickness of the polyethylene radiator, the etching conditions, and the method of scanning of the resultant image were proposed.