Proton-induced Gamma-ray Emission Research Articles

Investigation of Lithium Deposition in Tri-Layer Llzo Garnet Structure As a Function of Cell Cycling Using Nuclear Reaction Analysis Method

A key challenge of lithium metal batteries is the volumetric expansion of battery after several charging cycles due to the non-uniform deposition of lithium on anode. This leads to lithium dendrite formation compromising battery safety, and poor lifetime. We adapted tri-layer (porous-dense-porous) Al-doped Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide (LLZO) host (separator) via tape casting. During cycling lithium is deposited in the porous structure preventing dendrite formation. XRD analysis of annealed host structure confirmed presence of cubic phase LLZO which provides higher ionic conductivity. We measured Li distribution on LLZO host structure before and after different cell cycling conditions and investigated the failure mechanism. We performed concentration depth profiles of 7Li and 6Li isotopes by Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) using two different methods: Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) and Proton Induced Alpha-particle Reaction (Particle-Particle reaction) and compared the results for accuracy. Depth profile of 7Li confirmed 33 at % Li at 0.44µm thickness before cycling which was increased after cycling. The Gaussian distribution of NRA data indicated a uniform Li depth profile in the dense layer. Through electrochemical testing, we measured that Li capacity loss after 5 and 25 charging cycles with 0.1C rate, 1.51mAh and 2.89mAh, respectively, in tri layered LLZO separator.

Source identification of PM2.5 during the COVID-19 lockdown in Bangkok and the metropolitan region by ion beam analysis (IBA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) techniques

PM2.5 pollution has significant impacts on human health and has been a persistent problem in Bangkok and its metropolitan area for many decades. To effectively address the issue, source identification is crucial. This study was aimed at determining the sources of PM2.5 in three regions; Pathumwan district in Bangkok, Mueang district in Samut Sakhon province, and Mueang district in Samut Prakan province. PM2.5 sampling was performed according to the Federal Reference Method (FRM). A combined total of 135 samples were collected across all three locations, over a 24-h period from December 2021 to February 2022 with 46.2 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes. The filters were analyzed using particle accelerator-based ion beam analysis techniques; Proton-induced X-ray emission, proton-induced gamma-ray emission, and proton elastic scattering analysis. Positive matrix factorization was used for source apportionment for the three locations. The results indicated that the main contributors to PM2.5 in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon were biomass/solid waste burning (45.6%), traffic (43.7%), and construction (36.0%), respectively. These preliminary findings further supported the need for expanding these types of studies to implement specific strategies for a reduction of PM2.5 level in high activity cities and which could then be applied to other urban areas around the world.

Determination of Impurities in Graphite Using Proton Induced Gamma Ray Emission, Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Determination of impurities in graphite is very important for its quality control, as their presence even at trace level can affect the performance of graphite in various applications. Graphite with equivalent boron content (EBC) less than 5 mg kg-1 is considered as nuclear grade. Elements with high neutron absorption cross section (boron and rare earths) contribute significantly to EBC. Non-destructive method is preferred as there is no sample processing and probability of loss of volatile elements while digestion. Proton Induced Gamma Ray Emission (PIGE), Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) were utilized for the non- destructive determination of impurities in both nuclear and commercial grade graphite. Low Z elements like Li, B, F, Na, Al and Si were detected in graphite by PIGE whereas Na, K, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Rb, Zr, Sb, Cs, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, Th were determined using INAA. Few elements like Ca, Ti, V, Ni, Sr and Pb remained undetected by both the non-destructive techniques. These elements were determined by Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) after digestion of the graphite samples by dry ashing. Combinations of these techniques were utilized to get maximum information regarding the impurities present in graphite.

Rapid estimation of the isotopic composition and total mass fraction of boron in enriched B4C samples for Indian fast reactor technology using external (in air) particle induced Gamma-ray emission technique

Enriched boron carbide of nuclear grade is being used for the fabrication of control and poison rod materials in the Indian nuclear fast reactor program. Hence, a stringent quality control protocol becomes necessary to ensure the quality of enriched B4C powder as well as its finished products. In the present work, the external Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE), a non destructive technique, was applied for the rapid estimation of the isotopic composition of boron (10B/11B) and the total boron mass fraction in various enriched B4C samples with less turnaround time of analysis at FOlded Tandem Ion Accelerator (FOTIA), BARC. The isotopic composition and total boron concentrations obtained by PIGE were compared with the values obtained from Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and classical Titrimetry methods respectively and found to be in good agreement. The statistical evaluation like students’ t-test was also performed to ascertain the reliability of the results obtained by PIGE, TIMS and Titrimetry.

Measurement of proton induced γ-ray emission cross sections on Cu for Ep < 3 MeV

Standardless PIGE analysis requires precise differential cross section values. In this research differential cross section data for proton-induced gamma-ray emission for 63Cu and 65Cu in the energy range 2000–3000 keV at 90◦ in the laboratory frame was measured. The research was carried out using the proton beam of the 3 MV Van de Graaff electrostatic accelerator of Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI) in Tehran. The validity of present data was confirmed through thick target yield benchmarking procedure. The estimated systematic uncertainty is less than 9%.

Analysis of SEI Formation and Fast Charging on Lithium Loss in NMC/Graphite Cells

Fast charging of a Li-ion battery is a key requirement for the acceptance of electric vehicles. However, charging at high currents is known to accelerate battery degradation when not conducted in an appropriate operational window. One way to influence the viability of fast charging is to optimize the cell formation procedure. In this study, we investigated the effect of an accelerated formation protocol which was previously shown to benefit rate capability vs. a reference protocol [1]. We analyzed the effects of formation methods and charge rates on electrode surfaces with methods including Li nuclear reaction analysis (Li-NRA) [2,3,4] and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) as well as electrochemical experiments using three-electrode cells.The two SEI formation methods were applied and then the NMC/graphite cells were cycled at charge rates of 1C, 3C, and 5C for 100 cycles. Normalized capacity retention and post-mortem electrode analysis revealed that performance degradation is not merely attributable to lithium aggregation at the graphite anode surface (as has been suggested previously), but also to accelerated cathode degradation. The correlations of formation methods and charge rates on capacity fading, resistance, and Li concentration depth profiles on the anode surfaces by Li-NRA and SIMS analyses point to a small, but nonetheless significant role of cell formation on long term performance.Two NRA methods, proton induced gamma ray emission (PIGE) and deuteron induced particle emission (DIPE), and SIMS were employed to quantify the prevalence of lithium at the anode interface. Each showed a dependence of lithium amount on the charge rate, and to a lesser extent the formation procedure, even if the capacity retention for the two fastest rates was similar after 100 cycles. Such physical results illustrate that though the aggregation of lithium at the anode surface is important, degradation of the cathode may play a greater role in sustained electrochemical function.Using a three-electrode cell, we also deconvoluted the resistance at each electrode and found that the DC resistance of the cathode was more correlated with an observed increase in full cell resistance than that of the anode. We observed that aggregation of lithium at the anode under accelerated charging conditions alters the amount of reversible lithium inventory and thus the operating potential range of the cathode, yielding greater degradation.[1] B. K. Antonopoulos, C. Stock, F. Maglia, H. E. Hoster, Electrochim. Acta, 269 (2018), 331-339.[2] A. Schulz, D. DeRosa, S. Higashiya, M. Rane-Fondacaro, H. Bakhru, P. Haldar, J. Energy Storage 14 (2017), 106-111.[3] A. Schulz, D. DeRosa, S. Higashiya, M. Rane-Fondacaro, H. Bakhru, P. Haldar, J. Power Sources 360 (2017), 129-135.[4] M. Chebuske, S. Higashiya, S. Flottman, H. Bakhru, B. Antonopoulos, O. Paschos, F. S. Gittleson and H. Efstathiadis, Chem. Commun. 56 (2020), 14665–14668.

The effect of PbF2 doping on the structural, electrical and mechanical properties of (Bi,Pb)–2223 superconductor

The influence of PbF2 doping on the electrical and mechanical properties of Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2.1Cu3.2O10+δ superconducting phase was studied. (PbF2)x Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr2Ca2.1Cu3.2O10+δ samples were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The PbF2 content 'x' was varied from 0.0 to 0.3 of the sample’s total mass. The characterization of the prepared samples was established by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Proton Induced Gamma ray Emission (PIGE). Moreover, the electrical resistivity 'ρ(T)' and the transport current density 'J' measurements were carried out via four-probe technique. Phase examination by XRD indicated that the PbF2 doping enhanced the (Bi, Pb) –2223 phase formation up to x = 0.10. On the other hand, the high concentrations of PbF2 retarded the phase formation. Granular investigation, from scanning electron microscope, showed that the grain size was increased as x increased from 0.05 to 0.20 with more grain orientation and inter-coupling between superconducting grains. The results of electrical and mechanical measurements showed that the superconducting transition temperature (Tc), the transport critical current density (Jc) and the Vickers microhardness Hv were found to have optimal value at x = 0.1.

Influence of Lead Fluoride Substitution on the Physical Properties of ($$ {\text{Cu}}_{0.5} {\text{Tl}}_{0.5} $$)-1223 Phase

This work reveals the influence of lead fluoride on the physical properties of high-temperature superconductor samples \( \left( {{\text{Cu}}_{0.5 - x} {\text{Tl}}_{0.5} {\text{Pb}}_{x} } \right){\text{Ba}}_{2} {\text{Ca}}_{2} {\text{Cu}}_{3} {\text{O}}_{10 - \delta - y} {\text{F}}_{y} \), with (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10). The samples under investigation were synthesized by solid-state reaction method at normal pressure. Ion beam analysis techniques were employed to determine the elemental content of the starting materials. The fluorine content “y” was estimated using the proton-induced gamma-ray emission technique by the aid of a 3 MeV proton beam. It was correlated to the oxygen content which was obtained using the Rutherford backscattering technique. Moreover, the samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The XRD data have indicated that the partial replacement of \( {\text{Cu}}^{2 + } \) ions by Pb2+ ions and oxygen by fluorine in the reservoir layer do not alter the tetragonal structure of the samples. On the other hand, the values of the lattice parameters a and c were found to be varied with x according to the difference in the ionic radii of \( {\text{Pb}}^{2 + } \;{\text{and}}\;{\text{Cu}}^{2 + } \) as well as to the oxygen content. SEM analysis has revealed that lead fluoride substitutions improve the inter-grains connectivity of the prepared samples. FTIR analysis has shown that the apical oxygen, planar and the oxygen in reservoirs layers, modes are observed around 415–524 cm−1, 564–579 cm−1 and 680 cm−1, respectively. Moreover, a shift in all absorption peaks was observed in the pure sample of (CuTl-1223) phase, and new peaks were appeared according to the values of x. The physical properties of the samples were investigated using electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements at different values of the applied ac magnetic field. The granular response shows both inter-granular and intra-granular contributions. The values of the superconducting transition temperature (\( T_{\text{c}} \)) have shown an increase with x up to 0.06 wt% followed by a decrease with further increase in elements substitution.

Evaluation of enamel demineralization and fluorine uptake caused by gustatory stimulants of salivary secretion (GSSS) using Raman spectroscopy and proton induced gamma‐ray emission (PIGE)

AbstractIn this work, two gustatory stimulants of salivary secretion (GSSS) were studied using Raman microscopy to evaluate their potential demineralization effect in human enamel samples and proton induced gamma‐ray emission (PIGE) to quantify fluorine uptake. These pharmaceutical products are usually administrated to patients who have revealed xerostomia, namely, caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or diseases such as Sjögren's Syndrome. Traditional GSSS are composed of citric or malic acids that can promote enamel erosion by decreasing salivary pH below the critical level of hydroxyapatite demineralization (pH = 5.5). Recently, new GSSS composed of malic acid, fluorine, and xylitol were developed, which are supposed to decrease erosion potential risk and uptake fluorine in dental enamel. In this, in vitro study, 16 specimens of human enamel were randomized in two different groups exposed to two different GSSS: S group—SST® (with citric and malic acids, without fluorine) and X group—Xeros™ (with malic acid, fluorine, and xylitol) and analysed before and after treatment. The treatment simulated administration of four tablets per day during eight consecutive days. Statistically, significant increase in fluorine concentration was found in samples treated by Xeros™, whereas no significant differences were found in fluorine concentration for the ones treated using SST® treatment. No demineralization was found in dental enamel samples treated with either Xeros™ or SST®.

Evaluation of the radiation hazard for ion-beam analysis with MeV external proton beams (X-IBA)

Abstract MeV ion beams which are extracted into air or He atmosphere are used in many labs for proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), proton induced gamma ray emission (PIGE) or Rutherford backscattering (RBS) to analyze samples which are difficult or impossible to handle in vacuum. When MeV proton beams are extracted into air through thin Kapton foils or nowadays thin silicon nitride membranes, the protons will interact with air, as well as elements present in the analyzed samples. Typically the range of MeV protons in air is several cm, in Helium atmosphere several 10 cm and in human skin around 100 µm. Besides the severe radiation hazard in case of a direct exposure of skin with protons, there are a manifold of nuclear reactions or inelastic proton scattering processes which may cause activation of air and target materials but also prompt radiation. The radiation hazard associated with the direct and scattered beam, nuclear reaction products and radionuclide production in air have been discussed in a publication by Doyle et al. in 1991 which was used as a reference in several later publications. I have reevaluated the radiation hazards for external proton beams with up to 4.5 MeV using proton reaction cross sections taken from the JANIS book of proton induced cross sections. The radionuclide production in air is about 3 orders of magnitude lower compared to values given in the 1991 publication. Radionuclide production as well as generation of prompt alpha, gamma and neutron radiation in target materials for elements up to molybdenum is also evaluated.

Trace Metals and Source Identification of Air-Borne Particulate Matter Pollution in A Nigerian Megacity

Background: The megacity status of Lagos has led to increased pressure on the urban environment especially on air quality. Twelfth decade of serving as Nigeria former capital and currently the economic nerve centre of the country, there is yet no holistic information on source apportionment of atmospheric aerosols in the city. Hence, the study was conducted to provide an understanding of the chemical compositions and source identifications of PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter, dae ≤ 2.5 μm) and PM2.5-10 (2.5 μm<dae<10 μm) particulate matter over Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: Sampling of PM2.5 (fine) and PM2.5-10 (coarse) were collected on nuclepore polycarbonate filters using a low volume GENT sampler (Schlumberger Model: M250) equipped with double staged stacked filter units. A total of 192 samples were collected (96 of each fraction). Elemental analyses of both fractions were carried out using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) while Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) was also employed to complement for X-ray self-absorption effect among low Z elements by PIXE technique. Results: Data on twenty-four elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cs and Pb) detected in both particulate sizes were displayed, discussed. Receptor modelling of the data for source apportionment and identification were achieved for both fractions via positive matrix factorization (PMF). Five source categories with stable profiles were identified in both fractions. Conclusions: The study concluded that anthropogenic emissions from gasoline oil combustions, industrial, and biomass burning emissions were more predominant and could pose great hazard to Lagos receptors during the sampling period.

Undergraduate Research and Training in Ion-Beam Analysis of Environmental Materials

We have an active undergraduate research program at the Union College Ion-Beam Analysis Laboratory (UCIBAL) focused on the study of environmental materials. Accelerator-based ion-beam analysis (IBA) is a powerful tool for the study of environmental pollution because it can provide information on a broad range of elements with high sensitivity and low detection limits, is non-destructive, and requires little or no sample preparation. It also provides excellent training for the next generation of environmental scientists. Beams of protons and alpha particles with energies of a few MeV from the 1.1-MV tandem Pelletron accelerator (NEC Model 3SDH) in the UCIBAL are used to characterize environmental samples using IBA techniques such as proton-induced X-ray emission, Rutherford back-scattering, and proton-induced gamma-ray emission. Recent projects include the characterization of atmospheric aerosols in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, the study of heavy metal pollutants in river sediment, measurements of Pb diffusion in sulfide minerals to help constrain the determination of the age of iron meteorites, and the search for heavy metals and toxins in artificial turf.

Surface chemistry evolution of F‐doped Ni‐base superalloy upon heat treatment

Ni‐based superalloys with Al‐contents between 3 and 5 wt% exhibit insufficient oxidation resistance at temperatures above 900 °C. A change of the oxidation mechanism has been achieved after doping surface‐near regions with fluorine by ion implantation and subsequent heat treatment. With that, the formation of a protective alumina scale was observed. This study is dedicated to the nature of the kinetic bias for the alumina scale formation. The samples of alloy IN738 (3.5 wt% Al) were implanted with F‐ions (1017 F/cm2 at 38 keV). The depth profiles of O, Ni, Cr, Co, Ti, and Al were determined using secondary neutrals mass spectrometry (SNMS), whereas the F‐depth profiles were measured by non‐destructive proton‐induced gamma‐ray emission (PIGE). Directly after F‐implantation no Al‐enrichment near the surface was observed. After heating up to temperatures between 400 and 800 °C, no distinct alumina scale formation was observed. At 1000 and 1050 °C, a distinct Al‐rich region has formed. Extending the oxidation time up to 12 h leads to a pronounced Al‐profile, suggesting the growth of a pure alumina scale near the surface.

The complementarity of PIXE and PIGE techniques: A case study of size segregated airborne particulates collected from a Nigeria city

The Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique is a reliable ion beam analytical tool for the characterization of thin aerosol samples, but it can underestimate the lightest measurable elements (such as Na, Mg, Al and Si) owing to the absorption of their X-rays inside the sample. The Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) technique could be employed as avalid means to determine corrections for such an effect. Hence, in this study, Fine (PM2.5) and Coarse (PM10–2.5) particulate matter samples collected at Ikeja, Lagos-Nigeria, using a double staged ‘Gent’ stacked sampler were analyzed for their elemental concentrations using an external beam set-up for simultaneous PIXE and PIGE measurements. The measured PIXE concentrations as well as the PIGE correction factors for Na and Al detected in the PM10–2.5 samples (collected on polycarbonate Nuclepore membranes) are reported. The concentrations of 24 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cs and Pb) detected in both fractions were displayed, discussed and likely sources of these elements were also identified.

External beam’s nozzle design for the CRC cyclotron PIXE/PIGE

Recently, 13-MeV proton cyclotrons have been applied to non-destructive trace element analytical techniques, such as proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and proton-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE). A new extended beam line has been designed for PIXE/PIGE measurements in order to deliver protons to the target with minimal losses, thus reducing secondary radiation. A target chamber for PIXE/PIGE measurements is installed at the end of the extended beam line, and the beam size may be optimized by using a series of collimators that are located in front of the target. The optimized proton beam, with low currents (∼nA) for PIXE/PIGE experiments, requires a small beam size with variable energies from ∼10 keV to 3 MeV. Based on the ionization cross-section curve, a 3-MeV proton beam has been determined to be suitable for PIXE/PIGE measurements. Therefore, the 13-MeV protons extracted from the cyclotron must be reduced to 3 MeV, and this is achieved through the incorporation of an energy degrader. The appropriate thickness of the energy degrader has been estimated by using the stopping range in matter (SRIM) program. Also, suitable materials must be used for the construction of the collimator and the energy degrader in order to meet the requirements of low neutron activation due to the application of protons. In this study, we evaluated a number of suitable materials with low neutron yields and with little energy spread as the beam passes through the energy degrader and collimator. The appropriate thickness of the energy degrader for the reduction of the proton energy from 13 MeV to 3 MeV was determined using the SRIM code. Also, the neutron yield at the nozzle was estimated using the MCNPX code.

Investigation on trace and major elements in anti-asthmatic medicinal plants by PIXE and PIGE techniques

Five widely used anti-asthmatic medicinal plants of north-eastern region of India have been investigated by using Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Proton Induced Gamma ray Emission (PIGE) techniques. The elements namely K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se and Br were detected with different concentrations (in ppm level) by PIXE technique whereas light elements namely F, Na, Mg, Al, P and Cl by PIGE technique in the studied plants. No toxic heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Cd were detected. Analysis was performed on thick targets (pellets) prepared using the powders of specimens through a series of processing steps. Thick targets of plant based Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) were served as standardization of PIXE and PIGE set up. The trace elements present in the studied plants have been correlated with their medicinal properties.

Characterization of the beam profile for the PIXE/PIGE beam line at the CRC proton cyclotron

The calculated beam profile was compared with that measured from the proton induced x-ray emission / proton induced gamma ray emission (PIXE/PIGE) experimental line at one of several cyclotron research centers (CRCs), which were installed for the purpose of medical research in regional areas throughout Korea. The CRC cyclotron mainly accelerates protons in order to produce PET (positron emission tomography) radioisotopes such as F-18 and C-11 nuclides. To further the utility of the CRC cyclotron, an external beam line was designed and constructed for PIXE/PIGE measurement. The beam line consisted of a bending magnet, a Q-pole triplet, a Q-pole doublet, and a steering magnet. We observed the beam profile in order to obtain the emittance and the beam size, which were then used to determine the magnet field gradient of the quadrupole magnet. In this research, the emittance and the beam size were obtained using analytical and experimental methods.

Variability of total and mobile element contents in ash derived from biomass combustion

AbstractSeven samples of the ash derived from biomass, representing both fly and bottom ash, were analysed for a wide spectrum of total and mobile contents of nutrient and potentially risk elements. Several techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), proton-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) and proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) were compared. The results showed fairly good agreement between the XRF and INAA results, where the correlation coefficients (r) varied between 0.96 and 0.98. Lower contents documenting insufficient dissolution of the ash samples in the applied acid mixture were observed for both ICP-OES and AAS. In this case, weaker correlation with the INAA results not exceeding r = 0.7 were obtained. Therefore, the sample decomposition step is a bottleneck of the accurate analysis of this type of materials. For the assessment of plant-available portions of the elements in the ash samples, the Mehlich III extraction procedure and the extraction with a 0.11 mol L−1 solution of CH3COOH were applied. The results showed relatively low mobility of the elements (especially micronutrients) in the ash samples regardless of their source and composition, suggesting limited immediate effect of direct ash application as a fertilizer.

Size-fractionated airborne particulate matter characterization of a residential area near Islamabad airport by IBA methods

Size fractionated PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 airborne particulates collected from the airport housing society site in Rawalpindi were characterized using the non destructive ion beam analysis method. Proton induced X-ray emission and Proton induced gamma ray emission were employed to quantify 28 trace elements in fine and coarse filter samples. The average PM2.5 and PM2.5–10 masses were found to be 15.7 and 144 μg/m3, respectively which, when combined exceed the Pakistani limit for PM10 of 100 μg/m3. The average black carbon (BC) content was found to be 3.49 and 5.95 μg/m3 corresponding to 23.8 and 4.30% of the fine and coarse masses, respectively. The reconstructed mass (RCM) was calculated for both particle modes using 5 pseudo sources, namely soil, sulfate, smoke, sea salt and BC. It was found that 5 sources could account for 80.6 and 49.0% of the fine and coarse masses, respectively. The low value of RCM for the coarse mode may imply a much higher organic content. The major sources contributing to the fine mode were soil, sulfate and BC. Similarly for the coarse mass fraction it was found that soil was the major source whereas the sulfate and BC sources did not contribute as much.

ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF GROUND WATER USING PIXE AND PIGE TECHNIQUES

Water is the most important source of minerals for both human beings and animals. But at the same time, water is also a source of disease due to the contamination of various elements. Therefore, knowledge of the elemental content of water is important. In this work, water samples were collected from areas around Chandigarh and Bathinda district, Panjab, India. Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and proton-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) techniques were used for the determination of heavy and light trace elements, respectively, in wide varieties of water samples. A large number of elements, namely F, Na, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Pb , and U were detected in the samples and results are discussed.