Proton-induced X-ray Emission Analysis Research Articles

Elemental Profiling of Common Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants of Swat and Peshawar Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan: An Investigation Using PIXE and ICP-OES.

The use of medicinal plants is integral to addressing liver, heart, lung, and other metabolic issues. These plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which collectively help in lowering intestinal glucose absorption and increasing insulin secretion by pancreatic tissues. Elemental analysis, encompassing major, minor, and trace elements, was performed on various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants collected from different regions of Swat and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. This analysis utilized proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) techniques. Our PIXE and ICP-OES analysis revealed the presence of major (Ca, K, S, P), minor (Si, Cl), and trace (Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cr, and Sc) elements in various parts (leaves, roots, and seeds) of the 16 anti-diabetic medicinal plants studied. Specifically, elements such as Ca, K, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se were detected, all of which are known to contribute in maintaining normal glucose metabolism. Notably, Zn and Se are crucial trace elements for the synthesis, secretion, and action of insulin. Significant Zn concentrations were observed in ten anti-diabetic medicinal plants: Albizia lebbeck (AL), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Citrus medica (CM), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), Hyoscyamus niger (HN), and Martynia annua (MA), and significant Se concentrations were observed in twelve medicinal plants, i.e., Albizia lebbeck (AL), Allium sativum (AS), Atropa acuminata (AA), Avena fatua (AF), Cannabis sativa (CS), Capparis spinosa (CaS), Commiphora wightii (CW), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Datura alba (DA), Daucus carota (DC), Ziziphus mauritiana (FM), and Hyoscyamus niger (HN). Our study's elemental analysis using PIXE and ICP-OES on various parts of 16 medicinal plants identified a significant number of useful elements. Elements such as Ca, K, S, P, Al, Si, Cl, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Cr were identified and quantified. These findings support the potential use of these plants in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of elemental profiling in understanding their therapeutic properties.

A novel modified CPE using CE-Zno-Lapis lazuli nanocomposite as a sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of anti-cancer drug of etoposide

Etoposide (EP) is one of the anticancer drugs with wide application and many side effects. Therefore, it is very important to provide a simple, fast and sensitive measurement method to monitor the treatment of patients treated with this drug. In the upcoming research, etoposide has been measured using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with a new green synthesized nanocomposite. To prepare the nanocomposite, first the Lapis lazuli stone was ground by rubbing in a stone mortar. Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of processed Lapis lazuli showed the presence of specific mineral phases such as SiO2, CaO, Al2O3, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and Fe2O3 that are associated with Lapis lazuli sources. The resulting Lapis lazuli was used as a substrate in nanocomposite synthesis. In the next step, Cuscuta epithymum (CE) extract was used as a reduction and capping agent for the green synthesis of Zno-Lapis lazuli nanocomposite, abbreviated as CEZLNCs. Finally, electrochemical determination of etoposide (EP), an anti-cancer drug, was conducted with the novel sensor based on the modified CPE with CEZLNCs (CEZLNCs/CPE). The electrochemical behavior of EP was investigated on modified (CEZLNCs/CPE) and unmodified (CPE) electrodes. The linear relationship between peak current and concentration in the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique of EP was linear in the range of 0.04–120 μM with a low detection limit of 2.7 nM. The effect of different species on EP measurement was investigated to determine the selectivity of the CEZLNCs/CPE electrode. EP was measured in drug, human serum and urine samples by using the CEZLNCs/CPE electrode.

EPMA and PIXE Analyses of High Grade Metamorphic Rocks

Background/Objectives: The demand for exact quantification analyses in complex ore assemblages is increasing rapidly as mineral processing studies become more sophisticated. In response to this need, an Electron Micro Probe Analysis and Proton Induced X-ray Emission complementary based analytical tool procedure for the chemical characterization of minerals was employed to study the metamorphic rocks. Methods : In this work, we compare the quantitative analysis of high-grade metamorphic rocks by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) with that of the previous analyses by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). During this investigation, the PIXE analytical method on a nuclear microprobe was added to the previously well-known EPMA for the chemical quantification of high-grade metamorphic rocks from the Charnockite Hill, Visakhapatnam, A.P., India. For the evolution and geochemical characterization of the metamorphic rocks, the above two methods are compared and discussions are made with respect to certain elements. Findings: Particle-induced X-ray emission is well-matched except for certain elements for the chemical characterization of metamorphic rocks belonging to earth material samples. This comparison with EPMA demonstrates the elemental quantification characteristics for such analyses. Not only is an exploratory study of proton induced X-ray emission benefit presented, but also a synopsis of comparison with electron probe microanalysis aimed at a responsible reply to metamorphic rock analytical questions. Novelty: The complementary technique, especially EPMA, is required to fill the elemental gaps that are not determined in the case of matrix complex charnockite compositional analysis by PIXE with 3MeV and a Si (Li) detector. Keywords: Electron and Proton Microprobes; Complementary Techniques; Metamorphic Rocks; Elemental Analysis

Proton microprobe analysis with 3 MeV and Si (Li) detector at Z < 17 elements in charnockite composition

The low Z elements in the matrix charnockite composition are the problem, according to proton induced X-ray emission analysis with 3 MeV energy and a Si (Li) detector. The charnockite composition analysis with a proton microprobe is affected by the energy of the ion beam, the X-ray yield of a number of atoms, the ionisation cross-section, the energy-dependent detection efficiency of the semiconductor detectors used, and several other aspects. It's difficult to compute the absolute concentration of component Z < 17 in an unknown charnockite matrix. As a result, modifying the dimensions of the detector, window, or incident proton beam energy can be used to evaluate light elemental sensitivity. Low Z elements in charnockite matrix materials can also be discovered using complementary analytical methods.

Rf measurements and tuning of the 1-m-long 750 MHz radio-frequency quadrupole for artwork analysis

The 750 MHz PIXE-RFQ (radio-frequency quadrupole), developed and built at CERN, provides 2 MeV protons over a length of one meter for proton-induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXE) of cultural heritage artwork. In this paper, we report low-power rf measurements and tuning of the PIXE-RFQ, which have been completed mid-2020. Using a novel algorithm based on direct measurements of the response matrix, field and frequency could be tuned at the same time in only two steps to satisfying accuracy. Additionally, we report measurements of single modules, quality factors, and coupling strength. In all cases, very good agreement between rf measurement and design values was observed.

A comparison of waste recycling facilities for their contribution of heavy metals and trace elements in ambient air.

A multi-elemental analysis, including heavy metals and trace elements in ambient air samples, was conducted for computers, wires, lead batteries, and iron extraction facilities in Lahore by proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy. The data obtained from PIXE analysis revealed the presence of Mg, Al, Zn, S, Pb, K, Ti, Fe, Si, K, and Cr elements at e-waste recycling facilities. The computer dismantling site revealed a higher concentration of Fe (634.7 μg/m3), Al (176.8 μg/m3), Pb (135.4 μg/m3) and Zn (122.5 μg/m3) in the air samples. The decreasing order of heavy metals and trace elements contribution at the computer dismantling site was as Si > Fe > Al > Pb > Zn > Mg > Ca > Cr > K > S > Ti. Similarly, at wires/cables burning site, a higher concentration of Fe, Al, and Pb (829.8 μg/m3, 184.5 μg/m3 and 115.6 μg/m3, respectively) were observed, and the elements revealed a descending trend as Si > Fe > Al > Zn > Pb > Mg > Ca > Cr > Ti > K > S. The lead batteries dismantling site showed the highest Pb concentration (141.2 μg/m3) due to the disassembling of lead acid batteries. Al, Zn, Fe, and Cr also revealed higher concentration in air samples and exhibited a declining trend as Si > Fe > Al > Pb > Zn > Cr > Ca > Mg > Ti > K > S. However, the highest concentration of Fe (865.7 μg/m3) was detected in air samples of iron extraction sites besides Al and Zn. The descending order of trace elements contribution was Si > Fe > Al > Zn > Mg > K > Ca > Ti > S. Furthermore, the correlation between workers' awareness and their possible health impacts were also examined in the study. Most of the workers were less aware of the hazardous impacts. Majority of workers and residents were suffering from a respiratory illness (27.5% and 32.5%), kidney failure (15% and 22.5%), and neurological disorders (15% and 7.5%), respectively, due to exposure of airborne particulate matter which could be correlated with the higher concentration of heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Zn, and Fe in the ambient air at the e-waste recycling sites.

Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of the Chinese yam

The Chinese yam is a major component of the Japanese diet consumed in raw and cooked form. It is important to determine the nutrient contents of yam, which contains high potassium levels; a simple measurement method is required. We performed proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of fully grown and immature yams. Analysis of the yam trunk, skin, and hair roots revealed that the skin potassium concentration was 10-fold higher than that of the trunk; consumption of the skin is thus recommended. Longitudinal measurements of mineral concentrations in a growing yam revealed that the concentrations increased in the growth direction.

Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of white birch milk

We subjected white birch milk to X-ray emission analysis. The mineral levels changed over time. White birch seasonality (sprouting in early spring and fruition in autumn) affected the mineral levels.

Mercury concentration in hair collected from women in artisanal small-scale gold mining areas in Camarines Norte, Philippines

After the conclusion of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the use of mercury (Hg) has been prohibited worldwide, except in some developing countries. The Republic of the Philippines is one of the 128 signatories of the Convention. There are many artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations in the Philippines that still use Hg to amalgamate gold. In order to know the direct effect of exposure to Hg on women’s hair, we performed the proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of Hg concentrations in the hair samples collected from women at risk of Hg contamination, in both ASGM and non-ASGM areas in Camarines Norte, Philippines. At the same time of the hair sampling, we also conducted interviews with the women about their lives. From the analysis results, we found that the range of Hg concentrations in the hair samples was at a safe level, with no significant difference between the ASGM and non-ASGM areas. An analysis of the effect of diet on Hg concentrations in the hair samples showed a tendency toward higher Hg concentrations in women who ate more fish. Our results through hair analysis did not show a direct effect of exposure to atmospheric Hg, but further survey of local people should be necessary to reduce the risk of Hg contamination in women even after the use of Hg in ASGM eventually comes to an end.

Structural, optical and magnetic properties of pure and rare earth-doped NiO nanoparticles

Pure and a series of rare earth element (RE) (Er, Sm, Gd, Pr and Y)-doped NiO nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated by co-precipitation method in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol as a capping agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques were used to investigate the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared samples, respectively. The XRD patterns indicated that all the samples exhibited a single phase of face-centered cubic crystalline structure. TEM images displayed a spherical morphology of weakly agglomerated NPs. Furthermore, the chemical compositions were identified by proton-induced X-ray emission and Rutherford backscattering analysis. The metal oxide (Ni–O) functional group was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with its observed band varying from 419.3 to 433.3 cm−1, depending on the RE doping element. The optical properties of the RE-doped NiO NPs were studied using UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. A small blueshift was obtained in the optical spectra of the RE-doped samples as compared to the undoped samples, implying an increase in the optical band gap. The study of the room temperature magnetic properties was done using the vibrating sample magnetometer, which revealed the coexistence of antiferromagnetic and weak ferromagnetic ordering in pure and RE3+-doped NiO NPs. The magnetization increased depending on the magnetic moments of RE dopant ions. Also, the origin of the anomalous ferromagnetism in the prepared samples may be mainly related to Ni vacancy defects, which were evinced from the results of PL.

RBS, PIXE, Ion-Microbeam and SR-FTIR Analyses of Pottery Fragments from Azerbaijan

The present work is aimed at the investigation of the ceramic bulk and pigmented glazed surfaces of ancient potteries dating back to XIX century A.D. and coming from the charming archeological site located in the Medieval Agsu town (Azerbaijan), a geographic area of special interest due to the ancient commercial routes between China, Asia Minor, and Europe. For the purpose of the study, complementary investigation tools have been exploited: non-destructive or micro-destructive investigation at elemental level by ion beam analysis (IBA) techniques, by using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectroscopy and ion-microbeam analysis, and chemical characterization at microscopic level, by means of synchrotron radiation (SR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy. The acquired information reveals useful for the identification of the provenance, the reconstruction of the firing technology, and finally, the identification of the pigment was used as a colorant of the glaze.

Rf design studies on the 750 MHz radio frequency quadrupole linac for proton-induced x-ray emission analysis

The proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) is the most commonly used ion beam analysis technique. It allows for nondestructive quantitative elemental characterization and is used in a variety of fields, particularly for the diagnosis of cultural heritage artwork. To provide mobile access to PIXE, a compact transportable radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac has been designed and is being built at CERN. The PIXE RFQ has a length of only one meter and accelerates a proton beam to an energy of 2 MeV. This paper covers various rf design studies for the RFQ operating at 750 MHz. We show simulation results regarding cavity, equipment, and coupler geometry. Thermomechanical and beam dynamics studies are presented as well. The paper concludes with a conceptual study on dipole mode detuning by means of length adjustment.

Trace Elements Analysis by Pixe Spectroscopy

Abstract The trace element analysis system is presented using Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis at a new Ion Beam Centre in Trnava. Standard PIXE system dedicated to the measurement of thick solid samples was extended by a new application for trace element analysis in aerosol samples. The sample holder was modified with respect to the dimensions of the aerosol filters, and a new sample holder and a Faraday cup (FC) were made. The first results of the PIXE aerosol analysis are presented in this paper. Furthermore, the geometric efficiency of the detection system was verified using 55Fe radioactive source emitting monoenergetic Mn X-ray lines. The measured data were compared with the Monte Carlo simulations regarding/disregarding the X-ray attenuation.

Nano Zero-Valent Iron Mediated Metal(loid) Uptake and Translocation by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbioses.

Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) has great potential in the remediation of metal(loid)-contaminated soils, but its efficiency in metal(loid) stabilization in the plant-microbe continuum is unclear. This study investigated nZVI-mediated metal(loid) behavior in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal-maize ( Zea mays L.) plant association. Plants with AM fungal inoculation were grown in metal(loid)- (mainly Zn and Pb) contaminated soils (Litavka River, Czech Republic) amended with/without 0.5% (w/w) nZVI. The results showed that nZVI decreased plant metal(loid) uptake but inhibited AM development and its function in metal(loid) stabilization in the rhizosphere. AM fungal inoculation alleviated the physiological stresses caused by nZVI and restrained nZVI efficiency in reducing plant metal(loid) uptake. Micro proton-induced X-ray emission (μ-PIXE) analysis revealed the sequestration of Zn (possibly through binding to thiols) by fungal structures in the roots and the precipitation of Pb and Cu in the mycorrhizal root rhizodermis (possibly by Fe compounds originated from nZVI). XRD analyses further indicated that Pb/Fe mineral transformations in the rhizosphere were influenced by AM and nZVI treatments. The study revealed the counteractive effects of AM and nZVI on plant metal(loid) uptake and uncovered details of metal(loid) behavior in the AM fungal-root-nZVI system, calling into question about nZVI implementation in mycorrhizospheric systems.

PIXE Analysis of Synthetic Turf

We performed a proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of synthetic turf blade and crumb rubber infill samples to search for heavy metals and other possibly toxic substances. Samples were collected from eight FieldTurf athletic fields installed in the Capital District of New York between 2009 and 2016. The samples were bombarded with proton beams from the 1.1-MV tandem Pelletron accelerator in the Union College Ion-Beam Analysis Laboratory and the emitted X-rays were measured using a silicon drift detector with an energy resolution of about 130 eV. All of the infill samples contained Zn at levels above soil standards. Approximately 17% of the infill samples contained measurable concentrations of Pb and one had a level (110 ± 10 ppm) exceeding soil standards. Bromine was detected in approximately 42% of the infill samples with a maximum concentration of 1500 ± 200 ppm and may be due to the presence of brominated flame retardants. The distributions and relative concentrations of elements measured in synthetic turf blade samples of different colors are indicative of the metal-oxide pigments used to color the blades. For example, V and Bi observed in yellow blade samples are from the environmentally friendly, yellow pigment bismuth vanadate.

Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of trace elements of total atmospheric deposit (TAD) around a smelting industry: Aerial pollution monitor

ABSTRACTThis study monitored total atmospheric deposit (TAD) around a smelting plant in Ile-Ife, Nigeria to assess the contributions of the industry to Nigeria's air-shed pollution. Samples were collected for 12 consecutive months using an Australian model gauge, harvested after 30 d of exposure, filtered and dried to constant weights using oven. Monthly deposition rates were determined and elemental characterizations of the TAD samples were done using proton-induced X-ray emission technique. Results revealed that the monthly deposition rates ranged from 0.69 to 4.62 gm−3 and was more pronounced in Harmattan. Twenty-three elements were detected; their total elemental concentrations ranged from 1.23 to 13.63 mg m−3 with Fe having the highest concentrations, while Na has the least. Pearson correlation indicated that some elements have common sources and/or similar chemical properties; enrichment factor showed that Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn were extremely enriched in the study area, modified degree of contamination (3.75) and pollution load intensity (1.21) showed that the neighborhoods could be exposed to high air pollution related impacts. Positive matrix factorization model revealed three distinct sources: Smelting emission (63%), biomass burning (17%), and suspended input material emissions (21%). The study concluded that the smelting activities posed a great hazard to receptors around the smelting industry.

Use of a medical positron emission tomography cyclotron to perform proton-induced X-ray emission analysis

We explored whether medical positron emission tomography (PET) cyclotron proton beams could be used for proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The beam current of the medical PET cyclotron is high, as required for radioisotope production, and is not commonly used for PIXE analysis. We successfully extracted stable proton beams of low intensity by using the ion source of a medical cyclotron to exploit proton impurities in deuteron gas. We performed 20-MeV PIXE analysis of a biological sample (used tea leaves). Elements lighter than Sr could be detected with high sensitivity ([Formula: see text]14 ppm) using a silicon drift detector. We thus showed that a medical cyclotron widely used for PET diagnosis could be employed for PIXE analysis of biological samples.

On PIXE Analysis of Medical Samples: Thalassemia &amp; Wilson

The contents of six elements (Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn) for medical samples of 30 patients (15 with wilson's disease and 15 with Thalassemia's disease) were determined by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method. In analysis of these samples, abnormal contents of Cu for wilson's disease and of Fe for Thalassemia's disease were observed which shows that for these cases the situation of patient's illness is very serious.

PIXE analysis of early Yue wares from Shangyu and Nanjing (2nd–6th centuries AD)

Proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique was used to analyze the samples of celadon, kiln slag and non-celadon ware from kiln site dating from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Six Dynasties in Shangyu, Zhejiang Province, as well as the celadon samples from city site and tombs of the Six Dynasties in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The results show that the early celadon is of high calcium glaze system and there is no historical change in the composition of body of celadon unearthed from the kiln sites. According to analysis of Rb-Sr-Zr of the body, the only two celadons probably origin from Shangyu area.

Determination of the chemical composition of medieval glazed pottery from Drastar (Bulgaria) using PIXE/PIGE and LA-ICP-MS

Fifteen samples of medieval glazed pottery from Drastar (present day Silistra), Bulgaria, dated between 10th and 18th centuries AD were studied. The element concentration of the glazes was determined by Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Proton Induced Gamma Emission (PIGE) analysis. The composition of the clay bodies was studied by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) after pelletization of the powdered clay. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was used for characterization of the clay bodies.After subtraction of the PbO and CuO content, the comparison between the compositions of the clay bodies and the glazes revealed that both the calcareous and the non-calcareous samples were glazed using lead oxide by itself followed by firing in oxidizing atmosphere. Furthermore, it was shown that iron, copper and manganese oxides were used to achieve the desired colors.