Radionuclide Research Articles

Deep learning-based gamma spectroscopic analysis considering multiple variables for in situ applications

Gamma spectroscopy in environments with fluctuating temperatures, magnetic fields, and radiation doses can lead to inaccurate material analysis and increased radiation exposure for workers. In this manuscript, we propose a deep learning model that reduces human intervention and remains robust against variables in uncontrolled environments, thereby enhancing the applicability of gamma spectroscopy in the field. The process of establishing a dataset to train, validate, and test the deep learning model involved simultaneous consideration of multiple variables, including gain shifts, detector energy resolutions, the number of mixed radioisotopes (RIs), mixed RI ratios, and statistical fluctuations of the spectrum. The model was trained using multi-label learning to perform RI identification and quantification simultaneously. Specifically, the RI quantification output of our model structure was designed to predict full-energy peak areas and mixed ratios for each RI. Highlighting the importance of a high-performance training dataset, the training and validation results of the gamma spectroscopy model were analyzed in depth. In the test results, organized by RI type and number of mixed RIs, the model demonstrated that following: even under complex conditions with multiple variables, all outcomes for RI identification and quantification were predicted with high accuracy and precision, exceeding 98%.

Monte Carlo Simulation of Radioactive Elements Production in Tissues by Spallation in Cancer Therapy

Purpose: High-energy heavy ions generated by accelerators utilized in industrial and medical uses. Ar, C, and He heavy ions have been used in the treatment of cancer. In this research, it was tried to calculate the radioactive elements production in healthy tissues around tumors by heavy ions spallation process in the direct usage of high-energy ions for the treatment of cancerous tumors. Materials and Methods: The radioactive elements production in body tissues irradiated with heavy ions was calculated by Monte Carlo N Particle X-version (MCNPX) code based on the Monte Carlo method. The F8 tally card with FT8 command was utilized to derive the activation and spallation data in the range of Z1 to Z2 atomic numbers. Results: A wide range of radioactive elements was created in healthful tissues in Ne, C, Ar, and He heavy ions therapy. Results show that 10Be,14C, 26Al, 36Cl, 39Ar, 40K, 39Ar, 32Si, 22Na, and 36Cl radioactive materials were produced for high-energy heavy ions spallation in healthy soft tissue. Conclusion: The results of this research show that due to using directly high-energy ions to treat internal tumors, healthy soft tissue is activated. Also, by irradiated Ne, C, Ar, and He ions, the radioactive elements are produced with high gains and long half-lives. Therefore, in the therapy of cancerous tumors with high-energy ions, due to the production of radioactive agents, healthy tissues are at high risk.

Advancements in immobilization of cesium and strontium radionuclides in cementitious wasteforms—A review

AbstractThe safe and secure encapsulation or immobilization of nuclear waste, particularly low to intermediate‐level waste (accounting for ∼97% of the total volume of nuclear waste), has been a significant concern. Consequently, numerous studies have been conducted on various materials such as ordinary Portland cement‐based, bitumen, and ceramics for the purpose of waste encapsulation/immobilization. However, these studies generally offer a broad overview of materials performance without focusing on specific radioisotopes of concern. Cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) are important radioactive nuclides to consider for encapsulation, but the existing studies on immobilizing these elements are fragmented and lack a comprehensive understanding. This critical review article offers a thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis to uncover the primary trends/knowledge gaps within the field. It comprehensively delves into waste classifications/management and leaching assessments, followed by an exploration of the immobilization performance and durability issues of various traditional and advanced cementitious materials including low‐temperature chemically bonded ceramics such as alkali‐activated matrices and Mg‒K phosphates for the immobilization of Cs and Sr. Furthermore, the review article provides fresh insights and perspectives, including recommendations for improvements, novel technologies, and future trends in this domain.

Hazards and risks of non-destructive radiography method for the environment

In this paper, the effect of radiation hazards on the environment while using the non-destructive radiography method was investigated. The research was carried out by measuring the radiation amounts at 0.5 and 2 m distance from the exposure container with radioactive iridium-192 isotope used for tests with the radiography method. The tests were carried out in different positions in relation to the protective bunkers used in the company STSI Ltd. (Zagreb, Croatia) to reduce the radiation emission of the used radioactive isotope. The effectiveness of the protective bunkers in terms of reducing radiation in the environment is determined. In addition to examining the effects and hazards of radiation, the procedure for proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated by the non-destructive radiography method is described. Research has shown that the storage of exposure containers with radioactive iridium-192 isotope in the large protective bunker and the mini-bunker contributes to the improvement of environmental and personnel protection. The disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste after testing with the non-destructive radiography method has also proven to be of enormous importance for environmental protection.

Source term estimation using noble gas and aerosol samples

Algorithms that estimate the location, time, and magnitude of a point-source atmospheric release using remotely sampled air concentrations typically use data for a single chemical or radioactive isotope. A Bayesian algorithm is presented that uses data from multiple radioactive isotopes that are all released in the same short-duration event. Data from noble gas and aerosol samplers can be used simultaneously in the model. Application to a large synthetic data set using four isotopes shows the new algorithm generally gives more accurate location and time estimates than a comparable model using a single isotope.

Intensive agriculture, a pesticide pathway to >100 m deep groundwater below dryland agriculture, Cordoba Pampas, Argentina

Groundwater pesticide pollution in shallow groundwater is a well-established global phenomenon. However, deep aquifers are widely thought to be naturally protected from such modern contaminants, by confining geological barriers and upwards hydraulic gradients. Here we document pervasive pesticide pollution in >100 m deep artesian wells in a sedimentary aquifer below dryland agriculture. The vertical distribution of key groundwater markers, including numbers and concentrations of pesticides, stable (δ18O & δ2H) and radioactive (3H &14C) isotopes and ion concentrations were used to develop a conceptual model of pollutant transport to deep groundwater. Tritium, stable isotope and pesticide distributions in unconfined groundwater indicate that water table rise to <1 m below the surface (due to anthropogenic landscape modification and periodic flooding), has created a rapid pollutant ‘doorway’ to groundwater. Despite a lack of deep borehole pumping for irrigation, these rising water tables have permanently inverted previously upward hydraulic gradients towards the underlying semi-confined aquifer in some areas. Physical heterogeneities and/or leaky domestic boreholes then act as preferential transport avenues for surface pollutants to both unconfined and semi-confined groundwater. These pathways allow small aliquots of highly contaminated surface water and modern unconfined groundwater to mix with the pre-existing pre-modern deep groundwater, resulting in mixed isotopic signatures in deep wells (e.g., radiocarbon <5 pMC but detectable tritium) and detections of multiple synthetic pesticides in the deep aquifer, including AMPA at concentrations up to 4.93 µg/L and Metolachlor up to 0.015 µg/L. Our results demonstrate how semi-confined deep groundwaters may be contaminated by current agricultural techniques even where deep groundwater exploitation is limited. We urge measures to eliminate these pollutant pathways.

Force Fields, Quantum-Mechanical- and Molecular-Dynamics-Based Descriptors of Radiometal-Chelator Complexes.

Radiopharmaceuticals are currently a key tool in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Metal-based radiopharmaceuticals are characterized by a radiometal-chelator moiety linked to a bio-vector that binds the biological target (e.g., a protein overexpressed in a particular tumor). The right match between radiometal and chelator influences the stability of the complex and the drug's efficacy. Therefore, the coupling of the radioactive element to the correct chelator requires consideration of several features of the radiometal, such as its oxidation state, ionic radius, and coordination geometry. In this work, we systematically investigated about 120 radiometal-chelator complexes taken from the Cambridge Structural Database. We considered 25 radiometals and about 30 chelators, featuring both cyclic and acyclic geometries. We used quantum mechanics methods at the density functional theoretical level to generate the general AMBER force field parameters and to perform 1 µs-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit water solution. From these calculations, we extracted several key molecular descriptors accounting for both electronic- and dynamical-based properties. The whole workflow was carefully validated, and selected test-cases were investigated in detail. Molecular descriptors and force field parameters for the complexes considered in this study are made freely available, thus enabling their use in predictive models, molecular modelling, and molecular dynamics investigations of the interaction of compounds with macromolecular targets. Our work provides new insights in understanding the properties of radiometal-chelator complexes, with a direct impact for rational drug design of this important class of drugs.

The Aspects of Radiation Safety When Working With Ore from the Tomtor Integrated Rare Metal Deposit in Yakutia, Used as a Modifying Additive in Welding Materials

The results of measurements of the content of radioactive elements in ore samples from the Tomtor integral rare metal deposit are considered with the aim of safe use of ore with rare earth elements as a modifier of the weld pool during the processes of manual arc welding and fusing. It was revealed using a semiconductor gamma spectrometer that a significantly larger proportion of ionizing radiation activity is represented by the thorium-232 family. It is noted that natural concentrate is added to the composition of welding materials in very small quantities, and during welding operations in the room next to the welder, the values of the exposure dose rate will correspond to the initial radiation background in the room, therefore, both the welder and those people who will be in contact with the welded materials will not receive additional radiation dose to the natural background. It was concluded that the process of manufacturing the welding materials, welding, fusing and the use of welded structures are completely safe in terms of radiation.

Optimization of strontium removal by Tetraselmis chui grown in bubble column photobioreactors

Green microalgae of the class Chlorodendrophyceae have recently attracted the interest of researchers due to their ability to form micropearls (intracellular inclusions of amorphous calcium carbonate) highly enriched in Sr. The marine species Tetraselmis chui (included in the class Chlorodendrophyceae) shows high uptake of both stable and radioactive Sr isotopes and has been suggested as a potential candidate for the development of new bioremediation tools regarding radioactive 90Sr pollution. In this study, we optimized Sr removal from seawater by growing T. chui in 1-L bubble column photobioreactors (PBRs) with and without CO2 supply. Culturing T. chui in bubble column PBRs greatly improves cell production and Sr removal compared to previous studies. Furthermore, the addition of 10 mL L−1 h−1 CO2 further accelerates T. chui growth and results in better Sr removal rates. This study presents promising results for the development of new bioremediation methods to treat 90Sr pollution.

Development of Target Holder for the First Experiment on an Alternative Route for 64Cu Radioisotope Production by Secondary Neutron Irradiation of a 64ZnO Target

The target holder, as part of the target system for cyclotron-based radioisotope production, plays a crucial role in successful radioisotope production. The target holder has to be designed and developed so that it will not deform or melt should a beam of energetic particles irradiate the target. In this work, we develop and test a target holder for 64Cu radioisotope production. The thermal distribution and structural analysis are simulated using ANSYS software. Based on the ANSYS simulation results, a maximum temperature of 84°C occurred on the titanium foil, while the maximum temperature in the target holder body was 35.6°C when an 11-MeV proton beam with a beam current of 25 μA was bombarded on the target holder. We successfully test the target holder, and for the first time, we experimentally produce a 64Cu radioisotope by secondary neutron irradiation of the 64ZnO target. Using 11-MeV protons with a proton beam current of 25 μA incident on a 1-mm Ti foil for 5 min, we were able to generate secondary neutrons, and then the secondary neutrons irradiated 1 g of the enriched 64ZnO target. Copper-64 produced from the 64Zn(n,p)64Cu nuclear reaction was eventually detected using a portable gamma spectrometer, and its radioactivity was measured using a dose calibrator. For the first time, this experimental study confirmed that as much as 48.8 ± 6.2 MBq/μAh radioactivity of 64Cu was produced with no observed radioactive impurities.

Reflections on governing Japan’s discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water: from the perspective of building a Maritime Community with a shared future

Since August 2023, Japan has discharged some eight rounds of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water, totaling some 62,800 tons. Despite global criticism and domestic opposition, the Japanese government continues with this discharge plan, anticipating its continuance for decades. As distinct from conventional nuclear wastewater discharges from nuclear power plants, Japan’s recent discharges of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water will release a significant number of radioactive nuclides into the ocean. It is foreseeable that the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water will adversely affect various sectors, including the marine environment, human health, the seafood trade, the maritime economy, and the international marine legal order. Currently, the governance of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharge faces three major dilemmas: insufficient participation by stakeholders, outdated regulations, and a crisis of trust. The concept of a titular Maritime Community with a Shared Future (MCSF) could address the discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water, incorporating diverse interests while also considering both current and future development. This paper argues that it is imperative to jointly engage in negotiation within the perspective of MCSF, to jointly build a governance mechanism and advance the update of rules, and to share data and information sustainably to manage the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water.

Results of a Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study Comparing Indocyanine Green (ICG) Fluorescence Combined with a Standard Tracer Versus ICG Alone for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer: The INFLUENCE Trial

BackgroundFor clinically node-negative early breast cancer patients, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using dual localization with blue dye and radioisotope (RI) is currently standard of care. Documented disadvantages with these tracers have prompted exploration of alternative agents such as fluorescent indocyanine green (ICG), which demonstrates high detection rates combined with other tracers. Results of a randomized study evaluating ICG as a single tracer for SLN identification are presented.MethodsOverall, 100 patients with unilateral, clinically node-negative, biopsy-proven invasive breast cancer (≤5 cm) scheduled for SLNB were recruited in two separate randomized cohorts, with 50 patients receiving ICG alone. Cohort 1 received ICG alone (n = 25) or combined with RI [Technetium99] (n = 25), while Cohort 2 received ICG alone (n = 25) or combined with blue dye (n = 25). The primary outcome was sensitivity for SLN identification.ResultsAmong evaluable patients (n = 97), the overall SLN identification rate was 96.9% (ICG alone = 97.9%; ICG + RI = 100%; ICG + blue dye = 92%). Node positivity rates were 14.9% for ICG alone, 16% for ICG combined with RI, and 20% for ICG combined with blue dye. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in performance parameters, with ICG alone being non-inferior to tracer combinations for procedural node positivity rates when adjusted for specific factors.ConclusionThese results support potential use of ICG as a sole tracer agent for routine SLNB, thereby avoiding disadvantages of RI and/or blue dye. The latter can be safely withheld as a co-tracer without compromising detection of positive nodes in primary surgical patients.

Exploratory research on the multi-life stages mesh-type model of Caenorhabditis elegans in radiation ecology

To address the lack of effective dose quantification methods for the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in radiation ecology research, this study employs remeshing techniques to develop a comprehensive mesh-type model covering multi-life stages, from embryonic to larval (L1, L2, L3, L4) and adulthood. Using these models, Dose Coefficients (DC) for C. elegans in a soil environment under different exposure conditions (external and internal), material settings, and radioactive nuclides (³H, ⁶⁰Co, ⁹⁰Sr, 12⁹I, 1³1I, 1³⁴Cs, 1³⁷Cs) were calculated with the Monte Carlo toolkit Geant4. The results show that the difference in DC, when C. elegans material is set as either biological material or water, is within 5%. Under external exposure conditions, the impact of life stages on the population's average DC is minimal (with a maximum deviation not exceeding 10%). However, the distribution within the population varied significantly across life stages (under external exposure to 137Cs, the dispersion was 12.02% for adults and a considerably higher 60.30% for larvae). The earlier the life stage, the greater the variability in DC distribution within the C. elegans population. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicates a strong relationship between DC and life stages under internal exposure scenarios. The mesh-type model of C. elegans established in this study provides a valuable tool for radiation ecology research and has potential applications in broader research fields.

Recommendations from the Galician Oncological Society and the Galician Society of Nuclear Medicine for the use of 177Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand-therapy in prostate cancer.

Theragnostic is a type of precision medicine that uses molecules linked to radioactive isotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In recent years, it has gained significant importance to treat neuroendocrine tumors and is currently being used in prostate cancer. Various radiopharmaceuticals have emerged for diagnosing and detecting lesions showing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positivity on the Positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan, being the most widely used labeled with [68Ga] and [18F]. Its use as therapy in prostate cancer (PC) has been assessed in the VISION, TheraP, and PSMAfore clinical trials conducted with the radioligand [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, demonstrating significant antitumor activity. The aim of this article is to present practical recommendations, based on current available scientific evidence and on a multidisciplinary consensus, for the diagnosis and treatment with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in patients with PC.

Assessment of the annual effective dose and lifetime cancer risks associated with tritium in groundwater within different age groups

Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that emits low-energy radiation. When humans are exposed to tritium, the primary concern is internal exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin. The severity of the adverse health effects depends on the duration, amount, and route of exposure. Therefore, estimating the tritium levels in groundwater and the corresponding health risks within different age groups is essential. The annual effective dose is determined by considering several factors, including the concentration of tritium, the volume of water consumed, and the duration of exposure. The calculated annual effective doses were then compared to the safety limit as directed by international organizations. The estimated tritium concentration in the searched groundwater samples was significantly low, ranging from 0.014 to 0.114 Bq/L. The annual effective dose of tritium exposure for infants, children, and adults varies from 0.028 to 0.605 μSv/y and is within the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations. The lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) for the consumer in the searched areas was estimated for males and females based on the average lifetime. Mortality and morbidity rates varied slightly between males and females across samples due to differences in activity concentrations and locations. However, the estimated LTCR values were below the radiological cancer risk limit. These findings will provide valuable insights to regulatory authorities, assisting them in developing strategies to ensure public safety against human exposure to tritium.

Ways to reduce radioactivity accumulation in the kidney during targeted therapy using small molecules, peptides and antibody fragments

Administration of pharmaceuticals containing radioactive isotopes and capable of specific binding to certain proteins is one of the approaches used in the treatment or diagnosis of malignant tumors. High renal accumulation of radioactive compounds after administration of radioconjugates with molecular mass less than 70 KDa is of the challenges that need to be solved. The purpose of the study was to identify the most effective approaches to reduce the accumulation of radioactivity in the kidneys after administration of radioconjugates used for diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy for cancer. Material and Methods. We conducted a literature search on the topic of the review in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from 1987 to 2023, 82 articles were used for writing the review. Results. The review presents a description of approaches used to improve the biodistribution of radioconjugates, mainly in preclinical studies. The advantages and disadvantages of such techniques have been described. Conclusion. Reducing renal radioactivity using radioconjugates of molecules with molecular masses less than 70 KDa is a challenging but achievable task. It is concluded that the use of cleavable linkers in such radioconjugates is highly promising, since this approach does not change the pharmacokinetics of such drugs. It is noted that the advantage of introducing concomitant substances compared to changing the structure of radioconjugates is a lesser dependence on the characteristics of a particular radiopharmaceutical. This approach also does not require prior work to modify the radioconjugate, but has limited efficiency.

Nanoscale dosimetry for a radioisotope-labeled metal nanoparticle using MCNP6.2 and Geant4.

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) labeled with radioisotopes (RIs) are utilized as radio-enhancers due to their ability to amplify the radiation dose in their immediate vicinity. A thorough understanding of nanoscale dosimetry around MNPs enables their effective application in radiotherapy. However, nanoscale dosimetry around MNPs still requires further investigation. This study aims to provide insight into the radio-enhancement effects of MNPs by elucidating nanoscale dosimetry surrounding MNPs labeled with Auger-emitting RIs. We particularly focus on distinguishing the respective dose contributions of photons and electrons emitted by Auger-emitting RIs in the context of dose enhancement. A 50nm diameter NP of silver (Ag) core and gold (Au) shell (Ag@Au NP) was assumed to emit mono-energetic electrons and photons (3, 5, 10, 20, and 30keV), or the energy spectrum corresponding to one of three Auger-emitting RIs (103Pd, 125I, and 131Cs) from the Ag core. Nanoscale radial dose distributions around a single radioactive Ag@Au NP were evaluated in spherical shells of water. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted using single-event and track structure transport methods implemented in MCNP6.2 and Geant4-DNA-Au physics, respectively. To evaluate the extent of radio-enhancement by the Ag@Au NP, two scenarios were considered: Ag@Au NPs (Au shell included) and Ag@water NPs (Au shell replaced by water). The radial doses of 10, 20, and 30keV electrons estimated by both codes were comparable. However, the radial doses of 3 and 5keV electrons by MCNP6.2 were much larger near the NP surface than those by Geant4. There was a dose enhancement of a few % to tens % by the Au shell in the region of the NP surface to 10µm, depending on the electron energy. The radial doses of photons with the Au shell were higher up to their secondary electron ranges than those without the Au shell. The maximum dose enhancement factor of photons occurred at 20keV and was 63.4 by MCNP6.2 and 50.5 by Geant4. The overall radial doses of electrons were 1-2 orders of magnitude larger than those of photons. As a result, in cases of RIs emitting both electrons and photons, the radial doses up to electron ranges were dominantly governed by electrons. The dose enhancement estimated by both codes for the RIs ranged from a few % except in the immediate vicinity of the NP surface. Given the dominant contribution of electrons to radial doses of MNP labeled with Auger-emitting RIs, physical dose enhancement expected by interactions with photons was hindered. Since there are no available RIs emitting exclusively photons, achieving enhanced physical doses within a cell through a combination of MNPs and RIs appears currently unattainable. The radial doses of photons near the NP surface exhibited considerable discrepancies between the codes, primarily attributed to low-energy electrons. The difference may arise from higher cross-sections of Au inelastic scattering in Geant4-DNA-Au compared to MCNP6.2.

Radiotracer Innovations in Breast Cancer Imaging: A Review of Recent Progress.

This review focuses on the pivotal role of radiotracers in breast cancer imaging, emphasizing their importance in accurate detection, staging, and treatment monitoring. Radiotracers, labeled with radioactive isotopes, are integral to various nuclear imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission mammography (PEM). The most widely used radiotracer in breast cancer imaging is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), which highlights areas of increased glucose metabolism, a hallmark of many cancer cells. This allows for the identification of primary tumors and metastatic sites and the assessment of tumor response to therapy. In addition to 18F-FDG, this review will explore newer radiotracers targeting specific receptors, such as estrogen receptors or HER2, which offer more personalized imaging options. These tracers provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics of tumors, aiding in tailored treatment strategies. By integrating radiotracers into breast cancer management, clinicians can enhance early disease detection, monitor therapeutic efficacy, and guide interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Ongoing research aimed at developing more specific and sensitive tracers will also be highlighted, underscoring their potential to advance precision medicine in breast cancer care.

Real-time detection and discrimination of radioactive gas mixtures using nanoporous inorganic scintillators

The nuclear industry’s expansion to encompass carbon-free electricity generation from small modular reactors and nuclear fuel reprocessing necessitates enhanced detection and monitoring of pure beta-emitting radioactive elements such as 3H and 85Kr; this endeavour is crucial for nuclear safety authorities tasked with environmental monitoring. However, the short range of electrons emitted by these gases makes detection challenging. Current methods, such as ionization chambers and liquid scintillation, do not offer at the same time good sensitivity, real-time analysis and ease of implementation. We demonstrate an approach using a gas–solid mixture to overcome these limitations. We synthetized a transparent and scintillating nanoporous material, an aerogel of Y3Al5O12:Ce4+, and achieved real-time detection with an efficiency of 96% for 85Kr and 18% for 3H. The method reaches a sensitivity below 100 mBq per cm3 over 100 s measurement time. We are able to measure simultaneously as mixtures containing both 3H and 85Kr a capability not possible previously. Our results demonstrate a compact and robust detection system for inline measurement of strategic radioactive gases. This combination of concept and method enhances nuclear power plant management and contributes to environmental safeguarding. Beyond the detection issues, this concept opens a wide field of new methods for radionuclide metrology.

Geochemical exploration for tantalum in coltan-rich pegmatites at Bewadze-Mankoadze area of the Kibi-Winneba Belt, southern Ghana: Constraints from exploratory data analysis

The Bewadze-Mankoadze pegmatites in the Kibi-Winneba Belt of Ghana host several columbite group minerals (WGM) and wodginite group minerals (WGM) as well as other rare and radioactive elements such as uraninite and cesium. In this study, petrographic studies of rock samples from pegmatite outcrops and statistical analysis of the major and minor elements were conducted to identify the pathfinder elements of a new tantalum deposit in the area. Ten samples were obtained from each town for whole-rock geochemistry and thin sections were prepared from some of the samples taken for petrographic analysis. The petrographic analyses showed the presence of quartz, K-feldspars, plagioclase, muscovite, spodumene, albite, tourmaline, columbite group minerals, and montebrasite, which indicate that the studied samples are granitic pegmatites. The geochemical data of the 10 samples obtained from each town showed high concentrations of Cr, Cs, Rb, Sm, and Ta. The Ta concentrations ranged from 10.5 to 773 ppm with an average value of 260 ppm. Q-Q plots showed outliers and variations from the dataset's normal distribution, which were fixed by centred log-ratio transformation and demonstrated to be normal by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. Spearman correlation revealed that Sc, Ga, Nb, and Cs showed a moderate to strong correlation with Ta. Factor analysis indicated elemental association of Ta with Cs, Zn, Nb, MgO, Sc, Ga, and V. Three (3) multi-element relationships were discovered by hierarchical cluster analysis: (1) As, La, Hf, CaO, U, Co, Pb, Ce, Ba and Na2O, (2) V, Nb, Ta, Ga, Sc, Cr, Cu, Nb and MgO, and (3) Ni, SiO2, Cs, Zn, Sm, Rb, K2O, Y, Th, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. Hence, a comparison of the results of the multivariate statistics established Sc, Ga, Nb, and Cs as the pathfinders of tantalum in the Bewadze-Mankoadze area. Geochemical anomalies involving these elements can be observed in the south-western portion of the study area, according to single and multi-element halo mapping. It is therefore recommended that exploration activities for tantalum mineralization should focus on the south-western part of the study area, where the anomalies of the pathfinder elements are located.