Radioactive Materials Research Articles

Radiation doses received by humans in their dwellings – A baseline report on radionuclides exposure from construction materials used in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Gamma-ray spectrometry was employed to assess the activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in various construction materials, including those used for building, roofing, furnishing, flooring, and plastering. The measured activity concentrations of the radionuclides ranged as follows: 238U (25 to 477Bqkg–1), 232Th (below detection limit to 239Bqkg–1), and 40K (285 to 1915 Bq kg–1). Based on these values, the materials were categorized in descending order of radioactivity threat as: Furnishing > Roofing > Building > Flooring > Plastering. The potential radiation dose and radiological hazards to occupants from continuous exposure were estimated using risk parameters. The absorbed dose rates for flooring (217.7 nGy h–1), building (286.9 nGy h–1), furnishing (353.1 nGy h–1), roofing (322.5 nGy h–1), and plastering (176.8 nGy h–1) were all found to exceed both the world average value and the typical indoor gamma dose rate of 84 nGy h–1. This study highlights significant radiological risks to inhabitants associated with the use of certain materials in building construction. These include clay tiles for roofing, wood, specific granite varieties (reddish/brown granite), and certain types of bricks (fly ash, burnt, and AAS). Environmental ImplicationMaterials used for construction of buildings contain naturally occurring radioactive materials such as uranium, thorium, potassium and radon, which can emit radiation. The radioactivity in these materials becomes a significant concern for both health and safety as it impacts the building and its occupants. When exposed to such natural radioactivity constantly, over a period of time, the dwellers might be at significant radiological risks and by monitoring radionuclides, potential health risks can be identified early, allowing for preventive measures to be taken before significant exposure occurs. This helps protect occupants from unnecessary radiation exposure and health hazards.

Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in polymetallic nodules and potential health risks from deep-sea mining

The activity concentration of U-238, Ra-226, Pb-214, Bi-214, and Pb-210 was measured in samples of polymetallic nodules stored in the repository of the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM) based in Szczecin, Poland. The nodule samples were collected from the seabed of the Pacific Ocean, within the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, approximately 2,000 kilometres west of Mexico. The activity concentration of U-238 in the studied samples ranged from 9 to 51Bqkg-1. The mean activity concentration of the other radionuclides, Ra-226, Pb-214, Bi-214, and Pb-210, was found to be at comparable levels at 350, 321, 323, and 287Bqkg-1, respectively. Also investigated was the potential radiological hazard to individuals involved in the storing and processing of the nodules, resulting from the radioactive decay of Ra-226 contained in the nodules. It was concluded that the effective dose limit (20mSv) for individuals occupationally exposed to radioactive material can be exceeded in the case of prolonged and close contact with large quantities of nodules. Effective protective measures against the detected radiation include: observing the exposure time, ensuring safe distance from the source of radiation, and selecting suitable shielding where feasible within the operational constraints of the nodule transport or storage system.

Review of nuclear medicine imaging used in medical diagnostics

In this review, we will provide an overview of the role of nuclear medicine in Medical Diagnostics. Nuclear medicine is defined as the diagnosis and treatment of disease using radiolabeled compounds known as radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear imaging produces images by detecting radiation from different parts of the body after a radioactive tracer material is administered. The images are recorded on a computer and film. Different types of nuclear imaging tests have different preparation instructions. Nuclear imaging is used primarily to diagnose or treat illnesses. Conditions diagnosed by nuclear medicine imaging include: Blood disorders, Thyroid disease. including hypothyroidism, Heart disease, Gallbladder disease, Lung problems, Bone problems, and kidney disease. Nuclear medicine, in combination with radiological modalities, gives extra information for diagnosis, prognosis, staging, treatment management, and the evaluation of responses to therapy in a non-invasive manner.

Oxidative stress on the male reproductive organs of wild mice collected from an area contaminated by radioactive materials in Fukushima

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident caused the release of large amounts of radioactive material into the environment. Radiation from radionuclides cause DNA lesions, mainly via oxidation, which adversely affect wild organisms by damaging their germ cells. Here, we investigated the effects of radiation on the reproductive organs of Japanese field mice (Apodemus speciosus) by estimating the dose rate of radiation exposure, the accumulation of DNA lesions, and the expression of DNA repair enzymes. In highly contaminated areas, mouse testes received a radiation dose rate > 0.1 mGy/d. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection, there is a very low probability of effects in the reference rat species at this exposure level. The results of the current study do not definitively conclude that the expression of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 and superoxide dismutase in mouse testes increase with dose rate and lifetime dose. However, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine accumulation increases in a dose rate- and lifetime dose-dependent manner in mouse testes, but is not observed in the sperm of the cauda epididymis. These results suggest that, although DNA lesions occurred in male germ cells of Fukushima mice, most were successfully repaired by DNA repair enzymes at the observed gene expression level.

Impact of adding bismuth oxide nanoparticles functionalized with graphene oxide nanosheet on the polyvinyl chloride shielding properties

This study investigates the enhancement of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by incorporating Bi2O3-GO nanocomposites. We produced nanocomposites with varying concentrations (1, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt%). The prepared samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were also used. As well as the shielding effectiveness against ultraviolet rays and gamma radiation from 137Cs and ⁶⁰Co sources at energies of 662, 1173, and 1275 keV. Results indicate that the addition of Bi2O3-GO significantly improves the thermal stability of PVC, as evidenced by higher decomposition temperatures from TGA. The absorption coefficient increases, while energy gap values decrease with increased nanofiller weight concentrations. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) also rises with increasing nanofiller content and decreases with higher gamma-ray energies. Results were consistent with Phy-X software simulations. The sample with 10% wt of Bi2O3-GO composite demonstrated a highly fast neutron removal cross section (FNRC) and reduced mean free path (MFP). This indicates strong potential for use as a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to lead-based shielding materials. These PVC/Bi2O3-GO nanocomposites could be effectively utilized in radiation barriers and protective screens in settings involving neutron and low-energy gamma radiation, such as in radiography and radioactive material management.

Uma Proposta de Atuação em Acidentes Nucleares

This article examines the effects of nuclear accidents, highlighting Chernobyl and Goiânia as examples of tragedies that crossed national borders and impacted public perceptions regarding the safety of radioactive materials. The author emphasizes the need for adequate protection protocols to minimize risks and respond effectively to emergencies. The proposal includes creating specialized medical teams and implementing radioprotection measures within the Brazilian Air Force to ensure a swift and efficient response to nuclear accidents.

Calculation and application research on real-time source term diffusion in NPP auxiliary building under accident circumstances

Abstract In the light of radioactive material leakage (due to containment bypass or failure) to the auxiliary building and its service compartments under severe accident circumstances, key techniques related to accident source terms in the nuclear emergency building were researched. During the research, the source-term diffusion and migration patterns were simulated in the building compartments, including the simulation of the gradual diffusion and decay process (driven by circulating air) of fission-derived gases and aerosol toward each compartment. Besides that, by taking a M310 unit at Fangjiashan NPP as the application object, the scenarios of initial accidents of LB/MB/SB-LOCA, MSLB and SGTR were chosen to establish a real-time diffusion calculation model for in-building radioactive source terms under nuclear accident circumstances. While considering the circumstances before and after being intervened by accident mitigation measures, the concentration distribution of radionuclides in the auxiliary building and personnel total-exposure radiation dose rate were quickly assessed online, and a basis was provided for the visualization of radiation dosage and the assessment of received radiation dosage and injury & death hazards during personnel activities outside the main control room.

Pre-declaration Fetal Dose Assignment and Predictive Full term Fetal Dose at Medical Facilities.

Many medical facilities across the United States use ionizing-radiation-producing machines and radioactive materials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes on a regular basis. While institutions are required to ensure full-term fetal doses are below the regulatory limit, clear guidance on how pre-declaration fetal doses should be estimated is not available. This paper provides a process that can be used to estimate the pre-declaration fetal dose and provides a predictive screening tool for licensees to use to recommend workload adjustments prior to actual fetal dosimetry results that could exceed the institutions derived investigation levels. The evaluation process presented herein serves as a guide for medical licensees when performing fetal dose evaluations for declared pregnant workers.

Regulations for the transport of nuclear and radioactive materials in Brazil

The transportation of radioactive material involves a set of procedures as varied as they are complex, justifying its strong standardization. This article aims to demonstrate that the collaborative effort between two Brazilian licensing agencies, which resulted in the elaboration of a Joint Technical Note, was justified considering the legislative process. By consolidating various norms and procedures – from the configurations of packages containing radioactive material to the training program for drivers responsible for transportation, including environmental safety of routes – it proves to be a facilitator of the work for everyone involved in this activity. In conclusion, it is shown that there is strong standardization of this activity in Brazil and that the legislative process is dynamic, reflecting natural improvements in technical and legal aspects inherent to the nature of the material involved.

Legal regulation of combating nuclear terrorism: national and international aspects

The article deals with the issue of legal regulation of the fight against nuclear terrorism. The purpose of the article is to highlight the problems of legal regulation of the fight against nuclear terrorism. The authors of the article conducted a retrospective review and analyzed the state of development of Ukrainian legislation in the field of legal regulation of the fight against nuclear terrorism. As a result of such consideration, it was determined that the last decades of the 20th century, as well as the 21st century, showed that the greatest threat is terrorist organizations that have an international (transnational) character and are connected to organized criminal societies. Terrorist organizations have largely reoriented themselves from single murders or serious explosions of conventional explosives to active attempts to acquire or manufacture means of mass destruction with the subsequent threat of use. The level of risk of using nuclear weapons and radioactive materials can be pre-estimated by threats of committing acts of nuclear terrorism and theft of nuclear materials. The authors of the article provide separate data related to terrorist acts, as well as the most dangerous cases of their abduction. The article analyzes the basis of the provisions of the International Convention on Combating Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The authors concluded that the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism plays a key role in ensuring nuclear security. Before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, Ukraine was considered to be an example of a consistent and balanced policy in the field of nuclear non-proliferation. The events that have been going on in Ukraine for almost three years have shown that nuclear legislation, both international and domestic, in the sphere related to the use of nuclear energy is imperfect and does not provide adequate answers to many questions. Externally, the political activity of states that possess nuclear weapons is decisive for the future of humanity, for the survival of human civilization. To prevent the unthinkable - the destruction of life on earth, to defend peace - there is no more important task for all peoples of our planet today. According to the authors, it is expedient to develop and adopt an international act on the norms of relations between nuclear states, which would be of great importance.

Skin absorption of metals derived from hydrogenated stainless particles in human skin: Results from the TITANS project

Workers involved in the decommissioning and removal of radioactive material from nuclear power plants can come into contact with tritiated dust from stainless steel. This study aimed to investigate metal penetration and permeation after skin contamination with these particles.Static diffusion Franz cells were used with intact, damaged, or broken human skin. Stainless steel particles 316 L were applied to the donor phases, and the receiving solutions were collected at regular intervals for 24 h to determine the amount of metals that penetrated the skin. The effectiveness of the decontamination procedure was investigated after 30 min using water and soap. The metal content in the skin was evaluated after 24 h of exposure. Metals detected were Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Cu, Mo.For Ni, Mn, and Cu, we found a significant increase in metal permeation in all treated cells compared with the blank (p < 0.02). For Co and Cr, permeation through the skin was significant only in the decontaminated and broken cells (p < 0.05). Decontaminated skin presented higher metal permeation for Ni, Co and Cu compared to intact skin (p < 0.05) while broken skin presented, as expected, the higher permeation profile (p < 0.05) for all metals. The metal that was more represented inside the skin was Cr, with more than 15 μg/cm2 for intact skin. Ni inside the skin reached the 10.2 ± 8.5 μg/cm2 for intact skin.Overall, the levels of metals in the receiving solution were very low in the case of intact and damaged skin contact, and the metal levels significantly increased only in the case of broken and decontaminated skin.More relevant appears Skin content with sensitizing metals (Ni, Cr, and Co) that can induce allergic sensitization or cause allergic contact dermatitis in subjects already sensitized.

Contrasting pathogen prevalence between tick and dog populations at Chornobyl

BackgroundThe 1986 disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant released massive amounts of radioactive material into the local environment. In addition to radiation, remediation efforts and abandonment of military-industrial complexes contributed to contamination with heavy metals, organics, pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of this contamination on the local ecology. However, few studies have reported the effect of this contamination on vector-borne pathogens and their hosts. In this manuscript, we characterize tick-borne pathogen presence at two sample locations within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, one at the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and another 16 km away in Chornobyl City (CC).MethodsTicks and whole-blood samples were collected from free-breeding dogs captured at the NPP and CC. Endpoint PCR and quantitative PCR were used to identify tick species and to assess the presence of specific tick-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Francisella tularensis and general Anaplasmataceae. A droplet digital PCR assay was developed for Babesia canis and A. phagocytophilum to evaluate their presence in dogs from the two populations. Pathogen prevalences between the two sample populations were compared by calculating Z-scores.ResultsTicks were identified as Ixodes ricinus (n = 102) and Dermacentor reticulatus (n = 4). Overall, 56.9% of I. ricinus ticks were positive for at least one pathogen. A significantly higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi was found in ticks at the NPP (44.0% and 42.0%, respectively) compared to CC (23.1% and 19.2%, respectively). Babesia spp. (including B. canis and B. caballi) were detected in 8.8% ticks at similar proportions for both populations. Interestingly, we found a significantly lower level of A. phagocytophilum in dogs at the NPP (1.8%) than in dogs at CC (11.7%). In total, 24.3% of dogs were positive for B. canis, evenly distributed across the two populations.ConclusionsThe results of this study show contrasting pathogen prevalence in both ticks and dogs at the NPP and CC, which may reflect the differential exposures at the two locations. This work adds an important new component to our understanding of the consequences of prolonged exposure to environmental contamination on the wildlife and ecology within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.Graphical

ACE and chitotriosidase as possible predictive biomarkers for activity of sarcoidosis in correlation with PET/CT findings

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease which can afflict virtually any tissue in human body, most commonly the mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs. Pathohistological confirmation is the gold standard in establishing a diagnosis; however, determining the activity of the disease requires multiple clinical, radiographic and laboratory procedures. PET/CT scan is considered the gold standard for determining the presence of active granuloma, but has several significant limitations (radioactive material, cost, overall access to device). ACE and chitotriosidase are biomarkers used for diagnosis of sarcoidosis, and could have a place in determining the activity of the disease, when compared with the results of PET/CT scan. We have compared the levels of ACE and chitotriosidase with the levels of SUVmax values in patients with sarcoidosis. SUVmax and chitotriosidase level were significantly correlated both at the baseline and after the follow-up period, regardless of gender, age, duration of disease and radiography stage, while SUVmax and ACE level were not. Chitotriosidase had also shown a significant predictive ability of the decrease of the activity of sarcoidosis represented as the decrease of SUVmax as the effect of therapy in comparison with ACE. In the absence of ideal biomarker for sarcoidosis (high sensitivity, specificity and stability), chitotriosidase can be used in determining the activity of disease, as it had shown a significant correlation to the gold standard- PET/CT scan.

Modeling the radon build-up in a closed environment using developed OpenFOAM solver

AbstractModeling radon (222Rn) development in confined environments aids in predicting radon levels in dwellings and underground spaces, where radium 226Ra in building materials and soil emits radon gas via radioactive decay. Radon accumulates in poorly ventilated places, creating an inhalation hazard. In OpenFOAM, a C+ +-based computational tool, an existing heat conduction solver was adapted to simulate radon accumulation, considering radon's radioactive characteristics and material non-uniformity through which radon will permeate. The solver was validated against theoretical values in a one-dimensional system and then applied to study radon dispersion in containment, with potential for broader applications.

Optimization of Placement of Continuous Air Monitors in a Radiological Facility

AbstractThe airborne concentration of radioactive materials in radiological facilities is primarily influenced by the ventilation system, air purification system, and emission sources. Continuous Air Monitors (CAMs) are installed in these facilities to monitor the activity concentration of radioactive aerosols during both routine operations and any malfunctioning conditions. Typically, CAM placement is determined by the direction of maximum airflow. However, aerosols do not always adhere to the behaviour of airstreams, raising concerns about the suitability of CAM placement. To address this issue, this study employs software that integrates aerosol dynamics with computational fluid dynamics to calculate the CAM Placement Parameter. This parameter is derived from the peak aerosol concentration and the lag time to reach the specified CAM location, indicating the relative merit of positioning CAMs in a radiological facility under varying ventilation rates. The findings suggest that the coupled aerosol-fluid dynamics model accurately predicts the optimal placement of CAMs in workplace environments, thereby minimizing occupational exposure.

A pilot study to directly estimate radiation-induced mutation in large Japanese field mouse duo sample, mother and offspring, excluding unknown father, using ddRAD sequencing.

DNA mutations are one of the effects of radiation exposure. A large amount of radioactive materials was released into the environment from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after a major earthquake and tsunami. Wild animals and plants living in highly radiation-contaminated areas are constantly exposed to high doses of radiation, and concerns occur about its effects on their health and the next generations. As a pilot study, double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing was conducted to assess the incidence of mutations in wild large Japanese field mice collected from the evacuation area. The optimal combination of restriction enzymes, encompassing the functionally important coding regions, was selected using in silico analysis. These enzymes were used for ddRAD sequence analysis of females and their fetuses to evaluate mutation rates. The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in mutation rates between mothers and fetuses in the study areas.

Bayesian approach for inferring two-dimensional location of a radioactive material using distributed detectors

Our research team developed a small probe to measure and analyze the environmental radiation at the sampling site for nuclear inspection. The location and activity of the radiation source are estimated using data obtained from multiple probes. In this study, Bayesian inference was applied to infer the location and activity of the radiation source. The experiments were conducted under the one-source and two-source conditions, with the same area, distribution of the probes, and measurement time. To quantitatively express how well the inferred coordinates represent the actual coordinates, the coefficient of determination was calculated. Root Mean Square Error was used to express the errors in the inferred data. In addition, measurement experiments were conducted in high-radiation areas near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Our model can provide sufficient information for inferring the location of leaked material and evaluating the safety in various environments such as nuclear verification, accidents, or terrorist activities.

Mechanical properties and radiological implications of replacing sand with waste ceramic aggregate in ordinary concrete

The mining of aggregates for the production of concrete creates ecological problems. In this study, the effect of partially replacing sand as fine aggregate (FA) with waste ceramic tiles (WCT) on the density, compressive strength (CS), specific radioactivity of naturally occurring radioactive materials (238U, 232Th, and 40K), and the radiation shielding competence of concrete was investigated. Ordinary concrete samples consisting of cement, fine aggregate (river sand), coarse aggregate (granite), and water were prepared in 50 mm × 50 mm x 50 mm cubical steel moulds. The samples were coded as C-WCT0, C-WCT5, C-WCT10, C-WCT15, C-WCT20, and C-WCT25, representing concrete samples in which the FA component was replaced by 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% pulverized WCT, respectively. The CS and density of the samples were determined after 7-, 14-, and 28-day curing periods. The gamma spectrometric method was used to determine the specific activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K using a hyper pure germanium detector. The photon and neutron shielding parameters of the concrete blocks were calculated with the aid of the EPICS2017 cross-section library and relevant standard formulae. The mean CS for each concrete category increase with curing age. The density of the concrete varied from 2213 kg/m3 to 2488 kg/m3 as the FA replacement level rose to 15%. Using WCT as a partial replacement for FA altered the chemical composition and decreased the specific activities of 238U, 232Th, and 40K, in the concrete samples. C-WCT15 had the best gamma photon and fast neutron absorption features among the concrete samples. The use of WCT as aggregate in concrete production is a sustainable and environmental-friendly way of producing concrete for general civil engineering and shielding applications in medical and other radiation facilities. This study also affirms that using alternative materials with lower specific activity to replace sand is radiologically desirable in reducing the indoor radiation dose of occupants of concrete-based structures. The replacement of 15% sand by WCT produced stronger, radiologically safer, and more effective radiation absorbing concrete.

Exploring geothermal energy prospects through radioelement enrichment zones in Gabal Abu Hashim area in southeastern Aswan by geophysical and remote sensing data integration

Alteration zones in the Eastern Desert are promising for minerals and geological resources exploration. Remote sensing and geophysical techniques offer cost-effective tools for identifying new exploration sites. Additionally, their use in mapping potential alteration zones is crucial for enhancing exploration. Geophysical and remote sensing data are integrated to perform a comprehensive study of minerals alteration associated with radioactive materials under controlling geological structures. This study aims to explore the associated radiogenic heat and geothermal energy to expand the geothermal resources assessments. The study utilizes Spectral Angle Mapper classification, band algebra, principal component analysis (PCA), surface lineament density, and decorrelation stretch techniques and Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to enhance the mapping of mineralized alterations in the study area. It uses VNIR-SWIR ASTER data to identify hydrothermal alteration minerals and dominant alteration zones, also Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) offers two adjacent thermal bands, benefiting land surface temperature (LST) radiation from space in the Gabal Abu Hashim area. The area contains minerals alteration indicators like chlorite, alunite, illite, kaolinite, sericite, with less abundant ferrous minerals and epidote. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS) was used to identify naturally occurring radioactive anomalous zones, including potassium (K), equivalent uranium (eU), and equivalent thorium (eTh), to estimate the radiogenic heat production (RHP) in selected areas of the study area. The examination of AGRS data indicated that the studied region has radioelement concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 148 ppm, 18 to 144 ppm, and 0.004 to 9% of (eU), (eTh), and (K), respectively, indicating the existence of various rock types. The Radioelements Composite Image (RCI) successfully highlighted the radioelements enriched zones associated with younger granite, older granite, and metamorphic rocks, particularly those with extensive hydrothermal alteration. The results successfully discriminated alteration zones associated with radioelements K, U, and Th potential parts in the regional shear oblique zone. The weighted overlay GIS model was used to produce the alteration zones potentiality map, and to identify five zones of significant variations in heat production across different geological formations. The northern and southeastern regions demonstrate high alterations and land surface temperature corresponding to areas of high fault density and shear zones. The results of this study reveal that the proposed methods of remote sensing and AGRS data are effective in detecting areas rich in K, eU, and eTh in alteration zones associated with high radiogenic heat production in younger granite, older granite, and metamorphic rocks.

Application of iron oxide and its composites containing carbon nanoparticles to the solution of environmental problems

The radioactive materials and the secondary waste after a nuclear power plant accident pose a big environmental problem. The nontoxic iron oxide and iron oxyhydroxide, and their composites with carbon materials were applied to solve the problem. Coal oxide produced by modified Brodie method using coal, NaOH, and γ-Fe2O3 were treated by a hydrothermal process. When the diluted dispersion mixture was treated with SrCl2, the composite particles were attracted to a magnet. On the other hand, the composite without SrCl2 was not attracted. This means only the SrCl2-adsorbed composite can be recovered by a magnet. Hematite doped with various amounts of Nb was synthesized. Its catalytic activities for photo-Fenton reaction were investigated for degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2 under visible light. Nb-doped hematite calcined at 600 ºC produced smaller particles and showed higher catalytic activity than those calcined at 700 ºC. It was shown that the sample with higher Nb doping showed a better catalytic activity, i.e., the sample with 40 atomic percent of Nb calcined at 600 ºC has the highest catalytic activity. The hematite with 7.4 atomic percent of Nb calcined at 600 ºC showed unique characteristics since it has rapid decomposition rate of MB as well as ferrimagnetic-like characteristics, which makes it separable by a magnet. The polymorphism of iron(III) oxyhydroxide was controlled by adding acetic acid, ethylenediamine, and citric acid. The lepidocrocite obtained by adding the additive of citric acid resulted in the presence of citric acid in the particles and revealed a large specific surface area and negative Zeta potential, which showed an extremely high catalytic activity of MB decomposition for photo-Fenton reaction.