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Cleveland D, Hinck JE, Lankton JS. Elemental and radionuclide exposures and uptakes by small rodents, invertebrates, and vegetation at active and post-production uranium mines in the Grand Canyon watershed. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:127908. [PMID: 32835973 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The effects of breccia pipe uranium mining in the Grand Canyon watershed (Arizona) on ecological and cultural resources are largely unknown. We characterized the exposure of biota to uranium and co-occurring ore body elements during active ore production and at a site where ore production had recently concluded. Our results indicate that biota have taken up uranium and other elements (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, copper, molybdenum, uranium) from exposure to ore and surficial contamination, like blowing dust. Results indicate the potential for prolonged exposure to elements and radionuclides upon conclusion of active ore production. Mean radium-226 in deer mice was up to 4 times greater than uranium-234 and uranium-238 in those same samples; this may indicate a potential for, but does not necessarily imply, radium-226 toxicity. Soil screening benchmarks for uranium and molybdenum and other toxicity thresholds for arsenic, copper, selenium, uranium (e.g., growth effects) were exceeded in vegetation, invertebrates, and rodents (Peromyscus spp., Thomomys bottae, Tamias dorsalis, Dipodomys deserti). However, the prevalence and severity of microscopic lesions in rodent tissues (as direct evidence of biological effects of uptake and exposure) could not be definitively linked to mining. Our data indicate that land managers might consider factors like species, seasonal changes in environmental concentrations, and bioavailability, when determining mine permitting and remediation in the Grand Canyon watershed. Ultimately, our results will be useful for site-specific ecological risk analysis and can support future decisions regarding the mineral extraction withdrawal in the Grand Canyon watershed and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cleveland
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA.
| | - Jo Ellen Hinck
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Julia S Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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Xiao G, Liu Y, Jones RL. Determination of 226Ra in Urine Using Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 191:ncaa180. [PMID: 33184663 PMCID: PMC8116344 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Measuring 226Ra in urine at low levels is critical for both biomonitoring and radiological emergency response. Here we report a new analytical method to quantify 226Ra, as developed and validated by a simple dilute-and-shoot procedure, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry detection using 'No Gas MS-MS' mode. The method provides rapid and accurate results for 226Ra with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.007 ng/l (0.26 Bq/l). This LOD is well below the recommended action levels for 226Ra detection in children and pregnant women (C/P) set by the Clinical Decision Guide (NCRP Report #161). Results for 226Ra obtained by this method are within ±7.0% of the target values of standard reference materials spiked in the urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Xiao
- Inorganic and Radiation Analytical Toxicology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop S110-5, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Yongzhong Liu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Integrated Science Solutions, Public Health, Health Business Unit, 2987 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Robert L Jones
- Inorganic and Radiation Analytical Toxicology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop S110-5, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
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3
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Ko YG. Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited layers as alpha sources for alpha-particle spectrometry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07398-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Guérin N, McMullin D, Fabian X, Kramer-Tremblay S, Gagné A, Gale A. ROUTINE METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF TRACE AMOUNTS OF 226Ra IN URINE BY ALPHA SPECTROMETRY. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2019; 187:174-182. [PMID: 31322666 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncz152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
226Ra is considered one of the most radiotoxic naturally occurring radionuclides. A new routine method was developed to measure traces of 226Ra in urine. Radium was pre-concentrated from a 2 l urine sample using manganese oxide (MnO2) particles. The MnO2 precipitate was dissolved and the organic matter was broken down. Then, potential radiological interferents were removed using DGA and AGMP1 stacked resin columns. A barium sulphate (BaSO4) micro-precipitation was performed before measuring the sample by alpha spectrometry. A good recovery of 60 ± 10% and excellent alpha resolution were obtained. The minimum detectable activity (MDA) was 0.2 ± 0.1 mBql-1. The method was validated using spiked samples and can be completed in 5 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Guérin
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), 286 Plant Road, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Chalk River, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle McMullin
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), 286 Plant Road, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Chalk River, ON, Canada
| | - Xenia Fabian
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), 286 Plant Road, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Chalk River, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila Kramer-Tremblay
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), 286 Plant Road, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Chalk River, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandre Gagné
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), 286 Plant Road, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Chalk River, ON, Canada
| | - Ashley Gale
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), 286 Plant Road, Analytical Chemistry Branch, Chalk River, ON, Canada
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Minter KM, Jannik GT, Hinck JE, Cleveland D, Kubilius WP, Kuhne WW. Biota Dose Assessment of Small Rodents Sampled Near Breccia Pipe Uranium Mines in the Grand Canyon Watershed. HEALTH PHYSICS 2019; 117:20-27. [PMID: 30889103 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The biotic exposure and uptake of radionuclides and potential health effects due to breccia pipe uranium mining in the Grand Canyon watershed are largely unknown. This paper describes the use of the RESRAD-BIOTA dose model to assess exposure of small rodents (n = 11) sampled at three uranium mine sites in different stages of ore production (active and postproduction). Rodent tissue and soil concentrations of naturally occurring uranium (U, U, and U), thorium (Th, Th, and Th), and radium (Ra) radioisotopes were used in the dose model. The dose assessment results indicated that the potential internal, external, and total doses to rodents were below the US Department of Energy's biota dose standard of 1 mGy d. As expected, tissue concentrations of U, U, and Th were in approximate equilibrium; however, Ra results in tissue were 1.25 to 5.75 times greater than U, U, and Th tissue results for 10 out of 11 samples. Soil at the three sites also displayed Ra enrichment, so it is likely that the Ra enrichment in the rodents was from soil via typical activities (i.e., burrowing, incidental ingestion, bathing, etc.) or by dietary uptake of translocated Ra. The results suggest that Ra is more mobile in this environment and bioaccumulates in these rodent species (e.g., in bones via the bloodstream). Internal dose accounting suggests that Ra is the radionuclide of most concern for rodent exposure and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Minter
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC
| | - G Timothy Jannik
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC
| | - Jo Ellen Hinck
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO
| | - Danielle Cleveland
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO
| | | | - Wendy W Kuhne
- Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC
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Cleveland D, Hinck JE, Lankton JS. Assessment of chronic low-dose elemental and radiological exposures of biota at the Kanab North uranium mine site in the Grand Canyon watershed. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2019; 15:112-125. [PMID: 30136757 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
High-grade U ore deposits are in various stages of exploitation across the Grand Canyon watershed, yet the effects of U mining on ecological and cultural resources are largely unknown. We characterized the concentrations of Al, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, Tl, Th, U, and Zn, gross alpha and beta activities, and U and Th radioisotopes in soil, vegetation (Hesperostipa comata, Artemisia tridentata, Tamarix chinensis), and rodents (Peromyscus maniculatus, P. boylii) to waste material at the Kanab North mine, a mine with decades-long surficial contamination, and compared the concentrations (P < 0.01) to those at a premining site (Canyon Mine). Rodent tissues were also analyzed for radium-226 and microscopic lesions. Radioactivities and some elemental concentrations (e.g., Co, Pb, U) were greater in the Kanab North mine biological samples than in Canyon Mine biota, indicating a mining-related elemental signature. Mean rodent Ra-226 (111 Bq/kg dry weight [dry wt]) was 3 times greater than expected, indicating radioactive disequilibrium. Multiple soil sample U concentrations exceeded a screening benchmark, growth inhibition thresholds for sensitive plants, and an EC20 for a soil arthropod. Lesions associated with metals exposure were also observed more frequently in rodents at Kanab North than those at Canyon Mine but could not be definitively attributed to U mining. Our results indicate that Kanab North biota have taken up U mining-related elements owing to chronic exposure to surficial contamination. However, no literature-based effects thresholds for small rodents were exceeded, and only a few soil and vegetation thresholds for sensitive species were exceeded; therefore, adverse effects to biota from U mining-related elements at Kanab North are unlikely despite chronic exposure. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:112-125. Published 2018. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cleveland
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jo Ellen Hinck
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Julia S Lankton
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
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Pérez-Moreno SM, Gázquez MJ, Casas-Ruiz M, San Miguel EG, Bolívar JP. An improved method for radium-isotopes quartet determination by alpha-particle spectrometry by using 225Ra ( 229Th) as isotopic tracer. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 196:113-124. [PMID: 30447554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A new method for the determination of radium quartet (223,224,226,228Ra) in environmental samples by alpha-particle spectrometry with PIPS detectors is described. This uses 225Ra as yield tracer, in equilibrium at the beginning with 229Th. Thorium is removed from the sample by using AG1X8 anion-resin, and then radium isotopes are isolated and purified with a cation-exchange column Biorad AG50X8, verifying that Ac has been fully removed from the sample to ensure the good evaluation of the Ra yield (average decontamination factor > 92%). Finally, the counting source of radium is obtained by micro-precipitation with BaSO4. This method produces high spectral resolution (<35 keV), and quantitative Ra recoveries (>70%). In this new method, NH4Ac in 0.1 M HNO3 is used to remove the 225Ac contained in the sample in order to avoid its future spectral interference in the yield calculation. The method has been validated by using certified reference samples with known concentrations of radium isotopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Pérez-Moreno
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - M J Gázquez
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - M Casas-Ruiz
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - E G San Miguel
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - J P Bolívar
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
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Radium-226 analysis methodology in Savannah River Site high activity waste matrices. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Wærsted FM, Jensen KA, Reinoso-Maset E, Skipperud L. High Throughput, Direct Determination of 226Ra in Water and Digested Geological Samples. Anal Chem 2018; 90:12246-12252. [PMID: 30280885 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b03494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A method was developed for direct measurements of 226Ra in water samples with triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ). The limit of detection was 0.42 pg L-1 226Ra (15 mBq L-1, 0.42 pCi L-1), which is compliant with the specifications for methods used for routine analysis of drinking water quality according to European and U.S. regulations. The use of N2O as reaction gas ensured that no separation before analysis was necessary. Water samples with high total dissolved solids (conductivity >100 mS cm-1) were also successfully analyzed after a simple dilution, yet the associated detection limit was higher (17 pg L-1, 0.61 Bq L-1, 16 pCi L-1). 226Ra content in soil and rock samples was determined with the same method after acid (HNO3 + H3PO4) digestion and dilution, resulting in a limit of detection of 0.75 ng kg-1 (27 Bq kg-1, 0.74 nCi L-1). Analysis of water samples was achieved within 2 min on a running instrument, while the preparation and analysis of 15 geological samples can be completed in 3 h. The key advantages of this direct analysis method are short preparation time, low labor intensity, low sample input (2 mL for water samples, 0.2 g for geological material), high sample throughput (2 min sample to sample, >150 samples measured in 8 h), and use of standard ICP-QQQ hardware. Overall, the proposed method offers a new opportunity for measuring a large number of samples with minimal effort and, in turn, for improving emergency preparedness, environmental monitoring, and data collection for environmental modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Wærsted
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås , Norway
| | - K A Jensen
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås , Norway
| | - E Reinoso-Maset
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås , Norway
| | - L Skipperud
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , P.O. Box 5003, N-1432 Ås , Norway
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Dulanská S, Štofaníková M, Mátel Ľ, Novák I, Šauša O, Maťko I, Zvachová S. Preparation and characterization of MnO2- SiO2 composite resin for 226Ra pre-concentration in water samples. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 140:96-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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11
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A rapid method for the routine monitoring of 99Tc by liquid scintillation counting. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5552-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Maxwell SL, Culligan B, Hutchison JB, Sudowe R, McAlister DR. Rapid method to determine 226Ra in steel samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-017-5491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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13
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Jung Y, Kim H, Chung KH, Kang MJ. Study of the determination of 226Ra in soil using liquid scintillation counter. ANALYTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.5806/ast.2016.29.2.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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14
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Maxwell SL, Culligan BK, Warren RA, McAlister DR. Rapid method for the determination of 226Ra in hydraulic fracturing wastewater samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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15
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Determination of 226Ra using molecular recognition technology product AnaLig® Sr-01. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Maxwell SL, Culligan BK, Hutchison JB, Utsey RC, McAlister DR. Rapid determination of 226Ra in emergency urine samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Guérin N, Dai X. Rapid Preparation of Polonium Counting Sources for Alpha Spectrometry Using Copper Sulfide Microprecipitation. Anal Chem 2013; 85:6524-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ac401311b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Guérin
- Chalk River Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited,
Chalk River, Ontario, Canada, K0J 1J0
| | - Xiongxin Dai
- Chalk River Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited,
Chalk River, Ontario, Canada, K0J 1J0
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El-Shrakawy A, Ebaid YY, Burnett WC, Aldaihan SK. A rapid and inexpensive method for 226Ra and 228Ra measurements of high TDS groundwaters. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 77:89-93. [PMID: 23542120 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A series of laboratory-scale studies was conducted by preconcentrating (226)Ra from spiked water test samples using Purolite ion-exchange resin to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of the resin under varying conditions. After removing the resin from the columns, it was sealed in gas-tight containers and measured via gamma spectrometry. The Purolite resin showed high radium uptake and retention from natural waters in the presence of high iron and total dissolved solids (TDS). This procedure allowed us to process a large number of high TDS samples at a typical rate of 15 samples/day using three germanium detectors. Quality assurance and method validation have been achieved by analyzing selected groundwater samples, with different (226)Ra activities and high TDS values, and comparing the results to those using alpha spectrometry with a (133)Ba yield tracer. There was very good agreement between the obtained (226)Ra activities by both methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- A El-Shrakawy
- National Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control, Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box 7551, Cairo 11762, Egypt.
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Maxwell SL, Culligan BK, Utsey RC, McAlister DR, Horwitz EP. Rapid method for determination of 228Ra in water samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-012-2257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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