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Tanaka K, Yamaji K, Masuya H, Tomita J, Ozawa M, Yamasaki S, Tokunaga K, Fukuyama K, Ohara Y, Maamoun I, Yamaguchi A, Takahashi Y, Kozai N, Grambow B. Microbially formed Mn(IV) oxide as a novel adsorbent for removal of Radium. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141837. [PMID: 38554863 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141837] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Radioactivity of Ra isotopes in natural waters is of serious concern. Control of 226Ra concentrations in tailings ponds, which store waste from U ore extraction processes, is an important issue in mill tailings management. In this study, we tested microbially formed Mn(IV) oxide as an adsorbent for removal of Ra in water treatment. Biogenic Mn(IV) oxide (BMO) was prepared using a Mn(II)-oxidizing fungus, Coprinopsis urticicola strain Mn-2. First, adsorption experiments of Sr and Ba, as surrogates for Ra, onto BMO were conducted in aqueous NaCl solution at pH 7. Distribution coefficients for Ba and Sr were estimated to be ∼106.5 and ∼104.3 mL/g, respectively. EXAFS analysis indicated that both Sr and Ba adsorbed in inner-sphere complexes on BMO, suggesting that Ra would adsorb in a similar way. From these findings, we expected that BMO would work effectively in removal of Ra from water. Then, BMO was applied to remove Ra from mine water collected from a U mill tailings pond. Just 7.6 mg of BMO removed >98% of the 226Ra from 3 L of mine water, corresponding to a distribution coefficient of 107.4 mL/g for Ra at pH ∼7. The obtained value was convincingly high for practical application of BMO in water treatment. At the same time, the high distribution coefficient indicates that Mn(IV) oxide can be an important carrier and host phase of Ra in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Tanaka
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan; Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino, Tomata, Okayama, 708-0698, Japan.
| | - Keiko Yamaji
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Hayato Masuya
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8687, Japan
| | - Jumpei Tomita
- Department of Radiation Protection, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ozawa
- Department of Radiation Protection, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Shinya Yamasaki
- Center for Research in Isotopes and Environmental Dynamics, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kohei Tokunaga
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino, Tomata, Okayama, 708-0698, Japan
| | - Kenjin Fukuyama
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino, Tomata, Okayama, 708-0698, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ohara
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino, Tomata, Okayama, 708-0698, Japan
| | - Ibrahim Maamoun
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Akiko Yamaguchi
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan; Center for Computational Science and e-Systems, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 178-4 Wakashiba, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0871, Japan; Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yoshio Takahashi
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Naofumi Kozai
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan; Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Kagamino, Tomata, Okayama, 708-0698, Japan
| | - Bernd Grambow
- Advanced Science Research Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan; Subatech, UMR 6457 IMT-Atlantique, Université de Nantes CNRS/IN2P3, Nantes, France
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Ali S, Baloch SB, Bernas J, Konvalina P, Onyebuchi EF, Naveed M, Ali H, Jamali ZH, Nezhad MTK, Mustafa A. Phytotoxicity of radionuclides: A review of sources, impacts and remediation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117479. [PMID: 37884073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities and natural sources contribute to the presence of radioactive materials in the environment, posing a serious threat to phytotoxicity. Contamination of soil and water by radioactive isotopes degrades the environmental quality and biodiversity. They persist in soils for a considerable amount of time and disturb the fauna and flora of any affected area. Hence, their removal from the contaminated medium is inevitable to prevent their entry into the food chain and the organisms at higher levels of the food chain. Physicochemical methods for radioactive element remediation are effective; however, they are not eco-friendly, can be expensive and impractical for large-scale remediation. Contrastingly, different bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation using appropriate plant species for removing the radionuclides from the polluted sites, and microbe-based remediation, represent promising alternatives for cleanup. In this review, sources of radionuclides in soil as well as their hazardous impacts on plants are discussed. Moreover, various conventional physicochemical approaches used for remediation discussed in detail. Similarly, the effectiveness and superiority of various bioremediation approaches, such as phytoremediation and microbe-based remediation, over traditional approaches have been explained in detail. In the end, future perspectives related to enhancing the efficiency of the phytoremediation process have been elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzaib Ali
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sadia Babar Baloch
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Bernas
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Konvalina
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eze Festus Onyebuchi
- Department of Agroecosystems, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 1645/31A, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Ali
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Zameer Hussain Jamali
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mohammad Tahsin Karimi Nezhad
- Department of Forest Ecology, The Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental 13 Gardening, Lidicka, 25/27, Brno, 60200, Czech Republic
| | - Adnan Mustafa
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510650, China.
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Kozlovskaia ON, Shibetskaia IG, Bezhin NA, Tananaev IG. Estimation of 226Ra and 228Ra Content Using Various Types of Sorbents and Their Distribution in the Surface Layer of the Black Sea. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16051935. [PMID: 36903050 PMCID: PMC10004327 DOI: 10.3390/ma16051935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Radium isotopes have traditionally been used as tracers of surface and underground fresh waters in land-ocean interactions. The concentration of these isotopes is most effective on sorbents containing mixed oxides of manganese. During the 116 RV Professor Vodyanitsky cruise (22 April-17 May 2021), a study about the possibility and efficiency of 226Ra and 228Ra recovery from seawater using various types of sorbents was conducted. The influence of seawater flow rate on the sorption of 226Ra and 228Ra isotopes was estimated. It was indicated that the Modix, DMM, PAN-MnO2, and CRM-Sr sorbents show the best sorption efficiency at a flow rate of 4-8 column volumes per minute. Additionally, the distribution of biogenic elements (dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), silicic acid, and the sum of nitrates and nitrites), salinity, and 226Ra and 228Ra isotopes was studied in the surface layer of the Black Sea in April-May 2021. Correlation dependencies between the concentration of long-lived radium isotopes and salinity are defined for various areas of the Black Sea. Two processes control the dependence of radium isotope concentration on salinity: conservative mixing of riverine and marine end members and desorption of long-lived radium isotopes when river particulate matter meets saline seawater. Despite the high long-lived radium isotope concentration in freshwater in comparison with that in seawater, their content near the Caucasus shore is lower mainly because riverine waters meet with a great open seawater body with a low content of these radionuclides, and radium desorption processes take place in an offshore area. The 228Ra/226Ra ratio derived from our data displays freshwater inflow spreading over not only the coastal region, but also the deep-sea region. The lowered concentration of the main biogenic elements corresponds to high-temperature fields because of their intensive uptake by phytoplankton. Therefore, nutrients coupled with long-lived radium isotopes trace the hydrological and biogeochemical peculiarities of the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ol’ga N. Kozlovskaia
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (MHI RAS), Kapitanskaya Str., 2, 299011 Sevastopol, Russia
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sevastopol State University, Universitetskaya Str., 33, 299053 Sevastopol, Russia
| | - Iuliia G. Shibetskaia
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (MHI RAS), Kapitanskaya Str., 2, 299011 Sevastopol, Russia
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sevastopol State University, Universitetskaya Str., 33, 299053 Sevastopol, Russia
| | - Nikolay A. Bezhin
- Department of Biogeochemistry, Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (MHI RAS), Kapitanskaya Str., 2, 299011 Sevastopol, Russia
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sevastopol State University, Universitetskaya Str., 33, 299053 Sevastopol, Russia
| | - Ivan G. Tananaev
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sevastopol State University, Universitetskaya Str., 33, 299053 Sevastopol, Russia
- Radiochemistry Laboratory, Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (GEOKHI RAS), Kosygin St., 19, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Nuclear Technology, Far Eastern Federal University, Sukhanov Str., 8, 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
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Li Z, He Y, Sonne C, Lam SS, Kirkham MB, Bolan N, Rinklebe J, Chen X, Peng W. A strategy for bioremediation of nuclear contaminants in the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120964. [PMID: 36584860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120964] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclides released from nuclear contamination harm the environment and human health. Nuclear pollution spread over large areas and the costs associated with decontamination is high. Traditional remediation methods include both chemical and physical, however, these are expensive and unsuitable for large-scale restoration. Bioremediation is the use of plants or microorganisms to remove pollutants from the environment having a lower cost and can be upscaled to eliminate contamination from soil, water and air. It is a cheap, efficient, ecologically, and friendly restoration technology. Here we review the sources of radionuclides, bioremediation methods, mechanisms of plant resistance to radionuclides and the effects on the efficiency of biological adsorption. Uptake of radionuclides by plants can be facilitated by the addition of appropriate chemical accelerators and agronomic management, such as citric acid and intercropping. Future research should accelerate the use of genetic engineering and breeding techniques to screen high-enrichment plants. In addition, field experiments should be carried out to ensure that this technology can be applied to the remediation of nuclear contaminated sites as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Li
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yifeng He
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Christian Sonne
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The UWA Institute of Agriculture, M079, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China; University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation, Engineering, Water and Waste Management, Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Xiangmeng Chen
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Wanxi Peng
- Henan Province International Collaboration Lab of Forest Resources Utilization, School of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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5
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Jobbágy V. Rapid radionuclide specific screening procedures in drinking water: alternative options to replace inaccurate gross activity measurements. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIt was concluded from two European wide proficiency tests that the gross alpha/beta methods used for drinking water analysis have fundamental pitfalls regardless of the specific gross-counting methods. The majority of gross-counting methods suffer from serious trueness and repeatability issues. To replace inaccurate gross activity measurements an alternative rapid radionuclide specific screening procedure for water analysis is proposed. This procedure considers liquid scintillation counting, alpha-particle- and gamma-ray spectrometry. The proposed procedure is more robust and can achieve lower uncertainties than gross-counting methods. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative analytical data can be obtained with turnaround times comparable to the gross-counting methods.
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6
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The alpha sources based on adsorbed 214Pb on thin-layer manganese dioxide sorbents. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07717-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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7
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Yan L, Le QV, Sonne C, Yang Y, Yang H, Gu H, Ma NL, Lam SS, Peng W. Phytoremediation of radionuclides in soil, sediments and water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124771. [PMID: 33388721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil and water contaminated with radionuclides threaten the environment and public health during leaks from nuclear power plants. Remediation of radionuclides at the contaminated sites uses mainly physical and chemical methods such as vitrification, chemical immobilization, electro-kinetic remediation and soil excavation, capping and washing being among the preferred methods. These traditional technologies are however costly and less suitable for dealing with large-area pollution. In contrast to this, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternatives such as phytoremediation using plants to remove radionuclides from polluted sites in situ represent promising alternatives for environmental cleanup. Understanding the physiology and molecular mechanisms of radionuclides accumulation in plants is essential to optimize and improve this new remediation technology. Here, we give an overview of radionuclide contamination in the environment and biochemical characteristics for uptake, transport, and compartmentation of radionuclides in plants that characterize phytoextraction and its efficiency. Phytoextraction is an eco-friendly and efficient method for environmental removal of radionuclides at contaminated sites such as mine tailings. Selecting the most proper plant for the specific purpose, however, is important to obtain the best result together with, for example, applying soil amendments such as citric acid. In addition, using genetic engineering and optimizing agronomic management practices including regulation of atmospheric CO2 concentration, reasonable measures of fertilization and rational water management are important as well. For future application, the technique needs commercialization in order to fully exploit the technique at mining activities and nuclear industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Yan
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Quyet Van Le
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam
| | - Christian Sonne
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark.
| | - Yafeng Yang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Han Yang
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Haiping Gu
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Nyuk Ling Ma
- Faculty of Science & Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Pyrolysis Technology Research Group, Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Wanxi Peng
- College of Forestry, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Thakur P, Ward AL, González-Delgado AM. Optimal methods for preparation, separation, and determination of radium isotopes in environmental and biological samples. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 228:106522. [PMID: 33360557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, radium has attracted considerable attention primarily because of the rapid increase in unconventional (fracking) drilling technology in the United States and around the world. One of the major radionuclides of interest in unconventional drilling wastes is radium isotopes (224Ra, 226Ra, 228Ra). To access long-term risks associated with radium isotopes entering into the environment, accurate measurements of radium isotopes in environmental and biological samples are crucial. This article reviews many aspects of radium chemistry, which includes recent developments in radiochemical separations methods, advancements in analytical techniques followed by a more detailed discussion on the recent trends in radium determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punam Thakur
- Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA.
| | - Anderson L Ward
- U.S. Department of Energy, Carlsbad Field Office, 4021 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, NM, 88221, USA
| | - Amir M González-Delgado
- Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center, 1400 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, USA
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9
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Semenishchev VS, Tomashova LA, Titova SM. The study of radium and polonium sorption by a thin-layer MnO2-CTA sorbent. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07576-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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10
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Xia MM, Liang YG, Yu GB, Zhu JP, Cheng SS, Tian C, Xu T, Wu YR. Simultaneous determination of Ra-226 and Ra-228 in water using spectrum stripping method by LSC. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Electro-Precipitation of Actinides on Boron-Doped Diamond Thin Films for Solid Sources Preparation for High-Resolution Alpha-Particle Spectrometry. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9071473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we investigate a novel approach to prepare high-performance alpha-particle solid sources fabricated on diamond thin support layers, offering the properties of diamond such as a low-Z material with corrosion and mechanical hardness. As-prepared solid sources onto boron-doped-diamond (BDD) substrate exhibited high performance of the autoradiography and spectroscopic resolution at the level of other more conventional materials such as stainless steel. A straightforward precipitation process in the Na2SO4 or NaNO3 simple electrolytes under mild experimental conditions with a low current of several mA.cm−2 were successfully developed onto BDD substrates for deposition of single 241Am as well as 239Pu, 241Am, and 244Cm mixed radionuclides. The results demonstrate that solid sources deposited onto such BDD substrates can match the performance of those prepared onto stainless steel substrates with excellent uniformity and high-resolution spectroscopy, together combining the robustness, chemical resilience, and X-ray transparence of the diamond. Alpha-particle spectra exhibiting a low full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 12.5 keV at the energy of 5.485 MeV (241Am) could be practically obtained for BDD substrates.
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12
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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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13
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Hou X. Liquid scintillation counting for determination of radionuclides in environmental and nuclear application. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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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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15
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Huynh Nguyen PT, Nguyen VT, Vu NB, Nguyen VD, Le Cong H. Soil radon gas in some soil types in the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 193-194:27-35. [PMID: 30179759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Field experiments on soil radon and radium concentrations were carried out in eighteen locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Soil radon depth profiles (10-100 cm) of loam, sand and clay soil samples in the rainy season were measured using RAD7 radon detector. Mean concentrations of 222Rn and 226Ra were found to be 28.6 ± 2.0 Bq.kg-1 and (1.56 ± 0.06) × 104 Bq.m-3 in clay soil while they are 31.2 ± 2.5 Bq.kg-1 and (1.15 ± 0.05) × 104 Bq.m-3 in loam soil. They are 30.7 ± 2.0 Bq.kg-1 and (9.37 ± 0.52) × 103 Bq.m-3 in sandy soil, respectively. Values of radon diffusion length and diffusion coefficient for different soils were obtained using semi-empirical fit method linked to the poor diffusion of gas in clay soil (0.2 × 10-6 m2 s-1), the moderate diffusion coefficient (0.9 × 10-6 m2 s-1) in loam and good diffusion of radon gas in sandy soil (1.4 × 10-6 m2 s-1). An unexpectedly unclear linear relation was found between soil radon concentration and radium content. The grain size smaller than 0.1 mm was dominant reason for the lowest (0.15 ± 0.01) and highest (0.40 ± 0.03) values emanation coefficient for sand and clay soil, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between radon concentration and soil pH level leads to soil pH is an indirect dynamic parameter affecting the migration of radon in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong Thu Huynh Nguyen
- Nuclear Technique Laboratory, University of Science, VNU-HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Department of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science, VNU-HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Van Thang Nguyen
- Nuclear Technique Laboratory, University of Science, VNU-HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Ba Vu
- Nuclear Technique Laboratory, University of Science, VNU-HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Van Dong Nguyen
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, VNUHCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Hao Le Cong
- Nuclear Technique Laboratory, University of Science, VNU-HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Department of Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Physics and Engineering Physics, University of Science, VNU-HCM, 227 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
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Schubert M, Oberreich M, Scholten J. Preparation of MnO 2 coated fibers for gamma spectrometric measurements - A comparison of four practical approaches. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 189:197-201. [PMID: 29689484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of natural radium-in-water activity concentrations is for two reasons of general interest: (1) radium in natural waters may pose a problem with regard to radiation protection and (2) radium isotopes in natural waters can be used as environmental tracers in hydrological studies. A state-of-the-art method for radium extraction from (generally large) water sample volumes is radium adsorption onto MnO2 coated acrylic fibers. In our study we comparatively evaluated four methodical approaches for post-extraction preparation of the fiber to allow gamma spectrometric measurements. The methods included (1) straightforward measurement of the loose fiber, (2) compressing the fiber after mixing it with an adhesive, (3) combustion of the fiber and embedding the ash in candlewax, and (4) leaching of the fiber and embedding the resulting precipitate in candlewax. The aim of the study was to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the four preparation approaches with respect to their individual practicability. Even though the methodical fiber preparation approaches have been suggested in the literature before (as cited in this paper), results of their direct practical comparison have not been presented yet. Our study revealed that balancing practical sample preparation effort against data reproducibility suggests a measurement of the compressed fiber applying an adhesive to be the preferable approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schubert
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martin Oberreich
- UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Scholten
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Otto-Hahn-Platz 1, 24118, Kiel, Germany
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Abbasi A. A review of the analytical methodology to determine Radium-226 and Radium-228 in drinking waters. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/ract-2018-2967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Radium-228 (228Ra) and Radium-226 (226Ra) isotopes in drinking water are significant from the aspect of radiation protection and human health. In this paper, the three most common preconcentration methods, i.e.coprecipitation, absorption and evaporation, were reviewed with emphasis on routinely measurement techniques. The reviewed measurement techniques include low background γ-spectrometry, α-spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. The γ-spectrometry technique is the good selection, when the maximum sensitivity is considered. The Environmental Protection Agency guideline has provided the maximum concentration level 0.74 Bq/L for 226Ra and 228Ra. Also, the World Health Organization guideline limit is 1 Bq/L and 0.1 Bq/L for 226Ra and 228Ra, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Abbasi
- Faculty of Engineering , University of Kyrenia , Girne, TRNC, Mersin 10 , Turkey , Phone: +90 3928151039, Fax: +90 3928159998, E-mail:
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Mohamud H, van Es E, Sainsbury T, Ivanov P, Russell B, Regan P, Ward N. Progress towards the development of a rapid analytical approach for separation of 226 Ra using dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether functionalised silica (SiO 2 ) disks. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Fons-Castells J, Oliva J, Tent-Petrus J, Llauradó M. Simultaneous determination of 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb in drinking water using 3M Empore™ RAD disk by LSC-PLS. Appl Radiat Isot 2017; 124:83-89. [PMID: 28343081 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A procedure for the rapid and simultaneous determination of 226Ra, 228Ra and 210Pb in drinking water by means of extraction with a 3M Empore™ Radium RAD disk and liquid scintillation spectrometry is described. The selective elution of 210Pb from the RAD disk and a multivariate calibration using partial least squares regression (PLS) are tested as methods to avoid overlap in the spectra between 228Ra and 210Pb. The validated procedure was tested with mixtures of radionuclides and interlaboratory materials; finally, it was applied to natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Fons-Castells
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Javier Oliva
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Tent-Petrus
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Llauradó
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Molina Porras A, Condomines M, Seidel JL. Determination of low-level Radium isotope activities in fresh waters by gamma spectrometry. Appl Radiat Isot 2016; 120:119-125. [PMID: 27987465 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A new portable sampling system was developed to extract Radium isotopes from large volumes (up to 300L) of fresh surface- and ground-waters of low Ra-activities (<5mBq/L). Ra is quantitatively adsorbed on a small amount (6.5g) of MnO2-coated acrylic fibers, which are then dried and burned at 600°C in the laboratory. The resulting Mn-oxide powder (about 2cm3 when compacted) is then analyzed through gamma-ray spectrometry which allows measurement of the whole Ra quartet (226Ra, 228Ra, 224Ra and 223Ra) in a single counting of a few days. The usual relative standard combined uncertainties (1σ) are 2-3% for 226Ra, 228Ra and 224Ra; and less than 10% for 223Ra. This method was applied to the analysis of Ra in karstic waters of the Lez aquifer, and surface- and ground-waters of the upper and middle Vidourle watershed (South of France). The analyzed waters have relatively low 226Ra activities (1-4mBq/L) in both cases, regardless of the contrasted geology (Mesozoic limestone vs crystalline Variscan basement), but clearly distinct (228Ra/226Ra) ratios in agreement with the differences in Th/U ratios of the two drained areas. Short-lived Ra isotopes (224Ra and 223Ra) appear to be mainly influenced by near-surface desorption/recoil processes for most of the sampling sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Molina Porras
- HydroSciences, Montpellier Univ., 34090 Montpellier, France; University of Costa Rica, 11501-2060 San José, Costa Rica.
| | | | - Jean Luc Seidel
- HydroSciences, Montpellier Univ., 34090 Montpellier, France.
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21
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MSFIA-LOV system for 226 Ra isolation and pre-concentration from water samples previous radiometric detection. Anal Chim Acta 2016; 911:75-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Sartandel SJ, Jha SK, Bara SV, Tripathi RM. Assessment of 226Ra and 228Ra activity concentration in west coast of India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3037-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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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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24
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Spatial distribution of radium in coastal marine waters of Tamil Nadu. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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25
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Jia G, Jia J. Determination of radium isotopes in environmental samples by gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry: a review of analytical methodology. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2012; 106:98-119. [PMID: 22245211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Radium (Ra) isotopes are important from the viewpoints of radiation protection and environmental protection. Their high toxicity has stimulated the continuing interest in methodology research for determination of Ra isotopes in various media. In this paper, the three most routinely used analytical techniques for Ra isotope determination in biological and environmental samples, i.e. low-background γ-spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and α-spectrometry, were reviewed, with emphasis on new methodological developments in sample preparation, preconcentration, separation, purification, source preparation and measurement techniques. The accuracy, selectivity, traceability, applicability and minimum detectable activity (MDA) of the three techniques were discussed. It was concluded that the MDA (0.1mBqL(-1)) of the α-spectrometry technique coupled with chemical separation is about two orders of magnitude lower than that of low-background HPGe γ-spectrometry and LSC techniques. Therefore, when maximum sensitivity is required, the α-spectrometry technique remains the first choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogang Jia
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, PO Box 275-24, Beijing 102413, China.
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26
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Abstract
The activity concentrations of 234U and 238U in thermal groundwater, deep well water and river water samples from Central Poland were determined. Concentration of 234U and 238U in the examined waters varied from <0.013 (LLD) to 16.8 mBq/dm3 and from <0.013 (LLD) to 45.5 mBq/dm3 respectively. The highest uranium activity concentrations were measured in the thermal groundwater from Mszczonow and Cieplice, while the lowest were observed in thermal ground water from Uniejow and Poddebice. In thermal groundwater from Skierniewice, uranium activity concentrations were below lower limit of detection (0.013 mBq/dm3). The 234U/238U activity ratio varied from 0.37 (Cieplice) to 1.30 (Poddebice well water).
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Ndjeri M, Peulon S, Bach S, Chaussé A. Studies on the reduction of birnessite thin layers: Influence of medium. Electrochim Acta 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2011.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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28
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Burnett JL, Croudace IW, Warwick PE. Pre-concentration of short-lived radionuclides using manganese dioxide precipitation from surface waters. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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29
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Measurement of 222Rn and 226Ra in water by absorption of radon in polycarbonates and etching alpha-tracks. RADIAT MEAS 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2010.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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30
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Vasile M, Benedik L, Altzitzoglou T, Spasova Y, Wätjen U, González de Orduña R, Hult M, Beyermann M, Mihalcea I. 226Ra and 228Ra determination in mineral waters—Comparison of methods. Appl Radiat Isot 2010; 68:1236-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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31
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Jobbágy V, Kávási N, Somlai J, Máté B, Kovács T. Radiochemical characterization of spring waters in Balaton Upland, Hungary, estimation of radiation dose to members of public. Microchem J 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2009.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Abstract
A method for the determination of uranium and 210Po in high salinity water samples has been elaborated. Both radionuclides are preconcentrated from 0.5 dm3 saline media by co-precipitation with hydrated manganese dioxide, followed by dissolution of the precipitate in 200 mL of 1 M HCl. Uranium isotopes 235U and 238U can be directly determined by ICP MS method with a detection limit of 0.01 ppb for 238U. Prior to a selective determination of 210Po, the majority of other naturally occurring α-emitting radionuclides (uranium, thorium and protactinium) can be stripped from this solution by their extraction with a 50% solution of HDEHP in toluene. Finally, 210Po is simply separated by direct transfer to an extractive scintillator containing 5% of trioctylphosphine oxide in Ultima Gold F cocktail and determined by an α/β separation liquid scintillation technique with detection limit below 0.1 mBq/dm3.
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33
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Measurement of 228Ra in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea using the radon emanation method. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-009-0432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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34
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Gonzáles ER, Peterson DS. Rapid radiochemical sample preparation for alpha spectrometry using polymer ligand films. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-009-0218-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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35
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Studies of electrodeposition from Mn(II) species of thin layers of birnessite onto transparent semiconductor. Electrochim Acta 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2008.03.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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36
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226Ra and 228Ra determination in environmental samples by alpha-particle spectrometry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-007-7176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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37
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Varga Z. Preparation and characterization of manganese dioxide impregnated resin for radionuclide pre-concentration. Appl Radiat Isot 2007; 65:1095-100. [PMID: 17590345 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2007] [Revised: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An easy and reproducible preparation of manganese dioxide impregnated resin of homogeneous particles has been described. The characteristics of radium, thorium, uranium and plutonium uptake (pH dependency, kinetic studies and matrix dependency) have been determined in batch mode. The resin due to its high efficiency for radium, uranium and thorium at neutral pH values can be an effective tool for radionuclide pre-concentration from liquid samples even with high dissolved solid content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Varga
- Radiation Safety Department, Institute of Isotopes, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Konkoly-Thege utca 29-33, H-1121, Budapest, Hungary.
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38
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Desideri D, Roselli C, Feduzi L, Meli M. Radiological characterization of drinking waters in Central Italy. Microchem J 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2007.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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39
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A new method for simultaneous determination of 226Ra and uranium in aqueous samples by liquid scintillation using chemometrics. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-007-7041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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40
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Desideri D, Roselli C, Assunta Meli M, Feduzi L, Rongoni A, Saetta D. Radioactivity measurements and radiation dose evaluation in tap waters of Central Italy. Mol Nutr Food Res 2007; 51:1182-8. [PMID: 17688298 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200700116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of drinking water is very important for human nutrition and its quality must be strictly controlled. A study of radioactivity content in tap water samples collected in the Central Italy was performed in order to check the compliance with recent European regulations. Gross alpha and beta activity, 226Ra, 238U and 234U concentrations were measured. Gross alpha and beta activities were determined by standard ISO 9696 and ISO 9697; for 226Ra determination liquid scintillation was used. 238U and 234U concentrations were determined by alpha spectrometry after separation from matrix by extraction chromatography and electroplating. Recommended WHO guideline activity concentrations for drinking water (0.1 and 1.0 Bq/L for gross alpha and gross beta activity, respectively) are exceeded in two cases for gross alpha activity and are not exceeded in any case for gross beta activity. The concentrations (mBq/L) of 226Ra, 238U and 234U ranged from <1.70 to 15.3, 0.65 to 48.8 and 0.780 to 51.5, respectively. Effective dose due to the uranium isotopes and radium was calculated for children and adults using the dose coefficients reported by EC Directive 96/29 EURATOM and annual water intake. For all class ages, the doses are quite similar and much lower than 0.1 mSv/year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Desideri
- Institute of General Chemistry, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
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41
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Karamanis D, Ioannides KG, Stamoulis KC. Determination of 226Ra in aqueous solutions via sorption on thin films and α-spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2006; 573-574:319-27. [PMID: 17723540 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2006.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Revised: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An improved spectrometric method to determine the 226Ra activity in aqueous solutions is described. The method involves two stages, a preconcentration stage of 226Ra sorption onto a thin manganese layer and a measurement stage using alpha-spectrometry. Manganese oxide thin films were prepared and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. The thin films were found to follow the XRD patterns and chemical formula of the K-birnessite layered exchanger. The preconcentration of radium was studied relative to the initial radium concentration, pH and salt concentrations. The preconcentration kinetics was studied as a function of manganese surface, solution volume and salt concentration. Extensive Monte Carlo calculations were performed to optimise the detection of alpha-particles. In this way, the thin film preparation procedure as well as the radium sorption and the measurement conditions were optimised and detection limits lower than 0.5 mBq L(-1) were obtained for 2d of procedure completion. The method was validated with IAEA standards and it was applied for the determination of 226Ra in bottled waters and also wastewaters from the major thermoelectric plant in Greece. Moreover, the 226Ra distribution coefficients (K(d)) of two differently prepared powder manganese oxides, a crystalline silicotitanate and an aluminium-pillared montmorillonite were determined by gamma-spectrometry. 226Ra sorption experiments on silicotitanate thin films were performed and improvements in resolution and reduction of exposure time were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Karamanis
- Physics Department, The University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
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42
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Nour S, El-Sharkawy A, Burnett WC, Horwitz EP. Radium-228 determination of natural waters via concentration on manganese dioxide and separation using Diphonix ion exchange resin. Appl Radiat Isot 2004; 61:1173-8. [PMID: 15388106 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2004] [Revised: 03/23/2004] [Accepted: 04/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to establish a new procedure for 228Ra determination of natural waters via preconcentration of radium on MnO2 and separation of its daughter, 228Ac, using Diphonix ion exchange resin. Following removal of potential interferences via passage through an initial Diphonix Resin column, the first daughter of 228Ra, 228Ac, is isolated by chromatographic separation via a second Diphonix column. A holding time of > 30 h for 228Ac ingrowth in between the two column separations ensures secular equilibrium. Barium-133 is used as a yield tracer. Actinium-228 is eluted from the second Diphonix Resin with 5 ml 1M 1-Hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) and quantified by addition of scintillation cocktail and LSC counting. Radium (and 133Ba) from the load and rinse solutions from the 2nd Diphonix column may be prepared for alpha spectrometry (for determination of 223Ra, 224Ra, and 226Ra) by BaSO4 microprecipitation and filtration. Decontamination tests indicate that U, Th, and Ra series nuclides do not interfere with these measurements, although high contents of 90Sr (90Y) require additional treatment for accurate measurement of 228Ra. Addition of stable Sr as a "hold back" carrier during the initial MnO2 preconcentration step was shown to remove most 90Sr interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nour
- Department of Oceanography, Environmental Radioactivity Measurement Facility, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Valentini Ganzerli MT, Maggi L, Crespi Caramella V, Berzero A. Preliminary results on the immobilisation of radionuclides from waters with specific adsorbers based on phosphate salts. ANNALI DI CHIMICA 2004; 94:817-28. [PMID: 15626242 DOI: 10.1002/adic.200490102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The present paper is focused on the ability of aluminium phosphate (ALPC), magnesium ammonium phosphate (MGPC), magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MGHPC), and calcium hydrogenphosphate (CAHPC), adsorbed onto charcoal, to immobilise actinides by adsorption from natural waters. The objective of this process is to evaluate the environmental pollution due to the actinides. Europium, thorium, protactinium, neptunyl, and uranyl ions were chosen to simulate actinides in the +3, +4, +5 and +6 oxidation state. The adsorbers were tested using natural waters samples. The adsorption trends and capacities were analysed. ALPC and MGPC exhibited a similar behaviour and adsorbed demonstrating that the +5, +4 and +3 actinide ions can be easily immobilised from natural waters and may be successfully used at pH 7-8. MGHPC may be used at a higher pH, whereas CAHPC is effective in the whole pH range. In all cases, thorium, protactinium and europium were strongly
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Eikenberg J, Bajo S, Beer H, Hitz J, Ruethi M, Zumsteg I, Letessier P. Fast methods for determination of antropogenic actinides and U/Th-series isotopes in aqueous samples. Appl Radiat Isot 2004; 61:101-6. [PMID: 15177328 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and simple methods are applied at the PSI radioanalytical laboratory for determining anthropogenic actinides in waste and nuclear reactor waters (U, Pu, Am, Cm) as well as for analysis of naturally occurring alpha-emitters in continental river and ground water. Anion exchange chromatography followed by alpha-spectrometry as well as alpha/beta-LSC is applied for the reactor coolant waters. To avoid alpha-spectrum interference between 238Pu and 241Am at 5.5 MeV, the Pu-fraction is purified using anion exchange resin. Prior to the separation of the Pu-fraction, all actinides (U, Pu, Am, Cm) are adsorbed batch-wise under stirring onto Actinide Resin and subsequent decomposition of the reagent. The residue is then re-dissolved in a sulfate buffer solution for electrolytic deposition. In tabular water samples isotopes of Ra and Po are analyzed additionally via sorption onto manganese coated discs (Ra) and deposition on silver discs (Po). For counting times of 1 day and use of 0.1-1l sample aliquots, detection limits of a few mBql(-1) can be obtained easily.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eikenberg
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen (PSI) CH-5232, Switzerland.
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Parekh P, Haines D, Bari A, Torres M. Non-destructive determination of 224Ra, 226Ra and 228Ra concentrations in drinking water by gamma spectroscopy. HEALTH PHYSICS 2003; 85:613-620. [PMID: 14571995 DOI: 10.1097/00004032-200311000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates that drinking water showing gross alpha-activity greater than 0.19 Bq L(-1) should be analyzed for radium, a known human carcinogen. The recommended testing methods are intricate and laborious. The method reported in this paper is a direct, non-destructive gamma-spectroscopic method for the determination of 224Ra, 226Ra, and 228Ra, the three radium isotopes of environmental concern in drinking water. Large-volume Marinelli beakers (4.1-L capacity), especially designed for measuring radioactive gases, in conjunction with a low-background, high-efficiency (131%) germanium detector were used in this work. It was first established that radon, the gaseous decay product of radium, and its progeny are quantitatively retained in this Marinelli beaker. The 224Ra, 226Ra, and 228Ra activity concentrations are determined from the equilibrium activities of their progeny: 212Pb, 214Pb (214Bi), and 228Ac; and the gamma-lines used in the analysis are 238.6, 351.9 (and 609.2), and 911.2 keV, respectively. The 224Ra activity is determined from the first 1,000-min measurement performed after expulsion of radon from the sample. The 226Ra activity is determined from the second, 2,400-min measurement, made 3 to 5 d later, and the 228Ra activity is determined from either the first or the second measurement, depending on its concentration level. The method's minimum detectable activities are 0.017 Bq L(-1), 0.020 Bq L(-1), and 0.027 Bq L(-1) for 224Ra, 226Ra, and 228Ra, respectively, when measured under radioactive equilibrium. These limits are well within the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations required limit of 0.037 Bq L(-1) for 226Ra and for 228Ra. The precision and accuracy of the method, evaluated using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Resource Associates' quality control samples, were found to be within acceptable limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravin Parekh
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
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Blanco P, Lozano JC, Tomé FV. On the use of 225Ra as yield tracer and Ba(Ra)SO4 microprecipitation in 226Ra determination by alpha-spectrometry. Appl Radiat Isot 2002; 57:785-90. [PMID: 12406617 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(02)00231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A simple procedure for the determination of 226Ra in geological samples using alpha-spectrometry is presented. The method uses 225Ra as yield tracer, and microprecipitation of Ba(Ra)SO(4) for source preparation. Extensive studies were performed in order to determine the chemical yield of the proposed procedure with precision. The method was tested on a geological reference sample, and gave satisfactory results and high reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanco
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Campus Univer Avda. de Elvas s/n, 06071, Badajoz, Spain
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Semkow TM, Parekh PP, Schwenker CD, Khan AJ, Bari A, Colaresi JF, Tench OK, David G, Guryn W. Low-background gamma spectrometry for environmental radioactivity. Appl Radiat Isot 2002; 57:213-23. [PMID: 12150281 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(02)00085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Development and performance of a low-background gamma-ray spectrometer are described. The spectrometer consists of a 131% efficient Ge detector in U-type configuration. The passive shielding consists of ultrapure lead of 6" thickness. A top muon guard is used as an active shielding. The spectrometer and shielding are positioned inside a steel room made of 6"-thick pre-World War II iron. The steel room is located underground with 33 m of water-equivalent overburden. The total integrated background rate in the energy range 50-2,700 keV was measured at 0.068 counts per second per 100 cm3 Ge volume. The spectrometer serves as a reference instrument for low-level and highly accurate environmental radioactivity measurements. One specific application of 228Ra determination in drinking water is described. With a 1 l water sample, 1-step chemical procedure, and 1,000 min counting time, a detection limit Ld = 20 mBq/l (0.55 pCi/l) was reached, which meets the EPA mandated limit of 1 pCi/l. Methods of upgrading the spectrometer as well as the predicted improvements in 228Ra detection, including direct counting of water without chemical processing, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Semkow
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509, USA.
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Eikenberg J, Tricca A, Vezzu G, Stille P, Bajo S, Ruethi M. 228Ra/226Ra/224Ra and 87Sr/86Sr isotope relationships for determining interactions between ground and river water in the upper Rhine valley. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2001; 54:133-162. [PMID: 11379068 DOI: 10.1016/s0265-931x(00)00171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ground and river waters of the upper Rhine valley (Alsace, France) were investigated for chemical composition of the major elements, Sr isotopes and radionuclides from the U and Th series. In particular, the isotope ratios and concentrations of Ra and Sr were used as geochemical tracers to distinguish between different types of water and their interactions. The bulk chemical analyses suggest that the surface waters in the Rhine valley can be described as mixtures between Ca-Na-HCO3-rich ground water and less mineralized slightly acidic river waters which have migrated through crystalline (mainly granitic) basement rocks of the Vosges mountains. Mixing of these waters yields positive correlation between bulk Sr, U, Ca and HCO3, indicating that carbonate-rich sediments are the main source of U and (non-radiogenic) Sr in the Rhine valley aquifers. The combination of the Ra and Sr isotope systems (228Ra/226Ra, 87Sr/86Sr) shows, however, that probably three sources contribute to the surface river waters in the upper Rhine valley, i.e. (i) a highly radiogenic crystalline component, (ii) a ground water source and, (iii) a third component from infiltrating Rhine water along the flow path of the parallel running river Ill in the northerly direction. The Sr and Ra isotope systems were also used to calculate small-scale mixing fractions of tributaries along the flow path of the Ill. Mixing ratios of non-pure end-member waters were determined using three isotope diagrams (i.e. 224Ra/226Ra vs. 228Ra/226Ra) and the results obtained with the Ra isotope system were found to be consistent with the data using Sr isotope relationships (i.e. 87Sr/86Sr vs. 1/Sr).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eikenberg
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen (PSI), Switzerland.
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