NATURAL BACKGROUND RADIOACTIVITY LEVELS IN THE TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG

This paper analyses and summarizes the natural radionuclide contents of soil and building materials, radon concentrations and the penetrating radiation levels in Hong Kong. From these, a thorough and objective assessment for the terrestrial background irradiation level of Hong Kong was made. Finally, the annual effective dose equivalent received by Hong Kong people due to the natural background irradiation was calculated to be 3.2 mSv.     

MULTIELEMENT ANALYSIS IN GINSENG AND ITS SOIL

The multielement analysis and investigation on ginseng and soil samples have been conducted by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) with a nation approved standard matter for the quality control in measurements. The absorptivity of trace elements are different for various parts of ginseng. Concentrated elements and their degrees of concentration are also different. Ca and Sr are concentrated in the main root and their degrees of concentrations increased with growing ages. The absorptivities of element are higher in rhizome and fibrous root than in main root. In addition, the dried weight of ginseng's root increases exponentially with growing ages.     

Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis of Fe,Zn and Cu in mice brain associated with Parkinson’s disease

The contents and distributions of metal elements in the brain are closely related to neurodegenerative diseases.In this study, we examined Fe, Cu and Zn contents in the brain section associated with Parkinson‘s disease(PD)using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence(SRXRF). PD mouse model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-terahydropyridine(MPTP) was used for the elemental analysis(e.g., Fe, Cu and Zn) in the substantia nigra pars compacta(SNpc) region of mice brain tissue samples. We found that mice in the MPTP group had higher contents of Fe, Cu and Zn in the SNpc than the control group. After treating the PD mice with rapamycin, the contents of Fe, Cu and Zn were reduced, the dopamine neurons and motor function were rescued correspondingly. The results prompted that the SRXRF provided an ideal method for tracing and analyzing the metal elements in the brain section to assess the pathological changes of PD model and the therapeutic effect of drugs.     

Quantitative Analysis of Mg in Pipeline Dirt Based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

In order to maintain the pipeline better and remove the dirt more effectively,it was necessary to analyze the contents of elements in dirt.Mg in soil outside of the pipe and the dirt inside of the pipe was quantitatively analyzed and compared by using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS).Firstly,Mg was quantitatively analyzed on the basis of Mg Ⅰ 285.213 nm by calibration curve for integrated intensity and peak intensity of the spectrum before and after subtracting noise,respectively.Then calibration curves on the basis of Mg Ⅱ 279.553 nm and MgⅡ 280.270 nm were analyzed.The results indicated that it is better to use integrated intensity after subtracting noise of the spectrum line with high relative intensity to make the calibration curve.     

INAA OF RM IAEA-155 WHEY POWDER

An IAEA biological RM IAEA-155 whey powder was analysed for phosphorus, as well as other 24 elements by INAA. The bremsstrahlung photons produced by P is measured by a HpGe spectrometer. The interferences involved in P determination were comprehensively studied and this method was also applied to the determinations of P in several established biological NBS SRMs and proved to be reliable for a wide range of P contents in biological samples.     

TRACE ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF RAT CATARACTOUS LENSES BY PIXE

Cataracts were observed in the eye lenses of a group of Wistar rats that had been injected with Na2SeO3. The trace elemental analysis of their lenses was carried out by PIXE. The results showed that the variations of elemental contents were different between the injected rats and the controls. The elemental concentrations, which exhibited a certain regularity in their variations,could be related to the time of formation of cataract and to its state.     

Study of Surface Loss Process on a Simulated Stainless Steel Material by Thin Layer Activation

Taking the advantages of high sensitivity, non-destruction, and the capability of on-line measurement at favorable conditions, thin layer activation （TLA） is recognized as a method of choice in the study on surface loss processes of various materials. In this work, a stainless steel material was studied by TLA with two tracers produced via reactions on Fe and Cr using 9 MeV protons. The advantages of TLA for materials consisting of multiple elements are discussed.     

A method of laser focusing control in microlaser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

This paper presents a method for the automatic adjustment of the laser defocusing amount in micro-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. A microscopic optical imaging system consisting of a CCD camera and a 20× objective lens was adopted to realize the method. The real-time auto-focusing of the system was achieved by detecting the effective pixels of the light spot generated by the laser pointer. The focusing accuracy of the method could achieve 3 μm. The element concentrations of Mn and Ni in low-alloy steels were analyzed at a crater diameter of about 35 μm using the presented method. After using the presented method, the determination coefficients of Mn and Ni both exceeded 0.997, with the root-mean-square errors being 0.0133 and 0.0395, respectively. Scanning analysis was performed on the inclined plane and the curved surface by means of focusing control and non-focusing control. Ten characteristic spectral lines of Fe were selected as the analysis lines. With the focusing control, the average relative standard deviations obtained on the inclined plane and curved surface were both less than 5%, and much less than the values without focusing control, 14.6% and 40.39%.     

Adsorption behavior of Zr（IV） and Hf（IV） on a silica-based macroporous TODGA adsorbent

In order to separate Zr（IV） and Hf（IV） in acidic solution, several kinds of silica-based macroporous adsorbents were synthesized. Their adsorption selectivity for Zr（IV） and Hf（IV） in HCl solution was investigated, and the TODGA adsorbent for the two elements had the largest adsorption difference. The effects of acid type, HCl concentration, and temperature on the adsorption behavior of Zr（IV） and Hf（IV） onto the TODGA adsorbent were conducted by batch experiments. It was found that H＋ exhibited a quite strong influence on adsorption capacity of Zr（IV） and Hf（IV）. Isotherm fitting showed that the Langmuir model agrees well with the experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption processes for both elements are endothermic reactions. The TODGA adsorbent had the higher adsorption selectivity for Zr（IV） over Hf（IV） and could be promising for their mutual separation.     

Effect of Plasma on the Zeta Potential of Cotton Fabrics

In this work, the effect of a low-temperature plasma on the zeta potential of cotton fabric was studied. The silver particle absorption on cotton fabric when modified by a low-temperature plasma was also investigated. The modification consisted of plasma pre functionalization followed by a one-step wet treatment with silver nitrate solution. The process was performed in a low-temperature plasma medium, using a magnetron sputtering device. Oxygen and nitrogen were used as working gases in the system, and the results were compared. After preparing the samples, the zeta potentials of the untreated and plasma-treated cotton under a constant pH value solution were estimated and compared. Also, Fourier transform infrared spec troscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the functional groups of the corresponding samples. The amounts of silver absorption on plasma treated and untreated cotton were examined using the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) method. The results show that the amount of zeta potential for the nitrogen plasma treated sample is less and the absorption of silver particles by cotton can be increased strongly with nitrogen plasma treatment.     

Seed Mediated Growth of Gold Nanoparticles Based on Liquid Arc Discharge

We report studies on the growth of gold nanoparticles by a seed-mediated approach in solution. The synthetic method is adapted from one we published earlier (Ashkarran et al. Appl. Phys. A 2009, 96, 423). The synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, optical imaging and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical absorption spectroscopy of the prepared samples at 15 A arc current in HAuCl 4 solution shows a surface plasmon resonance around 520 nm. It is found that sodium citrate acts as a stabilizer and surface capping agent of the colloidal nanoparticles. The intensity of the plasmonic peak of the prepared gold nanoparticles for 1 minute arc duration gradually increases due to seed mediation for up to 6 hours. The formation time of gold nanoparticles at higher seed concentrations is less than that at lower seed concentrations.     

APPLICATION OF INAA TECHNIQUE TO RESEARCH ON THE GEOGAS ANOMALY IN A GOLD DEPOSIT,SOUTHWEST CHINA

A new method of geogas (soil gas) collection and analysis, is briefly introduced. A geogas collector is buried at shallow depth to collect volatile compounds for a period of 60-90 days. The adsorbed compounds are analyzed by INAA. This paper presents the multi-elemental anomaly of a gold deposit, Southwest China.The element contents and the multielemental anomaly of geogas were compared with those in the near- surface soil around the collector, background of the collector, and in gold ores. The geogas anomaly on gold deposit is demonstrated as a direct indicator of subsurface deposits.     

Comparison of Nitric Oxide Concentrations in μs-and ns-Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas by UV Absorption Spectroscopy

In this paper,an absorption spectroscopy measurement method was applied on two atmospheric pressure plasma sources to determine their production of nitric oxide.The concentrations are essential for evaluating the plasma sources based on the principle of the Dielectric Barrier Discharge(DBD)for applications in plasma medicine.The described method is based on a setup with an electrodeless discharge lamp filled with a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.One of the emitted wavelengths is an important resonance wavelength of nitric oxide(λ = 226.2 nm).By comparing the absorption behaviour at the minimum and maximum of the spectral absorption cross section of nitric oxide around that wavelength,and measuring the change in intensity by the absorbing plasma,the concentration of nitric oxide inside the plasma can be calculated.The produced nitric oxide concentrations depend on the pulse duration and are in the range of 180 ppm to 1400 ppm,so that a distance of about 10 cm to the respiratory tract is enough to conform to the VDI Guideline 2310.     

THE METABOLISM OF TITANIUM AND OTHER ELEMENTS IN WISTER RATS

The concentrations of Ti and Ca, P, K, Fe, Cu and Zn in blood samples were determined by PIXE after a single intravenous and a single oral dosing with titanium- ascorbate (Ti- Vc) in Wister rats. Following the intravenous injection with 50 mg Ti- Vc/kg body weight, the absorption, distribution and clearance in blood could be described by an exponential equation of three terms. After gavaged with 500 mg Ti-Vc/kg body weight, at 1.5 h the content of Ti reached the highest level. The concentration of Ca was increasing, with the absorption, distribution and clearance of Ti in blood. The contents of Fe and K were decreasing. And the contents of Cu and Zn were significantly fluctuating. The effect of Ti on animal growth could be explained by the fact that Ti- Vc supplementation could promote the absorption of Ca.     

Development of a scintillation detector for real-time measurement of space proton effective dose

In this study, a scintillation detector was developed to measure the space proton effective dose for astronauts based on the proton effective dose conversion coefficients provided by International Commission on Radiological Protection Report No. 116. In the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code X(version 2.6.0) simulation process, by modulating the depth and solid angle of truncated conical holes in an iron shell from lower-energy protons to higher-energy protons, the energy deposited in the scintillator by isotropic protons was nearly proportional to the corresponding effective dose, with a maximum relative deviation of 13.28% at thirteen energy points in the energy range of 10–400 MeV. Therefore, the detector can monitor proton effective dose indirectly in real time by measuring the deposited energy. We calibrated the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the detector at the cobalt source, tested the response of the detector in the energy range of 30–100 MeV in unidirectional proton field, and validated the simulation with the experimental results.     

Experimental Investigation of Flow Separation Control Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuators

Influence of plasma actuators as a flow separation control device was investigated experimentally. Hump model was used to demonstrate the effect of plasma actuators on external flow separation, while for internal flow separation a set of compressor cascade was adopted. In order to investigate the modification of the flow structure by the plasma actuator, the flow field was examined non-intrusively by particle image velocimetry measurements in the hump model experiment and by a hot film probe in the compressor cascade experiment. The results showed that the plasma actuator could be effective in controlling the flow separation both over the hump and in the compressor cascade when the incoming velocity was low. As the incoming velocity increased, the plasma actuator was less effective. It is urgent to enhance the intensity of the plasma actuator for its better application. Methods to increase the intensity of plasma actuator were also studied.     

Evaluation study on properties of a macroporous silica-based CMPO extraction resin to be used forminor actinides separation from high level liquid waste

Basic properties of a silica-based octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoyl-methylphosphine oxide (CMPO) extraction resin (CMPO/SiO2-P) was investigated.Adsorption behavior for some rare earth elements (RE) which are constituents of high level liquid waste (HLLW) and the long-term stability of the extraction resin in nitric acid solution were examined.The CMPO extraction resin was significantly stable in 3 mol·L?1 HNO3 solution at 50oC.Furthermore,the RE(III) were efficiently separated from non-adsorptive fission product (FP) elements such as Sr(II) in a column experiment using a highly nitric acid solution.The separation behaviors of the elements are considered to result from the difference in their adsorption and elution selectivity based on the complex formation with CMPO.There was no strong dependency of RE(III) separation efficiency on feed solution flow rate.Only from the perspectives of the acid-resistant behavior of CMPO extraction resin and the elution kinetics for the metal ions with the extraction resin,the CMPO extraction resin can be used in the modified MAREC process for HLLW partitioning.     

Detection of Al,Mg, Ca,and Zn in copper slag by LIBS combined with calibration curve and PLSR methods

The precise measurement of Al, Mg, Ca, and Zn composition in copper slag is crucial for effective process control of copper pyrometallurgy. In this study, a remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS) system was utilized for the spectral analysis of copper slag samples at a distance of 2.5 m. The composition of copper slag was then analyzed using both the calibration curve(CC) method and the partial least squares regression(PLSR) analysis method based on the characteristic spectral intensi...     

Determination of 210pb and 212pb in water and their radiological impact to the public via drinking water

A sensitive and accurate method for determining ultra low-level 210Pb and 212Pb in water samples through double measurements was developed.Pb was pre-concentrated as hydroxides,separated from alkaline earth elements as PbS precipitate,purified by an anion exchange resin chromatography column,precipitated as PbSO4 for source preparation and counted by a low background β-counter.The procedure was checked with IAEA reference materials,and the results agreed well with the recommended values.Theminimum detectable activity was 0.062 mBq·L-1 for 210Pb and 0.053 mBq·L-1 for 212Pb with a 48 L water sample.Seventeen drinking water samples were analyzed,with a Pb recovery of 88.8?5.5%,and the typical activity concentrations were 0.191?15.1 mBq·L-1 for 210Pb and of 1.12?5.77 mBq·L-1 for 212Pb.The estimated committed effective doses to adult members of the public in Italy due to intake of 210Pb and 212Pb in drinking water were 0.096?7.59 μSv·a-1 and 0.005?0.025 μSv·a-1,respectively.     

The Solubility of Natural Cellulose After DBD Plasma Treatment

Natural cellulose was treated by an atmospheidc DBD plasma. The solubility of cellulose in a diluted alkaline solution after the plasma treatment was investigated. The properties were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results indicated that the surface of cellulose treated by the argon DBD plasma was significantly etched, and the relevant force of hydrogen bonding was decreased. This might be the essential reason for the solubility improvement of natural cellulose in the diluted alkaline solution. Through a comparison of two discharge modes, the atmospheric DBD plasma gun and the parallel plate capacitively coupled DBD plasma, it was found that the atmospheric DBD plasma gun was more effective in fragmentizing the cellulose due to its production of a high energy plasma based on its special structure.