Estimation of distribution coefficient of uranium around a uranium mining site

Distribution coefficient (K _d) of uranium and its daughter products are very important for migration study around uranium mining sites. Since the distribution coefficient depends very much on the soil and groundwater chemistry, generation of site specific K _d is very important. In the literature there is a large variation of K _d values of uranium. For realistic prediction of contaminant migration, literature K _d value is not very effective. So site specific experimental K _d values are required. The present study emphasizes on the estimation of site specific distribution coefficient for uranium around a uranium mining site. The soil and groundwater parameters which affect the K _d value of uranium have also been estimated. Soil and groundwater samples from nine locations around Turamdih uranium mining site were collected and chemically characterized for various parameters. The distribution coefficient of uranium in top and one meter depth soil samples from above locations were estimated using laboratory batch method. The distribution coefficient of uranium varies from 69 ± 4 to 5524 ± 285 l/kg. No significant difference in uranium K _d values was observed for top and one meter depth soil samples. In the top and one meter depth soil samples uranium K _d values vary from 129 ± 8 to 5524 ± 285 and 69 ± 4 to 3862 ± 195 l/kg respectively. For the estimation of distribution coefficient of uranium different parameters like equilibration time, solid to solution ratio, method of tracer addition to solution, solid-solution separation method etc. have been optimized. The distribution coefficient of uranium determined in the present study will be used for the migration study of uranium around uranium mining sites.     

Anwendbarkeit der flammenlosen Atomabsorption in der messenden komplexchemie: Verteilung von Cu(II) zwischen chloroform und wasser in Gegenwart von 8-hydroxychinolin

Atomic-absorption spectrophotometry with the graphite furnace atomizer has been used in a study of the extraction equilibria of copper oxinate. The amounts of copper back-extracted from chloroform solutions of oxine into aqueous solutions containing tetramethyl ammonium nitrate were determined, and the stability constants β₁ and β₂, and the distribution coefficient K_N for copper oxinate, were then calculated. The protonation constants K₁ and K₂ for the oxinate anion and the distribution coefficient K_HL for oxine were determined by potentiometric aqueous and two-phase titrations respectively. The values obtained are in good agreement with published data.     

Development of negligible depletion hollow fiber membrane-protected liquid-phase microextraction for simultaneous determination of partitioning coefficients and acid dissociation constants

A new method based on negligible depletion hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase microextraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for the simultaneous determination of partitioning coefficients (K_OW) and acid dissociation constants (pK_a), by using phenol, 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol as model compounds. A 37-mm length polypropylene hollow fiber membranes (600 μm inner diameter, 200 μm wall-thickness, 0.2 μm pore size, ∼70% porosity) with two-end sealed were filled with 1-octanol by ultrasonic agitation to prepare the extraction device. The extraction device was deployed in sample solutions, prepared by spiking target analytes in 1-octanol saturated aqueous solutions (500 mL), for negligible depletion extraction. After equilibrium was reached (∼5 h), the 1-octanol in the lumen of the hollow fiber membrane was collected for HPLC determination of the target analytes. As the depletion of the analytes in aqueous samples was negligible, the distribution coefficient (D_OW) could be calculated based on the measured equilibrium concentration in 1-octanol (C_O) and the initial concentration (C_W) in the aqueous sample of the target analyte (D_OW = C_O/C_W). The D_OW values measured at various pH values were nonlinearly regressed with pH to obtain the K_OW and pK_a values of a compound. Results showed that the measured values of the K_OW and pK_a of these model compounds agreed well with literature data.     

Distribution ofK α L n satellite yields for mediumZ elements bombarded with16O ions

K _α X-ray spectra were measured with a Du Mond type curves crystal spectrometer for₄₂Mo and₄₆Pd targets bombarded with oxygen ions at 5.5 MeV/u energy (i.e. at velocity closely matching those of the targetL-shell electrons). The distribution ofL-shell vacancies produced in collisions with simultaneousK-shell ionization is deduced from the measured yield distribution of theK _α X-ray satellites. The distribution shows deviations from the binomial ones. The deviations can be accounted for by assuming that theL-shell vacancy production is due to two uncorrelated processes: the direct ionization by impact and the electron capture from theL-shell of the target atom into theK-shell of the projectile, both occurring at nearly central collisions. The corresponding probability values are deduced using simple statistical considerations.     

Evaluation of Multiplexed CE with UV Detection for Rapid pK a Estimation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

The acid dissociation constant (pK _a) is a key physicochemical parameter for characterizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Early determination of pK _a values is highly desirable in drug discovery, pharmaceutical process research and formulation design. To overcome the challenges of limited sample availability and potential low purity of API samples at early stages of drug development, as well as to increase sample analysis throughput, a multiplexed 96-channel capillary electrophoresis with UV detection was evaluated as a practical approach for high throughput pK _a estimation of proprietary APIs in support of pharmaceutical research. Proprietary APIs with diverse structures were examined using the approach. The pK _a values were successfully determined with good accuracy and precision. System robustness was demonstrated and analysis of at least eight samples can be completed within 1 h. A rapid pK _a estimation procedure for marginally soluble APIs was proposed by performing single-point multiplexed CE–UV measurement without extrapolation using 10 or 20% methanol as co-solvent. Direct pK _a estimation of APIs using DMSO solution samples and crude reaction samples containing a large amount of solvents and reagents and high level of impurities was also demonstrated using the multiplexed CE–UV approach.     

A rapid determination method of the air/water partition coefficient and its application

The air/water partition coefficient (K_aw) and Henry's constant (H) were measured by our own modified EPICS (Equilibrium Partitioning in Closed System) method, which uses two bubble columns. This method gives accurate K_aw data much more rapidly than other methods. In order to establish this method, the influence of airflow rate and the volume ratios of water in two columns to partition coefficient were carefully examined. Then we have measured K_aw for some n-alkanes, aromatic and chlorinated compounds. The experimental results of our modified EPICS method agreed very well with literature values. Besides the relationships between K_aw and molar volume, vapor pressure and water solubility were also analyzed.     

Role of Ion exchange in permeation processes

The single ion transport of transition metal ions like Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were carried out through the H⁺ and alkali metal ion forms of Nafion membrane. These studies showed that the ion exchange selectivity coefficient of the permeating ion had an effect on its transport process. It was found that the diffusion coefficient values (D) were directly proportional to the selectivity coefficient (K). This shows that the initial stage of permeation is governed by ion exchange process (effect of K on D).     

Deactivation of He 23S by thermal electrons

The rate coefficient for deactivation of the metastable 2³S state of He by impact of thermal electrons is deduced from recent calculations of inelastic electron-He cross sections. The deactivation rate is found to be nearly constant with temperature. Computed values range between 2.82 and 3.03 (10^?9 cm³/sec) for T between 0 and 2000°K. De-excitation cross sections are given for low-energy incident electrons.     

Prediction of gas collection efficiency and particle collection artifact for atmospheric semivolatile organic compounds in multicapillary denuders

A modeling approach is presented to predict the sorptive sampling collection efficiency of gaseous semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) and the artifact caused by collection of particle-associated SOCs in multicapillary diffusion denuders containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stationary phase. Approaches are presented to estimate the equilibrium PDMS–gas partition coefficient (K_pdms) from a solvation parameter model for any compound, and, for nonpolar compounds, from the octanol–air partition coefficient (K_oa) if measured K_pdms values are not available. These estimated K_pdms values are compared with K_pdms measured by gas chromatography. Breakthrough fraction was measured for SOCs collected from ambient air using high-flow (300 L min⁻¹) and low-flow (13 L min⁻¹) denuders under a range of sampling conditions (−10 to 25 °C; 11–100% relative humidity). Measured breakthrough fraction agreed with predictions based on frontal chromatography theory using K_pdms and equations of Golay, Lövkvist and Jönsson within measurement precision. Analytes included hexachlorobenzene, 144 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers 47 and 99. Atmospheric particle transmission efficiency was measured for the high-flow denuder (0.037–6.3 μm diameter), and low-flow denuder (0.015–3.1 μm diameter). Particle transmission predicted using equations of Gormley and Kennedy, Pich, and a modified filter model, agreed within measurement precision (high-flow denuder) or were slightly greater than (low-flow denuder) measured particle transmission. As an example application of the model, breakthrough volume and particle collection artifact for the two denuder designs were predicted as a function of K_oa for nonpolar SOCs. The modeling approach is a necessary tool for the design and use of denuders for sorptive sampling with PDMS stationary phase.     

Effect of different arrangements of point source,aluminum absorber and detector on mass absorption coefficient of beta-particles

Summary The transmission of 0.766 MeV beta-particles emitted from ²⁰⁴Tl through aluminum has been investigated for different arrangements of point source, absorber and detector. In the first arrangement, the mass absorption coefficient (μ_m) has been measured as a function of the absorber to the source distance (H_AS), when the absorber foil was placed just above the window of a surface barrier solid state detector. In the second arrangement, the mass absorption coefficient has been measured as a function of the absorber to detector distance (H_AD), when the absorber foil was placed just on the source. The measured mass absorption coefficients of beta-particles have been compared to the values gained in a previous work.     

99TcO4 − diffusion and sorption in compacted GMZ bentonite studied by capillary method

Sorption and diffusion of ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? in compacted bentonite from Gaomiaozi county (Inner Mongolia, China) (denoted as GMZ bentonite) was studied by capillary method. The distribution coefficient (K _d) and diffusion coefficient (D _a) were calculated from diffusion curves of ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? in compacted GMZ bentonite. The D _a and K _d values decreased with the increasing of the bulk dry density of the compacted bentonite. With increasing pH values, the D _a values increased whereas the K _d values decreased, which is attributed to the ion exchange and electrostatic repulsion between the negative surface charged bentonite and negative charged ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? ions at high pH values. The diffusion and relative concentration distributions of ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? in compacted bentonite after long aging time were simulated from the distribution and diffusion coefficients. Effect of aging time on the diffusion of ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? in compacted bentonite was also calculated using the theoretical equation. The results indicated that ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? was an easily mobile radionuclide in environment and the release of ⁹⁹TcO₄ ^? from the radioactive waste repository was dangerous to the environmental pollution.     

Adsorption characteristics and radiation stability of a silica-based DtBuCH18C6 adsorbent for Sr(II) separation in HNO3 medium

A silica-based adsorbent, (DtBuCH18C6 + dodecanol)/SiO₂-P, which is used for selective separation of Sr(II) from high level liquid wastes, against temperature and gama-irradiation was investigated. The adsorption characteristics of Sr(II), Ba(II), La(III), Nd(III), Gd(III) and Dy(III) under varying nitric acid concentration at different temperatures were measured by batch method. The adsorbent showed higher distribution coefficients (K _d) for Sr(II) compared to other tested metal ions, and the K _d values of Sr(II) decreased with increasing temperature. Thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption process were calculated. The related parameters in adsorption isotherm models were obtained using a non-linear fitting. Uptake capacity from 0.38 to 0.43 mmol g^?1 was obtained for Sr(II) in the temperature range of 298–323 K by the Langmuir equation fitting. The leakage of total organic carbon was below 120 ppm at 298 K and 180 ppm at 323 K, respectively. The degradation of the adsorbent irradiated in 2 M HNO₃ was investigated. It is found that the adsorbed dose of γ-ray more than 50 KGy has a strong influence on K _d of Sr(II). The K _d values of Sr(II) decrease about 3 times ranged from 50 to 500 KGy.     

pH- and temperature-responsive redox behavior of hydroxyanthracenediones

The redox response of three anthracenediones; 4,8-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl acetate (HACAD), 1,4,5-trihydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione (HAD) and 1,4,5-trihydroxy-2-methyl-3-(3-oxobutyl)anthracene-9,10-dione (HOAD) was probed at the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) over a wide pH range from pH 3 to pH 12 using voltammetric techniques. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) allowed us to evaluate the redox processes in general. Temperature-dependent sweep rate experiments allowed us to obtain kinetic parameters like the diffusion coefficient and the electron transfer rate constant, which were further used to evaluate the thermodynamics of the processes. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) allowed the determination of the number of electrons and protons involved in the Faradaic processes. In addition, square-wave voltammetry (SWV) allowed us to assess the reversible/irreversible nature of the electrode processes and allowed the determination of analytical parameters, such as the limit of detection and the limit of quantification. A thorough UV–vis spectroscopy, in a wide pH range, allowed the determination of the acid-base dissociation constant, pK_a, and of the molar extinction coefficient. The pK_a values determined by different methods were found to be in very good agreement.     

Development of solid-phase microextraction to study dissolved organic matter—Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon interactions in aquatic environment

Solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS) was developed for the study of interactions between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dissolved organic matter (DOM). After the determination of the best conditions of extraction, the tool was applied to spiked water to calculate the dissolved organic carbon water distribution coefficient (K_DOC) in presence of different mixtures of PAHs and Aldrich humic acid. The use of deuterated naphthalene as internal standard for freely dissolved PAH quantification was shown to provide more accuracy than regular external calibration. For the first time, K_DOC values of 18 PAHs were calculated using data from SPME–GC–MS and fluorescence quenching; they were in agreement with the results of previous studies. Competition between PAHs, deuterated PAHs and DOM was demonstrated, pointing out the non-linearity of PAH–DOM interactions and the stronger interactions of light molecular weight PAHs (higher K_DOC values) in absence of high molecular weight PAHs.     

Application of inclusive probability theory to heavy ion-atom collisions

Using the independent particle model as our basis we present a scheme to reduce the complexity and computational effort to calculate inclusive probabilities in many-electron collision system. As an example we present an application toK?K charge transfer in collisions of 2.6 MeV Ne⁹⁺ on Ne. We are able to give impact parameter-dependent probabilities for many-particle states which could lead toKLL-Auger electrons after collision and we compare with experimental values.     

Raman spectroscopy of powders: Effects of light absorption and scattering

New expressions are derived from Kubelka—Munk theory to describe the Raman intensities observed by back-scattering from powder samples. The equations relate the Raman intensity to the diffuse reflectance R_∞ of the sample for two cases: (i) for a series of samples having constant values of the scattering coefficient, s, but which vary in their values of the absorption coefficient, k; and (ii) for a series of samples having constant values of k, but differing in their values of s. The predicted intensity dependences are compared with the results of experiment.     

Theoretical background of monolithic short layer ion-exchange chromatography for separation of charged large biomolecules or bioparticles

The retention and peak spreading in linear gradient elution of charged large biomolecules were investigated by using numerical simulations. Oligo-DNA separation by monolithic anion-exchange chromatography was chosen as a model system. The peak width and the retention were well predicted by using the parameters obtained by gradient elution experiments at different gradient slopes. As the distribution coefficient at the peak retention volume K_R decreases with increasing molecular size, the peak became sharper for larger DNAs. This is due to very large effective charge (binding site) values of large DNAs (20–60). The peak width was well correlated with K_R based on the model equation developed for linear gradient elution of proteins. It was shown that the monolithic disk is best suited for very large charged biomolecule separations at high flow velocities with shallow gradients slopes.     

Determination of dissociation constants of sparingly soluble phenothiazine derivatives by second-derivative spectrophotometry

The dissociation constants (pK_a) for sparingly soluble phenothiazines (promazine, chlorpromazine, trifluoropromazine) in water were measured by second-derivative spectrophotometry. The intense background signals in the absorption spectra due to the turbidity caused by the precipitation of insoluble free base of the phenothiazine derivatives were eliminated in the second-derivative spectra, and the solubilities of the phenothiazine derivatives could be easily determined from the peak-to-trough lengths (D values) of the second-derivative signals. The pK_a values were calculated from the pH dependence of the D values. The pK_a values obtained agreed well with reported values and the standard deviations for 6–10 determinations were ? 0.02. The solubilities of the free bases of the phenothiazines were also determined.