Factors associated with the variations in environmental gamma-ray spectra in Kashiwazaki Kariwa area

Since October 1983, the Niigata Prefectural Government has been carrying out the continuous measurements of gamma-emitting radionuclides in the environment around the Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power station by environmental radiation monitoring telemetry system. Continuous measurements of gamma-ray spectra have been established since April 1996. As a result, the contribution of various radionuclides has been gradually clarified in the variations of the gamma-ray dose rate. In this paper, the energy spectrum of the incident gamma-ray to NaI(Tl) scintillation detector was obtained by the unfolding method using a response matrix, and the variations of the energy spectrum observed in the precipitation and snow were investigated. The increase in the dose rate in precipitation originated from the increase in the flux density of gamma-ray from ²¹⁴Bi and ²¹⁴Pb, daughter nuclide of ²²²Rn, which fell down with the precipitation. On the other hand, the reduction in the dose rate in the snowy period was confirmed due to the shielding effect of a part of gamma-rays from the natural radioactive nuclides by the snow layer, in coincidence with the decrease of the flux density in ⁴⁰K and ²⁰⁸Tl.     

Pre-concentration of short-lived radionuclides using manganese dioxide precipitation from surface waters

Rapid determination of ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn progeny (²¹⁴Pb, ²¹²Pb, ²¹⁴Bi, ²¹²Bi) is achievable using manganese dioxide (MnO₂) precipitation with analysis by γ-spectrometry. This is of interest to environmental monitoring programmes that utilise gross activity methods to screen for anthropogenic radionuclides. The contribution from these naturally occurring radionuclides (NOR) varies, and is difficult to experimentally measure due to short half-lives (t _½ = 19.9 m–10.64 h) and low environmental activity (<0.1 Bq L^?1). The extraction efficiency of the technique is above 90%, and above 80% for other nuclides (²³²Th, ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, ²²⁸Ac, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁴Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ⁵⁴Mn). Short-lived NOR have been measured at two surface water locations, and indicates elevated ²¹⁴Bi activity of 4.0 ± 1.1 Bq L^?1.     

Free‐radical trapping in the precipitation polymerization of acrylamide

Electron spin resonance spectroscopy revealed that some free radicals were trapped in the precipitated polymer during the precipitation polymerization of acrylamide conducted in nonsolvents of the polymer [t‐butyl alcohol (TBA), acetone and methanol]. The trapped radical concentration decreased with an increase in the chain‐transfer activity of the aforementioned liquids. A 100% polymerized acrylamide in TBA prepared with a 10% monomer concentration and a 3 × 10^?3 mol/dm³ azobisisobutyronitrile concentration at 50 °C contained approximately 2 radicals per 100 polymer molecules. The trapped radicals on exposure to air decayed with time according to second‐order kinetics. The rate constant was evaluated and found to be in reasonably good agreement with the rate constant evaluated from data published long ago for the decay of trapped polyacrylonitrile radicals following their exposure to air. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1192–1197, 2003     

A 15-year record of seasonal variation in the isotopic composition of precipitation water over continental Portugal

The Nuclear and Technological Institute (Instituto Tecnológico e Nuclear—ITN) in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been conducting a nationwide survey of hydrogen (²H/¹H) and oxygen (¹⁸O/¹⁶O) isotopic composition of monthly precipitation since 1988. This paper focuses on basic features of spatial and temporal distribution of δ¹⁸O and δ²H in the precipitation over Continental Portugal derived from ITN database. Phenomenological relationships between stable isotopes composition of precipitation and various climate-related parameters (local air temperature, distance to the Atlantic coast, altitude, amount of precipitation) are established and discussed.     

Chemical compositions of precipitation and scavenging of particles in Beijing

Wet deposition is the scavenging approach of pollutants from the atmosphere. Rain in summer and snow in winter are the main scavenging processes of air pollutants by wet deposition in Beijing and key factors of changing air pollutants concentrations[1]. T…     

Field alpha-spectroscopy of radon (<Superscript>222</Superscript>Rn) and actinon (<Superscript>219</Superscript>Rn) progeny in soil gas: Locating a radon source

Summary The activities of²¹⁸Po,²¹⁴Po and²¹¹Bi were determined in samples obtained of soil/gas. Sampling work was taken in Jáchymov (Czech Republic) at the outcrop of the Geister-vein,by electrostatic precipitation from filtered soil gas on stainless steel disks.The samples were measured in a field laboratory using a semi-conductor alpha-spectrometer.The activities of²¹⁸Po,²¹⁴Po and²¹¹Bi were calculated.Samples taken from active dump material (near-by radon source) exhibited a high²¹¹Bi/²¹⁴Po ratio, while those of the vein outcrop (a relatively deeper source) had a low ratio.A mathematical model was employed to determine the radon age calculated from the actinon/radon input ratio.This varied in a range of 5.6 to -7.7 seconds.Negative age values are probably caused by the preference for actinon, which rapidly comes into equilibrium with the source of this gas.     

Molecular weight distribution by stirring-induced fractional precipitation

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylenes GUR, UTEC 2540, and UTEC 3540 were fractionated by precipitation from cooling of solutions with stirring [stirring-induced fractional precipitation (SIFP)]. The samples were dissolved in decalin and precipitated over the temperature range of 100-78°C. Three types of procedures were investigated. From fractionation data, the integral and differential molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the polymer were calculated. The MWD and average molecular weights, and , by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and the limiting viscosity number of the fractions and whole polymer were determined. From these data, the Mark-Houwink constants were calculated. The ‘K’ and ‘a_η’ values obtained were 6.70 × 10^?4 and 0.69, respectively. The MWD curves calculated from SIFP technique by using these constants are in accordance with the MWD by SEC. Fractionation depended on the chemical nature of the stirrer and the cooling rate of the solution during precipitation. The methodology is reproducible. Faster fractionation was observed compared with other methods. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

32Si in precipitation of Freiberg /GDR/

New results of³²Si measurements in precipitation of Freiberg /GDR/ are presented and discussed with regard to the³²Si initial concentration for groundwater dating.     

Removal of lead from aqueous solutions by adsorption with surface precipitation

An activated carbon from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) shells was prepared by physical activation with carbon dioxide and water vapor. The activated carbon obtained has a surface area of 1058 m² g^?1 and such a high micropore volume of 0.49 cm³ g^?1. This carbon was studied for the removal of lead from water. Sorption studies were performed at 30 °C, at different pH and adsorbent doses, in batch mode. Lead precipitation was observed on the surface of the activated carbon. Maximum adsorption occurred at pH 9 for an adsorbent dose of 2 g L^?1. Kinetic studies, at the initial concentration of 150 mg L^?1 of lead, pH 5 and an adsorbent dose of 1 g L^?1, yielded an equilibrium time of 50 h for this activated carbon. The kinetic data were modeled with the pseudo first order, the pseudo second order and the Bangham models. The pseudo second order model fitted the data well. The sorption rate constant (7 × 10^?4 mol^?1 Kg s^?1) and the maximum amount of lead adsorbed (0.23 mol kg^?1) are quite good compared to the data found in literature. Sorption equilibrium studies were conducted in a concentration range of lead from 0 to 150 mg L^?1. In an aqueous lead solution with an initial concentration of 30 mg L^?1, at pH 5, adsorbent dose 1 g L^?1, activated Coconut shell carbon removed at equilibrium 100 % of the heavy metal. The equilibrium data were modeled with the Langmuir and Freundlich equations, of which the former gave the best fit. The Langmuir constants Q_{max eq} (0.23 mol kg^?1) and K_L (487667 L mol^?1) are in good agreement with literature. XPS studies identified adsorbed species as lead carbonates and/or lead oxalates and precipitates as lead oxide and/or lead hydroxide on the activated carbon surface. The Coconut shell activated carbon is a very efficient carbon due to its high surface area, to the presence of many micropores on its surface and to the presence surface groups like hydroxyls promoting adsorption in the porous system and lead crystal precipitation on the activated carbon surface.     

INAA for the determination of extractable organohalogens in precipitation in Shanghai, China

The paper presents the results of determination of extractable organohalogens (EOX) by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) by gas chromatography (GC), in atmospheric precipitation in Shanghai, China, from January to August 2005. The results showed that EOCI was the major component of organohalogens in precipitation. A significant correlation between the concentrations of EOBr and EOI was observed (r ² = 0.75), which suggested that EOBr and EOI in precipitation might mainly come from the same sources. There were no clear seasonal trends for the concentrations of EOX. The concentrations of ΣPCBs ranged from 0.2–2.8 ng/l, with the dominant PCBs containing 3 to 5 chlorine atoms. HCH was the predominant pesticide in precipitation, accounting for over 80% of total OCPs, in which β-HCH took 28%–72% of total HCH. Also, there may be an evidence for significantly historical usage of DDT.     

Simple collection and direct alpha-spectrometric determination of214Pb and214Bi in natural water

A rapid method has been developed for the de termination of²¹⁴Pb and²¹⁴Bi in natural waters by alpha-spectrometric measurement of²¹⁴Po. Well water was filtered on a membrane filter impregnated with manganese oxide and followed by direct alpha-spectrometric analysis. A prominent alpha peak was assigned to²¹⁴Po, which should be supported by the longer lived parents²¹⁴Pb and²¹⁴Bi. The activity ratios between²¹⁴Pb and²¹⁴Bi adsorbed on the filter were determined by using the change of activity of²¹⁴Po as a function of counting period after the filtration. The adsorbed yield of²¹⁴Pb was also determined from the growth of the alpha-peak due to²¹⁰Po from a²¹⁰Pb tracer added in the original water. The results indicated that the amount of²¹⁴Pb was in radioactive non-equilibrium state with the Rn-222 dissolved, while the activity ratios of²¹⁴Bi/²¹⁴Pb showed on increasing tendency with the storage period of the water.     

Some observations on the precipitation of group II metals in qualitative analysis

Difficulties in the precipitation of Group II of the classical scheme of qualitative inorganic analysis are discussed. Three reagents for the destruction of permanganate and dichromate have been examined; hydrogen peroxide was found to be most suitable. Conditions have been established whereby As₂S₅ can be precipitated, thus avoiding the necessity for reducing As^V before passing hydrogen sulphide. A simple separation of the Group IIB elements, based on the stepwise precipitation of their sulphides from solutions of controlled acidity, is proposed.These modifications have been adapted to the procedures of Holness² and Holness and Trewick¹, for adjusting the acidity and for dividing the sulphide precipitates into the two sub-groups.     

Mechanism of 7Be scavenging from the atmosphere through precipitation in relation to seasonal variations in Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture, Japan

⁷Be deposition fluxes and atmospheric concentrations were measured at Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture, Japan, from 2000 to 2005. It was confirmed that the ⁷Be deposition fluxes were minimum in summer, and the fallout maximizes in winter. The atmospheric concentration of ⁷Be was especially low in summer, and high in the other three seasons. A positive correlation was observed between the amount of precipitation and ⁷Be deposition. Clear seasonal differences were evident among the ratios of ⁷Be deposition flux to precipitation amounts in the four seasons. The ratios were especially high in winter, higher than those in the other three seasons. ⁷Be deposition flux was estimated by a simple simulation model using atmospheric ⁷Be concentrations and local meteorological data. As a result, the estimated deposition value was relatively lower than the measured value in winter.     

Seasonal variation in the isotopic contents of precipitation in Korea

Tritium and other stable isotopes in precipitation were analyzed on a monthly based on Jeju Island and in Daejeon Korea and variations between the island and continent were compared. The tritium concentration in Daejeon ranged from 2.27 to 15.71 TU and on Jeju from <0.5 to 5.4 TU. The maximum value of the tritium content was in March and the minimum in July and August due to the dilution effect of heavy rain. The tritium content in precipitation on Jeju Island was lower than in Daejeon and the results reflected the general tritium content value in the Northern Hemisphere. The stable isotope analysis results showed that the mean value of δ ¹⁸O (‰) was ?6.28 and ranged from ?11.70 to ?1.67. Further the mean δD (‰) value was ?36.33 and ranged from ?85.56 to 4.27. The mean deuterium excess value (d-value) was 13.89  ‰ and ranged from 3.33 to 33.61 ‰.     

Field measurement of the <Superscript>218</Superscript>Po, <Superscript>214</Superscript>Pb and <Superscript>214</Superscript>Bi concentrations in typical indoor and outdoor environments in Beijing

The activity concentrations of ²¹⁸Po, ²¹⁴Pb and ²¹⁴Bi [i.e. C(²¹⁸Po), C(²¹⁴Pb), and C(²¹⁴Bi)] and the calculated concentration ratios [i.e. 1:C(²¹⁴Pb)/C(²¹⁸Po):C(²¹⁴Bi)/C(²¹⁸Po)] are necessary for assessing radon and its progenies exposure. In this study, a measurement method of radon progenies concentrations with both high sensitivity and low uncertainty, was developed based on the Kerr method. The field measurement results of radon progeny concentrations and calculated concentration ratios in both typical indoor and outdoor environments in Beijing, China, were reported. The effects of air exchange rate on concentration ratios of radon progenies in indoor environments were discussed.     

Enrichment of sea-salt aerosols in short-lived222Rn daughter products-role of marine Fe/III/ hydroxide colloid

The interaction of short-lived Rn-daughter products /SLDP/, viz.²¹⁴Pb and²¹⁴Bi dissolved in sea-water with Fe/III/ hydroxide colloids followed by flotation of combined Fe-SLDP particles at the sea-air interface subsequently generating marine aerosols enriched in²¹⁴Bi and²¹⁴Pb have been studied under laboratory conditions. Rate constants for attachment of²¹⁴Bi and²¹⁴Pb to dispersed Fe/III/ colloids in the sea water are found to be 3.7×10^–4 min^–1 litre [g/Fe/]^–1 and 2.4×10^–4 min^–1 litre [g/Fe/]^–1, resp., /20°C/ over the concentration range of iron /III/ from 8 to 120 g liter^–1. The suggested mechanism of colloid flotation and aerosol generation might be responsible for some peculiarities of SLDP distribution in the lower marine atmosphere.     

Atmospheric concentrations of 7Be and 210Pb in Granada, Spain

Aerosols samples in near-surface air of Granada (Spain) were collected on a weekly basis. The seasonal ²¹⁰Pb and ⁷Be concentrations were determined during the five-year period, from October 1993 to September 1997. The elements, despite their different origin and their different distribution throughout the atmosphere, present the same seasonal variation. There was a tendency for a maximum during the summer season and a minimum during fall and/or winter. In this work, the concentration of ⁷Be and ²¹⁰Pb and meteorological data have been used in order to determine the periods of the potential radioactive pollution. This study, also, shows that the deposition of ⁷Be occurs primarily by precipitation except during the investigation periods where precipitation was scarce and irregular.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Indirect atomic absorption spectrometric determination of citric acid by continuous precipitation

A continuous precipitation and filtration flow system for the separation of citric acid by precipitation with lead and indirect flame atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. The precipitate is formed by injecting the lead solution into a carrier containing the sample and is subsequently retained on a filter. By using this reversed precipitation flow-injection configuration, citric acid was determined in the range 2–40 μg mL^–1, with a relative standard deviation of 2.9% at a sampling frequency of 60 samples h^–1. This method has been applied to the determination of citric acid in fruit juices, carbonated soft drinks and sweets. Received: 19 March 1999 / Revised: 27 May 1999 / Accepted: 31 May 1999     

NIR analysis for batch process of ethanol precipitation coupled with a new calibration model updating strategy

Ethanol precipitation plays a major role in the pretreatment of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae of Qingkailing injection, and is also one of the most popular purification techniques in Chinese herbal medicines. In order to monitor and have a better understanding of the ethanol precipitation process, a PLS model was built based on NIR spectroscopy and HPLC analysis of chlorogenic acid content within the framework of FDA's PAT initiative. Nevertheless, due to the complex mechanism of and the raw materials’ natural variability introduced into the ethanol precipitation process, it was unable to foresee the variations in new batches which may jeopardize the robustness of the established model. Therefore, based on the simple interval calculation (SIC) theory, a new model expansion updating strategy which could continuously expand the variation coverage of the calibration model along with the batch proceeding of ethanol precipitation process was proposed. Effects of model updating were validated by an individual batch with 60 samples. After two times of updating, the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) decreased from 0.268 mg mL⁻¹ to 0.199 mg mL⁻¹, while the insiders in the object status plot (OSP) increased from 44 to 58, demonstrating the good performance of the proposed approach.     

Comparative temporal behavior of radon- and thoron-progeny in surface air over the midwestern U.S.

Temporal variations in airborne²¹⁰Pb,²¹²Pb,²¹⁴Pb,²¹⁸Po, and²¹⁴Bi concentrations at Springfield, Missouri, USA, are compared with each other and with results reported from studies performed in other parts of the world. At Springfield diurnal concentration patterns of²¹⁰Pb are similar to those of²¹²Pb, but seasonal concentration patterns differ markedly. Additionally, abnormal disequilibrium conditions are sometimes found to exist in Springfield among²¹⁸Po,²¹⁴Pb, and²¹⁴Bi in which progeny/parent ratios are greater than 1. Findings similar to those presented here have been reported at some sites throughout the world, but different temporal patterns have been reported at others. Examination of concentration dependence on meteorological conditions at Springfield indicates that some of these differences are correlated with temperature and ground snow cover. Implications of these findings for use of thoron- and radon-progeny as atmospheric tracers are discussed.