Radioisotope‐induced EDXRF investigation of elemental uptake in cauliflower grown at MSW‐contaminated site

A ¹⁰⁹Cd radioisotope‐induced energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) study has been performed on samples of cauliflower consisting of the flower, the leaves and the associated root soil. The cauliflowers are collected from farms near the main dumping site of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the city of Kolkata, India, and also from uncontaminated farms about 50 km away from the city. The systematic investigation is primarily aimed at achieving two correlated objectives. Firstly, a unified calibration approach is undertaken for the study tool viz., EDXRF spectrometer, through the use of same instrumental scattering constants for quantification in widely differing matrices like soil and plant. Quality control was done by quantitative reproduction of National Institute of Standards and Technology–Standard Reference Materials (NIST–SRMs). Subsequently, the second objective is to comparatively study elemental uptake in the cauliflower samples from contaminated and uncontaminated farms using the same calibration. This study suggests that the elemental concentrations in the root soils and leaves of the samples vary from farm to farm, whereby the concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in root soils of MSW‐contaminated farms are higher by almost an order of magnitude compared to uncontaminated farms. But the most notable feature of this study is the strikingly similar elemental concentrations in the edible flower part of all samples irrespective of the soil type. Plots of the ratio of concentrations of elements in leaf to soil and in flower to leaf, observed from the present EDXRF study suggests that a preferential uptake of elements takes place at different stages. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mineralogy of the clay fraction of soils from the moray cusco archaeological site: a study by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffractometry and M?ssbauer spectroscopy

The purpose of this work is to report the advances in the elemental and structural characterization of the clay fraction of soils from the terraces of the Moray Archaeological site, located 38 km north of the city of Cusco, Cusco Region. One sample was collected from each of the twelve terraces of this site and its clay fraction was separated by sedimentation. Previously the pH of the raw samples was measured resulting that all of the samples were from alkaline to strongly alkaline. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used for the elemental characterization, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy (TMS), using the ?? 14.4 keV nuclear resonance transition in ⁵⁷Fe, were used for the structural characterization of the clays and clay minerals present in each sample. The EDXRF analyses of all the samples show the presence of relatively high concentrations of sulfur in some of the samples and relatively high concentrations of calcium in all of the samples, which may be related to the high alkalinity of the samples. By XRD it is observed the presence of quartz, calcite, gypsum, cronstedtite, 2:1 phyllosilicates, and iron oxides. The mineralogical analysis of Fe by TMS shows that it is present in the form of hematite and occupying Fe^2?+? and Fe^3?+? sites in phyllosilicates, cronstedtite, and other minerals not yet identified.     

A tentative study of urban and suburban fine particles (PM2.5) collected in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso

The aim of the study was to determine the mass, black carbon (BC), and elemental concentrations in fine particles (PM_2.5) and their variations at two sites in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. The weather situation in Ouagadougou during the field campaign was dominated by high pressure with variable cloudiness and no precipitation. Diurnal temperatures varied between 19 and 38 °C and relative humidity between 10 and 60%. Winds in Ouagadougou were generally coming in from the north, showing a diurnal pattern with gusts of up to 6 m/s during daytime, while evenings and nights were calmer with very stable atmospheric conditions. However, during part of this field campaign, a period of nighttime moderately stable atmospheric conditions occurred with increased wind speed and more easterly winds. Cyclones were used for the PM_2.5 particle collection at both sites. The elemental analysis was done using energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectroscopy. Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, and Pb were identified and quantified in most of the samples. The particle mass concentration was 27–164 µg/m³ while BC varied between 1.3 and 8.2 µg/m³. No influence of leaded gasoline was found. Soil dust was identified as a major component of the particles, which was confirmed by comparing with the elements in a soil sample. A significant difference in elemental, BC, and mass concentrations was seen between periods with very stable and moderately stable atmospheric conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A simple model of Cs-137 profile to estimate soil redistribution in cultivated stony soils

A main issue in soil erosion studies is to calibrate ¹³⁷Cs data to provide satisfactory estimates of erosion and deposition rates. The cultivation on steep slopes in some areas of the South Central Pyrenees results in serious affections to soils due to water erosion that mobilizes soil particles down slope. In the region, the intensive soil use including deforestation, overgrazing and extensive agriculture during the last centuries together with some characteristics of the soils such as poor development, thin soil profiles and high stone contents make them prone to erosion. A model based on ¹³⁷Cs profile is proposed to calculate erosion or sedimentation rates in these cultivated soils. The model uses parameters such as the volume of the fine fraction of the soils and the depth of cultivation calculated from the values obtained just from the soil sampling. Using a computer program the annual deposit of ¹³⁷Cs is simulated for an erosion or deposition rate of soil. To test the model, ¹³⁷Cs profiles of cultivated soils were collected at sampling sites located on temperate slopes in the Sierra de la Carrodilla (South Pyrenees) and experimental results were simulated with the model. The simulation results of the model were consistent with the experimental results of ¹³⁷Cs concentrations and inventories. The model offers a potential to describe the soil redistribution in stony soils and estimates of erosion and deposition rates can be calculated easily for a range of the most common soils found in Mediterranean environments.     

Elemental analysis of particulate matter in a metal workshop and of biological samples from exposed workers

During metal welding and cutting, large amounts of particulate matter (PM) are produced that might represent a significant health risk for the exposed workers. In the present pilot study, we performed an elemental analysis of fine PM collected in a metal workshop. Also, elemental analysis of the hair and nail samples collected from workers exposed to the workshop dust and control group was done. Concentrations of 15 elements in PM were measured with X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Particle Induced X‐ray Emission (PIXE), whereas inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) was used to determine 12 elements in hair and nail samples. Mean 8‐hr concentrations of PM_2.5, Fe, and Mn in the vicinity of welders were up to 1803, 860, and 30 μg/m³, respectively, whereas in the nearby city, daily PM_2.5 concentrations are on average 11 μg/m³. We found that several elements, especially Fe and Mn, had substantially higher concentrations in hair and nail samples of exposed workers than in the control group, which indicates the accumulation of metals in workers' tissues, although limit values were not exceeded.     

Amino Acid 15N/14N Analysis at Natural Abundances: A New Tool for Soil Organic Matter Studies in Agricultural Systems

Abstract

The effects of landuse, fertilizer history and soil type on the quantity and isotopic quality of hydrolysable soil amino acids were examined in 3 grassland and 2 arable soils. Results showed, (i) that overall concentrations of individual amino acids were highest in the grassland soils, (ii) that ‰δ¹⁵N values of the individual amino acids differed considerably between the five soils, and (iii) that the combination of amino acid ‰δ¹⁵N values and concentrations could be used to distinguish between landuse, crop type and fertilizer history. This preliminary study indicates that the pathways of transformation of soil amino acid N are influenced by long term N inputs and that associated biological processes are reflected in differences in concentrations and ‰δ¹⁵N values of individual soil amino acids.     

Use of atomic absorption spectrometry in assessment of biomonitor plants for lead, cadmium and copper pollution

Eleven plant species were collected from the vicinity of lead-battery plant in the city of Gaziantep,Turkey.Lead,cadmium and copper concentrations in the soil and leaves of plants were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.Lead,Cd and Cu concentrations in the soil samples taken from battery area were found to be in the ranges of 304～602,0.4～0.44 and 31～37 mg·kg-1,respectively.Significantly increased lead concentration up to 2 750 mg·kg-1 was found in the leaves of Eleagnus angustifolia L.plant.The lead concentrations in the other plant leaves taken from 50 m around battery factory followed the order Ailanthus altissima>Morus sp.>Juglans regia L.>Ficus carica L.>Cydonia oblonga Miller>Prunus x domestica L.The plants,Populus nigra L.,Eleagnus angustifolia L.and Salix sp.were found useful for Cd,and the plant,Eleagnus angustifolia L.for Pb,to be considered as potential biomonitor.Especially,leaves of trees and plants taken from the distance of 50 m from battery plant have relatively higher Pb concentrations.Therefore,people who and animals which live in this area and benefit from these soil and plants have vital risks.     

Determination of the soil-to-grass transfer of 137Cs and its relation to several soil properties at various locations in Serbia

Transfer coefficients of ¹³⁷Cs from soil to grass were determined for the terrain around the city of Kragujevac in central Serbia. Mass activity concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs in soil and grass samples were determined with a high-purity Ge-detector (HPGe). The activity concentration at the depth of 20 cm was found to be in the range of 14.92–124.05 Bq kg^?1, whereas the activity in grass for the same location was in the range of 4.60–84.95 Bq kg^?1. Transfer factors (TFs) were in the range of 0.07 up to 1.94.

Dependences of TFs on different soil characteristics were presented graphically. Weak dependences were determined between them. Absalom's model was used to predict TFs based on soil characteristics: pH value, contents of clay, exchangeable potassium and humus.

A comparison of measured and predicted values from Absalom's model is shown graphically. It has been found that Absalom's model might be carefully used for the prediction of ¹³⁷Cs in grass for specific regions.     

激光诱导击穿光谱结合神经网络测定土壤中的Cr和Ba

提出了一种基于人工神经网络的激光诱导击穿光谱技术实现元素成分高准确度定量分析的方法.采用基于动量和自适应学习速率梯度下降算法的反向传播神经网络,结合激光诱导击穿光谱技术的方法测定土壤中Cr和Ba元素的含量,得到了Cr和Ba的含量以及多次重复预测的相对标准偏差,并与采用传统的内标法得到的检测结果相比较.研究结果表明:基于动量和自适应学习速率梯度下降算法的反向传播神经网络分析方法,与激光诱导击穿光谱技术相结合能更好地实现对土壤样品中Cr和Ba元素的定量检测.相对内标法,神经网络分析方法与激光诱导击穿光谱技术相结合可以很明显地提高检测准确度和精密度,对采用激光诱导击穿光谱技术定量检测土壤重金属污染具有很好的应用价值.     

Soil radioactivity levels and radiation hazard assessment in the highlands of northern Jordan

Determination of the natural radioactivity has been carried out, by means of gamma-ray spectrometry system, in surface soil samples collected from various geological formations in urban areas of the northern highlands of Jordan. These highlands, extending from Yarmouk River in the north to Wadi Wala in the south, form the agriculturally important regions of Jordan. Soils of the study region, at which about 70% of the total population of the country are living, mainly originated from limestones that are locally used in construction materials, making the evaluation of environmental radioactivity and estimating the current radiation hazards to the population an interesting issue. The total average concentrations of radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were 42.5, 49.9, 26.7, and 291.1 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively. Correlations made among these radionuclides prove the existence of secular equilibrium in the investigated soils. The total average absorbed dose rate in the study areas is found to be 51.5 nGy h⁻¹, whereas the annual effective dose equivalent has an average value of 63.2 μSv y⁻¹. The external and internal hazard indices, the radium equivalent activity, and the annual gonadal dose equivalent associated with the investigated soils do not exceed the permissible limits except for soils originated from phosphate rocks. Moreover, the radio-elemental concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium, evaluated for the various geological features in the study areas were calculated to indicate whether relative depletion/enrichment of radioisotopes had occurred. The results of the present study were discussed and compared with internationally recommended values.     

Evaluation of some pollutant levels in environmental samples collected from the area of the new campus of Taif University

The levels of radioactivity and heavy metals in soil, plant and groundwater samples collected from the area of the new campus of Taif University, Saudi Arabia, and its neighbouring areas have been determined. High-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy was used for radioactivity measurements, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was used to determine the concentration of heavy metals. The means of ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra and ⁴⁰K concentrations in water samples collected from four wells were found to be 0.13±0.03, 0.05±0.03 and 1.3±0.5 Bq l^?1, respectively. The means of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra (²³²Th for soil samples) and ⁴⁰K concentrations in wild plant and soil samples were found to be 3.7±4.1, 8.8±11.6, 3.8±2.9 and 1025±685, and 8.6±3.4, 12.8±3.4, 16.6±7.1 and 618±82 Bq kg^?1 dry weight (DW), respectively. The ¹³⁷Cs of artificial origin was also detected in soil samples with a mean concentration of 3.8±2.2 Bq kg^?1 DW. Evaluating the results, it can be concluded that the concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in soil samples fall within the world average. Furthermore, 19 trace and major elements in groundwater samples and 22 elements in soil and plant samples were determined. The sampling locations of soil can be classified into three groups (relatively high, medium and low polluted) according to their calculated metal pollution index using the contents of trace and major elements. A cluster analysis of the contents of radioactivity and trace element contents in soil samples shows the presence of two main distinct clusters of sampling locations.     

Characterisation of spatial variability and patterns in tree and soil δ13C at forested sites in eastern Canada

Wholistic isotopic studies provide a necessary foundation on which to build conceptual understanding of ecosystem development processes and provide the basis for further isotopic studies at a site or within an ecophysiological region. This study seeks to broadly characterise δ¹³C spatial variability and spatial patterns within soils and canopy tissues at five forest research sites in eastern Canada. We observe consistent and predictable patterns of leaf δ¹³C variation within trees and a consistent offset between woody and leafy tree tissues. Patterns are similar for both hardwoods and softwoods, but overall hardwoods had canopies that were more depleted in ¹³C. Soil carbon δ¹³C enrichment occurred with depth and appeared to vary according to site soil texture. Upper soil δ¹³C was intermediate between leaves and woody tissues, whereas deeper soil values suggested important contributions from more enriched tree tissues, such as persistent woody debris and possibly roots. The relationship between aboveground and belowground signatures suggests functional or developmental differences between study sites.     

Influence of Earthworms on the Sulfur Turnover in the Soil

Abstract

The effects of earthworm activity on the concentration and isotopic composition of total sulfur in soils was investigated using batch experiments. Two ecologically different lumbricid species, the anecic Lumbricus terrestris and the endogeic Aporrectodea caliginosa, were used. The earthworms were fed birch leaves, beech leaves, cattle manure or mixed plant litter. All food sources differed isotopically (δ³⁴S) from the soil (Parabraunerde). As a reference, one experiment was carried out without additional food.

The experimental results show, that both earthworm species influence the total S-content and the δ³⁴S-values in the soil by digestion of the different food sources. The differences in the total S-content of the earthworm tissues and in the S-isotopic composition of the casts can be attributed to the ecological differences between the earthworm species.     

Investigation of adsorption behaviour of fission products in soils using multitracer technique

The adsorption mechanism of fission products in soils has been investigated by using multitracer technique. The multitracer method used in this work contained fission products as carrier free isotopes which were prepared by neutron irradiation of ²³⁵U at Kyoto University Research Reactor. After the soil sample was mixed into the multitracer solution for two weeks, the solution was separated from soil sample. The gamma-ray spectrometry was carried out for the separated solution and the original multitracer solution which has not been mixed with soils. Distribution coefficients of fission products for soil samples were estimated by measured photoelectric peaks. In this work, distribution coefficients of ten elements for thirty typical Japanese soils were observed.     

Development of oxidative sample preparation for the analysis of forensic soil samples with near‐IR Raman spectroscopy

Forensic soil samples have been traditionally analysed via examinations of colour, texture and mineral content by physical or chemical methods. These methods leave any organic or water‐soluble fractions unexamined. A range of analytical techniques have been applied in this area and these procedures have been reviewed recently. This study uses Raman Spectroscopy to assess both the mineralogical and the water‐soluble organic fractions in soil samples. Soil samples were collected from both urban and rural environments comprising the city of Bradford, England, and an arable farming district in Lincolnshire. This study demonstrates how, with the use of oxidative preparation methods, Raman spectroscopy can be used to successfully discriminate between soil types using mineralogy as well as the organic and water‐soluble fractions of soils. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transportable EDXRF analysis of environmental water samples using Amberlite IRC748 ion‐exchange preconcentration

Transportable energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometers allow on‐site assessment of metal‐contaminated soils, sediments and other solids. Multi‐element analysis of liquid samples, such as surface water, groundwater, acid leach and aqueous soil extracts, would enhance on‐site environmental assessments. However, transportable spectrometers typically have detection limits for metals in waters of approximately 1–10 mg l^?1, whereas many toxic elements are regulated at concentrations of 1–100 µg l^?1. If detection limits for this technique can be lowered, then only one analytical tool, a transportable XRF spectrometer, may be sufficient for remote areas, increasing program flexibility and reducing the amount of equipment that needs to be purchased, transported and operated. This research develops an in‐field preconcentration technique using Amberlite IRC748 cation‐exchange resin, followed by XRF analysis of Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb at µg l^?1 concentrations in aqueous samples. The operational parameters tested to maximise analyte recovery included flow rate, and the mass and chemical form of the resin. The method was tested with extracts from landfill soils and surface waters from a derelict base metal mine. The method recovered Cu, Zn and Pb accurately, and Ni and Fe at concentrations satisfactory for screening purposes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Elemental Analysis of Tea Leaves (Camellia Sinensis) and Their Own Soils at Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey

People consume tea brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant for about 50 centuries. Health benefits of the tea have been investigated for about three decades. Especially green tea shows antitoxic and lots of properties with its determined ingredients. Turkey is not only the one of the best consumer and but also good producer of the tea as being 5 th producer all over the world. It grows eastern region of the Turkey and high quality tea is imported and exported. To have quality tea, grooving soils are also crucial. In the current research, Tea leaves and their own grown soils were collected from 20 stations where the most tea producer cities as Trabzon, Rize and Artvin tea fields of the eastern of Black Sea Region in Turkey. The cultivated tea and their own grown soil samples were analysed by using EDXRF Spectrometry. In the soil samples, the elements Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb on percent level and the elements Mg, Al, Si, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Sr in the tea leaves were detected by using SKRAY 3600-EDXRF.and also the obtained data were evaluated with the Kriging interpolation of geostatistical method. Element content were investigated in the soil and tea samples according to the geological situations and also the relation of elemental difference between the tea and the own grown soil. Pb/Zn ratio was also anaysed in the samples.     

Characterization of Greenhouse Soil Properties Using Mid-infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of soil fertility is required for the sustainable production in greenhouses; however, routine agrochemical analytical methods are not practical since most of them are too time consuming and costly. In this study, Fourier transform midinfrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) was applied as an alternative technique in the fast characterization of greenhouse soils. Nine source clays and 235 soil samples were obtained from different greenhouses in China, and their counterpart open-field soils were also sampled for comparison. The FTIR-PAS spectra of soil clays and soils were recorded with the wave-number range of 600–4000 cm^?1, and clear differences were observed among the spectra; soil organic matter (SOM) and soil clay played the main role in the spectral absorption. Partial least square regression (PLSR) models coupled to optimized spectral pretreatment were used to predict greenhouse soil properties, and FTIR-PAS spectra were closely related to SOM (R² = 0.94) and soil total nitrogen (R² = 0.90). For the other soil properties—such as pH, EC, water extractable P, K, Fe, and Cu—the calibration results were excellent or acceptable. These results suggested that FTIR-PAS could be used to determine most of greenhouse soil properties. Since the technique of FTIR-PAS is rapid and inexpensive, and it requires no sample pretreatment and little sample mass, it can be used in fast characterization of greenhouse soil and is a promising method for the management of greenhouse soil.     

Assessment of radiological hazard parameters due to natural radioactivity in soils from granite-rich regions in Kütahya Province,Turkey

The analysis of natural radioactivity from ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in 357 soil samples collected from the province of Kütahya was carried out using a NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy system at the Nuclear Physics Research Laboratory, Dumlup?nar University, Kütahya, Turkey. The specific activities of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the soil samples were evaluated. From the activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K, the total absorbed outdoor gamma-ray dose rates and the corresponding annual effective dose rates were determined. The corresponding values of the external and internal hazard indices of all the soil samples were also calculated. The external gamma-ray dose rate at 1 m above the ground was directly measured at each collected soil sample location. The results obtained in this study were compared within the limits of values obtained in other cities of Turkey, those in other countries. Radiological maps of Kütahya Province were constructed from the results of this study.     

Radioactivity concentrations in topsoil samples from the Thrace region of Turkey and assessment of radiological hazard

The activity concentrations of gamma emitting radionuclides were measured in surface soil samples from the Thrace region. ²³²Th, ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs activities and physico-chemical parameters of the soil samples were determined in samples collected from 73 sampling stations. Radionuclide concentrations measured were compared with those found in the samples from other locations of Turkey and from different countries. The average activity concentrations of ²³²Th, ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs were found to be 24.71 ± 8.79, 22.30 ± 7.93, 32.09±12.44, 509.00±160.05, 32.74±29.24 Bq kg^?1, respectively. The mean value of the annual effective dose equivalent from the outdoor terrestrial gamma radiation was calculated as 57.2 μ Sv.