Radium isotopes in suspended matter in an estuarine system in the southwest of Spain

The presence of²²⁶Ra and²²⁴Ra in suspended matter from an estuarine system which surrounds a phosphate fertilizer complex has been investigated. The results have confirmed an important radioactive impact from the industrial complex, since up to 2.5 Bq²²⁶Ra/g suspended matter (dry) has been measured. The influence of tides and seasonal conditions, through changes in salinity, has been found to be relevant. The distribution coefficients for²²⁶Ra between the suspended matter and the river water have been calculated. The values are in agreement by order of magnitude with those found in the literature, but they clearly depend on tidal state and seasonal conditions.     

External gamma radiation levels and natural radioactivity in soil around a phosphate fertilizer plant at Mumbai

Fertilizers containing phosphate have been used worldwide in increasing quantities in order to replenish natural nutrients, which are being continuously depleted from the soil by virtue of farming activities. Phosphate rocks together with potassium ores and nitrogenous compounds are the main raw materials used for industrial fertilizer production. Rock phosphate ore processing and disposal of phosphogypsum contribute to enhanced levels of natural radionuclides in the environment. The levels of naturally occurring radionuclides such as ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K in soil samples collected around a phosphate fertilizer plant were estimated. Radium equivalent activity, external hazard index and external dose rate due to natural gamma background at various locations around the plant were also measured.     

Natural radioactivity in cultivated land in the vicinity of a phosphate fertilizer plant in Nigeria

Natural radioactivity in soil and vegetable samples in cultivated land in the vicinity of an active phosphate fertilizer plant in Kaduna, Nigeria was carried out to assess the potential radiological impact of the plant on its immediate environment. The activity counting was carried out using sodium iodide gamma spectrometry. The annual committed effective dose for two vegetables in the farmlands due to uranium (²³⁸U) and thorium (²³²Th) was assessed. The mean activity concentration of radionuclides in the soil samples ranges from 20.5±7.3 to 31.6±4.1 Bq kg^?1 for ²²⁶Ra, 19.6±1.6 to 53.2±3.7 Bq kg^?1 for ²³²Th and 203.9±6.3 to 253.6±9.5 Bq kg^?1 for ⁴⁰K. The annual intake of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th from consumption of okra were 1.9 Bq kg^?1 and 5.22 Bq kg^?1 and for tomatoes 2.66 Bq kg^?1 and 5.1 Bq kg^?1 respectively. The committed effective doses from consumption of okra and tomatoes were 0.1 μSv y^?1 and 0.12 μSv y^?1 respectively.     

Determination of uranium concentration in urine of workers in an Iraqi phosphate mine and fertilizer plants

Precise determination of uranium concentration in human urine is quite important in assessment of occupational and public exposure to uranium. In the present work, a pulsed dye nitrogen laser-induced kinetic phosphorescence analysis (KPA) was used to determine uranium in urine of Iraqi phosphate mine and fertilizer plant workers and in the population living near the mining region. A total of 92 urine samples were collected from workers of the Akashat phosphate mine, the Al-Qaim fertilizer complex, and the Akashat residential region. Uranium concentration in urine of all samples ranged between 0.49 to 5.26 μg L^?1 with a total average of 1.47 ± 0.01 μg L^?1. For comparison, all samples were also analyzed using a completely different technique; the nuclear fission track analysis using CR-39 SSNTD. Both techniques were capable of such measurements, although not with an equal degree of uncertainty. KPA technique is found to be more suitable for analysis of urine samples having high concentrations of uranium.     

Studies of radioactivity and heavy metals in phosphate fertilizer

The extraction of mercury(II) from chloride and thiocyanate solutions has been studied by tracer techniques using bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulphoxide (B2EHSO) in benzene as an extractant. These extraction data have been analyzed theoretically by taking into account complexation of the metal in the aqueous phase by inorganic ligands and plausible complexation in the organic phase. The results demonstrate that Hg(II) is extracted as HgX₂ and HgX₂·nB2EHSO (where X=Cl^– or SCN^– andn=1 or 2). The effect of the foreign ions on the extraction of Hg(II) has also been investigated.     

Assessment of indoor radon concentration in phosphate fertilizer warehouses in Nigeria

Indoor radon concentration level was measured in twelve selected phosphate fertilizer warehouses in Nigeria in order to establish potential hazards to persons using such warehouses as offices.The fertilizer warehouses were selected based on the brand of fertilizers stored, size, ventilation pattern and the number of workers in the warehouses during working hours. Electret Ion Chamber Technology (EIC) with the trade name E-PERM^TM was employed for the measurement of radon concentration in the warehouses. Average radon concentration in the warehouses range between 33.6 Bq m⁻³ and 117 Bq m⁻³with an arithmetic mean of 91.62±5.9 Bq m⁻³.     

Levels and behavior of natural radioactivity in the vicinity of phosphate fertilizer plants

Phosphate rocks are used for phosphoric acid production, which is the basis of agricultural phosphate fertilizers. It is known that phosphate ores contain, due to geological reasons, important amounts of natural radioactivity, mainly U-isotopes and daughters. By studying a specific case in Southwestern Spain, it is shown that the operation of phosphate fertilizer factories clearly enhance the natural radiation levels of its close environment. Levels of U-, Th-isotopes, and other natural radionuclides are given for a wide set of different samples, which support such a conclusion. In addition, the study of isotopic ratios gives information on the environmental behavior of such radionuclides.     

Development of an FIA system with amperometric detection for determination of bentazone in estuarine waters

On the basis of its electrochemical behaviour a new flow-injection analysis (FIA) method with amperometric detection has been developed for quantification of the herbicide bentazone (BTZ) in estuarine waters. Standard solutions and samples (200 microL) were injected into a water carrier stream and both pH and ionic strength were automatically adjusted inside the manifold. Optimization of critical FIA conditions indicated that the best analytical results were obtained at an oxidation potential of 1.10 V, pH 4.5, and an overall flow-rate of 2.4 mL min(-1). Analysis of real samples was performed by means of calibration curves over the concentration range 2.5x10(-6) to 5.0x10(-5) mol L(-1), and results were compared with those obtained by use of an independent method (HPLC). The accuracy of the amperometric determinations was ascertained; errors relative to the comparison method were below 4% and sampling rates were approximately 100 samples h(-1). The repeatability of the proposed method was calculated by assessing the relative standard deviation (%) of ten consecutive determinations of one sample; the value obtained was 2.1%.     

Radionuclides in biota collected near a dicalcium phosphate plant, southern Catalonia, Spain

Industrial waste containing radioactive U-decay series isotopes was released into the Ebro River, Spain, over a period of >20 years from a dicalcium phosphate (DCP) plant. This release raised activities of several natural radionuclides (e.g. ²³⁸U, ²³⁴U, ²³⁰Th, ²³²Th and ²²⁶Ra) in biota taken from the area near the DCP plant. Plants and animals selected for this study included the green algae (Cladophora glomerata), the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the scavenger catfish (Silurus glanis) because they are all common in the area. Multiple sampling points were chosen for this study: (1) a site in the Riba-Roja Reservoir, above the DCP plant’s area of influence, (2) four sites in the area surrounding the DCP plant, close to the town of Flix, and (3) a location in the Ebro Delta Estuary in Fangar Bay. Significant differences in the activities (in Bq kg^?1 of dry weight) for the radioisotopes included in this study among samples were attributed to sample location and the species evaluated. For instance, relatively high activities for uranium and radium were obtained in algae collected around the DCP plant, compared to results obtained for algae samples taken from the unimpacted Riba-Roja Reservoir. In contrast, for zebra mussels, enhanced activities were observed for all radionuclides and, in particular, for thorium and radium isotopes within the area of influence. Among catfish samples, activity values from different locations were not significantly different, though slightly higher activities were observed at the sampling point just downstream of the DCP factory.     

Heavy metal pollution from phosphate rock used for the production of fertilizer in Pakistan

Phosphate rock belongs mainly to sedimentary, slightly to igneous, and negligibly to metamorphic rocks. It is used for the production of phosphorous based fertilizers, acids, detergents and many products of common use. The rock is mainly composed of phosphorous and minutely of many other elements. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn (environmental pollutants i.e. toxic elements), and Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na (common elements) in phosphate rocks used for production of fertilizer in Pakistan. Rock samples of local origin were collected from the geological rock formations around the city of Abbottabad and those of foreign origin were obtained from the fertilizer factories and research institutes in Pakistan. Analysis of phosphate rock for all the elements of interest was carried out with Flame Atomic Absorption spectrometer (FAAS) except for sodium which was analyzed using Flame Photometer, while the concentration of potassium was determined using both the techniques. The results showed that heavy metal content was lower in Pakistani phosphate than that in imported rock and were below the safe limits with the exception of lead whose concentration was found to be higher in local phosphate deposits than that in imported rock samples. Phosphate rock is a source of heavy metal pollution of air, soil, water, food chain etc, therefore requires removal of heavy metals (HMs) from the rock prior to its use.     

Voltammetry of copper species in estuarine waters: Part II. Copper species reduction at the HMDE in estuarine waters

Estuarine waters have been assayed by stripping polarography (pseudopolarography). It is shown that adsorption mechanisms are significant in the reduction of Cu organic associations in estuarine waters. Also, by decreasing pH or adding Cu(II) the importance of the CuCl₂^? state in the electroreduction increases until reversible CuCl₂^? reduction is observed. This confirms previous predictions [J. Electroanal. Chem., 164 (1984) 237].Voltammetric titrations of estuarine waters with added Cu have been studied. In the course of the titration CuCl₂^? becomes stabilished during the electroreduction. At a later stage, all ligand sites are titrated and the full current sensitivity to CuCl₂^? is observed.     

Radiological measurement of phosphate rock and phosphogypsum from fertilizer industries in India

Phosphate deposits are generally characterized by high levels of natural radionuclide concentrations. Natural radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series were measured, using high-resolution gamma-spectrometry in phosphate rock and phosphogypsum samples from the phosphate fertilizer industry in India. Equilibrium was found to be disrupted during the chemical processing of phosphate rock with 83 % of the ²²⁶Ra and only 5 % of ²³⁸U fractionating to phosphogypsum. Activity concentrations of ²³⁸U and ²²⁶Ra in phosphogypsum produced from various fertilizer industries of India showed levels < 1,000 Bq kg^?1 and pose no restriction for use in building/construction material.     

低化学稳定性复杂组分含磷铝硅酸盐玻璃体结构——含磷铝硅酸盐玻璃体结构模型与肥料开发

基于玻璃体无规则网络学说,建立了包含P2O5,K2O,CaO,MgO,SiO2,Fe2O3,FeO,Al2O3,B2O3,MnO,CuO,ZnO,NiO,MoO2,CoO和TiO2低化学稳定性复杂组分的玻璃体结构模型,推导出扩展的玻璃结构因子(Ob/Yb)ex及其计算式.对高效利用低品位磷矿、磷矿选矿尾矿、难溶性钾矿和低品位磷钾矿制造能为农作物吸收的玻璃体肥料具有一定的理论意义和应用价值.     

Interactions in a phosphate—water—cation system

SCF ab initio study of the system dimethylphosphate anion—water—Na⁺ in the supermolecule approach shows the competitivity of the through-water binding of Na⁺ to a phosphodiester linkage with its direct interaction. Confirmation of this situation is seen in a number of crystal structures of mono- and oligonucleotides.     

Recognition of phosphate monoester dianion by an alkoxide-bridged dinuclear zinc(II) complex

Recognition of phosphate monoester dianion by an alkoxide-bridged dinuclear zinc(II) complex (Zn2L3+) has been studied (L = alkoxide species of 1,3-bis[bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]propan-2-ol). Potentiometric pH titration study disclosed a 1 : 1 phenyl phosphate complexation with Zn2L3+ in aqueous solution. The dissociation constant (= [Zn2L3+][PhOPO3(2-)]/[Zn2L3+-PhOPO3(2-)]) is an extremely small value of 2.5 x 10(-8) mol dm(-3) at 25 degrees C with I = 0.10 (NaNO3). The X-ray crystal analysis of the dizinc(II) complex with p-nitrophenyl phosphate showed that the phosphate dianion binds as a bridging ligand to the two zinc(II) ions.     

Seasonal control of arsenic speciation in an estuarine ecosystem

Arsenic speciation in the Itchen estuary and Southampton Water (UK) has been shown to vary seasonally, with detectable (>0.02μg As dm^?3) dissolved arsenic(III) and methylated arsenic only being present from May to early October. This corresponds to the time period during which water temperatures exceed 12°C. For the remainder of the year, inorganic arsenic(V) was the only detectable species. At its peak, ca 30% of the dissolved arsenic was present as methylated forms with dimethylarsenic (DMAs) being the predominant bioarsenical. Significant quantities of monomethyl-arsenic (MMAs) and inorganic arsenic(III) were also present, however. The concentrations of the bioarsenical species varied with position in the estuary and generally increased with salinity. Measurements made during the period of peak algal activity implicated the highsalinity area of the estuary as the most probable region in which the methylated arsenicals are generated. At some sites, a distinct lag was observed between the appearance of dimethylarsenic and the detection of arsenic(III)and monomethylarsenic. Chlorophyll a concentration proved to be a poor predictor of the appearance of reduced and methylated arsenic in the water column. Possible sources of dissolved methylated arsenic are discussed.     

Development of a flow method for the determination of phosphate in estuarine and freshwaters—Comparison of flow cells in spectrophotometric sequential injection analysis

A sequential injection system with dual analytical line was developed and applied in the comparison of two different detection systems viz; a conventional spectrophotometer with a commercial flow cell, and a multi-reflective flow cell coupled with a photometric detector under the same experimental conditions. The study was based on the spectrophotometric determination of phosphate using the molybdenum-blue chemistry. The two alternative flow cells were compared in terms of their response to variation of sample salinity, susceptibility to interferences and to refractive index changes. The developed method was applied to the determination of phosphate in natural waters (estuarine, river, well and ground waters). The achieved detection limit (0.007 μM PO₄³⁻) is consistent with the requirement of the target water samples, and a wide quantification range (0.024–9.5 μM) was achieved using both detection systems.     

Restricted dynamics of water around a protein-carbohydrate complex: Computer simulation studies

Water-mediated protein-carbohydrate interaction is a complex phenomenon responsible for different biological processes in cellular environment. One of the unexplored but important issues in this area is the role played by water during the recognition process and also in controlling the microscopic properties of the complex. In this study, we have carried out atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of a protein-carbohydrate complex formed between the hyaluronan binding domain of the murine Cd44 protein and the octasaccharide hyaluronan in explicit water. Efforts have been made to explore the heterogeneous influence of the complex on the dynamic properties of water present in different regions around it. It is revealed from our analyses that the heterogeneous dynamics of water around the complex are coupled with differential time scales of formation and breaking of hydrogen bonds at the interface. Presence of a highly rigid thin layer of motionally restricted water molecules bridging the protein and the carbohydrate in the common region of the complex has been identified. Such water molecules are expected to play a crucial role in controlling properties of the complex. Importantly, it is demonstrated that the formation of the protein-carbohydrate complex affects the transverse and longitudinal degrees of freedom of the interfacial water molecules in a heterogeneous manner.