scholarly journals Applications of PERALS-Alpha Spectrometry for the Investigation of Radionuclides in Water Samples

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 3787
Author(s):  
Markus Zehringer ◽  
Franziska Kammerer ◽  
Anja Pregler

In this paper, experiences of the last 20 years with the PERALS-technique are described. PERALS stands for photo electron-rejecting alpha liquid scintillation. This liquid scintillation technique was developed by Jack McDowell in the 1970s and is a powerful technique for the analyses of many natural alpha nuclides and also the beta nuclide 90Sr. The principle is based on a selective extraction of the radionuclide from the water phase by means of a complexing or ion pair reagent. The extractant contains also a cocktail suitable for scintillation counting. Therefore, the extract can be analyzed directly after the extraction step. After removing quenchers, such as oxygen, and the proper setting of a pulse shape discriminator, alpha pulses can be counted with a photomultiplier. This paper describes the development of robust analysis schemes for the determination of traces of polonium, thorium, uranium and other actinides in water samples (groundwater, rain water, river water, drinking water, mineral water, sea water). For radon and radium, the enrichment in the extract is poor. Therefore, PERALS methods are not suitable for trace analyses of these analytes. In addition, the extraction of the beta-emitter 90Sr with a PERALS cocktail is discussed, even though its beta spectrum is not analyzed with a PERALS counter. Results from the survey of drinking water and mineral water in Switzerland are presented for every radio element.

Author(s):  
Markus Raymond Zehringer ◽  
Franziska Kammerer ◽  
Anja Pregler

In this paper, experiences of the last 20 years with the PERALS-technique are described. PERALS stands for Photo Electron Rejecting Alpha Liquid Scintillation. This LSC-technique was developed by Jack McDowell in the 70ies and is a powerful technique for the analyses of many natural alpha nuclides. The principle is based on a selective extraction of the radionuclide from the water phase by means of a complexing or ion pair reagent. The extractant contains also a suitable cocktail for the scintillation counting. Therefore, the extract can be analysed directly after the extraction step. After removing quenchers, such as oxygen, and the proper setting of a pulse shape discriminator, alpha pulses can be counted with a photomultiplier. The paper describes the development of robust analysis schemes for the determination of traces of polonium, radon, radium, strontium, thorium, uranium and other actinides in water samples (groundwater, rain water, river water, drinking water, mineral water, sea water).


2012 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 227-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valfredo Azevedo Lemos ◽  
Liz Oliveira dos Santos ◽  
Eldevan dos Santos Silva ◽  
Emanuel Vitor dos Santos Vieira

Abstract A simple method for the determination of mercury in water samples after preconcentration using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction is described. The procedure is based on the extraction of mercury in the form of a complex and its subsequent determination by spectrophotometry. The complex is formed between Hg(II) and 2-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-p-cresol. The detection at 650 nm is performed directly in the metal-rich phase, which is spread on a triacetylcellulose membrane. The method eliminates the need to use a cuvet or large quantities of samples and reagents. The parameters that influence the preconcentration were studied, and the analytical characteristics were determined. The enrichment factor and the consumptive index for this method were 64 and 0.16 mL, respectively. The LOD (3.3 μg/L) and LOQ (11.1 μg/L) were also determined. The accuracy of the method was tested by the determination of mercury in certified reference materials BCR 397 (Human Hair) and SRM 2781 (Domestic Sludge). The method was applied to the determination of mercury in samples of drinking water, sea water, and river water.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azrina Azlan ◽  
Hock Eng Khoo ◽  
Mohd Aizat Idris ◽  
Amin Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Rizal Razman

The drinking and mineral water samples obtained from different geographical locations had concentrations of the selected minerals lower than the standard limits, except for manganese, arsenic, and fluoride. The concentrations of manganese and arsenic in two mineral water samples were slightly higher than the standard international recommended limits. One mineral water sample had a fluoride concentration higher than the standard limits, whereas manganese was not detected in nine drinking and mineral water samples. Most of the selected minerals found in the tap water samples were below the international standard limits, except for iron and manganese. The concentrations of iron and manganese in the tap water samples were higher than the standard limits, which were obtained from one and three of the studied locations, respectively. The potable water obtained from various manufacturers and locations in Peninsular Malaysia is safe for consumption, as the minerals concentrations were below the standard limits prescribed by the Malaysian Food Regulations of 1985. The data obtained may also provide important information related to daily intake of these minerals from drinking water.


2021 ◽  
pp. 187-190
Author(s):  
D.А. Hakimov ◽  
I.V. Zhuk ◽  
M.K. Kievets

Experimental studies have been carried out to determine the sensitivity of a mobile scintillation gamma-spectrometer to radon-222 in mineral water samples for the selected measurement geometry and the minimum measurable activity of radon-222 in such samples. The measurement results of radon content in mineral water samples obtained using such gamma-spectrometer are presented too.


2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Aupiais

SummaryThe reliability and accuracy of actinide measurement in environmental samples strongly depend on theThe intensity of the internal conversions for thorium, uranium, plutonium and americium have been calculated and normalised to the intensity of the main alpha transition. These data can be used to determine the activity of any above-mentioned actinide by alpha liquid scintillation with alpha/beta discrimination. The quantitative analysis and the isotopic ratio determination of several certified solutions of actinides demonstrate the validity of this approach.


Author(s):  
Aurica Pop ◽  

The paper showcases research conducted with the purpose of determining the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in the drinking water (fountain water) of a common household located in Dumbravita, Maramures County, Romania. The photometric method was used for this goal, as well as a Calcium and Magnesium Photometer. This study argues about implementing cost efficient techniques and precise analysis in order to determine Ca and Mg ions in the water samples.


1978 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
Yukio Saito ◽  
Hiroshi Sekita ◽  
Mitsuharu Takeda ◽  
Mitsuru Uchiyama

Abstract An analytical method was developed for determining benzo (a) pyrene in foods, suitable for routine use. The method consists of 4 cleanup steps: (1) alkali cleavage of sample, (2) preliminary silica gel column chromatography, (3) selective extraction with concentrated sulfuric acid, and (4) further silica gel column chromatography. Recoveries of benzo- (a) pyrene added to 50 g (or 10 g) food at levels of 0.4 ppb (or 2 ppb) ranged from 70% for short-necked clam and mackerel to 85% for chicken meat. The sulfuric acid extraction step affords a simple method for isolating benzo (a)- pyrene from various kinds of interfering substances which could not be separated by existing methods.


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