Applying Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis to Detect Tungsten Inclusions in Nuclear Fuel Rod End Plug TIG Welds

This study proposes a new method of detecting tungsten inclusions in nuclear fuel rod upper-end plug welds using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to simulate the process of detecting tungsten inclusions in nuclear fuel rod upper-end plug welds by the EDXRF. The detectable tungsten particle diameters in the zirconium alloy at different depths in welds and the detection limits of the trace tungsten dispersed in welds were obtained. Then, we constructed an experimental device that uses a CdTe detector with an X-ray tube. The results showed that the relative standard deviation of the net count rate of tungsten K-series characteristic X-rays [W (Kα)] was 1.46%, and the optimum parameters are a tube voltage of 150 kV and current of 0.5 mA. These values were used to perform energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. These results were compared to the X-ray radiographic results, which were broadly similar. Furthermore, the results of EDXRF analysis were more legible and reliable than those from X-ray radiographic inspections. This study demonstrates the feasibility of applying EDXRF analysis to detect tungsten inclusions.

Determination of Formaldehyde from Disposal of Formaldehyde Fixed Biological Specimen Buried in Soil

Biomedical waste specifically anatomical specimens and body parts will be incinerated by a local incineration facility. However, the incineration of formaldehyde fixed specimen from hospitals poses hazardous effect to human and environment due to an exposure of highly toxic gases such as dioxins and furans. In addition, this practise is considered as non-shariah compliance by Muslim community. Thus, a safer and shariah-compliance option to dispose anatomical specimens through deep burial has been introduced. The concern has been raised on the side effect of the formaldehyde treated specimen to the environment. Formaldehyde is used widely for preservation of surgical and anatomical specimens. The formaldehyde toxicity specifically on the soil, soil water, soil animals and plants should be considered after the burial of the anotamical specimens. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the side effect of formaldehyde on soil after the burial of formalin fixed specimen on the environment. In this study, the amount of soil elemental distribution and formaldehyde concentration of pre-burial and post-burial of biological specimen were evaluated by using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer instrument, respectively. For EDXRF analysis at Point C, soil elemental distribution after burial of dead biological specimens has higher concentration compared to before the burial. The concentration of formaldehyde at Point C was higher after the burial of dead biological specimen compared to before burial, which exceeds the tolerable concentration recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

EDXRF for screening micronutrients in lentil and sorghum biofortification breeding programs

Background and aims This study explores the use of energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) for screening micronutrient concentrations in lentil and sorghum grain for biofortification breeding programs. Methods Lentil and sorghum seed was provided from biofortification breeding programs and analysed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the reference concentration levels of Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. A subset of these samples was used to establish the EDXRF calibration and another subset used for validation of the method. Results The results show the EDXRF analyses of the lentil and sorghum are not significantly different to the reference ICP-MS for all elements analysed, except for Mn with %RSD of replicate analysis < 5 % for lentil analysis and < 10 % for sorghum. Conclusions EDXRF analysis enables rapid and accurate analysis of Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn in lentil and sorghum.

Obsidian Source Use Within the Alföld Linear Pottery culture in Slovakia

This paper reports the results of non-destructive energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of 186 obsidian artifacts from eight archaeological sites attributable to the Alföld Linear Pottery Culture (c. 5600-4900 cal BC). This is the largest instrument-based study yet conducted and reported for Alföld Linear Pottery Culture (ALPC) artifacts from Slovakia, where ALPC chipped lithic assemblages are almost entirely composed of obsidian items. Results show that all obsidian artifacts analyzed were manufactured exclusively from a volcanic glass of the Carpathian 1 chemical type, the source of which has been localised in Slovakia. This chemical variety of obsidian appears to have been the most important volcanic glass used by prehistoric communities in East-Central Europe during the Neolithic.

CHEMICAL ELEMENTS ANALYSIS OF THE SOIL AT AN URBANIZATION GRADIENT IN THE ATLANTIC FOREST

ABSTRACT The Atlantic Forest is home to the largest urban centers in Brazil, which modify various aspects of the natural quality of this forest. Soil chemical elements from three different sites in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro were analyzed: (1) the best-preserved remnant of Atlantic Forest in the state; (2) the largest urban forest in the world; and (3) an arboretum along the main vehicle route in the second-largest city in Brazil. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis detected sixteen chemical elements including nutrient components and potentially toxic elements. The urban soil had a higher concentration of heavy metals. There was a significant concentration gradient of copper and lead from the urban site to the furthest forest site. We emphasize that the results indicate potential negative consequences for the conservation of forests and wildlife of state of Rio de Janeiro.

An improved PD-AsLS method of baseline estimated in EDXRF analysis

Baseline correction is an important step in energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. The asymmetric least squares method (AsLS), adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least squares method (airPLS), and asymmetrically reweighted penalized least...