A study on optimum conditions for reducing Polonium-210 ion in electrolysis process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yii Mei Wo

2006-01-01

Polonium-210 is one of the most important radionuclide to be study while studying radioactive contaminants on marine lives. It usually be self-deposited on a pure silver foil and counted using an Alpha Spectrometry System. However, using pure silver foil involves high cost. Therefore, study had been conducted to find the suitability of using stainless steel disc to deposit polonium-210 using electrolysis process and the optimum conditions for such process. This was carry out by using pure polonium-210 standard solution and the ready disc was counted using Zinc Sulphite Counter. Results show that reduction of polonium ion on stainless steel disc can be done but the efficiency of the process only around 70 percent. Besides this, studies also show that, at 1.1 ampere constant current and cathode to anode distance at 8 mm, the optimum conditions to reduce polonium ion were at pH 2.2-2.3 with the electrolysis time of 5 hours. (Author)

Radiocesium and polonium in seals from the Baltic Sea. A preliminary study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holm, E.; Leisvik, M.

2002-01-01

137 Cs and 210 Po in muscle, liver and kidney from 5 seals from the Baltic Sea have been studied. Assuming that the seals consume 5% of their own body weight each day and by using previously obtained data for the doses in fish, the biological half time has been estimated to 20 days for Cesium and 35 days for Polonium. The maximum yearly doses are calculated to 76 μGy from 137 CS to muscle and 3 500 μGy to kidneys from 210 Po. These data are very preliminary, the number of individuals being so small, and it is difficult to estimate how much food other than fish the seals consume. Furthermore only few data for radioactive concentrations in whole fish exist, which especially impacts the results for Polonium. (LN)

Determination of polonium-210 levels in some syrian soils and crops

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Othman, I.; Al-Masri, M.S.; Aba, A.A.; Mukhallaty, H.; Al-Hamwy, A.; Khalili, H.

1997-04-01

Polonium 210 levels in the edible port of 19 agricultural crops collected from ten locations in Syria have been determined. Results have been shown that the highest concentrations were found to be in parsley (10.49 Bq/Kg) and this due to high area of its levels. Moreover, the concentrations were low in some vegetables such as tomatoes (0.2 Bq/Kg). In addition, polonium 210 was also determined in Syria soil where it was found to vary between 20 Bq/Kg and 68.8 Bq/Kg). (author). 11 refs., 17 tabs

Levels of polonium-210 in some beverages and in tobacco

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Colangelo, C.H.; Huguet, M.R.; Palacios, M.A.; Oliveira, A.A.

1992-01-01

The objective of the present work is the estimation of the Polonium-210 content in some beverages and in tobacco, in order to assess the corresponding collective doses to the population in Argentina. Yerba mate, an autochton plant of South America, tea leaves, their infusion and ground coffee were analyzed as well as tobacco. Collective doses due to annual consumption of the beverages described, resulted in values from 6 man.Sv to 1200 man.Sv. Results for Polonium-210 in tobacco ranged from 10 Bq kg -1 . Doses due to the use of tobacco were not assessed since an appropriate metabolic model was not found. (author)

Radiocesium and polonium in seals from the Baltic Sea. A preliminary study; Radiocaesium och polonium i sael fran Oestersjoen, en preliminaer studie

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Holm, E. [Risoe National Lab., Roskilde (Denmark); Leisvik, M. [Lunds Univ., Avd. foer Radiofysik, Lund (Sweden)

2002-04-01

{sup 137}Cs and {sup 210}Po in muscle, liver and kidney from 5 seals from the Baltic Sea have been studied. Assuming that the seals consume 5% of their own body weight each day and by using previously obtained data for the doses in fish, the biological half time has been estimated to 20 days for Cesium and 35 days for Polonium. The maximum yearly doses are calculated to 76 {mu}Gy from {sup 137}CS to muscle and 3 500 {mu}Gy to kidneys from {sup 210}Po. These data are very preliminary, the number of individuals being so small, and it is difficult to estimate how much food other than fish the seals consume. Furthermore only few data for radioactive concentrations in whole fish exist, which especially impacts the results for Polonium. (LN)

The Litvinenko polonium-210 case - German experiences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirchner, Gerald; Kroeger, Emily A.

2008-01-01

This paper brings together the measurement results taken and the lessons learned by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection during the polonium-210 incident in Hamburg in late 2006. The incident was pivotal in confirming the importance of the defence against nuclear hazards in Germany and for highlighting the role of communication in the success of a deployment. The background of the case is reviewed and an overview of the German defence against nuclear hazards is given. The various measurement tasks, both at the scene and in the laboratory, and their results are summarized along with the communication challenges experienced. The main conclusions are that the traces of polonium-210 found at the sites were of little radiological consequence and the German defence against nuclear hazards in Germany delivered an excellent and measured response to the incident. However, communication challenges still exist and communication with the public and the emergency responders has to be given high priority during future deployments in order to ensure their success. (author)

Distribution of polonium-210 in the human lung

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cohen, Beverly S.; Eisenbud, Merril; Wrenn, McDonald E.; Harley, Naomi H.

1978-01-01

Knowledge of the distribution of 210 Po in the lungs of cigarette smokers is essential if the role of this alpha emitter in smoking related carcinogenesis is to be understood. To resolve this question the tracheobronchial tree is separated from the parenchyma and both are analyzed for 210 Po. Some polonium is cleared to the blood and systemically redistributed. Since systemic distribution should produce the same partition of the nuclide in smokers and nonsmokers, an excess found in either fraction would indicate retention of inhaled 210 Po or its grandparent 210 Pb. We will report the results of these analyses in five smokers and 5 nonsmokers. (author)

Transfer of the uranium decay products, polonium-210 and lead-210, through the lichen-caribou-wolf food chain in northern Canada (manuscript report)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, P.A.

1991-05-01

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the accumulation and transfer of polonium-210 and lead-210 in the arctic food chain, lichen-caribou-wolf, in the Northwest Territories. Polonium-210 arises from lead-210 decay and is a widespread alpha-emitting radionuclide. It seeks soft tissue and has the potential to accumulate in the food chain. Caribou, wolves and other wildlife may become exposed to enhanced levels of these two uranium-series radionuclides if the proposed uranium mine near Baker Lake, Northwest Territories, proceeds. Baker Lake lies at the crossroads of the ranges of the Beverly, the Kaminuriak and the Wager Bay caribou herds. Therefore, it is important to establish baseline concentrations and natural food chain transfer of uranium series radionuclides, in this study. This information can be used for baseline data before any further mining development takes place. This study will also provide data regarding the statistical uncertainty attached to transfer coefficients. This can help ensure reliable and appropriate future monitoring of environmental change. With the participation of the hunters of Baker Lake, caribou and wolf samples were collected and analyzed for polonium. Results indicate that polonium-210 activity in caribou tissues were somewhat higher than previous data reported from Alaska. Transfer coefficients for polonium-210 from caribou to wolf were near unity for many tissues. However, polonium-210 does not appear to cross the placenta in caribou. Further study includes lichen collections and collection of further caribou samples from the beverly herd in order to determine transfer from lichens to caribou in both the Baker Lake and Snowdrift areas in the Northwest Territories. (author). 26 refs., 3 tabs

Transfer of the uranium decay products, polonium-210 and lead-210, through the lichen-caribou-wolf food chain in northern Canada (manuscript report)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thomas, P A [Sasatchewan Univ., Saskatoon (Canada). Biology Dept.

1991-05-01

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the accumulation and transfer of polonium-210 and lead-210 in the arctic food chain, lichen-caribou-wolf, in the Northwest Territories. Polonium-210 arises from lead-210 decay and is a widespread alpha-emitting radionuclide. It seeks soft tissue and has the potential to accumulate in the food chain. Caribou, wolves and other wildlife may become exposed to enhanced levels of these two uranium-series radionuclides if the proposed uranium mine near Baker Lake, Northwest Territories, proceeds. Baker Lake lies at the crossroads of the ranges of the Beverly, the Kaminuriak and the Wager Bay caribou herds. Therefore, it is important to establish baseline concentrations and natural food chain transfer of uranium series radionuclides, in this study. This information can be used for baseline data before any further mining development takes place. This study will also provide data regarding the statistical uncertainty attached to transfer coefficients. This can help ensure reliable and appropriate future monitoring of environmental change. With the participation of the hunters of Baker Lake, caribou and wolf samples were collected and analyzed for polonium. Results indicate that polonium-210 activity in caribou tissues were somewhat higher than previous data reported from Alaska. Transfer coefficients for polonium-210 from caribou to wolf were near unity for many tissues. However, polonium-210 does not appear to cross the placenta in caribou. Further study includes lichen collections and collection of further caribou samples from the beverly herd in order to determine transfer from lichens to caribou in both the Baker Lake and Snowdrift areas in the Northwest Territories. (author). 26 refs., 3 tabs.

Transfer of the uranium decay products, polonium-210 and lead-210, through the lichen-cariboo-wolf food chain in northern Canada. Manuscript report No. MR18-91

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thomas, P A

1991-01-01

Study to investigate the accumulation and transfer of polonium-210 and lead-210 in the Arctic food chain lichen-caribou-wolf in the Northwest Territories. With the participation of the hunters of Baker Lake, caribou and wolf samples were collected and analyzed for polonium. The level of polonium-210 was determined in lichen, several caribou tissues, and several wolf tissues. Transfer coefficients were derived between trophic levels in the food chain and the Po-210:PB-210 ratios for lichens and selected tissues in caribou and wolf were determined.

Comparative uptake of thorium-230, radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 by plants

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

D' Souza, T J; Mistry, K B

1970-01-01

The entry and translocation of /sup 230/thorium, /sup 226/radium, /sup 210/lead, and /sup 210/polonium were examined in nutrient culture experiments. Strontium-89 was included for comparison. Red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were treated for a period of 15 days. Results indicate that accumulation of /sup 230/thorium, /sup 210/lead and /sup 210/polonium occurs predominantly in roots and only very small amounts of these nuclides are translocated to shoots. Over comparable periods, the accumulation of /sup 226/radium in roots is 2-3 times lower than that of the other nuclides of uranium series. However, the most significant difference between /sup 226/radium and other nuclides is in the extent of their upward transport which for radium is 50-200 times greater. The amount of radium translocated to shoots is comparable to that of strontium. The present evidence of rapid transfer of /sup 226/radium to shoots suggests that among the nuclides examined, /sup 226/radium is likely to make the major contribution to radioactivity in aerial tissues of plants grown under conditions where root absorption is the principal route of entry of the nuclides.

Human absorption and retention of polonium-210 from caribou meat.

Science.gov (United States)

Thomas, P A; Fisenne, I; Chorney, D; Baweja, A S; Tracy, B L

2001-01-01

The gastrointestinal (GI) absorption factors and the biological retention times for polonium were determined for a group of 14 volunteers--seven men and seven women--from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Each volunteer consumed 2.0 kg of caribou meat containing known amounts of naturally occurring 210Po. Urine and faecal samples were collected for up to 65 days after meat consumption and analysed for 210Po. The average GI absorption factor for the 14 volunteers was 56 +/- 4% (range = 31-71%), not significantly different from the ICRP value of 50%. About 3% of absorbed polonium underwent prompt excretion by the urinary pathway. The remainder was retained by the body with a half-time >100 days, compared to the ICRP value of 50 days. The effect of these findings increases the dose estimate for ingestion of 210Po in food by a factor of 1.5 to 3.5. Thus, background doses to people consuming caribou and reindeer may be higher than previously thought.

Human absorption and retention of polonium-210 from caribou meat

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, P.A.; Fisenne, I.; Chorney, D.; Baweja, A.S.; Tracy, B.L.

2001-01-01

The gastrointestinal (GI) absorption factors and the biological retention times for polonium were determined for a group of 14 volunteers - seven men and seven women - from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Each volunteer consumed 2.0 kg of caribou meat containing known amounts of naturally occurring 210 Po. Urine and faecal samples were collected for up to 65 days after meat consumption and analysed for 210 Po. The average GI absorption factor for the 14 volunteers was 56±4% (range = 31-71%), not significantly different from the ICRP value of 50%. About 3% of absorbed polonium underwent prompt excretion by the urinary pathway. The remainder was retained by the body with a half-time >100 days, compared to the ICRP value of 50 days. The effect of these findings increases the dose estimate for ingestion of 210 Po in food by a factor of 1.5 to 3.5. Thus, background doses to people consuming caribou and reindeer may be higher than previously thought. (author)

Study of polonium-210 in tobacco in Tunisia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahali, Saifeddine

2014-01-01

Polonium-210 is a radio-isotopes natural α emitter, it cans be found in tobacco with a significant range. The high activity of 210 Po in tobacco and cigarettes causes the absorption of a high dose of alpha radiation that caused probably lung cancer, the objective of this study is to estimate the activity of 210 Po in tobacco matrix. Thirteen samples of cigarettes consumed in tunisia were experimented to determine the activity of this radionuclide. The PIPS, a silicon semiconductor, is used as on α spectrometry detector for the detection of 210 Po in all of our samples. The final results showed a high radioactivity of 210 Po from 11.77 to 25.31 mBq/g. We conclude that the effective annual average is estimated at 106.53 μSv / year.

Determination of polonium 210 in different types of tobacco consumed in Sudan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdulrahman, M. E.

2011-01-01

The carcinogenic effect of 210 Po with respect to lung cancer is an important problem in many countries with very high cigarette consumption. Sudan is one of the consumptions of cigarettes in the world. The aim of this study was the determination polonium-210 in different parts of tobacco plant comes from China and Brazil consumed in cigarette in Sudan and determination of 210 Po in five most frequently smoked brands more consumption in Sudan. The annual committed effective dose from cigarette was determined and comparison with other results reported in literature. The tobacco plant (leaves and root) for analysis were collected from Haggar factory in Sudan and another brand were collected randomly from markets, only the most popular one was chosen for analysis (Bringi, Lord, Winner, Goal, Benson). The polonium-210 activity was measured on an alpha-spectrometer equipped with semiconductor surface barrier silicon detectors after spontaneously plated onto asilver disc from hydrochloric acid medium. Polonium samples were measured for 2-3 days. The accuracy and precision of radiochemical method were evaluated using (IAEA-326). The values of activity concentration of 210 Po found in cigarettes consumed in Sudan are within of the range of values found in the literature. The 210 Po presented concentration in different brands ranging from 22.8 to 51.6 Bqkg -1 (average 36.54 Bq kg -1 ). The activity concentration of 210 Po in popular brand cigarette tobacco is higher than that in fine brand cigarette tobacco. Found the highest concentration in the raw material compared to the final product is attributed that to the import, storage and manufacturing processes. Activity determination indicates those cigarettes consumed in Sudan are comparable to the values reported in China and Brazil that the raw material comes from these two countries. The polonium is non-uniformly distributed within the tobacco plants analyzed in this study, the highest levels were found in the leaves

A study of chemical forms of polonium-210 and lead-210 in air particulates in phosphate mines and Tartous port

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Al-Kharfan, K.; Khalili, H.; Hasan, M.

2003-03-01

Chemical forms of polonium-210 and lead-210 in air particulates of two areas having different climate conditions (Phosphate mines and Tartous port) have been studied. Air particulates were collected at six periods covering the climate changes from September 2000 until February 2002. Total suspended particulates (TSP) concentration was varied between 1827 and 9722 μg/M 3 and 197 and 1135 μg/m 3 in phosphate mines and Tartous port respectively; all of these values were higher than the maximum permissible concentration according to the Syrian standard (120 μg/m 3 ). Results of 210 po and 210 Pb extraction from the air particulates using selective solutions have shown that inorganic and insoluble 210 Po and 210 Pb (attached to silica and not soluble in mineral acids) ratio was high in phosphate mine air particulates and reached a value of 94% and 77% respectively. While the amount of lead 210 attached to organic compounds has reached a value of 24%. In addition, small variations in total inorganic and insoluble 210 Po and 210 Pb during the year were observed with little differences between polonium 210 ratio in both Tartous port and phosphate mines, which indicated that variations in climate conditions may affect the chemical forms. In both cases, inorganic and insoluble polonium 210 and lead 210 ratio was high; this may lead to their attachment to lung cells and their transfer via body streams. Moreover, the date obtained in this study can be utilized to calculate the radiation dose due to inhalation of radon gas and its decay daughters in the Syrian phosphate sites. (author)

Determination of polonium 210 in different types of tobacco consumed in Sudan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abdulrahman, M E [Sudan Academy of Sciences, Atomic Energy Council, Khartoum (Sudan)

2011-01-15

The carcinogenic effect of {sup 210} Po with respect to lung cancer is an important problem in many countries with very high cigarette consumption. Sudan is one of the consumptions of cigarettes in the world. The aim of this study was the determination polonium-210 in different parts of tobacco plant comes from China and Brazil consumed in cigarette in Sudan and determination of {sup 210} Po in five most frequently smoked brands more consumption in Sudan. The annual committed effective dose from cigarette was determined and comparison with other results reported in literature. The tobacco plant (leaves and root) for analysis were collected from Haggar factory in Sudan and another brand were collected randomly from markets, only the most popular one was chosen for analysis (Bringi, Lord, Winner, Goal, Benson). The polonium-210 activity was measured on an alpha-spectrometer equipped with semiconductor surface barrier silicon detectors after spontaneously plated onto asilver disc from hydrochloric acid medium. Polonium samples were measured for 2-3 days. The accuracy and precision of radiochemical method were evaluated using (IAEA-326). The values of activity concentration of {sup 210} Po found in cigarettes consumed in Sudan are within of the range of values found in the literature. The {sup 210} Po presented concentration in different brands ranging from 22.8 to 51.6 Bqkg{sup -1}(average 36.54 Bq kg{sup -1}). The activity concentration of {sup 210} Po in popular brand cigarette tobacco is higher than that in fine brand cigarette tobacco. Found the highest concentration in the raw material compared to the final product is attributed that to the import, storage and manufacturing processes. Activity determination indicates those cigarettes consumed in Sudan are comparable to the values reported in China and Brazil that the raw material comes from these two countries. The polonium is non-uniformly distributed within the tobacco plants analyzed in this study, the highest

Polonium-210 in the environment around a radioactive waste disposal area and phosphate ore processing plant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arthur, III, W J; Markham, O D

1984-04-01

Polonium-210 concentrations were determined for soil, vegetation and small mammal tissues collected at a solid radioactive waste disposal area, near a phosphate ore processing plant and at two rural areas in southeastern Idaho. Polonium concentrations in media sampled near the radioactive waste disposal facility were equal to or less than values from rural area samples, indicating that disposal of solid radioactive waste at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Site has not resulted in increased environmental levels of polonium. Concentrations of /sup 210/Po in soils, deer mice hide and carcass samples collected near the phosphate processing plant were statistically greater than the other sampling locations; however, the mean /sup 210/Po concentration in soils and small mammal tissues from sampling areas near the phosphate plant were only four and three times greater, respectively, than control values. No statistical difference was observed for /sup 210/Po concentrations in vegetation among any of the sampling locations.

Lead-210 and polonium-210 as marine geochemical tracers: review and discussion of results from the Laborador Sea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bacon, M.P.; Spencer, D.W.; Brewer, P.G.

1980-01-01

Because of their suitable half-lives and their accurately measurable rates of supply to the oceans by decay of parent radionuclides, 210 Pb and 210 Po have become increasingly important as tracers in the study of marine geochemical processes. Short removal times characterize the behavior of both nuclides in the biologically productive surface layers of the sea. Release from particles at depth is efficient for 210 Po but does not appear to be significant for 210 Pb. Scavenging processes in the deep sea are revealed by 210 Pb/ 226 Ra and 210 Po/ 210 Pb disequilibriums. Adsorption by particles sinking in the water column and reaction at the seafloor both appear to be important removal mechanisms. Results from four stations in the Labrador Sea are shown to be consistent with many earlier observations. Significant 210 Pb depletions, however, are found only at depths greater than 1500 m. Below 1500 m, 210 Pb/ 226 Ra ratios decrease steadily with depth to very low values in the Iceland-Scotland Overflow and Denmark Straits Overflow waters. The intense interaction of these water masses with the seafloor may account for this trend

Radiological Dispersal Polonium-210, and Lessons for Public Health

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Whitcomb, R. C.; Miller, C. W.

2007-01-01

On November 23, 2006, Alexander Litvinenko died in London as a result of being poisoned with Polonium-210. Public health authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) subsequently found Polonium-210 contamination at a number of locations in and around London. UK authorities have determined that citizens of 48 countries other than the UK, including the United States, may have been exposed to this contamination. UK authorities asked the CDC to contact approximately 160 individuals who may have been exposed to Po-210. These citizens have been advised that their risk of adverse health effects is likely to be low, but, if they are concerned, they should contact their primary health care provider. In turn, physicians are referred to state and local public health departments or CDC for further information on Po-210, including where they can seek testing of 24 hour urine samples for Po-210, if desired. CDC posted guidance for members of the public and physicians on its web site, and it responded to numerous inquiries from national media. Working with our UK colleagues, CDC developed guidelines for judging when a measurement of Po-210 in urine was or was not a level of concern. Because the death of Mr. Litvinenko is an ongoing criminal investigation, one of the major challenges of this response to what is a radiological dispersal device event has been the inability to obtain all of the technical detail desired to perform assessments. This has complicated the ability to communicate effectively with citizens and members of the public health community. These and other lessons learned from this response will help prepare the public health community to respond more effectively to future contamination events involving radioactive dispersal in the environment.(author)

Polonium-210 in dried fin fishes of Tuticorin, Southeast coast of India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carol, R.; Wesley, S.G.

2013-01-01

Tuticorin is one of the major sea-ports and fish-landing centres in the southeastern coast of India. Most of the fishes landed in this coast are consumed fresh and 40% of the fishes are used in the dried form. 210 Po (t 1/2 = 138.4 days) in marine food has received much interest from the scientific community because of its high toxicity and the radioactive dose it delivers to marine organisms and human beings when compared to anthropogenic radionuclides released into coastal waters. Although many studies have been conducted in fresh fishes from various coasts concerning 210 Po, sufficient data are not available for value-added dried marine fish products. In the present study, 210 Po and 210 Pb were quantified in some commercially important dried fishes and their exposure to humans studied. Polonium-210 was determined after wet digestion and counted using an alpha probe. Overall, the concentration of 210 Po in the dried fish muscle tissue ranged from 1.45 ± 0.82 to 559.23 ± 5.45 Bq kg -1 . The highest concentration in the muscle tissue was recorded for the species Stolephorus brevisensis (559.23 ± 8.9 Bq kg -1 ) belonging to the group Clupeidae and the lowest in Harpodon sp. (Bombay duck). The 210 Po dose receive by the public due to consumption of the dried fishes was found to be in the range of 25.2-350.3 μSV yr -1 and the fish samples were found to be radiologically safe. (author)

Natural levels of lead-210, polonium-210 and radium-226 in humans and biota of the Arctic

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Holtzman, R B

1966-06-11

Relatively high concentrations of some fission products in humans and biota from Lapland and Alaska have been reported. These have been attributed to the continual accumulation of those products on the long-lived, slow-growing Arctic lichens and sedges. Such plants are an important source of forage for reindeer and caribou, the meat of which, in turn, constitutes a substantial portion of the diets of Laplanders and Eskimos. These high levels of fall-out suggest, together with the proposed mechanism of uptake and the similarities to strontium-90 in atmospheric distribution and biochemistry, that in Arctic biota, the naturally occurring airborne nuclides lead-210 and its decay product, polonium-210, may also be present in high concentration. These naturally occurring fall-out activities are of special interest in studies of aerosol precipitation mechanisms because their levels are independent of bomb tests and consequently they have been constant over the years. Because of this constancy and the high energy of the particles emitted by the lead-210 series (a 5.3-MeV ..cap alpha..-particle from polonium-210 and a 0.4-MeV (average energy) ..beta..-particle from bismuth-210 compared with ..beta..-rays with average energies of 0.4 MeV from cesium-137 and 1.1 MeV from strontium-90 (yttrium-90)), the radiation dose to Arctic biota from this source may be quite significant relative to that from artificial ones. 24 references.

Radiocaesium and polonium in seals from Swedish coastal waters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holm, E.A.B.; Leisvik, M.A.; Holm, E.A.B

2004-01-01

Radiocaesium, 137 Cs (T 1/2 = 30 a) and 210 Po (T 1/2 = 138 d) have been studied in tissues (muscle, liver, kidney and gonads/ovaries) from a large number of seals from the Baltic Sea and the Swedish west coast during 1995-2002. The Baltic Sea is a marginal sea with long residence time for dissolved compounds. Concentrations of radiocaesium increased 10 fold in the Baltic Sea following the Chernobyl accident, while concentrations of polonium can be supposed to be in equilibrium except for seasonal variations. The major food for seals in the Baltic proper is fish, while at the west coast other food stuff such as crustaceans play an important role. By supposing that the seals consume 5% of their body-weight per day and by using known data for caesium and polonium in fish the biological half-life in seals is estimated to 20 days for Caesium and 35 days for Polonium. Radiocaesium is evenly distributed in the organs of the seals and was about 100 Bq kg -1 in the Baltic Sea while at the west coast the concentrations were significantly lower, about 5-30 Bq kg -1 . Polonium shows the highest concentrations in kidney, about 100-200 Bq kg -1 d.w. in the Baltic sea and higher concentrations 100-1000 Bq kg -1 at the west coast. This reflects clearly the differences in food choice/availability in the different areas. The estimated maximal doses were 76 μSv per year to muscle from 137 Cs and 6.8 mSv from 210 Po to kidney. Seals constitute a good bio-marker for radioactivity in Swedish coastal waters. Concentration factors are higher for radiocaesium in the Baltic Sea due to lower salinity and consequently higher concentrations in fish compared to other areas, but lower for polonium than in areas where crustaceans also constitute an important foodstuff. (author)

Bioaccumulation of polonium-210 in fish of the Kaveri river system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shaheed, K.; Shahul Hameed, P.; Iyengar, M.A.R.

1997-01-01

Concentration of naturally occurring radioactive nuclide polonium-210 was determined in selected species of fish from the Kaveri river system at Tiruchirappalli. It is shown that 210 Po is non-uniformly distributed within these fishes. Concentrations of 210 Po in the muscle of fish ranged from 3.3 to 8.2 Bq/kg (wet weight). Concentration factors of Po 210 in edible portion of fish from river water worked out to be 2.5 x 10 3 to 6.3 x 10 3 . Radiation dose to public due to consumption of fish from the Kaveri river varied from 5.1 to 27.3 μSv/y. The results have implications that fish represents an important source of supply of 210 Po to humans. (author). 16 refs., 2 tabs

A faster sample preparation method for determination of polonium-210 in fish

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sadi, B.B.; Jing Chen; Kochermin, Vera; Godwin Tung; Sorina Chiorean

2016-01-01

In order to facilitate Health Canada’s study on background radiation levels in country foods, an in-house radio-analytical method has been developed for determination of polonium-210 ( 210 Po) in fish samples. The method was validated by measurement of 210 Po in a certified reference material. It was also evaluated by comparing 210 Po concentrations in a number of fish samples by another method. The in-house method offers faster sample dissolution using an automated digestion system compared to currently used wet-ashing on a hot plate. It also utilizes pre-packed Sr-resin® cartridges for rapid and reproducible separation of 210 Po versus time-consuming manually packed Sr-resin® columns. (author)

Polonium 210Po activities in human blood of patients with ischaemic heart disease from Gda?sk in Poland

OpenAIRE

Bory?o, Alicja; Skwarzec, Bogdan; Roma?czyk, Grzegorz; Siebert, Janusz

2013-01-01

The determination of polonium 210Po in human blood samples is presented and discussed in this paper. The human blood samples were collected from patients of Medical University of Gda?sk with ischaemic heart disease (morbus ischaemicus cordis, MIC). The polonium concentrations in analyzed human blood samples are very differentiated. 210Po is of particular interest in public health and although is present in the environment in extremely low amounts, it is easily bioaccumulated to the human body...

Determination of internal radiation dose due to intake of polonium 210 and lead 210 via smoking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M. S.; Kharita, M.H.; Nashawati, A.; Amin, Y.; Al-Akel, B.

2004-12-01

In this study, 18 kind of cigarettes and five kinds of molasses consumed by Syrians were collected and analyzed for radioactivity in order to estimate the internal radiation dose caused by 210 Po and 210 Pb intake. Polonium 210 and lead 210 concentrations varied between 4 and 16.4 m Bq/cigarette, while 210 Po distribution ratios in different parts of consumed cigarette were %12, %73, %1.6 in ash, smoke and filter, respectively. In addition, annual intake of 210 Po by a main smoker was varied between 4.4 and 18 Bq/year assuming that the main smoker breathes about 15% of the total 210 Po present in tobacco. Using the values of the annual intake, annual equivalent radiation dose caused by smoking has reached 178 μSv/year. Moreover, mean concentration of 210 Po in nonsmokers and smokers bloods has reached 130 and 97 mBq/l, respectively, while the mean value of 210 Po concentration was relatively higher and reached 176 and 155 mBq/l in smokers and non smoker bloods, respectively (Authors)

Polonium-210 as a poison

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harrison, John; Leggett, Rich; Lloyd, David; Phipps, Alan; Scott, Bobby

2007-01-01

The death of Alexander Litvinenko on 23 November 2006 has brought into focus scientific judgements concerning the radiotoxicity of polonium-210 ( 210 Po). This paper does not consider the specific radiological circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Mr Litvinenko; rather, it provides an evaluation of published human and animal data and models developed for the estimation of alpha radiation doses from 210 Po and the induction of potentially fatal damage to different organs and tissues. Although uncertainties have not been addressed comprehensively, the reliability of key assumptions is considered. Concentrating on the possibility of intake by ingestion, the use of biokinetic and dosimetric models to estimate organ and tissue doses from 210 Po is examined and model predictions of the time-course of dose delivery are illustrated. Estimates are made of doses required to cause fatal damage, taking account of the possible effects of dose protraction and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of alpha particles compared to gamma and x-rays. Comparison of LD 50 values (dose to cause death for 50% of people) for different tissues with the possible accumulation of dose to these tissues suggests that bone marrow failure is likely to be an important component of multiple contributory causes of death occurring within a few weeks of an intake by ingestion. Animal data on the effects of 210 Po provide good confirmatory evidence of intakes and doses required to cause death within about 3 weeks. The conclusion is reached that 0.1-0.3 GBq or more absorbed to blood of an adult male is likely to be fatal within 1 month. This corresponds to ingestion of 1-3 GBq or more, assuming 10% absorption to blood. Well-characterised reductions in white cell counts would be observed. Bone marrow failure is likely to be compounded by damage caused by higher doses to other organs, including kidneys and liver. Even if the bone marrow could be rescued, damage to other organs can be expected

A study on possible use of Urtica dioica (common nettle) plant as polonium (210)Po and lead (210)Pb contamination biomonitor in the area of phosphogypsum stockpile.

Science.gov (United States)

Olszewski, Grzegorz; Boryło, Alicja; Skwarzec, Bogdan

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to test a possible use of Urtica dioica (common nettle) plant as a biomonitor of polonium (210)Po and lead (210)Pb contamination near phosphogypsum stacks by determining concentrations of these radionuclides in samples collected from the area of phosphogypsum stockpile in Wiślinka (northern Poland). The (210)Po and (210)Pb contents in roots depended on their concentrations in soils. Bioconcentration factor values from soil to root of the plant did not depend on (210)Po and (210)Pb contents in soils that leads to the conclusion that different polonium and lead species have different affinities to U. dioica plants. The main sources of both analyzed radionuclides in green parts of plants are wet and dry air deposition and transportation from soil. The values of (210)Po/(210)Pb activity ratio indicate natural origin of these radioisotopes in analyzed plants. (210)Po and (210)Pb concentration in U. dioica roots is negatively weakly correlated with distance from phosphogypsum stockpile.

Polonium 210Po activities in human blood of patients with ischaemic heart disease from Gdansk in Poland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alicja Borylo; Bogdan Skwarzec; Grzegorz Romanczyk; Janusz Siebert

2013-01-01

The determination of polonium 210 Po in human blood samples is presented and discussed in this paper. The human blood samples were collected from patients of Medical University of Gdansk with ischaemic heart disease (morbus ischaemicus cordis, MIC). The polonium concentrations in analyzed human blood samples are very differentiated. 210 Po is of particular interest in public health and although is present in the environment in extremely low amounts, it is easily bioaccumulated to the human body. The study shows that the amount of 210 Po that is incorporated into the human body depends on the food habits and some difference in its levels could be observed between smokers and non-smokers. (author)

Accumulation of polonium 210Po in tissues and organs of deer carvidae from Northern Poland.

Science.gov (United States)

Skwarzec, Bogdan; Prucnal, Malgorzata

2007-01-01

This study was undertaken to provide information on accumulation of polonium in tissues and organs of deer carvidae in order to assess the potential transport of this element via food-chain to game meat consumers. Livers, kidneys and muscles of large herbivorous animals belonging to three species: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), collected in Northern Poland, were the subject of the present investigation. Activities of (210)Po were determined by means of alpha spectrometry along with relevant radiochemical procedures. The concentration of (210)Po in analyzed animals decreased in the order kidney > liver > muscle tissue. The average activity concentrations of (210)Po ranged between 0.02 +/- 0.01 Bq. kg(- 1) w.w. in muscles and 7.15 +/- 0.12 Bq. kg(- 1) w.w. in kidneys. Levels of polonium were not influenced by sampling location, sex, age and species of animals.

Activity levels of polonium-210 in tobacco and cigarette in Iran

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghanbar Moghaddam, B.; Vahabi Moghaddam, M.; Fathi Vand, A. A.

2011-01-01

Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) is a natural contaminant of tobacco and its products. Due to its volatility and inherent adsorption properties, 210 Po is one of the major potential sources of human exposure through smoking. This paper reports measurements on 210 Po and 210 Pb levels in domestic as well as imported tobacco to Iran through α-spectrometry technique. The fate of 210 Po radionuclide has been also followed from tobacco farm through curing procedure in factory. The activity levels of 210 Po in Iranian domestic and imported cigarettes is found to be on the average as 38.4±0.8 mBq/g with a range of 30.3-51.3 mBq/g and 20.0±0.6 mBq/g with a range of 18.6-21.7 mBq/g, respectively. These levels are considerably higher than those reported in many other parts of the world. In the case of tobacco produced in Iranian northern province of Guilan, drying in closed compartments by fossil fuel and elevated inventories of 210 Po in soil due to over application of phosphate-rich fertilizers seems to be the main causes of these elevated activity levels.

Polonium 210Po activities in human blood of patients with ischaemic heart disease from Gdańsk in Poland.

Science.gov (United States)

Boryło, Alicja; Skwarzec, Bogdan; Romańczyk, Grzegorz; Siebert, Janusz

The determination of polonium 210 Po in human blood samples is presented and discussed in this paper. The human blood samples were collected from patients of Medical University of Gdańsk with ischaemic heart disease ( morbus ischaemicus cordis , MIC ). The polonium concentrations in analyzed human blood samples are very differentiated. 210 Po is of particular interest in public health and although is present in the environment in extremely low amounts, it is easily bioaccumulated to the human body. The study shows that the amount of 210 Po that is incorporated into the human body depends on the food habits and some difference in its levels could be observed between smokers and non-smokers.

Transfer factor of Radium -226, lead-210 and Polonium-210 from Norm contaminated soil to Atriplex, Afelfa and Bermuda grasses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Mukhallati, H.; Al-Hamwi, A.

2011-10-01

transfer factors of Radium -226, lead-210 and Polonium-210 from contaminated soil with oil coproduced water to grazing plants in the north eastern region of Syria have been determined. contaminated soil was collected from one of the AL-Furat Petroleum Oil company oil fields;soil was distributed into several pots where the studied plants were planted in order to study the transfer factors of radioisotopes to them. Results have shown that the mean transfer factors of radium to green parts have reached has reached 0.0016 in Atriplex halimus L.,0.0021 in Atriplex canescens Nutt, 0.0025 in Atriplex Leucoclada Bioss,0.0082 in Bermuda grass and 0.0167 in Medicago Sativ L,which was the highest,while the transfer factors of polonium and lead were ten times higher than those for radium and reacted 0.012 in Atriplex Leucoclada Bioss, 0.011 in Atriplex canescens Nutt, 0.007 in Atriplex halimus L.0.32 in bermuda grass and 0.025 in Afelfa.(author)

Study on auto-plating process time versus recovery for polonium, Po-210 in environmental sample

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jalal Sharib; Zaharudin Ahmad; Abdul Kadir Ishak; Norfaizal Mohamed; Ahmad Sanadi Abu Bakar; Yii Mei Wo; Kamarozaman Ishak; Siti Aminah Yusoff

2008-08-01

This study was carried out to evaluate time effectiveness and recovery 16 samples of 4 Kuala Muda stations during auto-plating process procedures for determination Polonium, Po 210 activity concentration in environmental sample. The study was performed using Kuala Muda sediment as sample in the same methodology. The auto-plating process runs for 4, 12, 24 and 30 hours on a silver disc for 4 samples each station, and then counted for one (1) day using an alpha spectrometry counting system. The objectives for this study is to justify on time duration for auto-plating process effecting a chemical yield of Po-209.The results showed recovery are increasing versus time and constantly at 24 hour auto-plating. Its mean, 24 hour is an optimum time for auto-plating process for determination of Polonium, Po 210 activity concentration in environmental sample. (Author)

Dosimetric consideration of polonium-210 for Tiruchirappalli public

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shaheed, K.; Somasundaram, S.S.N.; Shahul Hameed, P.

1997-01-01

This paper deals with the committed effective dose equivalent from polonium-210 to the public of Tiruchirappalli district in south India on consumption of cereals, vegetables and animal food. It is demonstrated that the activity of 210 Po is non-uniformly distributed between cereals, vegetables and animal food. Among cereals, the green gram recorded a higher activity of 210 Po (0.62 Bq.kg -1 ) than the others tested. The study also recorded a relatively enhanced activity in raw rice (0.90 Bq.kg -1 ) than in boiled rice (0.03 Bq.kg -1 ). Among vegetables, the tubers accumulated more 210 Po than the shoot growing vegetables. The muscle of prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) recorded the highest level of 210 Po activity (13.9 Bq.kg -1 ) among the animal food. With reference to dosimetry, the animal food was identified to contribute higher radiation dose (0.38-29.5 μSv.y -1 ) than the cereals (0.05 - 1.9 μSv.y -1 ) and vegetables (0.05 - 1.9 μSv.y -1 ). Among animal food, the fish contributed a substantial level of α radiation dose to man. Though activity in raw rice was higher than the activity in boiled rice, the dose delivered from raw rice was substantially low since the average consumption of this rice represents only 7 kg.y -1 when compared to the consumption of boiled rice (108 kg.y -1 ). From the dose estimates made, it was evident that the total dose received by the general public (2.7 μSv.y -1 ) from 210 Po was well below the dose limit of 1mSv.y -1 . (author)

Bioaccumulation of polonium ({sup 210}Po) and uranium ({sup 234}U, {sup 238}U) in plants around phosphogypsum waste heap in Wislinka (northern Poland)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Borylo, A.; Skwarzec, B. [Gdansk Univ. (Poland). Faculty of Chemistry

2011-07-01

In the study the activities of polonium {sup 210}Po and uranium {sup 234}U, {sup 238}U in plants, collected near phosphogypsum waste heap in Wis'linka (northern Poland), were determined by using the alpha spectrometry. The obtained results revealed that the concentrations of {sup 210}Po, {sup 234}U, and {sup 238}U in the analyzed plants were differentiated. In the analyzed flora organisms the highest amounts of polonium and uranium were found in ruderal plant samples as well as willow samples (Salix viminalis) from protection zone of phosphogypsum waste heap. The concentrations of {sup 210}Po, {sup 234}U and {sup 238}U in the analyzed plants were higher in roots than in green parts of plants. The higher concentrations of {sup 210}Po and {sup 238}U radionuclides were estimated for hydrophyte (common sedge Carex nigra Reichard), the favourite habitat of which is particularly wet meadow and for plants collected in the vicinity of phosphogypsum waste heap. The major source of polonium and uranium in analyzed plants is root system. The values of {sup 234}U/ {sup 238}U activity ratio in all analyzed plants are closed to one, what indicated that source of uranium in analyzed plants is phosphogypsum. The highest uranium and polonium concentrations were characterized for plants, which are covered with tomentose. The comparability polonium and uranium contents were confirmed in edible plants, but higher accumulation was determined in ripe species than immature species of vegetables. The higher polonium and uranium concentrations were noticed in green parts of plant, the lower in roots. Polonium concentration in cultivated plants samples was not species diverse. Therefore, the significant source of polonium and uranium in analyzed plants is wet and dry atmospheric falls gathering the soil and air dust from phosphogypsum waste dump. The maximum {sup 210}Po and {sup 238}U radionuclides concentrations were found in green parts of red beet (Beta vulgaris esculenta), the

Radon risk: the polonium effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pradel, J.

2003-01-01

The atoms of radon present in the earth's crust give after disintegration atoms of polonium 210 and lead 210 having a strong toxicity by ingestion ( superior of a factor 2 to 10 comparatively to plutonium 239). We have to remember that polonium and lead 210 are present everywhere in very important quantities relatively to values quoted for ground pollution. This must reassure us for the risks run from the nuclear facilities for which important efforts are made in matter of radiation protection. (N.C.)

Accumulation of 210Po by benthic marine algae

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gouvea, R.C.; Branco, M.E.C.; Santos, P.L.

1988-01-01

The accumulation of polonium 210 Po by various species of benthic marine seaweeds collected from 4 different points on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, showed variations by species and algal groups. The highest value found was in red alga, Plocamium brasiliensis followed by other organisms of the same group. In the group of the brown alga, the specie Sargassum stenophylum was outstanding. The Chlorophyta presented the lowest content of 210 Po. The algae collected in open sea, revealed greater concentration factors of 210 Po than the same species living in bays. The siliceous residue remaining after mineralization of the algae did not interfere with the detection of polonium. (author)

Levels of polonium-210 in the grapevine leaves in Alasehir district in Turkey

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gurboga, G.; Aytas Oelmez, S.

2001-01-01

The objective of present work is the estimation of Po-210 (polonium) content in the edible grapevine leaves (Vitis viniferae, L.cv Sultana syn.) collected from Gediz plain in Western Turkey. Alasehir District in Gediz plain is one of the most important wine culture region of Turkey. Grapevine leaves are important food material for Dolma in Turkish cuisine. Dolma is a name applied to such vegetables as grapevine leaves, cabbage leaves and green peppers stuffed ground meat or spiked rice. Levels of Po-210 in the grapevine leaves had not been analyzed before in Turkey. In this study, after wet ashing of grapevine leaves, Po-210 was spontaneously plated onto a copper disc from dilute hydrochloric acid medium and deposited activity was measured. The results for Po-210 in the grapevine leaves are compared with the other foodstuff values in the literature

210Po activity concentrations in mussels at Aegean Turkish Coast

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sekkin, F.; Tanbay, A.; Vener, V.

2000-01-01

In Turkey mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) are consumed in relatively large quantities. Therefore, analyses of mussel samples from different sampling sites in Aegean Sea were performed in order to evaluate the ingestion of 210 Po and 210 Pb by the Turkey population. Polonium analyses were performed with a complete dissolution of the sample in mineral acids. Polonium isotopes were plated onto a copper discs in 0.5 M HCl solution in the presence of ascorbic acid using a technique modified from Flynn (1968). The alpha activity measurements of polonium isotopes plated on copper discs were performed with ZnS(Ag) detector. The highest concentrations was found in Karaburun mussels as 254 Bq.kg -1 and the lowest one was at Inciralti as 18 Bq.kg -1 . Based on these 210 Po activity concentrations, annual dose equivalent rates delivered to biological tissues in mussels would vary widely, from 136 to 10 mSv.y -1 . It is concluded that in mussels living in the Aegean Sea a wide range of internal radiation dose exists and it is essentially sustained by 210 Po food-chain transfer. (author)

Evaluation of the contribution of smoking to total blood polonium-210 in Saudi population

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shabana, E.I. E-mail: eshabana@kacst.edu.sa; Elaziz, M.A. Abd; Al-Arifi, M.N.; Al-Dhawailie, A.A.; Al-Bokari, M.M-A

2000-01-01

A preliminary study of {sup 210}Po concentrations in the blood of some smokers and nonsmokers is presented in order to evaluate the contribution of smoking to total blood {sup 210}Po in Saudi population. Blood samples were collected from 30 volunteers and analyzed by high resolution {alpha}-spectrometry using a radiochemical technique. The technique is based on the separation of polonium from other components of the sample by wet ashing with an HNO{sub 3}/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} oxidizing mixture and spontaneous deposition on a silver disc under the relevant conditions for {alpha}-particle counting. The results indicated that a significant fraction (about 30%) of blood {sup 210}Po is related to smoking.

Polonium-210 in cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) from south-eastern Australian waters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, D.J.; Towler, H.

1993-01-01

A study was made of the concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclide polonium-210 in the livers of cartilaginous fishes (chondrichthyans) caught in the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia in 1991. Five elasmobranch species had 210 Po concentrations in the range 1-31 Bq kg -1 (wet weight) and one holocephalian species, the elephant fish (Callorhynchus milii), was exceptional with a 210 Po range of 60-270 Bq kg -1 (n-3, mean 180 Bq kg -1 ). Lead-210 was present at 0.1-1.1 Bq kg -1 and activity concentration ratios of 210 Po: 210 Pb were all greater than 1, indicating that the 210 Po could not all have grown in from in situ decay of 210 Pb within the chondrichthyan liver. The concentration of 210 Po in the livers appeared to be species related. Concentrations of the trace metals Cu, Fe and Zn showed no correlation with the 210 Po and were not species-related. The mean concentration of 210 Po measured in Port Phillip Bay water was 0.32 mBq kg -1 . This yields concentration factors of 3.2 x 10 3 to 8.4 x 10 5 for unsupported 210 Po in the livers of the chondrichthyans. The total 210 Po (using Q=20) exposes the livers to a weighted absorbed dose of up to 140 mGy year -1 (16 μGy h -1 ), which is >99% of the total internal dose and three orders of magnitude greater than the external dose based on estimated levels of 40 K. 18 refs., 3 tabs., 2 figs

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in marine food chains

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heyraud, M.; Cherry, R.D.

1979-01-01

210 Po and 210 Pb have been measured systematically in whole animals, muscle and hepatopancreas of crustaceans and of molluscan cephalopods representative of a pelagic and benthic food chain. The same nuclides were also measured in liver, pyloric caecum, stomach contents and muscle of tuna. The concentration factors from sea water to whole animals were approximately constant along both food chains, being of the order of 10 4 for 210 Po and 10 2 for 210 Pb. The highest concentration factors were found in shrimp of the genus Sergestes. In muscle, the concentration factors were an order of magnitude less; in the hepatopancreas, they were an order of magnitude higher, reaching 10 6 in shrimp of the genus Sergestes. Such concentrations imply alpha-radiation doses of the order of 10 rem per year and more in this organ, which contains about 50 to 90% of the 210 Po in the whole animal in the 11 species analyzed. A detailed study of the intracellular behaviour of 210 Po in the hepatopancreas is clearly indicated. 210 Po can be used as a sensitive natural tracer in biological systems. Thus, feeding Meganyctiphanes norvegica in the laboratory on food low in 210 Po led to an approximate value of about 6 1/2 days for the biological half-life of 210 Po in the hepatopancreas of this euphausiid. Furthermore, the data on 210 Po and 210 Pb in the cephalopod hepatopancreas allowed the time of conservation of frozen squid which had been bought at the market to be estimated. (orig.) 891 AJ/orig. 892 MKO [de

Polonium 2 sup 1 sup 0 and lead 2 sup 1 sup 0 in Syrian sea and river fish and radiation dose due to their consumption

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Mamish, S.; Budier, Y.; Nashwati, A.

1999-01-01

Edible part of 36 types of sea fish collected from local market (Lattakia, Tartus, Banias) and seven types of river fish (Al-Furat river and Mzerib lake) have been analyzed for 210 Po and 210 Pb. Results of analysis have shown that 210 Po and 210 Pb concentrations in sea fish varied between 0.27 and 27.48 Bq/kg and between 0.05 and 0.38 Bq/kg, respectively while for river fish concentrations were relatively low and varied between 0.61 and 3.08 Bq/kg for 210 Po and between 0.04 and 0.10 Bq/kg for 210 Pb. In addition, the Syrian adults daily intakes of 210 Po and 210 Pb have been estimated and found to be 6.0 and 0.24 mBq respectively. These intakes are much less than those reported in other areas in the world. The collective dose was also determined and found to be about 5.09 man.sv for polonium 210 and 2.93 man.sv for lead 210 . (author)

Elementary analyses in behalf of the project: Orientating investigation to Polonium-210 and other radionuclides in Dutch aquatic ecosystems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hart, M.J. 't; Breugem, P.M.; Koester, H.W.

1989-11-01

In this report, results of the determinations of total, organic and inorganic carbon analysis are reported for the project 'Orientating investigations of Polonium-210 and other natural radionuclides in Dutch aquatic ecosystems', projectnumber 248476. The method used is a modification of the method described by Froelich and is based on elemental analysis. Sediment samples from several locations of sea and river water show a large variation of the carbon content. The organic carbon concentration varies from 2.78 to 22.42 percent; the inorganic carbon varies from 1.25 to 5.66 percent. The analyses were run in duplicate with a mean standard deviation of 0.1 percent. (author). 4 refs.; 5 figs.; 7 tabs

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in marine food chains

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heyraud, M [Musee Oceanographique (Monaco). International Lab. of Marine Radioactivity; Cherry, R D [Cape Town Univ. (South Africa). Dept. of Physics

1979-01-01

/sup 210/Po and /sup 210/Pb have been measured systematically in whole animals, muscle and hepatopancreas of crustaceans and of molluscan cephalopods representative of a pelagic and benthic food chain. The same nuclides were also measured in liver, pyloric caecum, stomach contents and muscle of tuna. The concentration factors from sea water to whole animals were approximately constant along both food chains, being of the order of 10/sup 4/ for /sup 210/Po and 10/sup 2/ for /sup 210/Pb. The highest concentration factors were found in shrimp of the genus Sergestes. In muscle, the concentration factors were an order of magnitude less; in the hepatopancreas, they were an order of magnitude higher, reaching 10/sup 6/ in shrimp of the genus Sergestes. Such concentrations imply alpha-radiation doses of the order of 10 rem per year and more in this organ, which contains about 50 to 90% of the /sup 210/Po in the whole animal in the 11 species analyzed. A detailed study of the intracellular behaviour of /sup 210/Po in the hepatopancreas is clearly indicated. /sup 210/Po can be used as a sensitive natural tracer in biological systems. Thus, feeding Meganyctiphanes norvegica in the laboratory on food low in /sup 210/Po led to an approximate value of about 6 1/2 days for the biological half-life of /sup 210/Po in the hepatopancreas of this euphausiid. Furthermore, the data on /sup 210/Po and /sup 210/Pb in the cephalopod hepatopancreas allowed the time of conservation of frozen squid which had been bought at the market to be estimated. (orig.) 891 AJ/orig. 892 MKO.

Investigation of environmental conditions at Sarfartoq 1987-88. Collection of samples for testing, measurement of radon and analyses for polonium-210 and lead-210. [Greenland]. Miljoeundersoegelser ved Sarfartoq 1987-88. Proeveindsamling, radonmaaling og analyser for polonium-210 og bly-210

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aastrup, P; Munk Hansen, M

1989-01-01

The sampling of plants and animals is part of environmental base line studies initiated by the Mineral Resources Administration for Greenland in relation to plans for exploration and exploitation of a niobium occurence. Samples have been collected in areas expected to be influenced by mining activities and in reference areas. The collected species of plants include northern willow, Bellard's kobresia, lichen (Cetraria nivalis), and others. Samples of animals include musk oxen, reindeer, alpine hare, ptarmigan, fox, and arctic char. However, 60 samples have been analyzed for polonium-210 and lead-210. The highest concentrations were found in lichen and the lowest in muscle tissue. In many samples systematic differences between the concentrations of the two isotopes were observed indicating that polonium-210 should continue to be part of the base line study program and the monitoring program if mining is started. The observed concentrations pose no health problem. 30 kg bulk samples of the best pyrochlore ore and the rock c. 10 m on both sides of the mineralization (the side rock) were analyzed for niobium, tantalum, some trace elements, and natural radioactive isotopes. The ore sample has concentrations of 33.17% niobium, 0.4% tantalum, 0.77% uranium, and more than 0.37% rare earth elements. The concentrations of all other analyzed elements are low. The ore has very well defined boundaries and there is a very low concentration of radioactive elements in the side rock. The naturally occurring concentrations of radon have been measured at stations on top of the mineralization, within the carbonatite complex and outside the complex. The concentrations generally are very low. However, the concentrations in the complex are significantly higher than outside the complex. This reflects an elevated uranium concentration of the carbonatite complex rocks. (AB).

Radioactive contamination in human by polonium-210 in food from marine origin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kelecom, Alphonse; Gouvea, Rita de Cassia S.; Kelecom, Philippe Marcel

2005-01-01

Food from marine origin is considered as one of the sources that most contributes to internal radioactive contamination in humans by polonium-210 ( 210 Po). This work intended to check whether a single ingestion of the mussel Perna perna should result in a detectable increase of radioactive contamination in the consumer. The mussel was bought at a fish market localized in the city of Niteroi, RJ, Brazil. It was cooked as usually, and its content in 210 Po determined after acid mineralization, spontaneous electrodeposition on stainless steel disks and alpha counting. Non-smoking volunteers maintained for two weeks a normal diet, but completely avoiding fish and seafood. Then, they ate 200 g of cooked mussel, and collected total faeces and urine every day during ten days. 210 Po level in faeces samples showed a 900% increase at the first day after ingestion, and reached normal levels after 3-4 days. In urine samples, the increase of 210 Po was much lower (50%) and reached a maximum at the fifth day. Such data showed a short time permanence of 210 Po in the intestine. Most of ingested 210 Po (∼91%) was eliminated in up to 5 days through faeces. A small amount was absorbed (∼5-10%), part of it being eliminated in urine, and the remaining contaminated the human body. (author)

Levels of polonium-210 in highly consumed sea foods from a fish market of the city of Niteroi, RJ-Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marsico, Eliane T.; Sao Clemente, Sergio C. de; Kelecom, Alphonse; Gouvea, Rita de Cassia S.

2007-01-01

Polonium-210 ( 210 Po), a short-lived member from the uranium series, is broadly distributed in Nature being among all alpha-emitters the major contributor to the internal dose in man. Studies of diets have shown that marine foods are important sources of this radionuclide. The levels of 210 Po have been determined in three highly consumed marine species, the fishes Sardinella brasiliensis (sardine) and Thunnus atlanticus (tuna), and the shrimp Litopenaeus brasiliensis, purchased from the Niteroi (RJ, Brazil) fish market, and caught along the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Doses of 210 Po were determined for the entire organisms and for some tissues and organs, such as eyes, heart, gills, muscle, stomach liver, intestine and pyloric caecal (fishes) or eyes, head content, exoskeleton, muscle, hepatopancreas and pleopods. 210 Po is not uniformly distributed within these species, the highest levels being observed for sardine in the intestine (1634.6 mBq g-1), tuna in pyloric caecal (4656.1 mBq g-1) and shrimp in the hepatopancreas (1460.5 mBq g-1). The 210 Po activities in sardine, tuna and shrimp, calculated on a mean whole-organism basis, were 64.6, 34.5 and 39.5 Bq kg-1 (dry weight) respectively, with corresponding concentration factors of 7.2 x104, 3.8 x104 and 4.4 x104. Considering body distribution, almost 60% of the total activity is concentrated in the pyloric caecal of both fishes and in the hepatopancreas of the shrimp. In turn, the edible parts concentrate much less activity. (author)

The significance of lead-210, polonium-210 and protactinium-231 in emissions from coal-fired power stations: a comparison with natural environmental sources

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Corbett, J.O.

1981-04-01

Recently published calculations have suggested that a hypothetical individual may receive an effective radiation dose equivalent of 23 mrem/y from coal-fired power station emissions through the ingestion of lead-210, polonium-210 and protactinium-231. It is shown that the model used in those calculations is over-pessimistic by one or two orders of magnitude when applied to the deposition of Pb-210 and Po-210 derived from the decay of radon naturally present in the atmosphere. A more recent assessment of metabolic data for Pa-231 suggests that estimated doses from this nuclide also can be reduced by about a factor of twenty. It is concluded that the maximum effective dose equivalent from power station emissions probably does not exceed 1-2 mrem/y. (author)

Polonium-210 concentration of cigarettes traded in Cuba and their estimated dose contribution due to smoking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brigido Flores, O.; Montalvan Estrada, A.; Fabelo Bonet, O.; Barreras Caballero, A.

2015-01-01

Cigarette smoking is one of the pathways that might contribute significantly to the increase in the radiation dose reaching man, due to the relatively large concentrations of polonium-210 found in tobacco leaves. The results of 200 Po determination on the 11 most frequently smoked brands of cigarettes and cigars which constitute over 75% of the total cigarette consumption in Cuba are presented and discussed. Moreover, the polonium content in cigarette smoke was estimated on the basis of its activity in cigarettes, ash, fresh filters and post-smoking filters. 210 Po was determined by gas flow proportional detector after spontaneous deposition of 210 Po on a high copper-content disk. The annual committed equivalent dose for lungs and the annual effective dose for smokers between 12-17 years old and for adults were calculated on the basis of the 210 Po inhalation through cigarette smoke. The results showed concentration ranging from 9.3 to 14.4 mBq per cigarette with a mean value of 11.8 ± 0.6 mBq.Cig -1 . the results of this work indicate that Cuban smokers who smoke one pack (20 cigarettes) per day inhale from 62 to 98 mBq.d -1 of 210 Po and smokers between 12-17 years old who consume 10 cigarettes daily inhale from 30-50 mBq.d -1 . The average committed equivalent dose for lungs is estimated to be 466 ± 36 and 780 ± 60 μSv.year -1 for young and adult smokers, respectively and annual committed effective dose is calculated to be 60 ± 5 and 100 ± 8 μSv for these two groups of smokers, respectively. (Author)

Studies on Polonium-210 and Lead-210 aspects in a near shore coastal environment at Kalpakkam, Tamilnadu, India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iyengar, M.A.R.

2013-01-01

In the present study, an attempt has been made to summarize the findings from a comprehensive research investigation, related to polonium-210 and lead-210 aspects in a confined near shore coastal marine environment at the site of Kalpakkam nuclear complex. The site hosts some major nuclear installations, the main units being a nuclear power station, fast breeder reactor units, reprocessing facilities and supporting facilities. These investigation have been carried out to evaluate the natural radiation exposures of the resident human population in the neighbourhood of the site complex, and compute the additional potential doses to the community, arising from operation of nuclear facilities. An added significance, surfaced during the study, was the presence of a higher natural radiation background in the study area, due to the occurrence of monazite - a thorium mineral - bearing beach sands in vast stretches of the coastal areas

Levels of polonium-210 in highly consumed sea foods from a fish market of the city of Niteroi, RJ-Brazil

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Marsico, Eliane T.; Sao Clemente, Sergio C. de [Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niteroi, RJ (Brazil). Faculdade de Veterinaria. Dept. de Tecnologia de Alimentos; Kelecom, Alphonse; Gouvea, Rita de Cassia S. [Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niteroi, RJ (Brazil). Dept. de Biologia Geral. Lab. de Radiobiologia e Radiometria Pedro Lopes dos Santos - LARARA

2007-07-01

Polonium-210 ({sup 210}Po), a short-lived member from the uranium series, is broadly distributed in Nature being among all alpha-emitters the major contributor to the internal dose in man. Studies of diets have shown that marine foods are important sources of this radionuclide. The levels of {sup 210}Po have been determined in three highly consumed marine species, the fishes Sardinella brasiliensis (sardine) and Thunnus atlanticus (tuna), and the shrimp Litopenaeus brasiliensis, purchased from the Niteroi (RJ, Brazil) fish market, and caught along the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Doses of {sup 210}Po were determined for the entire organisms and for some tissues and organs, such as eyes, heart, gills, muscle, stomach liver, intestine and pyloric caecal (fishes) or eyes, head content, exoskeleton, muscle, hepatopancreas and pleopods. {sup 210}Po is not uniformly distributed within these species, the highest levels being observed for sardine in the intestine (1634.6 mBq g-1), tuna in pyloric caecal (4656.1 mBq g-1) and shrimp in the hepatopancreas (1460.5 mBq g-1). The {sup 210}Po activities in sardine, tuna and shrimp, calculated on a mean whole-organism basis, were 64.6, 34.5 and 39.5 Bq kg-1 (dry weight) respectively, with corresponding concentration factors of 7.2 x104, 3.8 x104 and 4.4 x104. Considering body distribution, almost 60% of the total activity is concentrated in the pyloric caecal of both fishes and in the hepatopancreas of the shrimp. In turn, the edible parts concentrate much less activity. (author)

Assessment of 210Po in agricultural soils and marine sediments of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans of Guatemala

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garcia Vela, A.G.

1999-01-01

A radiochemical method consisting of 210 Polonium extraction was made to measure radioactivity in samples of soil and marine sediments of Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The solution of polonium it was treated to obtain the deposition of the metal over a zinc disc and was measured by alpha espectrometry system based on Planar Ion Planted Silice (PIPS) system. The concern about cultivated soils its consuption products from sea and soil come from these sources. The results shows that activity of 210 Polonium in agricultural soils and marine sediments are below of ALI recommended by international standards

Histologic observations on the pathogenesis of lung cancer in hamsters following administration of polonium-210

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lisco, H.; Kennedy, A.R.; Little, J.B.

1974-01-01

A serial sacrifice experiment was carried out to study the site of origin and the stages in development of lung cancer in hamsters induced by polonium-210 ( 210 Po). 1 or 2 animals were sacrificed weekly during and after a course of 7 intratracheal instillations of 0.1 μCi of 210 Po in saline. This exposure produced a transient radiation pneumonitis of moderate severity during, and for several weeks after, the instillation period. Subsequent pathological changes included hyperplasia of bronchiolar epithelium, and focal proliferation of epithelial cells in peribronchiolar and more remote alveoli, termed epithelialization of alveoli. Hyperplastic bronchiolar epithelium frequently showed numerous Clara cells which exhibited pleomorphism of cells and nuclei, multinucleated cells, and striking changes in staining characteristics of secretory granules. Epithelialization of alveoli showed steady progression from well-circumscribed small foci to larger confluent lesions which were composed of various cell types and resembled tumors. Malignant tumors occurred in many animals surviving more than 24 weeks after the last instillation of 210 Po

Determination of 210Pb and 210Po in water samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ayranov, M.; Tosheva, Z.; Kies, A.

2004-01-01

Lead-210 and Polonium-210 are naturally occurring members of the Uranium-238 decay series. They could be found in various environmental samples, such as groundwater, fish and shellfish, contributing an important component of the human natural radiation background. For this reason the development of a fast, reproducible and sensitive method for determination of 210 Pb and 210 Po is of a great concern. The aims of our study were to adopt procedures for radiochemical separation of these radionuclides and radioanalytical methods for their determination. The combination of electrochemical deposition, co-precipitation and extraction chromatography gives the opportunity for fast and effective radiochemical separation of the analytes. Polonium was spontaneously plated on copper disk from the stock solution. Lead was co-precipitated with Fe(OH) 3 and further purified by extraction chromatography on Sr Spec columns. Alpha spectra of polonium were collected on Canberra PIPS detectors with 900 mm 2 active surface. The activities of lead were determined by LSC (Gardian Wallac Oy). The minimum detectable activities for sample size 1000 mL and chemical yield of 88 % for the polonium and 85 % for the lead are presented. The proposed method proved to be fast, accurate and reproducible for routine determination of lead and polonium in environmental water samples. (authors)

The Hamburg polonium-210 case. Monitoring of internal contaminations in a malevolent act

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dalheimer, A.; Koenig, K.; Nosske, D.; Schaefer, I.

2009-01-01

The dead of Alexander Litvinenko in London in the late 2006 was linked with the visit of Dimitri Kovtun. So an investigation was started by the Hamburg Police. As the presence of polonium-210 was uncertain, the action was supported by the Federal Defense against Nuclear Hazards (NGA) of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). Radiation measurements in some flats in Hamburg confirmed the suspicion of polonium-210 contaminations. As incorporations by ingestion or inhalation could not generally be excluded, the Coordinating Office on Incorporation Monitoring of the BfS (Leitstelle Inkorporationsueberwachung des BfS) was requested to clarify this issue. The BfS office then coordinated the required bioassay analyses of urine samples carried out at four officially appointed in-vitro laboratories for incorporation monitoring. The group of people to be examined included the members of the family involved living in the contaminated flats, the emergency forces, as well as potentially exposed members of the public. The calculation of the internal dose was based on standard assumptions and also conducted by the BfS. The internal radiation doses proved to be within the range of radiation doses due to natural exposures. Retrospectively it should be stressed that the collaboration and cooperation of all institutions involved in the operation in Hamburg was extremely good despite their differing organisational structures. As a result of the incident in Hamburg various middle and long-term measures have been taken since then by the BfS Coordinating Office on Incorporation Monitoring. (orig.)

Ratio of 210Po and 210Pb in fresh, brackish and saline water in Kuala Selangor river

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tan Chin Siang; Che Abdul Rahim Mohamed; Zaharuddin Ahmad

2007-01-01

Sediment cores were carried out from Kuala Selangor river to amine sea water via coastal and brackish water ambient. Sample size fraction with size less than 125 μm was spiked with tracer 209 Po and leached with mix concentrated nitric acid, perchloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid and mineralized with 50 ml of 0.5M HCl. The sample solution was used for spontaneously deposit polonium on a silver disk at 80-85 degree Celsius and measured with the Alpha Spectrometry. The distribution of two radionuclides especially 210 Po, 210 Pb and 210 po/ 210 Pb were useful in identifying the origin of 210 Po. Ratio values of 210 Po/ 210 Pb in the freshwater, brackish water and saline water were 3.3459, 5.8385 and 2.9831, respectively. From the high ratio of 210 Po/ 210 Pb, the widespread occurrence of excess 210 Po in Kuala Selangor river water may came from the atmosphere sources such as stratospheric aerosols, sea spray of the surface micro layer and bio-volatile 210 Po organism from productive species. (author)

Uranium series radionuclides, polonium-210 and lead-210, in the lichen-caribou-wolf food chain of the Northwest Territories

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, P.A.; Sheard, J.W.; Swanson, S.

1994-01-01

This report examines baseline concentrations and transfer of the uranium decay products polonium-210 and lead-210 in the lichen-caribou-wolf food chain at two locations in the Northwest Territories, Baker Lake and Snowdrift. At each location, concentrations of the two radionuclides were determined in the lichen species Cetraria nivalis and Cladina mitis, and several tissues from caribou and wolves. Baseline concentrations and transfer coefficients within the food chain were compared between the two locations. Lichen samples were also collected from Kasba Lake, a third hunting ground used by northern Saskatchewan hunters. The lichen species chosen were common forage for caribou. Both the predominant lichen species at each location and rumen contents were used to estimate the winter diet of caribou in the calculation of transfer coefficients. The results are relevant to environmental monitoring in areas of potential future uranium mining development and the transfer coefficients determined in the study may be used to estimate radionuclide concentrations and radiation doses in future environmental assessments

Polonium-210 accumulates in a lake receiving coal mine discharges-anthropogenic or natural?

Science.gov (United States)

Nelson, A W; Eitrheim, E S; Knight, A W; May, D; Wichman, M D; Forbes, T Z; Schultz, M K

2017-02-01

Coal is an integral part of global energy production; however, coal mining is associated with numerous environmental health impacts. It is well documented that coal-mine waste can contaminate the environment with naturally-occurring radionuclides from the uranium-238 ( 238 U) decay series. However, the behavior of the final radionuclide in the 238 U-series, i.e., polonium-210 ( 210 Po) arising from coal-mine waste-water discharge is largely unexplored. Here, results of a year-long (2014-2015) field study, in which the concentrations of 210 Po in sediments and surface water of a lake that receives coal-mine waste-water discharge in West Virginia are presented. Initial measurements identified levels of 210 Po in the lake sediments that were in excess of that which could be attributed to ambient U-series parent radionuclides; and were indicative of discharge site contamination of the lake ecosystem. However, control sediment obtained from a similar lake system in Iowa (an area with no coal mining or unconventional drilling) suggests that the levels of 210 Po in the lake are a natural phenomenon; and are likely unrelated to waste-water treatment discharges. Elevated levels of 210 Po have been reported in lake bottom sediments previously, yet very little information is available on the radioecological implications of 210 Po accumulation in lake bottom sediments. The findings of this study suggest that (Monthly Energy Review, 2016) the natural accumulation and retention of 210 Po in lake sediments may be a greater than previously considered (Chadwick et al., 2013) careful selection of control sites is important to prevent the inappropriate attribution of elevated levels of NORM in lake bottom ecosystems to industrial sources; and (Van Hook, 1979) further investigation of the source-terms and potential impacts on elevated 210 Po in lake-sediment ecosystems is warranted. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Distribution of 226Ra-210Pb-210Po in marine biota and surface sediments of the Red Sea, Sudan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sirelkhatim, D.A.; Sam, A.K.; Hassona, R.K.

2008-01-01

Activity concentration levels and ratios of 226 Ra, 210 Pb and 210 Po are presented in multicellular marine algae, molluscs, coral as well as in surface marine sediments collected from the shallower waters of the fringing reefs area extending towards north and south (Flamingo bay) of PortSudan harbour, Sudan. The analyses were performed adopting alpha-spectrometry, liquid scintillation and Cerenkov counting techniques. Surface sediments from this coastal region are poor in their radioactivity content in contrast to similar data reported from different coastal areas around the globe. There is surface enrichment of 210 Pb and 210 Po with respect to their progenitor 226 Ra as it is evident from the activity ratios of 210 Pb/ 226 Ra (3.03 ± 1.79) and 210 Po/ 226 Ra (2.23 ± 1.56). Among marine plants and animals investigated, the green algae species, Halimeda, and coral species, Favites, show substantial concentration of radium at 8.2 Bq/kg and 21.9 Bq/kg dry weight, respectively. Similarly, the highest concentration of 210 Po was met in Favites at 38.7 Bq/kg followed by brown algae, Cystoseria sp., at 32.6 Bq/kg. There is no variation seen among algal species for 210 Pb uptake, however, converse to radium and polonium, Favites (coral) was found to contain the minimum concentration of lead (3.88 Bq/kg). In most species there is preferential accumulation of polonium over its parent radium as indicated by 210 Po: 226 Ra activity ratio with Cystoseria (brown algae) showing the highest value at 8.81. On the other hand, 210 Po: 210 Pb activity concentration ratio revealed that coral species Favites (9.97) and the brown algae Sargassum (1.85) have a greater tendency to accumulate 210 Po over 210 Pb, while in the rest of species; this ratio is less than unity

Analysis of polonium-210 in food samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bueno, Luciana; Cunha, Ieda Irma Lamas

1999-01-01

This paper presents the polonium levels in food products. The analysis procedure consisted of acid leaching of the samples, solution evaporation, addition of hydrochloric acid, spontaneous deposition of polonium on a silver disk counting by alpha spectroscopy. The method was applied in reference materials and in foodstuffs, resulting in the following values: tea samples 0.4 to 1.7 Bq/unit; fish = 0.17 to 0.40 Bq/Kg, fruits = 0.048 to 0.067 Bq/kg, vegetables = 0.12 to 0.31 Bq/kg, cereal = 0.036 to 0.042 Bq/kg and legumes = 0.024 to 0.51 Bq/kg. The results are very important for public health due to the possible effects to the human organism by the ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. (author)

Contribution to the study of polonium-210 and lead-210 in marine organisms and their environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heyraud, M.

1982-06-01

The following topics were emphasized: the role of 210 Po as a major source of natural radiation dose received by marin organisms; the contribution of 210 Po to the total α radioactivity in the hepatopancreas of crustaceans or mollusc cephalopods is more than 95%; in the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica, the main source of 210 Po is the food they consume; the possible use of 210 Po as a natural biological tracer of the feeding of deep-sea mesopelagic animals; the 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio is a good indicator of the importance of biological processes in the marine environment [fr

Polonium: 110th anniversary of its discovery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mould, R. F.

2008-01-01

It is appropriate that the 110 Th anniversary of the discovery of polonium by Marie and Pierre Curie is commemorated in a Polish journal since this element was named for Poland and was also the element discovered by the Curies before they discovered radium. Polonium's discovery and characteristics are described. Polonium has never been used in medicine, and was largely forgotten apart from a few minor industrial uses, and as a trigger for a nuclear weapon, until the murder in November 2006 in London using 210 Polonium, of the ex-KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko. Polonium had previously been linked, without any definite proof, with the deaths of a few scientists who had worked with the element, including Irene and Frederick Joliet-Curie. This review ends with possible evidence for such links. (authors)

The effect of preparation processes on polonium 210 transfer from tea and mate leaves to aqueous extract

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M. S.; Nashawati, A.; Amin, Y.; Al-Akel, B.

2002-08-01

Polonium 210 was determined in 34 kinds of tea samples and 8 kinds of mate samples collected from the local market. The results have shown that the activities of 210 Po in tea and meta samples were relatively high and varied between 5.5 and 39 Bq.Kg -1 , and 47 to 82 Bq.Kg -1 in tea and mate samples respectively. In order to estimate the annual intake of 210 Po by drinking of the aqueous extract of these materials, preparation processes of the leaves were performed at different conditions (temperature, duration of soaking). The results have shown that the amount of 210 Po transferred to the aqueous extract varied between 9 and 21% and 3 and 15% for tea leaves and mate respectively. There was a clear variations in the soluble amount according to the applied different conditions of soaking. The annual intake of 210 Po due to drinking tea and meta extracts was calculated and found to be 9 Bq.year -1 and 151 Bq.year -1 for tea and mate respectively. (author)

210 Po content in tobacco cigarettes in Thailand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chittaporn, P.

1985-12-01

A technique has been modified to measure polonium-210 in tobacco cigarettes manufactured in Thailand. Polonium-210 which is equilibrated with polonium-208 tracer added before processing for chemical separation is isolated and quantitatively deposited on a nickel disc from concentration HCl acid. The plated disc is counted on an alpha spectrometer. The alpha resolution of polonium on nickel disc of the surface barrier detector with active area 300 mm 2 was about 30 keV. A chemical blank was processed with each tobacco sample. The average recovery yield was about 70 percent. The lower limit of detection as determined from average chemical blank values 0.058+-0.006 pCi was 0.02 pCi for a 24 hour count. The polonium-210 content in 9 brand names cigarette manufactured in Thailand were varied from 0.121 pCi/g tobacco to 0.282 pCi/g. tobacco, and in 6 brand names shredded tobacco popularize as tobacco cigarette in upcountry were varied from 0.303 pCi/g. tobacco to 0.446 pCi/g. tobacco. In summary polonium-210 content in tobacco cigarettes manufactured in Thailand are ranged from 0.121 pCi/g. tobacco to 0.446 pCi/g. tobacco. The average polonium-210 content for 15 brand names tobacco cigarette is 0.273+-0.10 pCi/g. tobacco

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in the Southern Polar Ocean: Naturally occurring tracers of biological and hydrographical processes in the surface waters of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Weddell Sea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Friedrich, J.

1997-01-01

In this thesis the distribution of 210 Po and 210 Pb in the upper 600 m of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Weddell Sea was investigated along north-south transects in austral spring and autumn. 210 Po and 210 Pb can serve as sensitive tracers for the special hydrographic conditions of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Weddell Sea as well as for biological processes during phytoplankton blooms. The 210 Po/ 210 Pb disequilibrium was used as a tracer for particle export. This tracer integrates export on a timescale of 276 days because of the 138 day half-life of 210 Po and complements the 234 Th/ 238 U disequilibrium as another tracer for plankton production and export on a shorter timescale of several weeks. (orig.) [de

Polonium-210 and radiocaesium in muscle tissue of fish from different Nordic marine areas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holm, E.

1994-01-01

210 Po and radiocaesium were analyzed in the muscle tissue of different species of fish from the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian Sea and Icelandic waters. On the basis of the results a dose assessment was made which demonstrates that the dose to the population from 210 Po originating from the consumption of fish from the Baltic Sea is similar so that from radiocaesium, even after the Chernobyl accident. For the other areas the dose from radiocaesium is smaller but of the same importance as that from 210 Po. Differences in salinity are of minor importance compared to the food chains with respect to 210 Po. (orig.)

Radioactive contamination in human by polonium-210 in food from marine origin; Contaminacao radioativa humana por Polonio-210 contido em alimento de origem marinha

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kelecom, Alphonse; Gouvea, Rita de Cassia S.; Kelecom, Philippe Marcel [Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ (Brazil). Dept. de Biologia Geral. Lab. de Radiobiologia e Radiometria (LARARA)]. E-mail: egbakel@vm.uff.br

2005-07-01

Food from marine origin is considered as one of the sources that most contributes to internal radioactive contamination in humans by polonium-210 ({sup 210}Po). This work intended to check whether a single ingestion of the mussel Perna perna should result in a detectable increase of radioactive contamination in the consumer. The mussel was bought at a fish market localized in the city of Niteroi, RJ, Brazil. It was cooked as usually, and its content in {sup 210}Po determined after acid mineralization, spontaneous electrodeposition on stainless steel disks and alpha counting. Non-smoking volunteers maintained for two weeks a normal diet, but completely avoiding fish and seafood. Then, they ate 200 g of cooked mussel, and collected total faeces and urine every day during ten days. {sup 210}Po level in faeces samples showed a 900% increase at the first day after ingestion, and reached normal levels after 3-4 days. In urine samples, the increase of {sup 210}Po was much lower (50%) and reached a maximum at the fifth day. Such data showed a short time permanence of {sup 210}Po in the intestine. Most of ingested {sup 210}Po ({approx}91%) was eliminated in up to 5 days through faeces. A small amount was absorbed ({approx}5-10%), part of it being eliminated in urine, and the remaining contaminated the human body. (author)

A statistical approach to investigating enhancement of polonium-210 in the Eastern Irish Sea arising from discharges from a former phosphate processing plant.

Science.gov (United States)

Dewar, Alastair; Camplin, William; Barry, Jon; Kennedy, Paul

2014-12-01

Since the cessation of phosphoric acid production (in 1992) and subsequent closure and decommissioning (2004) of the Rhodia Consumer Specialties Limited plant in Whitehaven, the concentration levels of polonium-210 ((210)Po) in local marine materials have declined towards a level more typical of natural background. However, enhanced concentrations of (210)Po and lead-210 ((210)Pb), due to this historic industrial activity (plant discharges and ingrowth of (210)Po from (210)Pb), have been observed in fish and shellfish samples collected from this area over the last 20 years. The results of this monitoring, and assessments of the dose from these radionuclides, to high-rate aquatic food consumers are published annually in the Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report series. The RIFE assessment uses a simple approach to determine whether and by how much activity is enhanced above the normal background. As a potential tool to improve the assessment of enhanced concentrations of (210)Po in routine dose assessments, a formal statistical test, where the null hypothesis is that the Whitehaven area is contaminated with (210)Po, was applied to sample data. This statistical, modified "green", test has been used in assessments of chemicals by the OSPAR commission. It involves comparison of the reported environmental concentrations of (210)Po in a given aquatic species against its corresponding Background Assessment Concentration (BAC), which is based upon environmental samples collected from regions assumed to be not enhanced by industrial sources of (210)Po, over the period for which regular monitoring data are available (1990-2010). Unlike RIFE, these BAC values take account of the variability of the natural background level. As an example, for 2010 data, crab, lobster, mussels and winkles passed the modified "green" test (i.e. the null hypothesis is rejected) and as such are deemed not to be enhanced. Since the cessation of phosphoric acid production in 1992

Characteristics of polonium contamination from neutral irradiated lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miura, T.; Obara, T.; Sekimoto, H.

2004-01-01

After neutron capture, bismuth-209 changes to polonium-210 that emits α-particles. Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) in reactor system contaminates the system by polonium. We analyzed adsorbed materials from melted LBE on quartz glass plate. Lead, bismuth and their oxides were confirmed in adsorbed materials. And, we evaluated the baking method in vacuum for removal of polonium and adsorbed materials on quartz glass plate. It was evaluated that it is possible to remove almost all the polonium from the quartz glass plate by baking at temperature more than 300 C. degrees. Unfolding method was applied to calculate polonium distribution in LBE ingot. From measured α-particle pulse height distribution, the polonium distribution in depth of LBE ingot was calculated using quadratic programming code, where response functions are calculated by Monte Carlo method. (authors)

Polonium (210Po) and uranium (234U, 238U) in water, phosphogypsum and their bioaccumulation in plants around phosphogypsum waste heap at Wislinka (nothern Poland)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skwarzec, B.; Borylo, A.; Kosinska, A.; Radzajewska, S.

2010-01-01

The principal sources of polonium and uranium radionuclides the Wislinka area waste dump are phosphorites and phosphogypsum produced by the Phosphoric Fertilizers Industry of Gdansk. The values of uranium and polonium concentration in water with immediate surroundings of waste heap are considerably higher than in the waters of the Martwa Wisla river. The activity ratio 234 U/ 238 U is approximately about one in the phosphogypsum (0.97±0.06 and 0.99±0.04) and in the water of a retention reservoir and a pumping station (0.92±0.01 and 0.99±0.04), while in the water from the Martwa Wisla river is slightly higher than one (1.00±0.07 and 1.06±0.02). The leaching process of uranium and polonium from the phosphogypsum waste heap is responsible for the maximum uranium concentration (1097±6 μg·dm -3 and 1177±6 μg·dm -3 ) and the high 210 Po concentration (131.4±0.9 mBq·dm -3 and 165.7±1.4 mBq·dm -3 ) in the retention reservoir. The major source of polonium and uranium in plants are wet and dry atmospheric falls gathering soil and air dust from the phosphogypsum waste dump and root system. The highest uranium and polonium concentrations were found in older part of grasses (yellow oatgrass, meadow foxtail, moneywort), exposed to atmospheric falls for a long time. The maximum concentrations of 210 Po were characterized for samples of plant root collected at the retention reservoir (150.50±4.97 and 108.55±3.95 Bq·kg -1 dry mass). Polonium and uranium concentrations in water samples of the Martwa Wisla river are relatively low in comparison with the value in the retention reservoir and pumping station near the phosphogypsum waste heap. This suggests that the radionuclides could be leached from the dumping site to the surrounding environment. (authors)

Large deficiency of polonium in the oligotrophic ocean's interior

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Guebuem

2001-09-01

The naturally occurring radionuclide 210Po is typically deficient relative to its parent 210Pb in the surface ocean due to preferential removal by biota, while in near equilibrium or excess below the surface mixed layer due to rapid regeneration from sinking organic matter. However, a strikingly large deficit of 210Po is observed in the oligotrophic Sargasso Sea's interior. This argues against the general concept that the removal of reactive elements depends on the population of settling particles. A 210Po mass balance model suggests that rather than downward transport, polonium (proxy for S, Se, and Te) is taken up efficiently by bacteria (i.e., cyanobacteria) and transferred to higher trophic levels (i.e., nekton) in this environment. In contrast, in productive areas of the ocean, sulfur group elements seem to reside in the subsurface ocean for much longer periods as taken up by abundant free-living bacteria (non-sinking fine particles). This study sheds new light on global biogeochemical cycling of sulfur group elements in association with microbial roles, and suggests that 210Po may be useful as a tracer of nitrogen fixation in the ocean.

The environmental behaviour of polonium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phaneuf, M.; Twining, J.; )

2013-01-01

In view of the importance of 210 Po as a dose contributor, the IAEA is completing a second specific Technical Reports Series document, entitled 'The Environmental Behaviour of Polonium'. This document covers the behaviour of polonium in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, and provides up-to-date information on key transfer processes, concepts and models that have been found to be important in radiological assessments for both humans and non-human biota. Additionally, applications of Po isotopes to environmental issues are discussed in order to alert readers to studies that use Po isotopes as tracers of environmental processes

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in marine organisms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamamoto, M.; Kuwabara, J.; Komura, K.; Ueno, K.

1994-01-01

The concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb were determined in about 30 species of marine organisms collected mainly from the north-eastern region of Japan to know the levels and distributions of these radionuclides and to estimate their intake levels from marine foods. 210 Po and 210 Pb showed a wide range of concentration in species: 0.6-26 and 0.04-0.54 Bq/kg (wet wt) in fishes, 0.5-220 and 0.2-43 Bq/kg (wet wt) in molluscs, echinoderms and chordatas, and 2.8-4.3 and 0.4-1.3 Bq/kg (wet wt) in algae, respectively. Higher accumulation of 210 Po relative to 210 Pb was found in all of the samples analyzed. The intake levels of 210 Po and 210 Pb by marine foods consumption were roughly estimated to be 0.48-0.69 and 0.022-0.042 Bq/d per person, respectively, on the basis of the statistical data on the consumption of seafood and/or production rates of marine foods. (author) 16 refs.; 6 tabs

226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po levels in marine biota and surface coastal sediments from the Red sea, Sudan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sirelkhatim, D. A.; Sam, A. K.; Hassona, R. K.

2003-01-01

This paper presents data on 226 Ra, 210 Pb and 210 Po activity concentration levels in multicellular marine algae, molluscs, coral as well as in surface marine sediments collected from the shallower waters of the fringing reefs area extending towards north and south (flamingo bay) of Port Sudan harbour. The analyses were performed adopting a simple time efficient method combining alpha-spectrometry, liquid scintillation and Cerenkov counting technique. generally speaking, surface sediments from this coastal region are poor in their radioactivity content in contrast to similar data reported form different coastal areas around the globe. There is surface enrichment of 210 Pb and 210 Po with respect to their progenitor 226 Ra as it is evident form the activity ratios of 210 Pb/ 226 Ra (3.03±1.79) and 210 Pb/ 226 Ra (2.23±1.56). Among marine plants and animals investigated, the green algae species, Halimeda, and coral species, Favites, show substantial concentration of radium at 8.2 Bq/kg and 21.9 Bq/kg dry weight, respectively. Similarly, the highest concentration of 210 Po was met in the favites at 38.7 Bq/kg followed by brown algae, cytoseria sp., at 32.6 Bq/kg. There is no variation seen among algal species for 210 Pb uptake, however, converse to radium and polonium, favites (coral) was found to contain the minimum concentration of lead (3.88). In most species there is preferential accumulation of polonium over its parent radium as indicated by 210 Po: 226 Ra activity ratio with cytoseria (brown algae) showing the highest value at 8.81. On the other hand, 210 Po: 220 Pb activity concentration ratio revealed that coral species favites (9.97) and the brown algae sargassum (1.85) have a greater tendency to accumulate 210 Po over 220 Pb, while in the rest of the species; this ratio is less than unity. (Author)

A novel technique for the simultaneous determination of 210Pb and 210Po using a crown ether

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vajda, N.; LaRosa, J.; Zeisler, R.; Danesi, P.; Kis-Benedek, Gy.

1997-01-01

A simple radiochemical procedure has been developed to separate lead and polonium simultaneously from different environmental and biological materials. After adding 208 Po tracer and lead carrier, samples are decomposed using mineral acids. Lead and polonium are selectively retained from 2M HCl solution by the bis-4,4'(5')-t-butyl-cyclohexano-18-crown-6-ether; polonium is stripped with 6 M HNO 3 while lead is stripped with 6 M HCL solution. A polonium source is prepared by spontaneous deposition onto a silver disk. The activity concentration of 210 Po is determined by isotope dilution alpha spectrometry. Lead is precipitated as oxalate; the chemical recovery is determined by gravimetry. The activity concentration of 210 Pb is calculated from the liquid scintillation spectrum. (author)

Distribution of {sup 226}Ra-{sup 210}Pb-{sup 210}Po in marine biota and surface sediments of the Red Sea, Sudan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sirelkhatim, D.A. [Sudan Atomic Energy Commission, Environmental Monitoring, Khartoum, P.O. Box 3001 (Sudan)], E-mail: rifaatk@hotmail.com; Sam, A.K.; Hassona, R.K. [Sudan Atomic Energy Commission, Environmental Monitoring, Khartoum, P.O. Box 3001 (Sudan)

2008-12-15

Activity concentration levels and ratios of {sup 226}Ra, {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po are presented in multicellular marine algae, molluscs, coral as well as in surface marine sediments collected from the shallower waters of the fringing reefs area extending towards north and south (Flamingo bay) of PortSudan harbour, Sudan. The analyses were performed adopting alpha-spectrometry, liquid scintillation and Cerenkov counting techniques. Surface sediments from this coastal region are poor in their radioactivity content in contrast to similar data reported from different coastal areas around the globe. There is surface enrichment of {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po with respect to their progenitor {sup 226}Ra as it is evident from the activity ratios of {sup 210}Pb/{sup 226}Ra (3.03 {+-} 1.79) and {sup 210}Po/{sup 226}Ra (2.23 {+-} 1.56). Among marine plants and animals investigated, the green algae species, Halimeda, and coral species, Favites, show substantial concentration of radium at 8.2 Bq/kg and 21.9 Bq/kg dry weight, respectively. Similarly, the highest concentration of {sup 210}Po was met in Favites at 38.7 Bq/kg followed by brown algae, Cystoseria sp., at 32.6 Bq/kg. There is no variation seen among algal species for {sup 210}Pb uptake, however, converse to radium and polonium, Favites (coral) was found to contain the minimum concentration of lead (3.88 Bq/kg). In most species there is preferential accumulation of polonium over its parent radium as indicated by {sup 210}Po:{sup 226}Ra activity ratio with Cystoseria (brown algae) showing the highest value at 8.81. On the other hand, {sup 210}Po:{sup 210}Pb activity concentration ratio revealed that coral species Favites (9.97) and the brown algae Sargassum (1.85) have a greater tendency to accumulate {sup 210}Po over {sup 210}Pb, while in the rest of species; this ratio is less than unity.

Study of distribution of 210Po and 210Pb in the environmental matrices of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jayasheelan, A.; Sannappa, J.; Umeshareddy, K.; Ningappa, C.; Manjunatha, S.

2013-01-01

Polonium-210 and lead-210 are amongst the more radiotoxic nuclides and their concentration in soil and drinking water is very important from a radiological point of view. 210 Po is produced from the decay of 222 Rn gas in the atmosphere from which it is deposited on the earth's surface. 210 Po and 210 Pb in natural environment provide considerable radiation exposure to humans. In the present study, the concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in the environment of Tumkur were studied. Soil and water samples were collected from ten Taluks of Tumkur and 210 Po and 210 Pb were determined by wet ashing method. Samples containing polonium was digested using conc. nitric acid and later converted into chloride medium with HCL. Polonium is deposited on the surface of the silver planchet and the activity on both sides were counted in a low background alpha counting system. The sample solution after estimation of 210 Po was preserved for 6-8 months for sufficient growth of 210 Po from 210 Pb. Then the 210 Po was re-estimated to determine the 210 Pb concentration by knowing its growth factor. The concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in soils of different Taluks varied from 13.6 BqKg -1 and 26.8 to 113.4 BqKg -1 respectively. The concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in water was low compared to soil, they varied 0.12 Bql -1 to 0.54 Bql -1 and 0.42 Bql -1 to 1.12 Bql -1 . (author)

Individual monitoring conducted by the Health Protection Agency in the London polonium-210 incident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bailey, Michael; Birchall, Alan; Etherington, George; Wilkins, Bernard; Bishop, Louise; Fraser, Graham; Gross, Roger; Maguire, Helen; Evans, Barry; Shaw, Karen

2008-01-01

Mr. Alexander Litvinenko died on 23 November 2006, having allegedly been poisoned with polonium- 210 ( 210 Po) a few weeks earlier. The police investigation identified a number of contaminated locations, including parts of several hotels, restaurants, offices and transport. An extensive programme of individual monitoring of potentially exposed persons was rapidly initiated, based on urine sampling. Methods used for low-level measurement of 210 Po in environmental samples were adapted. The Health Protection Agency set a Reporting Level of 30 mBq d -1 , results above which indicated likely intake of 210 Po from the incident. At each location, risk assessments were undertaken to identify persons with significant risk of contamination with 210 Po. These individuals were invited to provide samples, not only to enable a direct assessment to be made of their own exposures, but also to inform decisions on whether others connected with the location should provide samples, or whether they could be reassured. Urine samples from 753 people were processed: about 500 during the first month. Of these, 139 measurements were above the Reporting Level, assessed doses for 36 were in the range ≥ 1 mSv and <6 mSv, and 17 were ≥ 6 mSv, with the highest at about 100 mSv. Many of the hotel guests were overseas visitors. An Overseas Advice Team was set up to encourage authorities abroad to adopt similar strategies. Overall, 664 persons from 52 countries and territories were identified. For 176, results of urine measurements were provided to the Overseas Advice Team, of which 13 were above the Reporting Level. Assessed doses for eight of these were <1 mSv, and the other five were in the range ≥ 1 mSv and <6 mSv. (author)

Polonium-210 and selenium in tissues and tissue extracts of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Gulf of Trieste).

Science.gov (United States)

Kristan, Urška; Planinšek, Petra; Benedik, Ljudmila; Falnoga, Ingrid; Stibilj, Vekoslava

2015-01-01

Marine organisms such as mussels and fish take up polonium (Po) and selenium (Se), and distribute them into different cellular components and compartments. Due to its high radiotoxicity and possible biomagnification across the marine food chain Po-210 is potentially hazardous, while selenium is an essential trace element for humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the presence and extractability of the elements in the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in the Gulf of Trieste. The levels of Po-210 in the samples ranged from 220 to 400 Bq kg(-1) and of Se from 2.6 to 8.2 mg kg(-1), both on a dry matter basis. Using various extraction types and conditions in water, buffer or enzymatic media, the best extractability was obtained with enzymatic extraction (Protease XIV, 1h shaking at 40 °C) and the worst by water extraction (24 h shaking at 37 °C). 90% of Po-210 and 70% of Se was extractable in the first case versus less than 10% of Po-210 and less than 40% of Se in the second. Such evident differences in extractability between the investigated elements point to different metabolic pathways of the two elements. In enzymatic extracts Se speciation revealed three Se compounds (SeCys2, SeMet, one undefined), while Po-210 levels were too low to allow any conclusions about speciation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polonium-210: the challenges in advising the law enforcement community during the investigation into the death of Alexander Litvinenko

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cairns, James M.

2008-01-01

Full text: The death of Alexander Litvinenko in November 2006 delivered unique challenges for the radiological protection of emergency responders. The need to identify a cause of death and investigate a potential crime balanced against the need for the radiological safety of both the investigator staff and protection of the public led to a number of situations requiring unique solutions. Polonium 210 is a naturally occurring radioactive substance that appears as part of the uranium-235 decay series. It has a 138 day half-life with a specific activity of 1.66 x 10 14 Bq/g. It is considered for radiological purposes as an alpha emitter though it does have a low probability ( 4 Bq and ingestion of 6.7 x 10 3 Bq meaning that physical quantities of less than 1 μg are lethal. The first blood and urine samples from Mr Litvinenko were analysed by the author and his team who identified a 803 keV peak from gamma spectral analysis. After discussions with medical staff and the Senior Investigation Officer, an additional sample was taken to permit the completion of more detailed analytical techniques specifically for polonium-210. Using liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry on the additional urine sample led to an estimated body burden within 10% of the final assessed intake from post-mortem samples. The investigation raised the following challenges to the author and Law Enforcement Personnel: a) Tracing the movement of the victim and his associates to; piece together a potential point and route of intake; and identify potential contamination areas requiring public protection measures by health agencies; b) Collection of evidence in a contaminated environment; c) Processing of contaminated forensics samples; d) Undertaking a post-mortem in a mortuary not designed for the processing of radiologically contaminated personnel; e) Identifying routes for obtaining polonium-210 including a review of historical papers from the UK, US and Russian early nuclear weapon

Polonium-210 and Lead-210 in marine biota from a coastal region with high natural radioactivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zafrul Kabir, M.; Deeba, Farah; Hossain, Sushmita; Fharim, Massoud; Md Moniruzzaman; Carvalho, Fernando P.; Oliveira, João M.; Malta, M.; Silva, L.

2013-01-01

Coastal sediments and marine fish from a region with high natural radioactivity in Cox Bazar Bangladesh, were analyzed in order to investigate the levels of naturally occurring radionuclides. Sediment from the sea shore in high ambient radiation dose rate areas contained naturally occurring radionuclides at high concentrations. These sediments displayed 226 Ra, 232 Th and 235 U activity concentrations of 2184 ± 88 Bq kg -1 dry weight (d.w.), 3808 ± 200 Bq kg -1 (d.w.) and 123 ± 15 Bq kg -1 (d.w.), respectively. In contrast with these high values, radionuclide concentrations in sand from other areas of the Cox's Bazar coast were as low as 42 ± 3, 70 ± 4 and < 8 Bq kg -1 (d.w.) for the same radionuclides, respectively, which are comparable to concentrations determined in many coastal areas elsewhere. The presence of sand deposits with high concentration of uranium series radionuclides could potentially originate high accumulation of alpha emitting radionuclides such as 210 Po in marine biota, and food chain transfer to man. 210 Po is a major contributor to the radiation dose both in marine organisms and sea food consumers. Determination of 210 Po in marine fish and shrimp from the area lead to concentration values ranging from 4.5±0.3 to 124±3 Bq kg -1 (d.w.) in fish and 82.9±1.6 Bq kg -1 (d.w.) in shrimp. Similar concentrations are commonly reported in marine biota from several regions. Therefore, in spite of the deposits of heavy mineral sands containing high concentrations of radionuclides such as 210 Pb and 210 Po no significant raise in the accumulation of these radionuclides in biota seems to occur, which suggests that radionuclides are tightly bound in sediment grains and are not significantly bioavailable. (author)

Temporal changes of 210Po in temperate coastal waters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wildgust, M.A.; White, K.N.; McDonald, P.

1998-01-01

The temporal variation of Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) was examined in coastal sea water, the mussel Mytilus edulis, the winkle Littorina littorea and green algae Ulva lactuca in order to investigate the entry of 210 Po into the marine food chain. More than 99% of 210 Po in the water column occurred in the particulate phase. Dissolved 210 Po concentrations peaked during the spring phytoplankton bloom and it is suggested this is related to preferential scavenging of 210 Po by the increased numbers of bacteria, viruses and small dissolved particulates. Changes in L. Littorea 210 Po specific activity are thought not to be related to food, but to a drop in body weight following spawning. Much of the 210 Po accumulated by M. edulis was located in the digestive gland. The specific activity of 210 Po in the digestive gland of M. edulis was shown to be strongly correlated with changes in sea water suspended particulate specific activity. Examination of other trace metal (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni Sb, Se, Sn and Zn) variations in the digestive gland revealed that class B and borderline metals had a strong positive correlation with 210 Po. On-going work is investigating whether the accumulation and loss of 210 Po is affected by the presence of metallothioneins

Temporal changes of 210Po in temperate coastal waters.

Science.gov (United States)

Wildgust, M A; McDonald, P; White, K N

1998-06-18

The temporal variation of Polonium-210 (210Po) was examined in coastal sea water, the mussel Mytilus edulis, the winkle Littorina littorea and green alga Ulva lactuca in order to investigate the entry of 210Po into the marine food chain. More than 99% of 210Po in the water column occurred in the particulate phase. Dissolved 210Po concentrations peaked during the spring phytoplankton bloom and it is suggested this is related to preferential scavenging of 210Po by the increased numbers of bacteria, viruses and small dissolved particulates. Changes in L. littorea 210Po specific activity are thought not to be related to food, but to a drop in body weight following spawning. Much of the 210Po accumulated by M. edulis was located in the digestive gland. The specific activity of 210Po in the digestive gland of M. edulis was shown to be strongly correlated with changes in sea water suspended particulate specific activity. Examination of other trace metal (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn and Zn) variations in the digestive gland revealed that class B and borderline metals had a strong positive correlation with 210Po. On-going work is investigating whether the accumulation and loss of 210Po is affected by the presence of metallothioneins.

Polonium-210 in Bombay diet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khandekar, R.N.

1977-01-01

The results of the measurement of concentration levels of 210 Po in most of the common foods in the typical Bombay diet are given and estimates provided of the total daily intake of 210 Po by an individual of Bombay city. (U.K.)

Polonium-210 in Bombay diet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Khandekar, R N [Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay (India). Air Monitoring Section

1977-08-01

The results of the measurement of concentration levels of /sup 210/Po in most of the common foods in the typical Bombay diet are given and estimates provided of the total daily intake of /sup 210/Po by an individual of Bombay city.

Histochemical, light and electron microscopic study of polonium-210 induced peripheral tumours in hamster lungs -evidence implicating the Clara Cell as the cell of origin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kennedy, A.R.; McGandy, R.B.; Little, J.B.

1977-01-01

Peripheral lung tumors induced in Syrian golden hamsters by intratracheally administered polonium-210 ( 210 Po) are similar to the peripheral lung tumours induced in many species by a variety of carcinogens. In addition, they show many of the histopathological features observed in human bronchiolar-alveolar carcinomas. Serial sacrifice studies of hamsters exposed to multiple instillations of 210 Po have been carried our to identify the cell of origin of these tumors. By means of thin, plastic (glycol methacrylate) sections, electron microscopy, and histochemistry, it is concluded that the bronchiolar Clara cell is the probable cell of origin, and that this view is generally compatible with many of the reported cytological characteristics of the human tumor. (author)

Speciation of 210Po and 210Pb in air particulates determined by sequential extraction.

Science.gov (United States)

Al-Masri, M S; Al-Karfan, K; Khalili, H; Hassan, M

2006-01-01

Speciation of (210)Po and (210)Pb in air particulates of two Syrian phosphate sites with different climate conditions has been studied. The sites are the mines and Tartous port at the Mediterranean Sea. Air filters were collected during September 2000 until February 2002 and extracted chemically using different selective fluids in an attempt to identify the different forms of these two radionuclides. The results have shown that the inorganic and insoluble (210)Po and (210)Pb (attached to silica and soluble in mineral acids) portion was found to be high in both sites and reached a maximum value of 94% and 77% in the mine site and Tartous port site, respectively. In addition, only 24% of (210)Pb in air particulates was found to be associated with organic materials probably produced from the incomplete burning of fuel vehicle and similar activities. Moreover, the (210)Po/(210)Pb activity ratio in air particulates was higher than that in all samples at both sites and varied between 3.85 in November 2000 at Tartous port site and 20 in April 2001 at the mine area. These activity ratios were also higher than the natural levels. The (210)Po/(210)Pb activity ratio was also determined in each portion resulting from the selective extraction and found to be higher than that in most samples. The sources of (210)Po excess in these portions are discussed. Soil suspension, which is common in the dry climate dominant in the area, sea water spray and heating of phosphate ores were considered; polonium is more volatile than the lead compounds at even moderate temperature. Furthermore, variations in the chemical forms of (210)Po and (210)Pb during the year were also investigated. However, the results of this study can also be utilized for dose assessment to phosphate industry workers.

Volatility Properties of Polonium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eichler, B.

2002-06-01

Thermodynamical constants to describe evaporation processes of polonium are summarized and critically discussed. Additionally, systematic changes of the properties of the chalcogenes are analyzed, empirical correlations are proofed and cyclic processes are balanced. Accordingly, the existing values of entropies for polonium are acceptable. Questionable, however, are those values of enthalpies, which have been deduced from results of the experimental investigations of the vapor pressure temperature dependency, of the melting point, and of the boiling temperatures. Technical difficulties and possible error sources of the measurements resulting from the radioactive decay properties of 210 Po are discussed. Using extrapolative standard enthalpies and entropies as well as their temperature dependency, the equilibrium partial pressure of the monomeric and dimeric polonium above the pure condensed phase and the equilibrium constant of the dimerization reaction in the gas phase are calculated: log p/pa Po (g) = (11.797 ± 0.024) -(9883.4 ± 9.5)/T (for T = 298-600 K); = (10.661 ± 0.057) - (9328.4 ± 4.9)/T (for T = 500-1300 K); log p/pa Po 2 (g) = (13.698 ± 0.049) - (8592.3 ± 19.6)/T (for T = 298-600 K); = (11.424 ± 0.124) - (7584.1 ± 98.1)/T (for T = 500-1300 K); log K (dim) = (-4.895 ± 0.012) + (11071 ± 6)/T. According to these calculations and in contrast to other works, polonium evaporates in the entire temperature range between 298 and 1300 K in the dimeric state. Hence, 'latent heats' of the volatilization processes are clearly larger compared to literature data. Especially in the temperature range of the solid polonium the calculated vapor pressure curve shifts significantly to lower values, whereas the boiling point was almost reproduced by the calculation. The results of the extrapolation for the standard enthalpy of the gaseous monomeric polonium and the dimerization enthalpy ΔH 0 298 Po (g) = 188.9 kJ/mol and ΔH 0 298 (form) Po 2 (g) = 211.5 kJ/mol are

Levels of 210Po and 210Pb in cigars

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kelecom, A.; Gouvea, R.C.S.; Santos, P.L.

2002-01-01

210 Po and 210 Pb concentrations have been determined in 58 cigar brands manufactured in 11 countries. Cuban and American cigars showed the lowest 210 Po content. The mean levels of 210 Po in Brazilian, European and Dominican cigars were almost identical and somewhat lower than the levels observed for cigars from other Latin American countries. Cuban, American and European cigars contained low levels of 210 Pb. Cigars from the remaining countries contained twice as much 210 Pb. The mean 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio showed an excess of polonium. In the case of one cigar-a-day smoker, the calculated annual absorbed dose due to 210 Po is ∼16 μGy. (author)

Determination of the polonium-210 content in the urine of Filipino smokers and non-smokers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Juan, N.B.; Ballelos, E.; Bartolome, Z.M.

1975-01-01

Presence of polonium in tobacco poses a health hazard to smokers. Polonium is a pure alpha emitter with an energy of 5.3 MeV decaying with a half-life 138.4 days to a stable isotope of lead. The polonium content in the urine of Filipino smokers was compared with that of non-smokers. The polonium was recovered from urine by centrifugation and deposition into silver discs. Quantitative results were obtained by counting the silver discs using a silicon surface-barrier detector. The average value obtained for smokers which was 0.5003+-0.2988 pCi/24h sample was significantly higher than the value obtained for non-smokers which was 0.2313+-0.1664 pCi/24h sample. The efficiency of the procedure employed encourages the use of urinalysis as a measure of the polonium body burden and also as a rough index of the dose absorbed from radium or any of its daughters

210Po behaviour in terrestrial environment: a review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coppin, F.; Roussel-Debet, S.

2004-01-01

This bibliographical review illustrates the behaviour of 210 polonium in the terrestrial environment. Sources of 210 Po in the atmosphere vary especially with the geographical localization and the occurrence or the absence of mining activities. In soils, polonium, because of its atmospheric origin, is concentrated in the first upper centimeters. 210 Po is rather immobile and adsorbed on mineral surfaces; it can (co)precipitate with metallic (oxi)hydroxides or in the form of sulphide. The main transfer pathway of 210 Po to vegetation is foliar deposit, which is not, or only slightly, followed by incorporation or translocation. 210 Po is transferred to animals mainly by ingestion, with relatively high transfer factors. In fresh waters, 210 Po is generally immobile in the form of insoluble Po(IV) and/or associated with the particulate or colloidal phase. Plankton, invertebrates and fish concentrate the 210 Po, especially in soft tissues. Polonium, which is an omnipresent natural radionuclide, is likely to occasion a significant exposure to man, compared with other natural or artificial radioisotopes. Nearly all studies derive from in situ measurements and are very descriptive, therefore experimental work aiming at a better knowledge and modeling of its behaviour in the terrestrial environment would be useful. (author)

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in edible molluscs from near the Cape of Good Hope: sources of variability in polonium-210 concentrations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heyraud, M.; Cherry, R.D.; Oschadleus, H.-D.; Cherry, M.I.; Sealy, J.C.

1994-01-01

Measurements of the natural radionuclides 210 Po and 210 Pb in mussels, squid and oysters from near the Cape of Good Hope are reported and compared with previously published 210 Po and 210 Pb data from Northern Hemisphere organisms in the same taxa. Emphasis is laid on discussing the causes of variability in the concentrations of 210 Po in marine organisms. No systematic evidence is found for a 'latitude' effect, but allometric effects, intertaxon differences, change of diet with animal size and regional effects are all significant for 210 Po. The consequences for human radiation dose calculations of variability of 210 Po levels in seafoods are discussed briefly; particular reference is made to the case of a Stone Age mussel-eating community in South Africa. (author)

Polonium assimilation and retention in mule deer and pronghorn antelope

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sejkora, K.J.

1982-01-01

Excretion kinetics and tissue distribution of polonium-210 in mule deer and pronghorn were studied. Each animal in a captive herd of 7 mule deer and 2 pronghorn received an intraruminal injection of 4.4 μCi of polonium chloride. Feces and urine were collected periodically over a 43-day period and daily excretion rate for each pathway was regressed as a function of time. Assimilation fractions of 0.40 and 0.51 were calculated for mule deer (n=2) and 0.60 for a pronghorn. Body burden retention functions were calculated from integrated excretion rate functions. Polonium burdens in muscle, liver, and kidney were calculated as a fraction of body burden from serially-sacrificed animals. Background tissue burdens in mule deer were comparable to those of other ruminants reported in the literature. Hypothetical cases were assumed which combined feeding rate of mule deer, forage concentrations of polonium, retention function, tissue burden fraction, and human intake to estimate human radiation dose. 26 references

Speciation of 210Po and 210Pb in air particulates determined by sequential extraction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Al-Karfan, K.; Khalili, H.; Hassan, M.

2006-01-01

Speciation of 210 Po and 210 Pb in air particulates of two Syrian phosphate sites with different climate conditions has been studied. The sites are the mines and Tartous port at the Mediterranean Sea. Air filters were collected during September 2000 until February 2002 and extracted chemically using different selective fluids in an attempt to identify the different forms of these two radionuclides. The results have shown that the inorganic and insoluble 21 Po and 21 Pb (attached to silica and soluble in mineral acids) portion was found to be high in both sites and reached a maximum value of 94% and 77% in the mine site and Tartous port site, respectively. In addition, only 24% of 21 Pb in air particulates was found to be associated with organic materials probably produced from the incomplete burning of fuel vehicle and similar activities. Moreover, the 210 Po/ 21- Pb activity ratio in air particulates was higher than that in all samples at both sites and varied between 3.85 in November 2000 at Tartous port site and 20 in April 2001 at the mine area. These activity ratios were also higher than the natural levels. The 210 Po/ 210 Pb activity ratio was also determined in each portion resulting from the selective extraction and found to be higher than that in most samples. The sources of 210 Po excess in these portions are discussed. Soil suspension, which is common in the dry climate dominant in the area, sea water spray and heating of phosphate ores were considered; polonium is more volatile than the lead compounds at even moderate temperature. Furthermore, variations in the chemical forms of 210 Po and 210 Pb during the year were also investigated. However, the results of this study can also be utilized for dose assessment to phosphate industry workers

Polonium-210 as Weapon for Mass Destruction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koteng, A.O.

2010-01-01

Properties of Po-210 make it possible for its use as weapon of mass destruction. Po-210 occurs naturally in minute quantities in the human body, in Uranium ore (< 0.1 mg Po-210 / ton ) and as a product of Radon-222 gas decay chain. Po-210 also occurs as deposition on vegetation (tobacco leaves). Po-210 is produced by bombardment of Bi-209 with neutrons in a nuclear reactor. Russia produces 8 grams per year for export to USA market

Study of polonium and lead in shellfish (Mytilus Edulis) from NORM discharge area of Aberdeen Bay and Ythan Estuary of Scotland and radiological impact to the local people and environment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Satyajit Ghose; Brian Heaton

2005-01-01

Introduction The problem of NORM in the oil and gas industry is a result of deposits of radioactive (Ra,BaSO 4 ) scale within pipelines and processing equipment. The build-up of the scale has a significant impact on the activities of the operating company involved and is therefore a costly problem. The pipes and other equipment must therefore be cleaned on a regular basis or disposed of and replaced. Once the LSA scale has been removed from oil processing equipment the main route of disposal is into the sea. This scale contains mainly radium, lead and its daughter products, which have a long half-lives and high radiotoxicity. The volume of NORM waste produced by the petroleum industry is quite impressive. There are 230 oil and gas producing platforms in UK waters together with around 40 onshore oil and gas producing wells. All are involved in NORM production and discharging the NORM contaminated waste to the North Sea. Discharge of radioactive scale waste from offshore platforms into the surface waters of sea has been a matter of concern due to possible environmental effects of radioelements contained in such waters. Subject to certain conditions this is allowed under the UK Radioactive Substances Act 1993 which controls the release of radioactive materials into the environment. In the case for North sea oil and gas field waste, waste from the cleaning of contaminated plant and equipment is either discharged to sea off shore, discharged to sea from a pipeline in Aberdeen or stored at the Dounraey nuclear facility. Although allowed since 1981 no one has ascertained if these conditions are ensuring full protection of fish consumers. Furthermore, the disposal of large amounts of contaminated wastes resulting from the various stages of oil processing can pose an environmental problem due to its content of long lived radionuclides ( 226 Ra t 1/2 = 1600 y and 210 Pb t 1/2 = 22 years). In order that an accurate estimate of the contribution of polonium from NORM discharges

Early onset of ground-state deformation in the neutron-deficient polonium isotopes

CERN Document Server

Cocolios, T E; Seliverstov, M D; Andreyev, A N; Antalic, S; Barzakh, A E; Bastin, B; Buscher, J; Darby, I G; Fedorov, D V; Fedosseyev, V N; Flanagan, K T; Franchoo, S; Fritzsche, S; Huber, G; Huyse, M; Keupers, M; Koster, U; Kudryavtsev, Yu; Mane, E; Marsh, B A; Molkanov, P L; Page, R D; Sjoedin, A M; Stefan, I; Van de Walle, J; Van Duppen, P; Venhart, M; Zemlyanoy, S G; Bender, M; Heenen, P H; 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.052503

2011-01-01

In-source resonant ionization laser spectroscopy of the even-$A$ polonium isotopes $^{192-210,216,218}$Po has been performed using the $6p^37s$ $^5S_2$ to $6p^37p$ $^5P_2$ ($\\lambda=843.38$ nm) transition in the polonium atom (Po-I) at the CERN ISOLDE facility. The comparison of the measured isotope shifts in $^{200-210}$Po with a previous data set allows to test for the first time recent large-scale atomic calculations that are essential to extract the changes in the mean-square charge radius of the atomic nucleus. When going to lighter masses, a surprisingly large and early departure from sphericity is observed, which is only partly reproduced by Beyond Mean Field calculations.

Ingestion of polonium ((210)Po) via dietary sources in high background radiation areas of south India.

Science.gov (United States)

Arunachalam, Kantha Deivi; Baskaran, Kamesh Viswanathan; Rao, D D; Sathyapriya, R; Annamalai, Sathesh Kumar; Kuruva, Jaya Krishna; Hari, Shanmugamsundaram

2014-10-01

To study the distribution of Polonium ((210)Po) activity in dietary sources in the high background radiation zone of Puttetti in southern Tamil Nadu. (210)Po was analyzed in the food materials consumed by the male and female individual representatives living in the high background areas by 24-h Duplicate Diet Study (DDS) and Market Basket Study (MBS). The MBS was performed by collecting the food samples such as, cereals, fruits, leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, other vegetables, fish, meat and milk grown in the high background radiation zone of southern Tamil Nadu as a part of baseline study in this region. The DDS was done by collecting the food materials consumed including the beverages in 24 h from different age groups of male and female individuals living in the village of Puttetti. The intake and ingestion dose of the radionuclide (210)Po was estimated. The average concentration of (210)Po in DDS (n = 33) was found to be 74 mBq.kg(- 1) of fresh weight. The MBS was collected based on food consumption representing more than 85-95% of annual supply, and were divided into eight food groups. The average concentration of (210)Po in the eight food groups namely leafy vegetables was 2176 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 3), vegetables 55 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 10), roots and tubers 251 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 4), fruits 65 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 5), fish 345 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 2), meat food 117 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 3), milk 20 mBq.kg(- 1) (n = 1) and cereal 290 (n = 1) mBq.kg(- 1) of fresh weight, respectively. The annual intake and ingestion dose due to (210)Po was estimated by DDS and MBS in adults, adolescents and children. The overall results showed that the MBS was moderately higher than the DDS in all age groups. Moreover, a DDS approach may even be more realistic, as cooked foodstuffs are used for dietary exposure assessment. The study confirms that the current levels of (210)Po do not pose a significant radiological risk to the local inhabitants.

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in the terrestrial environment: a historical review.

Science.gov (United States)

Persson, Bertil R R; Holm, Elis

2011-05-01

The radionuclides (210)Po and (210)Pb widely present in the terrestrial environment are the final long-lived radionuclides in the decay of (238)U in the earth's crust. Their presence in the atmosphere is due to the decay of (222)Rn diffusing from the ground. The range of activity concentrations in ground level air for (210)Po is 0.03-0.3 Bq m(-3) and for (210)Pb 0.2-1.5 Bq m(-3). In drinking water from private wells the activity concentration of (210)Po is in the order of 7-48 mBq l(-1) and for (210)Pb around 11-40 mBq l(-1). From water works, however, the activity concentration for both (210)Po and (210)Pb is only in the order of 3 mBq l(-1). Mosses, lichens and peat have a high efficiency in capturing (210)Po and (210)Pb from atmospheric fallout and exhibit an inventory of both (210)Po and (210)Pb in the order of 0.5-5 kBq m(-2) in mosses and in lichens around 0.6 kBq m(-2). The activity concentrations in lichens lies around 250 Bq kg(-1), dry mass. Reindeer and caribou graze lichen which results in an activity concentration of (210)Po and (210)Pb of about 1-15 Bq kg(-1) in meat from these animals. The food chain lichen-reindeer or caribou, and Man constitutes a unique model for studying the uptake and retention of (210)Po and (210)Pb in humans. The effective annual dose due to (210)Po and (210)Pb in people with high consumption of reindeer/caribou meat is estimated to be around 260 and 132 μSv a(-1) respectively. In soils, (210)Po is adsorbed to clay and organic colloids and the activity concentration varies with soil type and also correlates with the amount of atmospheric precipitation. The average activity concentration levels of (210)Po in various soils are in the range of 20-240 Bq kg(-1). Plants become contaminated with radioactive nuclides both by absorption from the soil (supported Po) and by deposition of radioactive fallout on the plants directly (unsupported Po). In fresh leafy plants the level of (210)Po is particularly high as the result of the

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in the terrestrial environment: a historical review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Persson, Bertil R.R.; Holm, Elis

2011-01-01

The radionuclides 210 Po and 210 Pb widely present in the terrestrial environment are the final long-lived radionuclides in the decay of 238 U in the earth's crust. Their presence in the atmosphere is due to the decay of 222 Rn diffusing from the ground. The range of activity concentrations in ground level air for 210 Po is 0.03-0.3 Bq m -3 and for 210 Pb 0.2-1.5 Bq m -3 . In drinking water from private wells the activity concentration of 210 Po is in the order of 7-48 mBq l -1 and for 210 Pb around 11-40 mBq l -1 . From water works, however, the activity concentration for both 210 Po and 210 Pb is only in the order of 3 mBq l -1 . Mosses, lichens and peat have a high efficiency in capturing 210 Po and 210 Pb from atmospheric fallout and exhibit an inventory of both 210 Po and 210 Pb in the order of 0.5-5 kBq m -2 in mosses and in lichens around 0.6 kBq m -2 . The activity concentrations in lichens lies around 250 Bq kg -1 , dry mass. Reindeer and caribou graze lichen which results in an activity concentration of 210 Po and 210 Pb of about 1-15 Bq kg -1 in meat from these animals. The food chain lichen-reindeer or caribou, and Man constitutes a unique model for studying the uptake and retention of 210 Po and 210 Pb in humans. The effective annual dose due to 210 Po and 210 Pb in people with high consumption of reindeer/caribou meat is estimated to be around 260 and 132 μSv a -1 respectively. In soils, 210 Po is adsorbed to clay and organic colloids and the activity concentration varies with soil type and also correlates with the amount of atmospheric precipitation. The average activity concentration levels of 210 Po in various soils are in the range of 20-240 Bq kg -1 . Plants become contaminated with radioactive nuclides both by absorption from the soil (supported Po) and by deposition of radioactive fallout on the plants directly (unsupported Po). In fresh leafy plants the level of 210 Po is particularly high as the result of the direct deposition of 222 Rn

210Polonium and 210lead content of marine birds from Southeastern Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Godoy, José Marcus; Siciliano, Salvatore; Carvalho, Zenildo Lara de; Tavares, Davi C.; Fulgencio de Moura, Jaílson

2014-01-01

In this study, we report the 210 Po and 210 Pb concentrations of bone, muscle and liver samples that were obtained from twelve different marine bird species stranded on beaches in the central–north region of Rio de Janeiro State. Both radionuclides were highly concentrated in the liver samples; however, the lowest mean 210 Po/ 210 Pb activity ratio (1.3) was observed in bones compared with liver and muscle (16.8 and 13.8, respectively). Among the species that were studied, Fregata magnificens, with a diet based exclusively on fish, had the lowest 210 Pb and 210 Po concentrations and the lowest 210 Po/ 210 Pb activity ratio. The 210 Po concentrations in Puffinus spp. liver samples followed a log-normal distribution, with a geometric mean of 300 Bq kg -1 wet weight . Only two references pertaining to 210 Po in marine birds were found in a Web of Science search of the literature, and each study reported a different concentration value. The values determined in this experiment are consistent with those in one of the previous studies, which also included one of the species studied in this work. No values for 210 Pb in marine birds have been published previously. - Highlights: • 210 Po and 210 Pb were determined in muscle, liver and bone samples of marine birds. • For both radionuclides, the highest concentrations were observed on liver samples. • Only three previous publications on 210 Po in marine birds were found in the literature. • The obtained results represent the first one related to 210 Pb in marine birds

The ratio of lead-210 to polonium-210 in U.K. diet.

Science.gov (United States)

Smith-Briggs, J L; Bradley, E J; Potter, M D

1986-10-01

The levels of the natural radionuclides, 210Pb and 210Po, in U.K. diet have been measured previously. However, in the earlier measurements, the samples were sufficiently aged for 210Pb and 210Po to have attained secular equilibrium. In order to determine the extent of disequilibrium between these radionuclides in fresh food, measurements have been made on recently collected dietary samples. Disequilibrium has been observed in five food groups. The activity per unit mass of 210Pb was found to be greater than that of 210Po in bread, cereals, sugar and preserves, whereas the opposite was found to be true for eggs and beverages. When account is taken of consumption rates, however, the total intakes of 210Pb and 210Po from these food groups are approximately the same. The annual effective dose equivalents from the ingestion of 210Pb and 210Po have been re-estimated at 41 and 12 mu Sv, respectively.

Determination and distribution of 210Po in tobacco plants from Poland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skwarzec, B.; Struminska, D.I.; Ulatowski, J.; Golebiowski, M.

2001-01-01

One of the most radiotoxic elements, 210 Po in different parts of tobacco plant from Poland was determined. Investigation revealed that polonium is non-uniformly distributed within tobacco plant. Tobacco leaves constituting about 50% of the wet mass, contain 87.1% of the total burden of 210 Po. Among the analyzed leaves about 66% of polonium is located in the oldest, over-ground part. It was indicated that 210 Po is generally taken up by tobacco from the dry or wet deposition of the radioactive fall-out onto the plant. Moreover, 210 Po concentration in tobacco leaves from Poland are higher than that in the other countries. (author)

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in the terrestrial environment: a historical review

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Persson, Bertil R.R., E-mail: bertil_r.persson@med.lu.s [Dept. of Medical Radiation Physics, Lund University, Barngatan 2, SE-221 85 Lund (Sweden); Holm, Elis [Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Osteras (Norway)

2011-05-15

The radionuclides {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb widely present in the terrestrial environment are the final long-lived radionuclides in the decay of {sup 238}U in the earth's crust. Their presence in the atmosphere is due to the decay of {sup 222}Rn diffusing from the ground. The range of activity concentrations in ground level air for {sup 210}Po is 0.03-0.3 Bq m{sup -3} and for {sup 210}Pb 0.2-1.5 Bq m{sup -3}. In drinking water from private wells the activity concentration of {sup 210}Po is in the order of 7-48 mBq l{sup -1} and for {sup 210}Pb around 11-40 mBq l{sup -1}. From water works, however, the activity concentration for both {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb is only in the order of 3 mBq l{sup -1}. Mosses, lichens and peat have a high efficiency in capturing {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb from atmospheric fallout and exhibit an inventory of both {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb in the order of 0.5-5 kBq m{sup -2} in mosses and in lichens around 0.6 kBq m{sup -2}. The activity concentrations in lichens lies around 250 Bq kg{sup -1}, dry mass. Reindeer and caribou graze lichen which results in an activity concentration of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb of about 1-15 Bq kg{sup -1} in meat from these animals. The food chain lichen-reindeer or caribou, and Man constitutes a unique model for studying the uptake and retention of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb in humans. The effective annual dose due to {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb in people with high consumption of reindeer/caribou meat is estimated to be around 260 and 132 {mu}Sv a{sup -1} respectively. In soils, {sup 210}Po is adsorbed to clay and organic colloids and the activity concentration varies with soil type and also correlates with the amount of atmospheric precipitation. The average activity concentration levels of {sup 210}Po in various soils are in the range of 20-240 Bq kg{sup -1}. Plants become contaminated with radioactive nuclides both by absorption from the soil (supported Po) and by deposition of radioactive

Review of chemical and radiotoxicological properties of polonium for internal contamination purposes.

Science.gov (United States)

Ansoborlo, Eric; Berard, Philippe; Den Auwer, Christophe; Leggett, Rich; Menetrier, Florence; Younes, Ali; Montavon, Gilles; Moisy, Philippe

2012-08-20

The discovery of polonium (Po) was first published in July, 1898 by P. Curie and M. Curie. It was the first element to be discovered by the radiochemical method. Polonium can be considered as a famous but neglected element: only a few studies of polonium chemistry have been published, mostly between 1950 and 1990. The recent (2006) event in which (210)Po evidently was used as a poison to kill A. Litvinenko has raised new interest in polonium. 2011 being the 100th anniversary of the Marie Curie Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the aim of this review is to look at the several aspects of polonium linked to its chemical properties and its radiotoxicity, including (i) its radiochemistry and interaction with matter; (ii) its main sources and uses; (iii) its physicochemical properties; (iv) its main analytical methods; (v) its background exposure risk in water, food, and other environmental media; (vi) its biokinetics and distribution following inhalation, ingestion, and wound contamination; (vii) its dosimetry; and (viii) treatments available (decorporation) in case of internal contamination.

Ab initio study of the trapping of polonium on noble metals

Science.gov (United States)

Rijpstra, Kim; Van Yperen-De Deyne, Andy; Maugeri, Emilio Andrea; Neuhausen, Jörg; Waroquier, Michel; Van Speybroeck, Veronique; Cottenier, Stefaan

2016-04-01

In the future MYRRHA reactor, lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) will be used both as coolant and as spallation target. Due to the high neutron flux a small fraction of the bismuth will transmute to radiotoxic 210Po. Part of this radiotoxic element will evaporate into the gas above the coolant. Extracting it from the gas phase is necessary to ensure a safe handling of the reactor. An issue in the development of suitable filters is the lack of accurate knowledge on the chemical interaction between a candidate filter material and either elemental polonium or polonium containing molecules. Experimental work on this topic is complicated by the high radiotoxicity of polonium. Therefore, we present in this paper a first-principles study on the adsorption of polonium on noble metals as filter materials. The adsorption of monoatomic Po is considered on the candidate filter materials palladium, platinum, silver and gold. The case of the gold filter is looked upon in more detail by examining how bismuth pollution affects its capability to capture polonium and by studying the adsorption of the heavy diatomic molecules Po2, PoBi and PoPb on this gold filter.

Ab initio study of the trapping of polonium on noble metals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rijpstra, Kim; Van Yperen-De Deyne, Andy [Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM), Ghent University, Technologiepark 903, 9052 Ghent (Belgium); Maugeri, Emilio Andrea; Neuhausen, Jörg [Laboratory for Radiochemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), 5232 Villigen (Switzerland); Waroquier, Michel; Van Speybroeck, Veronique [Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM), Ghent University, Technologiepark 903, 9052 Ghent (Belgium); Cottenier, Stefaan, E-mail: stefaan.cottenier@ugent.be [Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM), Ghent University, Technologiepark 903, 9052 Ghent (Belgium); Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 903, 9052 Ghent (Belgium)

2016-04-15

In the future MYRRHA reactor, lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) will be used both as coolant and as spallation target. Due to the high neutron flux a small fraction of the bismuth will transmute to radiotoxic {sup 210}Po. Part of this radiotoxic element will evaporate into the gas above the coolant. Extracting it from the gas phase is necessary to ensure a safe handling of the reactor. An issue in the development of suitable filters is the lack of accurate knowledge on the chemical interaction between a candidate filter material and either elemental polonium or polonium containing molecules. Experimental work on this topic is complicated by the high radiotoxicity of polonium. Therefore, we present in this paper a first-principles study on the adsorption of polonium on noble metals as filter materials. The adsorption of monoatomic Po is considered on the candidate filter materials palladium, platinum, silver and gold. The case of the gold filter is looked upon in more detail by examining how bismuth pollution affects its capability to capture polonium and by studying the adsorption of the heavy diatomic molecules Po{sub 2}, PoBi and PoPb on this gold filter.

Speciation and behavior of 210Po and 210Pb in the riverine ecosystem of Hemavathi, a major river of south India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Narayana, Y.; Kaliprasad, C.S.

2016-01-01

The human population is exposed to natural background radiation that is contributed by cosmic rays and terrestrial radioactivity, which derive essentially from 238 'U and 232 Th series. In 238 U series, 210 Po and 210 Pb are the final decay products and are extensively present in the environment. About 8% of human population is exposed to the natural radiation contributed by 210 Po and 211 Pb. The main natural source of Polonium in soil is radioactive decay product of 238 U chain or the atmospheric fallout of radon decay products. 210 Po is an alpha emitter (5.3 MeV) with a half-life 138.4 days and has a high radiotoxicity. Therefore 210 Po causes considerably greater biological damage compared to beta emitter 210 Pb. Therefore, it is important to study the concentration of polonium in the aquatic environment. In uranium series, the total effective dose contributed by 222 Rn, 210 Po, 210 Pb and 226 Ra through ground water drinking pathway is 99.75% and all other radionuclides including 238 U contributing only 0.25%. In riverine environment, radionuclides are widely dispersed and their accumulation is influenced by physical, biological and chemical process. In order to understand the behavior of polonium in environment, it is important to analyze the influence of physico chemical parameters like pH, organic matter and granulometric content in soil and sediment. Published data on 210 Po and 210 Pb in aquatic environs are sparse. The present study forms the part of the detailed investigation on the speciation and behavior of these radionuclides in the riverine environment. The paper discusses the detailed studies on the behavior of 210 Po and 211 Pb in soil and sediment samples in the Hemavathi river environment

Internal radiation dose to the public from polonium-210 due to consumption of seafood from Bombay-harbour bay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bangera, V.S.; Rudran, Kamala

1995-01-01

Marine organisms such as fishes, molluscs and crustaceans are known to accumulate 210 Po. Distribution of 210 Po in coastal marine organisms mainly fishes and shell fishes is studied. Concentration of 210 Po obtained in muscle of common fishes (edible portion) varied from 2.10 ± 0.11 to 21.90 ± 5.00 Bq kg -1 dry muscle (for fishes like Pampus argenteus (Pomfret), Cynoglossus elongatus (sole), Rastrelliger kanagurta (mackerel), Harpodon nehereus (Bombay duck) etc. Concentration factors for 210 Po in edible portion of fish from sea water works out to 10 3 to 10 4 . Radiation dose to the public has been evaluated on the basis of daily intake of 40 g of fish (15 kg y -1 ). Committed effective dose (CED) to 210 Po due to consumption of sea food is calculated, CED varied from 2.05 x 10 -3 to 4 x 10 -2 mSv y -1 . (author). 7 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs

Speciation, analysis and ion exchange behavior of polonium and other natural radionuclides in drinking water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katzlberger, C.J.

2000-09-01

In the first chapter of this work, the hydrolysis reaction of trace amounts of polonium was studied with a cation exchange method. In a 1 M (H,Na)ClO4 solution with p[H] > 0.3, polonium occurred in the form of univalent cation Po(OH)3+ and a neutral species Po(OH)4. The former is predominant in strongly acidic media (0.3 90 % determined via lead recovery with AAS. Minimum detectable activities of 0.4 mBq/l and 1.0 mBq/l could be achieved for 210Po and 210Bi (210Pb) respectively. Results ranged from 1.5-20 mBq/l and more in cases of extremely high 222Rn concentrations. Post sampling radon decay during the period between sampling and analysis plays an important role and strongly influences the obtained results. (author)

Polonium-210 activity concentration, transfer and dose to certain invertebrates found in the vicinity of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, Tamil Nadu, India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benjamin, J.; Wesley, S.G.; Rajan, M.P.

2013-01-01

Invertebrates are significant reference organisms, and some of them tend to accumulate certain radionuclides in increased levels. It is imperative that the levels of radionuclides are measured in certain organism in the vicinity of any major nuclear power project before its commissioning; hence, this study was carried out in the surroundings of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project site. The natural radionuclide polonium-210 having affinity to the organic matter in the soil and to the protein content of the animals, is very significant as it delivers a high internal dose to the organisms. The activity concentration of this radionuclide, its transfer and dose were assessed in two terrestrial (earthworm, Pheretima posthuma and land snail, Trachea vittata) and two aquatic (apple snail, Pila globosa and bivalve mollusc, Lamellidens marginalis) invertebrates. The activity concentration of 210 Po was found to be the highest in the earthworm and the lowest in the land snail. The per-animal dose due to 210 Po was the highest for the apple snail and the lowest for the earthworm. The results indicate that 210 Po does not constitute a significant radiological threat to the organisms. (author)

Uranium, radon-222 and polonium-210 in drinking waters from metropolitan area of Recife, PE, Brazil

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Cleomacio Miguel da

2000-04-01

There is only scarce information on the presence of radionuclides in water for public consumption in Brazil. A recently issued federal regulation requires that waters from public supplies be screened to determine their content of alpha and beta emitters. In order to comply with this requirement the present work was carried out with the purpose of determining the concentration of natural uranium, 222 Rn and 210 Po in water supplies in the metropolitan region of Recife, Brazil. The analyses were performed in 17 points of supply of superficial water and 94 points of groundwater supply. The concentrations of uranium were determined by the fluorimetric method, whereas the liquid scintillation method was used to determine the concentration of 222 Rn. Polonium-210, on the other hand, was determined by alpha spectrometry, following its spontaneous deposition on copper disks. The water analyzer presented uranium concentrations varying from 35.3 to 1146.5 mBq/L for superficial resources and from 20.2 to 919.15 mBq/L for underground sources. The concentration of uranium in superficial water showed significant correlation with some parameters such as conductivity, alkalinity and total hardness, as well as, with the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cl, K, SO 4 and Mn. No correlation, however, was shown with the concentrations of Fe, NO 2 and NO 3 . The concentrations of 222 Rn varied from 5.3 to 83.7 Bq/L in the groundwater analyzer. Radon concentration was not measured in superficial water due to the high emanation rate of radon in open air conditions. As far as 210 Po is concerned, the analyses showed concentrations ranging from 210 Po did not show and correlation with physico-chemical parameters. The average concentrations of uranium and 210 Po in superficial water were of 44.7 mBq/L, respectively. These values correspond to effective doses of 5.8 x 10 -4 mSv/yr and 4.5 x 10 -2 mSv/yr, for uranium and 210 Po, respectively. The average values for the concentrations of uranium, 222

Polonium in mainstream cigarette smoke and associated internal radiation dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tiwari, M.; Rathod, T.D.; Bhangare, R.C.; Ajmal, P.Y.; Maity, S.; Sahu, S.K.; Pandit, G.G.

2015-01-01

210 Po activity concentrations in cigarettes tobacco, mainstream cigarette smoke (MCS), ash and post smoking filter were measured by alpha spectrometry using surface barrier detectors, following the radiochemical separation of polonium. The results of present study indicate that the average (range) activity concentration of 210 Po in cigarette tobacco were 9.77 to 15.34 mBq per cigarette. The combined annual effective doses due to internal exposure of 210 Po and 210 Pb for a smoker (considering on an average 20 cigarette a day and 50% of MCS getting deposited in respiratory tract) were found to be ranging from 0.28 to 0.40 mSv for tested brands of cigarette. (author)

Polonium in cigarette smoke and radiation exposure of lungs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, F.P.; Oliveira, J.M.

2006-01-01

210 Po was analysed in three common brands of cigarettes produced in Portugal. The analyses of polonium were performed using 209 Po as an internal isotopic tracer. Samples were dissolved with acids, polonium plated on a silver disc and measured by alpha spectrometry using silicon surface barrier detectors. The analyses were carried out on the unburned tobacco contained in the cigarettes, on the ashes of smoked cigarettes and on the mainstream smoke inhaled by the smoker. 210 Po in the tobacco display concentrations ranging from 3 to 37 mBq/g, depending upon the cigarette brand. The 210 Po remaining in the solid residue of a smoked cigarette varied between 0.3 to 4.9 mBq per cigarette, and the 210 Po in the inhaled smoke from one cigarette varied from 2.6 to 28.9 mBq. In all brands of cigarettes tested, about 50 % of the 210 Po content is not inhaled by the smoker and it is released into the atmosphere. Part of it may be inhaled by passive smokers. Depending upon the commercial brand and upon the presence or absence of a filter in the cigarette, 5 to 37 % of the 210 Po in the cigarette can be inhaled by the smoker. Taking into account the average 210 Po and 210 Pb in surface air, the smoker of one pack of twenty cigarettes per day may inhale 50 times more 210 Po than a non smoker. The average absorption of 210 Po into the blood taking all pathways into account is 0.39 Bq d -1 . This includes, namely, the ingestion of water and beverages, the ingestion of food, the inhalation of air and cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contributes with 1.5 % to this rate of 210 Po absorption into the blood and, after circulating in all organs, gives rise to a whole body radiation dose in the same proportion. However, in the smoker the deposition of 210 Po in the lungs is much more elevated than normal and may originate an enhanced radiation exposure of this organ. Estimated dose to the lungs is presented and radiobiological effects of cigarette smoking are discussed. (author)

Use of lead-210 and polonium-210 as tracers of atmospheric processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nevissi, A.; Schell, W.R.

1980-01-01

The inputs of 210 Pb and 210 Po have been measured in two marine environments to trace atmospheric processes. Precipitation and dry fallout samples were collected monthly at Seattle, Wash., over a period of 4 years, and air filter samples were collected biweekly at the ground level on Amchitka Island, Alaska, over a period of 3 years. The results for both stations show that 210 Pb undergoes seasonal variations in surface deposition with minimum values in relatively dry months of summer and maximum values in the fall or winter. The seasonal variations of 210 Pb are attributed to several factors including: 210 Pb content of the air masses involved, changes in the meteorological conditions, and local input of 210 Pb as a result of radon exhalation and soil resuspension

Polonium-210 in Euphauslids: A Detailed Study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heyraud, M.; Fowler, S.W.; Beasley, T.M.; Cherry, R.D.

1976-01-01

A detailed study of 210 Po, the predominant alpha-emitting nuclide found in most marine organisms, has been undertaken in a particular zooplanktonic species, the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica. The purpose was to obtain information concerning the origin, the localization and the flux of the nuclide in and through this organism. Measurements of 210 Po were made in euphausiids of different sizes, in dissected organs and tissues, and in excretion products. The results show higher concentrations in the smaller specimens; this fact cannot be explained on the basis of surface adsorption, but is probably related to the ingestion of food. Dissection results show that the distribution of 210 Po in euphausiids is not homogeneous, but that the majority is concentrated in the internal organs, the alimentary tract and the hepatopancreas in particular. The natural radiation dose received by these organs is in consequence much higher than that received by the whole animal. Use of a dynamic model allowed the flux of 210 Po through M. norvegica to be calculated. The calculations confirm that food is the principal sauce of 210 Po for this species, and clearly show that fecal pellets constitute the major elimination route. Extrapolation of the data to zooplankton in general leads to the conclusion that zooplankton metabolic activity plays an important role in transporting 210 Po from the surface layers of the ocean to depth. (author)

Polonium-210 in euphausiids: a detailed study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heyraud, M; Fowler, S W; Beasley, T M; Cherry, R D

1976-02-13

A detailed study of /sup 210/Po, the predominant alpha-emitting nuclide found in most marine organisms, has been undertaken in a particular zooplanktonic species, the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica. Information was obtained concerning the origin, the localization and the flux of the nuclide in and through the organism. Measurements of /sup 210/Po were made in euphausiids of different sizes, in dissected organs and tissues, and in excretion products. The results show higher concentrations in the smaller specimens; this fact cannot be explained on the basis of surface adsorption, but is probably related to the ingestion of food. Dissection results show that the distribution of /sup 210/Po in euphausiids is not homogeneous, but that the majority is concentrated in the internal organs, the alimentary tract and the hepatopancreas in particular. The natural radiation dose received by these organs is in consequence much higher than that received by the whole animal. Use of a dynamic model allowed the flux of /sup 210/Po through M. norvegica to be calculated. The calculations confirm that food is the principal source of /sup 210/Po for this species, and clearly show that fecal pellets constitute the major elimination route. Extrapolation of the data to zooplankton in general leads to the conclusion that zooplankton metabolic activity plays an important role in transporting /sup 210/Po from the surface layers of the ocean to depth. (auth)

Polonium-210 in Euphauslids: A Detailed Study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heyraud, M.; Fowler, S. W.; Beasley, T. M.; Cherry, R. D.

1976-07-01

A detailed study of {sup 210}Po, the predominant alpha-emitting nuclide found in most marine organisms, has been undertaken in a particular zooplanktonic species, the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica. The purpose was to obtain information concerning the origin, the localization and the flux of the nuclide in and through this organism. Measurements of {sup 210}Po were made in euphausiids of different sizes, in dissected organs and tissues, and in excretion products. The results show higher concentrations in the smaller specimens; this fact cannot be explained on the basis of surface adsorption, but is probably related to the ingestion of food. Dissection results show that the distribution of {sup 210}Po in euphausiids is not homogeneous, but that the majority is concentrated in the internal organs, the alimentary tract and the hepatopancreas in particular. The natural radiation dose received by these organs is in consequence much higher than that received by the whole animal. Use of a dynamic model allowed the flux of {sup 210}Po through M. norvegica to be calculated. The calculations confirm that food is the principal sauce of {sup 210}Po for this species, and clearly show that fecal pellets constitute the major elimination route. Extrapolation of the data to zooplankton in general leads to the conclusion that zooplankton metabolic activity plays an important role in transporting {sup 210}Po from the surface layers of the ocean to depth. (author)

Improved optimum condition for recovery and measurement of 210 ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for deposition of 210Po and evaluate the accuracy and precision of the results for its determination in environmental samples. To improve the technique for measurement of polonium-210(210Po) in environmental samples. The optimization of five factors (volume ...

Comparative study of air quality by the North Sea and Baltic Sea; Vergleichsuntersuchungen der Luftqualitaet an Nord- und Ostsee

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moriske, H.J.; Turowski, E.; Klar, A.; Schoendube, M.; Ebert, G.; Konieczny, L. [Umweltbundesamt, Berlin (Germany). Inst. fuer Wasser-, Boden- und Lufthygiene

2000-01-01

Air quality measurements were carried out in the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions. The results are summarized in this contribution from the hygienic view. [German] Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojektes des Umweltbundesamtes, das zwischen 1996 und 1998 mit dem Titel 'Erfassung gasfoermiger und partikelfoermiger Bestandteile der Umgebungsluft an Nord- und Ostsee - Untersuchungen zur hygienischen Bedeutung des maritimen Aerosols' durchgefuehrt wurde, sollte die Frage unterschiedlicher Luftqualitaet an Nord- und Ostsee beantwortet werden und eine aktuelle Bestandsaufnahme vorgenommen werden. Der Artikel fasst die Forschungsergebnisse aus hygienischer Sicht zusammen. (orig./SR)

KLINO - climatology and prognosis of climate-induced changes in hydrographic parameters of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Final report; KLINO - Klimatologie und Prognose klimainduzierter Aenderungen hydrographischer Groessen in Nord- und Ostsee. Abschlussbericht

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-04-01

The marine climate of the North Sea and Baltic Sea was simulated and analyzed with the aid of meteorological and oceanographic models. The KLINO project is a first step towards climate impact research as sensitivity studies of the models permit preliminary statements on the effects of potential changes of marine climate. The simulations covered several decades. The models used were: WAM for calculating the swell of the Atlantic and the two marginal seas; HAMSOM for climate-induced variations of the hydrographic parameters of the NOrth Sea and Baltic Sea; HAMSOM and REMO for interactive coupling between ocean and atmosphere; HYDROMOD for extreme and normal conditions in the offshore region. [German] Im Projekt KLINO wurde das derzeitige marine Klima (Wasserstaende und mittlerer Meeresspiegel, Seegang, Stroemungen und Schichtung) von Nord- und Ostsee in Kontrollexperimenten mit Hilfe meteorologischer und ozeanographischer Modelle simuliert und nach vollzogen. Das KLINO Projekt ist in die Arbeiten zur Klima-Regionalisierung bzw. als ein erster Schritt zur Klima-Impaktforschung einzustufen, da Sensitivitaetsstudien der Modelle bereits vorsichtige Aussagen ueber die Folgen moeglicher Aenderungen des marinen Klimas zulassen. Das WAM-Modell lieferte eine Klimatologie des Seeganges fuer den Atlantik und die beiden Randmeere. Die klimainduzierten Schwankungen der hydrographischen Parameter in Nord- und Ostsee wurden mit Hilfe des HAMSOM untersucht; eine interaktive Kopplung zwischen Ozean und Atmosphaere erfolgte mit den Regionalmodellen HAMSOM und REMO. Die Simulationen deckten hinreichend lange Zeitraeume (Dekaden) ab und wurden mit beobachteten bzw. aus meteorologischen Re-Analysen abgeleiteten Fluessen von Impuls, Waerme und Frischwasser angetrieben. Zur Initialisierung und Validierung der ozeanographischen Modelle wurden umfangreiche Beobachtungsdatensaetze fuer die Parameter Temperatur, Salzgehalt, Eis, Seegang und Oberflaechenauslenkung zusammengestellt

Methods and Data Used to Investigate Polonium-210 as a Source of Excess Gross-Alpha Radioactivity in Ground Water, Churchill County, Nevada

Science.gov (United States)

Seiler, Ralph L.

2007-01-01

Ground water is the major source of drinking water in the Carson River Basin, California and Nevada. Previous studies have shown that uranium and gross-alpha radioactivities in ground water can be greater than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Maximum Contaminant Levels, particularly in the Carson Desert, Churchill County, Nevada. Studies also have shown that the primary source of the gross-alpha radioactivity and alpha-emitting radionuclides in ground water is the dissolution of uranium-rich granitic rocks and basin-fill sediments that have their origins in the Sierra Nevada. However, ground water sampled from some wells in the Carson Desert had gross-alpha radioactivities greater than could be accounted for by the decay of dissolved uranium. The occurrence of polonium-210 (Po-210) was hypothesized to explain the higher than expected gross-alpha radioactivities. This report documents and describes the study design, field and analytical methods, and data used to determine whether Po-210 is the source of excess gross-alpha radioactivity in ground water underlying the Carson Desert in and around Fallon, Nevada. Specifically, this report presents: 1) gross alpha and uranium radioactivities for 100 wells sampled from June to September 2001; and 2) pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and Po-210 radioactivity for 25 wells sampled in April and June 2007. Results of quality-control samples for the 2007 dataset are also presented.

Radiochemical determination of 210 Po in tobacco and farm food

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chung, K. H.; Lee, H. P.; Cho, Y. H.; Choi, G. S.; Kim, C. K.; Lee, C. W.

2002-01-01

A method for measuring 210 Po in tobacco (cigarette and leaf) and farm food has been studied by alpha- spectrometry. Polonium was separated from HCl solution in the presence of other radionuclides and ascorbic acid (reduction of Fe 3+ ) by spontaneous deposition onto a silver disc. To determine the optimum conditions for plating polonium on a disc, the effects of reducing agent, plating time etc. were investigated. In the method, the samples are spiked with 208 Po (or 209 Po) as a chemical yield tracer. Because the main sources of 210 Po in the human body are food and cigarette smoke, this procedure to determine 210 Po has been applied to tobacco and farm food samples. Analyses of 210 Po in tobacco leaves and farm food samples using this method are in progress. The concentrations of 210 Po in cigarettes were ranged from 17 to 21 mBq/g and compared with published data on this natural radionuclide

210Po and 210Pb variations in fish species from the Aegean Sea and the contribution of 210Po to the radiation dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mat Çatal, Ebru; Uğur, Aysun; Özden, Banu; Filizok, Işık

2012-01-01

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the significance of natural radionuclides, particularly 210 Po, in the marine environment. 210 Po, a naturally occurring alpha emitter, accumulates in marine organisms and reflects differences in their diets. In the literature, there is no data for 210 Po and 210 Pb activity concentrations for fish species on the Turkish coast of Aegean Sea. Therefore, in this study, multiple fish species were collected from six stations seasonally on the Turkish coast of Aegean Sea and were analyzed for their 210 Po and 210 Pb content. The 210 Po and 210 Pb concentrations in the fish samples were found to vary from undetectable levels to 499 ± 44 Bq kg −1 dry weight (dw) and from 1.0 ± 0.3 Bq kg −1 to 35 ± 4.0 Bq kg −1 (dw), respectively. There were no significant differences in the activity concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in fish samples between seasons (ANOVA, P > 0.05). The highest dose contribution of 210 Po to humans was calculated to be 10,530 μSv year −1 .

210Po in cigarette and the radiation dose inhaled by smoker

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Xin; Chen Xingan; Pan Yingdong

2000-01-01

The contents of Polonium-210 in 16 brands of cigarettes from China and 4 brands of cigarettes from abroad were reported. The method that the authors used for separating Polonium-210 was electrochemical deposition method. The 210 Po contents were analyzed in whole cigarettes from freshly opened packs. The 210 Po contents of the China-made cigarettes ranged from 13.7 to 43.4 mBq/cig, from 18.0 to 67.3 mBq/g respectively, the mean values were 26.5 mBq/cig and 33.7 mBq/g respectively. The content of 210 Po in cigarettes from China is higher than that from abroad. The polonium contents of the ash, butt and main stream smoke were reported. The cigarettes were smoked with the eight-channel smoking machine for determining the concentration of the radionuclides in main stream smoke. ('Main Stream' means smoke taken into the mouth). About 15% of 210 Po contained in a cigarette was transferred into the main stream smoke, 40% of the whole 210 Po content remained in the ash and butt for filter cigarette, 60% for non-filter. The daily intake of the 210 Po from cigarette was 80 mBq, the annual dose equivalent to the lung tissue of human body was 0.46 mSv. In view of present knowledge, it is improbable that this dose is significant for the higher incidence of lung tissue of human body was 0.46 mSv. In view of present knowledge, it is improbable that this dose is significant for the higher incidence of lung cancer in smokers

Polonium-210 in tobacco

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harley, N.H.; Cohen, B.S.; Tso, T.C.

1978-01-01

The purpose of this paper was to present the measurements that have been made on tobacco and tobacco products and to indicate the studies that show the amount of 210 Po transferred to mainstream smoke and inhaled. The amounts reported to be in the lung are summarized. The authors have shown what average values might be expected in the lung due to normal deposition and clearance of the smoke aerosol and to compare these values with the measurements. The average dose to cells in the bronchial epithelium was estimated for the activities reported to be on the bronchial surface, and a comparison of this dose with a known tumorigenic alpha dose was made

The behavior of scavenged isotopes in marine anoxic environments: 210Pb and 210Po in the water column of the Black Sea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wei, C.L.; Murray, J.W.

1994-01-01

Vertical profiles of dissolved and particulate 210 Pb and 210 Po were determined at two stations in the Black Sea in June 1988. Vertical fluxes of 210 Pb and 210 Po were also measured in the upper 150 m, using floating sediment traps. The fractionation of 210 Pb between dissolved and particulate phases in the Black Sea is strongly influenced by the redox conditions in the water column. Dissolved 210 Pb dominates in the oxic zone, while particulate 210 Pb is the major form in the deep sulfide-rich anoxic zone. The distribution of 210 Pb across the suboxic zone appears to be mainly controlled by redox cycling of manganese and iron. In the sulfide-rich layer coprecipitation of lead with iron sulfide is probably the dominant scavenging mechanism. A simple scavenging model was used to calculate the residence times of dissolved and particulate 210 Pb in the oxic, suboxic, and anoxic zones. The residence times of dissolved 210 Pb relative to scavenging by particles are 0.5-1, 2-3, and 3.5 years in the oxic, suboxic, and anoxic layers, respectively. The corresponding residence times of particulate 210 Pb relative to particle removal processes in the same layers are 0.1, 1.5-2.5, and 8.5 years, respectively. A particle settling velocity of about 40 m y -1 was derived from the 210 Pb/ 226 Ra disequilibrium in the deep Black Sea. The relatively short residence times of 210 Pb support the hypothesis that anoxic basins are important sites for boundary scavenging of 210 Pb. The 210 Po profiles indicate that biological rather than inorganic particles are the major carrier phases for Po in the Black sea. Based on the magnitude of distribution coefficients, the relative partitioning of Pb, Po, and Th to particles found in the oxic and anoxic layers of the Black Sea are Po > Th > Pb and Po = Pb > Th, respectively. Colloidal phases may be important for the scavenging of these radionuclides

Determination of 210Pb e 210Po in marine samples and aerosols

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saito, Roberto Tatsuya

1996-01-01

In this work the methodologies for 210 Pb e 210 Po analyses in marine samples, such as fish, seaweed, sediment, and aerosol samples are presented. The 210 Pb levels in the samples were obtained by both 210 Bi and 210 Po ingrowth. The 210 Pb analysis via 210 Bi presents the following steps: 210 Pb leaching from samples with 8 M nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide; lead sulphate precipitation; conversion to carbonate; dissolution; lead sulphate precipitation; gravimetric analysis of lead; waiting of time to reach radioactive equilibrium and 210 Bi beta counting by employing a Geiger-Mueller detector with a low background radiation. The 210 Pb analysis via 210 Po presents the following steps: 210 Pb and 210 Po leaching from samples with 8 M nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide; nitric acid elimination by heating and hydrochloric acid addition; spontaneous deposition onto silver disc and alpha counting of polonium in silicon surface-barrier detector. In order to determine 210 Pb activity, the solution was percolated in the Dowex AG 1-X 8 anion exchange resin; preconditioned with 8 M nitric acid; the lead was eluted by 8 M hydrochloric acid; the solution was gently evaporated to dryness and diluted with 0.5 N hydrochloric acid. After 3-6 months a second 210 Po spontaneous deposition onto silver disc was carried out. The methodology for 210 Pb analysis via 210 Bi showed lead recoveries from 63 to 100%. In the method via 210 Po the polonium recoveries were varied from 39 to 63% under manual agitation, and from 60 to 100% under mechanical agitation. The radiochemical methods for 210 Po and 210 Pb analyses were applied in reference samples from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the results obtained showed the good precision and accuracy of the established methods. The analysis of marine sediment samples of Antarctica presented 210 Pb and Po levels from 8 to 60 Bq.kg -1 , and fish samples from Sao Paulo Coast presented 210 Po levels from 0.5 to 5.3 Bq.kg -1 . These

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in marine organisms: allometric relationships and their significance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cherry, R.D.; Heyraud, M.

1991-01-01

Allometric relationships which indicate that Po-210 concentrations in marine organisms decrease with increasing organism mass have been reported previously in a few taxa. We report here the results of a study of nearly 400 data covering nine taxa of marine organisms. The data for each taxon are fitted to the allometric equation log Q = log a + b log M, where Q is the Po-210 concentration (mBq/g dry mass) and M is the dry mass per individual (g). The weighted mean of the nine Po-210 slopes is -0.24 ± 0.05, and of the eight Pb-210 slopes is -0.22 ± 0.05. These values are close to the slope of -0.25 frequently found in mass-specific allometric relationships in biology; an association between radionuclide concentration and food ingestion rate is indicated. The intertaxon variations in the intercept log a are large, nearly two orders of magnitude for Po-210, a fact which almost certainly reflects intertaxon differences in diet and/or assimilation. Within taxa, sub-groupings of the Po-210 data are found; these are discussed and an attempt is made to classify them statistically for the data as a whole. (Author)

Occurrence of 210Po in periwinkle (Littorina undulata, Gray, 1839) collected from Kudankulam (Gulf of Mannar (GOM), Southeast coast of India)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sunith Shine, S.R.; Feroz Khan, M.; Godwin Wesley, S.

2013-01-01

Highlights: • Polonium-210 was quantified in the periwinkle Littorina undulata. • Smaller-sized periwinkles displayed higher Polonium-210. • Marked variation in 210 Po activity between season and sampling site. • The internal dose rate estimated using ERICA Assessment Tool. • The daily intake and committed effective dose estimated. -- Abstract: Polonium-210 activity concentration was analysed in the whole body tissue of periwinkle Littorina undulata collected from intertidal rocky shore along Kudankulam coast. We carried out the study for a period of 12 months (2011–2012) focusing on three seasons. 210 Po was found non-uniformly distributed among the periwinkles depending on the allometry. The 210 Po accumulation showed a significant difference between seasons (p 210 Po compared to larger ones (p 210 Po varied from 13.5 to 58.9 Bq/kg (wet). The activity of 210 Po was also quantified in seawater and intertidal sediments to calculate the biological concentration factor (BCF) and radiation dose rate. The dose rate to the winkles was performed using ERICA Assessment Tool and it was within the prescribed limit. The intake of 210 Po through periwinkles delivered an effective dose in the range of 2.2–9.6 μSv/y to human beings

Measurement of 210Po in vegetables of Gudalore

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Selvasekarapandian, S.; Sivakumar, R.; Mugunthamanikandan, N.; Ragunath, V.M.; Meenashisundaram, V.

1999-01-01

Intake of 210 Po with food was determined for the population in Gudalore taluka of Nilgiri district. The content of 210 Po in different vegetable samples was determined. The annual intake of 210 Po due different vegetables was estimated on the basis of their average annual consumption. The intake of 210 Po varied from 0.056 to 11.97 Bq/kg. The largest intake of 210 Po was with tapioca. From the intake annual effective dose was calculated. Effective dose equivalent due to polonium in different vegetables varied between 0.0121 to 2.872 μSv/Y. (author)

Evaluation of sample pretreatment methods for analysis of polonium isotopes in herbal medicines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sreejith, Sathyapriya R.; Nair, Madhu G.; Rao, D.D.

2014-01-01

Herbal infusions like ayurvedic aristas are widely consumed by Indian population for good health. With increasing awareness about radiological assessment, an effort was made to assess the radioactivity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides in herbal medicines. 210 Po is an important alpha particle emitter contributing to internal dose to man from ingestion. Though 210 Po can be spontaneously deposited on silver disk for alpha spectrometric measurements with less radiochemical step, great care has to be taken during the sample pretreatment step owing to the high volatility of polonium even at low temperatures. Aim of the study was to evaluate an appropriate sample pretreatment method for estimation of polonium in herbal medicines. 209 Po was used for radiochemical yield calculation. Conventional open vessel wet ashing, physical evaporation, freeze-drying and microwave digestion in a Teflon vessel were examined. The recovery ranged between 9 and 79%. The lowest recovery was obtained for the samples that were processed by open vessel digestion without any volume reduction. The recoveries were comparable for those samples that were freeze dried and subjected to HNO 3 + HClO 4 + H 2 O 2 + HF acid digestion and microwave digested samples. 210 Po concentration in the samples ranged from 11.3 to 39.6 mBq/L

Study on the bioaccumulation of Polonium-210 on bivalve indicator organisms of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry coast (East Coast of India)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Syed Mohamed, H.E.; Sadiq Bukhari, A.; Meeramaideen, M.; Masilamani, V.; Shamsudin, Mohamed; Shahul Hameed, P.

2012-01-01

210 Po is a major contributor (90%) of the natural radiation dose from alpha-emitting radionuclides, received by most marine organisms. Among marine organisms, benthic fauna are superior to many other biological groups, since they could be monitored due to their sedentary habits and then must either adapt to environmental stress or perish. They also reflect the water conditions not only at the time of sampling but also for some past time as well. The affinity of 210 Po for protein enables it to pass through the food chain, and increased body burdens of 210 Po have been found where diets include protein-rich meat and seafood. The present study was launched to evaluate the rate of accumulation of 210 Po in the benthic bivalve molluscs such as Perna indica, P.viridis, Meretrix casta, Cardium coronatum, Gafrarium tumidum, Paphia textrix, Vellorita cyprinodea and Pinctada sp., of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry coast. Water samples, sediments and bivalves were collected from Gulf of Mannar (6 sampling stations), Palk Strait (8 sampling stations) of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry (6 sampling stations). 210 Po determination as made was as per standard protocols. The results showed that 210 Po concentration in coastal waters of Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait and Pondicherry ranged 0.5 - 2.83 mBq/l (mean 1.33 mBq/I), 2.14 - 32.14 mBq/l (mean 15.3 mBq/l) and 1.36 - 2.0 mBq/1 (mean 1.59 mBq/1) respectively. The sediments maintained higher level of 210 Po (mean value of 3.62 Bq/kg in Gulf of Mannar, 107.9 Bq/kg in Palk Strait and 3.0 Bq/kg in Pondicherry) than water. The 210 Po rich sediment therefore serves as a vital link in the transfer of Polonium from water to the marine organisms. The concentration of 210 Po in eight species of bivalves collected from the study area, recorded a maximum level ranging from 65.2 to 2668.9 Bq/kg in soft tissues and from 1.19 to 15.3 Bq/kg in shells. The bioaccumulation ability in bivalve species with reference to 210 Po was observed to be highly variable

Polonium-210 in the total environment of Goa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Avadhani, D.N.; Mahesh, H.M.; Siddappa, K.

2007-01-01

The paper deals with the distribution of 210 Po in total environment of Goa. The activity concentration of 210 Po in food, diet, water and air samples of the region were measured and the annual effective dose due to ingestion of this radionuclide was estimated. The activity of 210 Po in soil and sand samples vary from 3.2 Bq kg -1 to 186.2 Bq kg -1 with a mean value of 57.4Bq kg -1 and from 0.94 Bq kg -1 to 3.7 Bq kg -1 with the mean value of 1.8 Bq kg -1 respectively. Among food samples fish and prawn shows higher concentration of 210 Po. The Committed Effective Dose Equivalent due to ingestion of non veg meal, veg meal, breakfast and potable water were found to be 94.6 μSv y -1 , 49.1 μSv y -1 , 10.5 μSv y -1 and 4.2 μSv y -1 respectively. All the results are compared with the reported literature values and discussed in detail in this paper. (author)

Estimation of polonium concentration in groundwater samples from the Peddagattu/Nambapur and Seripalli regions using alpha-spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raghavendra, T.; Srilatha, K.; Mahender, C.; Elender; Vijaya Lakshmi, T.; Himabindu, V.; Vishwa Prasad; Padma Savithri, P.; Datta, D.; Arunachalam, J.

2013-01-01

The decay of uranium series in the earth crust remains the final and long lived radionuclides 210 Po and 210 Pb in the environment. Their presence in the atmosphere is due to the decay of 222 Rn diffusing from the ground. This study was carried out with an objective of estimation of polonium concentration in a uranium mineralized zone in Peddagattu and Seripalli areas of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Groundwater samples were collected from 12 wells, and frequency of these collections was once in a quarter from May 2010 to Dec 2011. The alpha-spectrometry has been applied to analyze these samples. Observation reveals that the activity concentration of Polonium in the water samples of Peddagattu and Seripally regions range from 0.3 mBq/l to 2.80 mBq/l with Geometric mean of 0.89 mBq/l and Geometric Standard deviation of 2.72 and from 0.3 mBq/l to 4.68 mBq/l with a Geometric mean of 0.91 and Geometric standard deviation of 3.22 respectively. As per WHO standards, the maximum permissible limit in drinking water for Polonium is 0.55 Bq/l. Hence all the 12 samples are falling well under the permissible limit. This paper presents the analytical details for estimating polonium as a natural radioactive element in groundwater as well as surface water samples collected from the Nambapur/Peddagattu and Seripalli regions. (author)

A review of radio chemical analysis and estimation of 210Po in soil matrices

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N.K. Sethy

2015-10-01

Full Text Available The naturally occurring radionuclide 210Po, arising from the uranium–radium decay series, provides a considerable contribution to the radiation exposure to humans. Polonium is analyzed for a variety of purposes, including for radiological impact assessment or as a tracer of environmental processes. Losses of polonium may occur at temperatures above 100 °C, depending on conditions, requiring particular care in sample preparation and treatment. There has been little development regarding analysis of polonium in environmental samples since 1960 as radiochemical analysis of polonium is quite straight forward due to easy of source preparation through auto-deposition on to metal surfaces. In this paper a brief review of estimation of polonium in the soil samples have given emphasis.

Measurement of polonium activity in Indian tobacco

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Singh, D R; Nilekani, S R [Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay (India). Div. of Radiation Protection

1976-10-01

To assess the probable induction of lung cancer due to /sup 210/Po in Indian tobacco, 116 samples of tobacco drawn from seven brands of cigarettes, cigars, cheroots and local beedi fillings were assayed. The results are tabulated and show an average /sup 210/Po content for cigarettes varying from 0.07 to 0.10 pCi/g except for one brand which had a higher value of 0.152 pCi/g. Large cigars were shown to have less polonium content compared to other tobacco products such as cheroot, beedi fillings and small cigars. From the data obtained the lung burden of a smoker of Indian cigarettes has been calculated to be 23.6 mrad/day which is between 3 and 6 times higher than that due to natural background of radon and thoron in the atmosphere.

Marine environment protection of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Special report - February 2004; Meeresumweltschutz fuer Nord- und Ostsee. Sondergutachten - Februar 2004

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2004-07-01

The marine environment of the North Sea and Baltic Sea is still heavily polluted. The marine ecosystems are under severe stress from overfishing, water pollution, raw materials production and tourism. Environmental protection in this region necessitates decisive political initiatives and strict corrections especially in fishery policy, agricultural policy and chemical substances control. This is the balance of the special expert opinion of the Council of Environmental Experts. The publication specifies the main problem areas, the current pollution situation, the fields where action is most urgently required - especially in fishery, chemical substances, agricultural and sea travel policies - and presents suggestions for an integrated European and national marine protection policy including a regional development concept for the marine environment. (orig.) [German] Die Meeresumwelt von Nord- und Ostsee ist nach wie vor stark belastet. Ueberfischung, Schadstoffeintraege und Ueberduengung sowie die intensive Nutzung durch Schifffahrt, Rohstoffabbau und Tourismus beeintraechtigen vielfach massiv die marinen Oekosysteme. Ein wirksamer Meeresumweltschutz erfordert daher einschneidende politische Initiativen und grundlegende Korrekturen insbesondere in der Fischereipolitik, der Agrarpolitik und bei der Chemikalienregulierung. Diese Bilanz zieht der Rat von Sachverstaendigen fuer Umweltfragen in seinem aktuellen Sondergutachten 'Meeresumweltschutz fuer Nord- und Ostsee'. Das Sondergutachen - gibt einen Ueberblick ueber die wichtigsten Problemfelder und die aktuelle Belastungslage, - zeigt den wesentlichen Handlungsbedarf auf, insbesondere fuer die Fischerei-, Chemikalien-, Agrar- und Schifffahrtspolitik und - entwickelt Vorschlaege fuer eine integrierte europaeische und nationale Meeresschutzpolitik einschliesslich einer Merresraumordnung. (orig.)

Water-sediment distribution and behaviour of Polonium ("2"1"0Po) in a shallow coastal area with high concentration of dissolved organic matters in water, North Vietnam

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tran Thi Van; Nguyen Duc Tam; Dang Duc Nhan; Nguyen Quang Long; Duong Van Thang; Bui Duy Cam

2016-01-01

The behaviour and water-sediment distribution of particle-reactive Polonium-210 in the marine environment with high concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP) and dissolved organic matters (DOC) along the coast of the Tonkin Gulf (North Vietnam) were investigated. It was revealed that the water-sediment distribution coefficient, K_d(s), of "2"1"0Po varied from 2.39x10"3 to 1.9x10"4 (L kg"-"1) and from 7x10"3 to 2.5x10"5 (L kg"-"1), respectively, in the rainy and dry season. This implies that in the aquatic environment "2"1"0Po tends to be of high affinity to suspended particulates. The "2"1"0Po K_d(s) was positively correlated with salinity in both rainy and dry seasons. With DOC the K_d(s) was positively correlated in the rainy season, but in the dry season the relationship tended to be reverse. This behaviour of "2"1"0Po in the coastal region was explained by the variation of pH of seawater and by the complexation of the isotope with DOC. The K_d(s) found in this study was in an order lower compared to that reported by Malaysian researchers for the Thailand Gulf. The most important source of "2"1"0Po was suggested to be from in-situ generation by the decay of its grand-parent "2"1"0Pb which mainly derived from the atmospheric fall-out. (author)

Contribution to the study of the geophysical behaviour of lead-210 by application of alpha spectrometry; Contribution a l'etude du comportement geophysique du plomb 210 par application de la spectrometrie alpha

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nezami, M [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1965-06-01

A study of the changes in the lead-210 contents of rain-water and of water produced by melting polar ice has required the development of a method for dosing lead-210, an {alpha} emitter. This method is 40 times more sensitive than that which measures the lead-210 by bismuth-210, a ({beta} emitter. The first part of the report presents the study of a spectrometry using semiconductor detectors; a catalogue of a spectra shows the advantages of this method. In the second part will be found at first a new chemical separation method for polonium-210 and the results obtained with this method. The main results obtained on the geophysical behaviour of lead-210 are the following: - the monthly lead-210 and polonium-210 contents in rain water are approximately constant with time. - in the Gif-sur-Yvette region, the clean-up by 'dry fall-out' can attain 40 to 50 per cent of the total fall-out. - a study of Antarctic ice samples makes it possible to determine an annual accumulation rate equivalent to 13.8 cm of water and to show discrepancies in the periodic concentrations which correspond to the latest maxima of solar activity. - a balance is drawn up between the radon produced by the continents and the lead-210 fall-out. (author) [French] Une etude sur les variations de la teneur en plomb 210 des eaux de pluie et des eaux de fusion des glaces polaires a necessite la mise au point d'une methode de dosage du plomb 210 emetteur {alpha}. Cette methode permet d'obtenir une sensibilite quarante fois superieure a celle dosant le plomb 210 par le bismuth 210 emetteur {beta}. La premiere partie du travail presente l'etude de la spectrometrie {alpha} par detecteur a semiconducteurs, un catalogue de spectres {alpha} met en evidence les avantages de cette methode. Dans la deuxieme partie on trouvera en premier lieu une nouvelle methode chimique de separation du polonium 210 ainsi que les resultats obtenus grace a cette methode. Les principaux resultats sur le comportement geophysique du

The Litvinenko 210polonium case. German experiences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kroeger, Emily Alice

2009-01-01

The high scientific standards of the BfS were necessary in order to characterize and evaluate the low activities of 210 Po found during the deployment in Hamburg. The evaluation of the measurements enabled the BfS to offer effective radiation protection advice and to assist the police investigation. The majority of the 210 Po traces were found in places that had been in skin contact with Kovtun, leading to the conclusion that Kovtun had most probably incorporated 210 Po before his visit to Hamburg in October 2006. As yet, no formal charges have been brought by the German authorities against Kovtun and the costs of the operation remain under discussion. Strategies to improve the internal and external deployment communication of the ZUB are being developed and implemented to deal with both the real and the perceived threats that occur during such an incident. Open communication from the onset of a deployment is essential, both between the institutions involved and between deployment leaders and the press. This will save precious time and resources, lower anxiety in the public and emergency workers and could, in a culture of trust where radiation protection advice is listened to and followed, ultimately save lives. (orig.)

Absorption of environmental polonium-210 by the human gut

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hunt, G.J.; Allington, D.J.

1993-01-01

Current values for the gut absorption factor of plutonium- 210 ( 210 Po) are based on very few human data, yet the dose due to 210 Po is an important component of the dose to man through food as a result of natural sources of radiation. In this study, three male and three female adult volunteers ate supplies of brown crab meat containing natural concentrations of 210 Po, which are analysed from sub-samples. Daily urine and faecal samples, taken for 3 days before and up to 3 weeks after ingestion, were also analysed. Values of apparent absorption were derived from the faecal measurements; estimates of the true absorption were derived taking account of endogenous faecal excretion on the basis of existing data for intravenous administration. The results appear to suggest that the gut absorption factor in current use for 210 Po (in connection with ingestion in food) should be increased from 0.1-03 to about 0.8. The implications for estimates of dose due to this exposure pathway are noted. (author)

Absorption of environmental polonium-210 by the human gut

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hunt, G J; Allington, D J [Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Lowestoft (United Kingdom). Fisheries Radiobiological Lab.

1993-06-01

Current values for the gut absorption factor of plutonium- 210 ([sup 210]Po) are based on very few human data, yet the dose due to [sup 210]Po is an important component of the dose to man through food as a result of natural sources of radiation. In this study, three male and three female adult volunteers ate supplies of brown crab meat containing natural concentrations of [sup 210]Po, which are analysed from sub-samples. Daily urine and faecal samples, taken for 3 days before and up to 3 weeks after ingestion, were also analysed. Values of apparent absorption were derived from the faecal measurements; estimates of the true absorption were derived taking account of endogenous faecal excretion on the basis of existing data for intravenous administration. The results appear to suggest that the gut absorption factor in current use for [sup 210]Po (in connection with ingestion in food) should be increased from 0.1-03 to about 0.8. The implications for estimates of dose due to this exposure pathway are noted. (author).

Sequential determination of U and Th isotopes, 226Ra, 228Ra, 210Pb, and 210Po in mushroom

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosa, Mychelle M.L.; Taddei, Maria Helena T.; Dias, Fabiana F.; Maihara, Vera A.

2009-01-01

For this study, mushroom samples were collected in Brazil at the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Region and at the Pocos de Caldas Plateau (PC; a region of elevated natural radioactivity, which houses the first Brazilian uranium mine). This paper discusses a sequential methodology to determine natural series radionuclides in mushrooms, such as uranium ( 238 U and 234 U) and thorium ( 232 Th, 230 Th, and 228 Th) isotopes, radium-226, radium-228, as well as lead-210 and polonium-210; using Alpha Spectrometry, Gamma Spectrometry, and Total Alpha and Beta Counting. The method involves total sample dissolution in a closed system in order to avoid loss of Polonium and employment of specific chromatographic resins for radionuclide purification. A subsequent interpretation of the results can provide information on pollutants present in mushrooms and infer possible contamination in the areas sampled as well as allow an association of measured concentrations to radioactive anomalies in the Plateau. (author)

Contribution to the study of the geophysical behaviour of lead-210 by application of alpha spectrometry; Contribution a l'etude du comportement geophysique du plomb 210 par application de la spectrometrie alpha

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nezami, M. [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1965-06-01

A study of the changes in the lead-210 contents of rain-water and of water produced by melting polar ice has required the development of a method for dosing lead-210, an {alpha} emitter. This method is 40 times more sensitive than that which measures the lead-210 by bismuth-210, a ({beta} emitter. The first part of the report presents the study of a spectrometry using semiconductor detectors; a catalogue of a spectra shows the advantages of this method. In the second part will be found at first a new chemical separation method for polonium-210 and the results obtained with this method. The main results obtained on the geophysical behaviour of lead-210 are the following: - the monthly lead-210 and polonium-210 contents in rain water are approximately constant with time. - in the Gif-sur-Yvette region, the clean-up by 'dry fall-out' can attain 40 to 50 per cent of the total fall-out. - a study of Antarctic ice samples makes it possible to determine an annual accumulation rate equivalent to 13.8 cm of water and to show discrepancies in the periodic concentrations which correspond to the latest maxima of solar activity. - a balance is drawn up between the radon produced by the continents and the lead-210 fall-out. (author) [French] Une etude sur les variations de la teneur en plomb 210 des eaux de pluie et des eaux de fusion des glaces polaires a necessite la mise au point d'une methode de dosage du plomb 210 emetteur {alpha}. Cette methode permet d'obtenir une sensibilite quarante fois superieure a celle dosant le plomb 210 par le bismuth 210 emetteur {beta}. La premiere partie du travail presente l'etude de la spectrometrie {alpha} par detecteur a semiconducteurs, un catalogue de spectres {alpha} met en evidence les avantages de cette methode. Dans la deuxieme partie on trouvera en premier lieu une nouvelle methode chimique de separation du polonium 210 ainsi que les resultats obtenus grace a cette methode. Les principaux resultats sur le

Assessment of the hazard to the public from anti-static brushes containing polonium-210 in the form of ceramic microspheres

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Webb, G.A.M.; Wilkins, B.T.; Wrixon, A.D.

1975-04-01

Anti-static brushes containing polonium-210 in the form of ceramic microspheres have been tested and evaluated with regard to their availability to the general public. After summarising existing test information, results are given of routine leakage tests and special tests intended to simulate severe but credible abuse and accidents with these devices. It is found that the low levels of removable contamination and the possible loss of complete microspheres, although in principle undesirable, do not present a significant hazard. The containment integrity of ceramic microspheres under severe conditions (impact and fire) has been found unsatisfactory and it is considered possible that ICRP dose limits could be approached or even exceeded under these severe but credible abuse, accident or disposal conditions. The results of comparative tests with nonradioactive methods for static elimination did not demonstrate any adequate justification for the use of a radioactive material. The potential exposure from Staticmaster Brushes is therefore considered an unnecessary hazard to members of the public. (author)

Temporal annual changes of 210Po concentrations in coastal seawater at Kyushu Island

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tolmachyov, S.; Maeda, Y.; Momoshima, N.

2001-01-01

Polonium-210 ( 210 Po, T 1/2 =138.4 d) arises from the decay of 210 Pb (T 1/2 =22.3 yr) via intermediary 210 Bi (T 1/2 =5.03 d). Virtually, all of 210 Po in seawater is originated by in situ decay of 210 Pb, which in turn originated due to in situ decay of 226 Ra, and decay of 222 Rn in the sea and in the atmosphere followed by deposition. In seawater, 210 Po is considered an insoluble element, therefore the concentration of dissolved 210 Po is very low. The concentration levels of 210 Po in marine environmental samples are well documented, however, scanty information is available about long-scale 210 Po behavior in open oceans and/or coastal seawater. Few studies have quantified temporal variation of 210 Po concentrations with relation to environmental parameters and seasonality. Nevertheless, seasonal detail allows us to make inferences about what geochemical parameters can effected on 210 Po behavior in the marine environment that will obviously improve our present understanding of the rates and mechanisms of 210 Po scavenging from seawater column. This paper presents the results of annual observation of 210 Po concentration in the coastal seawater at Kyushu Island (Japan). Besides the 210 Po concentrations, concentration of Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), which is generally used as an indicator of plankton activity, fluctuations of loaded suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration (C p ) and monthly rainfall collected at the place close to the sampling area were examined to confirm if their behavior mirrors that of 210 Po. (author)

Size distribution and origin of lead-210, bismuth-210, and polonium-210 on airborne particles in the troposphere

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moore, H.E.; Poet, S.E.; Martell, E.A.

1980-01-01

Data are presented on the concentration, specific activity and percent of 210 Pb, 210 Bi, and 210 Po vs particle size interval for ground level air samples. Similar data for 90 Sr in air and 226 Ra and 210 Pb in one soil sample are given. Calculated mean aerosol residence times increase with increasing particle size interval; however, specific activities and percent of each isotope decrease with increasing particle size interval. These variations, along with comparision to soil data, suggest that the distribution of these isotopes reflects the initial attachment distribution plus a smaller component due to entrainment of particles from soil and other surfaces

Radiological health implications of lead-210 and polonium-210 accumulations in LPG refineries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Summerlin, J. Jr.; Prichard, H.M.

1985-01-01

Radon-222, a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, is often a contaminant in natural gas. During fractionation at processing plants, Radon tends to be concentrated in the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) product stream. Radon-222 decays into a number of radioactive metallic daughters which can plate out on the interior surfaces of plant machinery. The hazards associated with gamma-emitting short-lived radon daughters have been investigated previously. The present work reports an analysis of the hazards associated with the long-lived daughters; Pb-210, Bi-210, and Po-210. These nuclides do not emit appreciable penetrating radiation, and hence do not represent a hazard as long as they remain on the inside surfaces of equipment. However, when equipment that has had prolonged exposure to an LPG stream is disassembled for repair or routine maintenance, opportunities for exposure to radioactive materials can occur. A series of measurements made on an impeller taken from a pump in an LPG facility is reported. Alpha spectroscopy revealed the presence of Po-210, and further measurements showed that the amount on the impeller surface was well above the exempt quantity. Breathing zone measurements made in the course of cleaning the impeller showed that an inhalation exposure equivalent to breathing Po-210 at the Maximum Permissible Concentration (MPC) for 60 hours could be delivered in less than half an hour. It was concluded that maintenance and repair work on LPG and derivitive product stream equipment must be carried out with the realization that a potential radiological health problem exists

Normal dietary levels of radium-226, radium-228, lead-210, and polonium-210 for man

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holtzman, R.B.

1980-01-01

A review of the literature and the results of some recent measurements on the levels in man's diet of the naturally occurring radionuclides 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 210 Pb, and 210 Po are presented. Intakes in other countries are similar to those in the United States, but in localized populations the 226 Ra intake can be 8 or more pCi/day. The few data on 228 Ra show that intake of this nuclide is about 80% that of 226 Ra except in monazite areas where intakes of up to 160 pCi 228 Ra/day are reported. Drinking water contributes less than 5% to daily intake except in special areas. For 210 Pb, higher levels have been noted for Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics than for the United States. Persons in the Arctic who consume reindeer or caribou meat may ingest 210 Pb at the rate of 10 to 40 pCi/day. Normal dietary levels of 210 Po are about 20 to 30% higher than those of 210 Pb, except in the Arctic. The levels of these nuclides in classes of foods are compared to show that the higher levels observed in certain diets are due to the levels in particular foods. Because of the high levels of 210 Pb intake in Japan, total skeletal dose rates in that country are estimated to be more than twice those in the United States. The use of dietary intake for estimating metabolic parameters, such as intestinal absorption of 226 Ra and 210 Pb, is discussed

Metabolism and toxicity of polonium 210 and SiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Panov, D.

1978-02-01

Synergistic effects of quartz dust and of Po-210 have been investigated in lungs and kidneys of rats. The substances (50mg silicone per animal, 5 (or 10)μCi of Po-210 per kg bodyweight) were introduced intratracheally in a single dose. Exposure times were 7 and 12 month. Postmortem the following quantities were determined: weight of lung and kidneys, Po-210 content, hydroxyproline contents of the lungs. Autoradiographic and histopathological investigations were carried out. It was found that synergistic effects increase mortallity. The most frequent cause of death was renal lesions. Po-210 behaves as a nephrotoxic agent, causing damages to all kidney structures, it mainly attacks the epithelium of convoluted renal tubules of nephrons. The cancerogenic effects of Po-210 are enhanced in the presens of quartz. Po-210 predominantly accumulates in the kidney cortex. Po content of lungs and kidneys was still high after 7 month. Po-retention was highest in kidneys not subjected to quartz, in lungs the opposite effect was observed. Hydroxyproline contents are moderately increased in Po-contaminated lungs

Inhalation of 210Po and 210Pb from cigarette smoking in Poland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skwarzec, B.; Ulatowski, J.; Struminska, D.I.; Borylo, A.

2001-01-01

The carcinogenic effect of 210 Po and 210 Pb with respect to lung cancer is an important problem in many countries with very high cigarette consumption. Poland has one of the highest consumptions of cigarettes in the world. The results of 210 Po determination on the 14 most frequently smoked brands of cigarettes which constitute over 70% of the total cigarette consumption in Poland are presented and discussed. Moreover, the polonium content in cigarette smoke was estimated on the basis of its activity in fresh tobaccos, ash, fresh filters and post-smoking filters. The annual effective doses were calculated on the basis of 210 Po and 210 Pb inhalation with the cigarette smoke. The results of this work indicate that Polish smokers who smoke one pack (20 cigarettes) per day inhale from 20 to 215 mBq of 210 Po and 210 Pb each. The mean values of the annual effective dose for smokers were estimated to be 35 and 70 μSv from 210 Po and 210 Pb, respectively. For persons who smoke two packs of cigarettes with higher radionuclide concentrations, the effective dose is much higher (471 μSv yr -1 ) in comparison with the intake in diet. Therefore, cigarettes and the absorption through the respiratory system are the main sources and the principal pathway of 210 Po and 210 Pb intake of smokers in Poland

Correlation of 210Po and 210Pb enrichments in the sea-surface microlayer with neuston biomass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heyroud, M.; Cherry, R.D.

1983-01-01

Samples of surface microlayer, bulk seawater from 20 cm depth and neustonic organisms inhabiting the top 5 cm of the sea, were collected at regular intervals over a period of 17 months at a site 3 km off Monaco and analysed for naturally occurring radionuclides 210 Po and 210 Pb. Enrichment of 210 Po in the microlayer compared with bulk seawater was observed, and found to be correlated significantly with the neuston biomass per unit volume. Enrichment of 210 Pb in the microlayer was also observed, but only under higher neuston biomass conditions. The 210 Po: 210 Pb ratio was always higher in the microlayer than in bulk seawater. Additional information was obtained from 210 Po measurements made on the bulk seawater in which the neuston had been collected and in which it had stood for periods of 2 to 4 h. These showed the neuston lost 210 Po to the water at a rate of about 1 pCi g - 1 dry biomass h - 1 . A significant flux of 210 Po from bulk seawater to the surface microlayer, and thence possibly to the atmosphere, is estimated. This flux will vary seasonally with the planktonic biomass. Under high biomass conditions a similar flux for 210 Pb may also be significant. (author)

Hair as an indicator of the body content of polonium in humans: preliminary results from study of five male volunteers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rääf, C.L.; Holstein, H.; Holm, E.; Roos, P.

2015-01-01

The radionuclide 210 Po is of importance from a radiation protection view and has properties that cause special problems when attempting to determine the body content in humans. Estimates have traditionally been made from either urine and/or fecal samples, which require a time-consuming radiochemical preparation before alpha spectrometric determination. In order to find a more simple and less labor intensive method hair has been used as a bioindicator and investigated in this study. The relationship between intake and excretion in hair has been estimated in five volunteers who ingested radioactive polonium ( 209 Po as a bio-tracer for 210 Po) in well determined quantities. Four of the volunteers were given 5–10 Bq 209 Po in a single intake (acute intake) and one volunteer has ingested a daily intake of 58.7 mBq 209 Po for a period of 180 d. Human hair was found to reflect the daily clearance of ingested polonium peaking at 0.001–0.01% d −1 of the ingested amount, thereafter decreasing mono-exponentially, corresponding to a biological half-time of 10–20 days. For the case of protracted intake a mono-exponential build-up was observed with a half-time of 40 ± 5 d. In addition, after cessation of intake, a short-term component (74%) with a biological half-time of 16 ± 4 d, and a long-term component (26%) with a half-time of 93 ± 53 d were observed. It is concluded that hair can be used to detect not only the amount of ingested polonium but also whether the intake was protracted or acute. - Highlights: • After single intakes polonium is excreted in hair with biological half-times (range 15–30 days). • Polonium concentration vs position in hair strand reflects the intake history of subject. • For acute intakes peak hair concentration or daily excretion can be related to the amount of intake. • Protracted intakes of polonium result in an increase in Po concentration in hair, reaching equilibrium after 180 days. • Bi-exponential decay of

Polonium (210Po) and lead (210Pb) in marine organisms and their transfer in marine food chains

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, Fernando P.

2011-01-01

The determination of 210 Po and 210 Pb was performed in marine organisms from the seashore to abyssal depths, encompassing a plethora of species from the microscopic plankton to the sperm whale. Concentrations of those radionuclides ranged from low values of about 5 x 10 -1 Bq kg -1 (wet wt.) in jellyfish, to very high values of about of 3 x 10 4 Bq kg -1 (wet wt.) in the gut walls of sardines, with a common pattern of 210 Po > 210 Pb.These radionuclides are primarily absorbed from water and concentrated by phyto- and microzooplankton, and then are transferred to the next trophic level along marine food chains. Investigation in epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic and abyssobenthic organisms revealed that 210 Po is transferred in the marine food webs with transfer factors ranging from 0.1 to 0.7, and numerically similar to those of the energy transfer in the marine food chains. As 210 Po preferentially binds to amino acids and proteins, its transfer in food chains likely traces protein transfer and, thus, 210 Po transfer factors are similar to ecotrophic coefficients. 210 Pb is transferred less efficiently in marine food chains and this contributes to increased 210 Po: 210 Pb activity ratios in some trophic levels.

Distribution of lead-210 and polonium-210 between soluble and particulate phases in seawater

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spencer, D.W.

1975-01-01

Results are reported from radiometric measurements of the distribution of 210 Pb and 210 Po in surface seawater and suspended particulate matter. Samples of plankton and sediments collected from some locations were also analyzed. Samples of seawater and suspended particulate matter were collected from stations located in the Gulf of Maine, the North Atlantic, and approximately 500 miles southwest of Gilbraltar. (U.S.)

Analysis of prospecting effect of polonium survey and geoelectric survey extracted uranium and molybdenum in the south of Shengyuan volcanic basin

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jin Hehai

2007-01-01

Polonium survey and geoelectric survey extracted uranium and molybdenum show that compound anomaly with sharp anomaly peak of the curve of polonium-210, uranium, molybdenum appears along many survey lines in Bakou area, Shengyuan volcanic basin, which may reflect the enrichment of uranium and molybdenum in rock formation and soil layer. By contrasting the anomaly curve to that above the buried uranium deposit, it is recognized that compound anomaly is closely related to the uranium mineralization condition in the area and some favourable sites for uranium metallogeny have been predicated. (authors)

Polonium (210Po) and lead (210Pb) in marine organisms and their transfer in marine food chains.

Science.gov (United States)

Carvalho, Fernando P

2011-05-01

The determination of (210)Po and (210)Pb was performed in marine organisms from the seashore to abyssal depths, encompassing a plethora of species from the microscopic plankton to the sperm whale. Concentrations of those radionuclides ranged from low values of about 5 × 10(-1) Bq kg(-1) (wet wt.) in jellyfish, to very high values of about of 3 × 10(4) Bq kg(-1) (wet wt.) in the gut walls of sardines, with a common pattern of (210)Po > (210)Pb.These radionuclides are primarily absorbed from water and concentrated by phyto- and microzooplankton, and then are transferred to the next trophic level along marine food chains. Investigation in epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic and abyssobenthic organisms revealed that (210)Po is transferred in the marine food webs with transfer factors ranging from 0.1 to 0.7, and numerically similar to those of the energy transfer in the marine food chains. As (210)Po preferentially binds to amino acids and proteins, its transfer in food chains likely traces protein transfer and, thus, (210)Po transfer factors are similar to ecotrophic coefficients. (210)Pb is transferred less efficiently in marine food chains and this contributes to increased (210)Po:(210)Pb activity ratios in some trophic levels. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sinking fluxes of 210Pb and 210Po in the deep basin of the northern South China Sea.

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Ching-Ling; Chia, Chao-Yuan; Chou, Wen-Chen; Lee, Wen-Huei

2017-08-01

Vertical fluxes of total mass (F mass ), particulate organic carbon (F POC ), particulate inorganic carbon (F PIC ), 210 Pb (F Pb-210 ), and 210 Po (F Po-210 ) were determined by sediment traps deployed at two depths, 2000 m and 3500 m, at SEATS (South East Asian Time-series Study, 116°00°E, 18°00°N) in the northern South China Sea during June 2008-June 2009. The F mass ranges from 12.2 to 55.1 mg m -2  d -1 and from 89.3 to 250.8 mg m -2  d -1 , at 2000 m and 3500 m, respectively, and shows seasonal and inter-annul variation. The temporal variation of F POC , F PIC , and F Pb-210 were in phase with the F mass , which was coupled with the seasonal cycles of primary production in the euphotic layer. The F Pb-210 ranges from 5 to 48 dpm m -2 d -1 and from 38 to 105 dpm m -2 d -1 , at 2000 m and 3500 m, respectively. Contrasting with 210 Pb, the F Po-210 shows poor correlation with F mass . The F Po-210 ranges from 3 to 146 dpm m -2 d -1 and from 50 to 309 dpm m -2 d -1 , at 2000 m and 3500 m, respectively. Episodic events of the settling of biological particles from the surface layer and the regeneration processes the deep layer control the 210 Po removal in the water column of the South China Sea. Strong correlations of the flux and source ratio of 210 Pb, (F/P) Pb-210 , and the particulate carbon fluxes were found, which give relationships of F POC (μg cm -2 y -1 ) = 26.8 + 371.0 (F/P) Pb-210 and F PIC (μg cm -2 y -1 ) = -1.4 + 533.1 (F/P) Pb-210 . Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fetal doses from plutonium-239 and polonium-210

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harrison, J.D.; Morgan, A.; Stather, J.W.

1992-01-01

The transfer of 239 Pu and 210 Po from the maternal circulation to the developing embryo and fetus was studied in rodents. The highest concentrations of both isotopes were measured in the yolk sac. In utero doses to haemopoietic tissue have been calculated taking account of transfer to the blastocyst/egg cylinder, yolk sac, liver and bone marrow. From animal data, the concentration ratios relative to maternal liver for these tissues were taken to be 0.1, 2, 0.01 and o.02, respectively for 239 Pu; and 1, 2, 0.1 and 0.1, respectively, for 210 Po. These concentration ratios were applied to periods of human gestation of 0-2.5 weeks, 2.5-6 weeks, 6-12 weeks and 12-38 weeks, and used to calculate fetal tissue doses for chronic maternal intake by ingestion of 1 kBq 239 Pu or 2 kBq 210 Po in the year of pregnancy (1 ALI for a member of the public). On this basis, the total in utero dose to haemopoietic tissue was about 1 μSv from 239 Pu and 60 μSv from 210 Po compared with red bone marrow doses to the mother in the year of 19 μSv from 239 Pu and 160 μSv from 210 Po. The yolk sac and bone marrow dominated in utero doses from both nuclides. For 239 Pu, because of its long half life, an important consideration was activity present in the offspring at birth and committed dose equivalents to red bone marrow in the child and mother. The total dose to haemopoietic tissue in the offspring to age 70 years, including in utero doses, was calculated as 13 μSv compared with a maternal dose to red bone marrow of 1400 μSv. For both isotopes the risk of leukaemia in the year of pregnancy was estimated to be of the same order for mother and fetus. For 239 Pu, the overall risk to 70 years of age was two orders of magnitude higher for the mother than her offspring. For 239 Pu, an acute intake of 1 kBq by ingestion during the period of yolk sac haemopoiesis would result in the highest in utero dose, estimated at about 20 μSv. However, activity at birth would be lower and the overall

Equilibrium evaporation behavior of polonium and its homologue tellurium in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohno, Shuji; Miyahara, Shinya; Kurata, Yuji; Katsura, Ryoei; Yoshida, Shigeru

2006-01-01

Experimental study using the transpiration method investigates equilibrium evaporation behavior of radionuclide polonium ( 210 Po) generated and accumulated in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) cooled nuclear systems. The experiment consists of two series of tests: preliminary evaporation tests for homologue element tellurium (Te) in LBE, and evaporation tests for 210 Po-accumulated LBE in which test specimens are prepared by neutron irradiation. The evaporation tests of Te in LBE provide the suggestion that Te exists in a chemical form of PbTe as well as the information for confirming the validity of technique and conditions of Po test. From the evaporation tests of 210 Po in LBE, we obtain fundamental data and empirical equations such as 210 Po vapor concentration in the gas phase, 210 Po partial vapor pressure, thermodynamic activity coefficients, and gas-liquid equilibrium partition coefficient of 210 Po in LBE in the temperature range from 450 to 750degC. Additionally, radioactivity concentration of 210 Po and 210m Bi vapor in a cover gas region of a typical LBE-cooled nuclear system is specifically estimated based on the obtained experimental results, and the importance of 210 Po evaporation behavior is quantitatively demonstrated. (author)

Primate polonium metabolic models and their use in estimation of systemic radiation doses from bioassay data. Final report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cohen, N. [New York Univ. Medical Center, Tuxedo, NY (United States). Dept. of Environmental Medicine

1989-03-15

A Polonium metabolic model was derived and incorporated into a Fortran algorithm which estimates the systemic radiation dose from {sup 210}Po when applied to occupational urine bioassay data. The significance of the doses estimated are examined by defining the degree of uncertainty attached to them through comprehensive statistical testing procedures. Many parameters necessary for dosimetry calculations (such as organ partition coefficients and excretion fractions), were evaluated from metabolic studies of {sup 210}Po in non-human primates. Two tamarins and six baboons were injected intravenously with {sup 210}Po citrate. Excreta and blood samples were collected. Five of the baboons were sacrificed at times ranging from 1 day to 3 months post exposure. Complete necropsies were performed and all excreta and the majority of all skeletal and tissue samples were analyzed radiochemically for their {sup 210}Po content. The {sup 210}Po excretion rate in the baboon was more rapid than in the tamarin. The biological half-time of {sup 210}Po excretion in the baboon was approximately 15 days while in the tamarin, the {sup 210}Po excretion rate was in close agreement with the 50 day biological half-time predicted by ICRP 30. Excretion fractions of {sup 210}Po in the non-human primates were found to be markedly different from data reported elsewhere in other species, including man. A thorough review of the Po urinalysis procedure showed that significant recovery losses resulted when metabolized {sup 210}Po was deposited out of raw urine. Polonium-210 was found throughout the soft tissues of the baboon but not with the partition coefficients for liver, kidneys, and spleen that are predicted by the ICRP 30 metabolic model. A fractional distribution of 0.29 for liver, 0.07 for kidneys, and 0.006 for spleen was determined. Retention times for {sup 210}Po in tissues are described by single exponential functions with biological half-times ranging from 15 to 50 days.

The Radiological Impact of 210Pb and 210Po Released from the Iron- and Steel-Making Plant ILVA in Taranto (Italy on the Environment and the Public

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guogang Jia

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Lead-210 and 210Po are naturally occurring radionuclides. Due to volatile characteristic of lead and polonium, environmental pollution of 210Pb and 210Po released from the coal power plant, steel-making industry and refractory material industry has been an exposure problem for the members of public. In this paper studies on the activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb in the raw materials, dust particles, surficial soils and atmospheric particulate samples collected in the area of the Iron- and Steel-Making Plant ILVA Taranto (Italy were made. These data have been used to evaluate the source-term, distributions, inventories, mass balance, biological availability, ecological migration processes and public exposure risk of 210Pb and 210Po in the concerned environment.

Content of polonium-210 in food products of Bulgaria

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keslev, D; Novakova, E; Boyadzhiev, A; Kerteva, A

1975-01-01

Most of the Po-210 entering the human organism is associated with food products. The content of Po-210 in various food products is given as follows in picocuries/kg: 0.88 for meat, 1.25 for milk, 2.75 for bread, 0.19 for egg (content in one egg), 6.70 for wheat, 1.27 for corn, 0.90 for potatoes, 1.20 for beans, 1.84 for cabbage, 1.26 for tomatoes, 1.64 for pepper, 0.50 for onions, 1.2 for apples, 1.35 for pears, 2.20 for prunes, 1.24 for grapes and 0.07 for water. The data compare well with literature data. The daily intake of Po-210 with the diet varies from 1.61 to 2.08 picocuries for different age groups of individuals. Most of this amount is eliminated via the urine (70 to 80%) and the feces. 9 refs. (SJR)

Polonioum 210 levels in urine of different groups of italian population

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mancini, L.; Renzetti, A.; Santori, G.

1984-01-01

Samples of urine obtained from different groups of the italian population has been analized to determine the content of polonium-210. The analysis has been carried out with samples from people with high probability of exposure to radon and hits daughters

Sup(210)Pb and 210Po distributions and disequilibrium in the coastal and shelf waters of the southern North Sea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhizheng, Zuo; Eisma, Doeke

1993-01-01

Concentration profiles of 210 Pb and 210 Po were measured at 10 stations in the coastal and shelf areas of the southern North Sea. Scavenging processes in this study area are revealed by 210 Po/ 210 Pb disequilibrium and their distributions in the water column. Results for 210 Po show strong excess, relative to 210 Pb, in both dissolved and particulate forms, indicating an additional flux of 210 Po from the coastal and shelf sediment. A significant maximum of the dissolved 210 Po and 210 Pb over the fine grained depositional area (Oyster Ground) was observed to correspond with resuspension of the underlying muddy sediments. A comparison of the data between the water and sediment columns shows that the excess of 210 Po found in the water body could be balanced by only a small amount of deficit of 210 Po in the sediment, due to the characteristics of this continental shelf area. (author)

Polonium evaporation and adhesion experiments for the development of polonium filter in lead-bismuth cooled reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obara, Toru; Koga, Takeru; Miura, Terumitsu; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2008-01-01

Fundamental experiments were performed to determine the adhesion characteristics of polonium to different metals and to develop a filter for polonium evaporated from neutron-irradiated LBE. The results of the first experiments suggested that adhesion characteristics are almost the same for stainless steel and nickel metal. The results of the preliminary experiments for a polonium filter suggested that stainless steel mesh with thin wires could effectively collect polonium evaporated from neutron-irradiated LBE. In the experiments, stainless steel wire mesh was used, but from the results of adhesion experiment, it is expected that the same effect can be obtained with wire mesh made of other kinds of metal. (author)

Radioactive 210Po in magnesium supplements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Struminska-Parulska, Dagmara Ida

2016-01-01

The aim of this pioneer study was to determine polonium 210 Po in the most popular magnesium supplements in Poland and estimate the possible related dose assessment to the consumers. The analyzed magnesium pharmaceutics contained organic or inorganic magnesium compounds; some from natural sources. The objectives of this research were to investigate the naturally occurring 210 Po activity concentrations in magnesium supplements, find the correlations between 210 Po concentration in medicament and magnesium chemical form, and calculate the effective radiation dose connected to analyzed magnesium supplement consumption. The highest 210 Po activity concentrations were determined in mineral tablets made from sedimentary rocks, namely dolomite - 3.84 ± 0.15 mBq g -1 (sample Mg17). The highest annual radiation dose from 210 Po taken with 1 tablet of magnesium supplement per day or with 400 mg of pure Mg daily would come from sample Mg17 (dolomite) - 1.35 ± 0.5 and 8.44 ± 0.33 μSv year -1 respectively.

Polonium in cigarette smoke and radiation exposure of lungs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, F.P.; Oliveira, J.M.

2006-01-01

Polonium ( 210 Po), the most volatile of naturally-occurring radionuclides in plants, was analysed in three common brands of cigarettes produced in Portugal. The analyses were carried out on the unburned tobacco contained in cigarettes, on the ashes and butts of smoked cigarettes and on the mainstream smoke. 210 Po in tobacco displays concentrations ranging from 3 to 37 mBq g -1 , depending upon the cigarette brand. The 210 Po activity remaining in the solid residue of a smoked cigarette varied from 0.3 to 4.9 mBq per cigarette, and the 210 Po in the inhaled smoke varied from 2.6 to 28.9 mBq. In all brands of cigarettes tested, a large fraction of the 210 Po content is not inhaled by the smoker and it is released into the atmosphere. Part of it may be inhaled by passive smokers. Depending upon the commercial brand and upon the presence or absence of a filter in the cigarette, 5 to 37 % of the 210 Po in the cigarette can be inhaled by the smoker. Taking into account the average 210 Po in surface air, the smoker of one pack of twenty cigarettes per day may inhale 50 times more 210 Po than a non smoker. Cigarette smoke contributes with 1.5 % to the daily rate of 210 Po absorption into the blood, 0.39 Bq d -1 , and, after systemic circulation it gives rise to a whole body radiation dose in the same proportion. However, in the smoker the deposition of 210 Po in the lungs is much more elevated than normal and may originate an enhanced radiation exposure. Estimated dose to the lungs is presented and radiobiological effects of cigarette smoke are discussed. (author)

Measurement the concentration of polonium 210Po and find annual dose resulting from eating certain foods by the individual Iraqi

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Emam, A. M.; Mhemeed, A.K.; Hasan, H.I.

2012-12-01

The present study aims to determine the concentration of polonium 2 10P o in some of the food consumed by the Iraqi individual collecting (27) sample produced within the country, including imported and available in local markets to some Iraqi provinces, and these foods included potatoes, wheat and fish. To find concentration of polonium 2 10P o method is used chemical separation and deposition on silver disc, and use surface barrier detector to find alpha particle spectrum for polonium and find concentrations ere at 7.15, 2.58, 6.86 Bq / kg, for each of potatoes, wheat and fish, respectively, Daily intake rate for polotuinm 2 10P o which found in the food under study was measured, and show that the annual dose resulting from eating foods that contain this element was at 4.55, 87,69, 0.298 μSv/ y for food stuff mentioned are compatible with universal values and within the permissible limits worldwide. (Author)

Contribution to the study of the geophysical behaviour of lead-210 by application of alpha spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nezami, M.

1965-06-01

A study of the changes in the lead-210 contents of rain-water and of water produced by melting polar ice has required the development of a method for dosing lead-210, an α emitter. This method is 40 times more sensitive than that which measures the lead-210 by bismuth-210, a (β emitter. The first part of the report presents the study of a spectrometry using semiconductor detectors; a catalogue of a spectra shows the advantages of this method. In the second part will be found at first a new chemical separation method for polonium-210 and the results obtained with this method. The main results obtained on the geophysical behaviour of lead-210 are the following: - the monthly lead-210 and polonium-210 contents in rain water are approximately constant with time. - in the Gif-sur-Yvette region, the clean-up by 'dry fall-out' can attain 40 to 50 per cent of the total fall-out. - a study of Antarctic ice samples makes it possible to determine an annual accumulation rate equivalent to 13.8 cm of water and to show discrepancies in the periodic concentrations which correspond to the latest maxima of solar activity. - a balance is drawn up between the radon produced by the continents and the lead-210 fall-out. (author) [fr

Investigation and assessment of the atmospheric input in the framework of PARCOM (North Sea) and HELCOM (Baltic Sea). Partial report: Input of organic trace substances; Untersuchung und Bewertung des Stoffeintrags in die Atmosphaere im Rahmen von PARCOM (Nordsee) und HELCOM (Ostsee). Teilbericht: Eintrag von organischen Spurenstoffen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wodarg, D.; Reinhardt, K.H.

1992-12-31

Measurements were made of air concentration and deposition at one coastal station at the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, respectively as well as during four campaigns by ship on the North Sea to find out atmospheric input of organic trace substances into the sea. The measured concentrations of pentachlorobenzene (QCB), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), alpha- and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexene ({alpha}-HCH, {gamma}-HCH) varied by about three orders of magnitude. Based on measured concentrations in the atmosphere and statements of literature about concentrations in seawater, the atmospheric input of these components into the North Sea and the Baltic Sea were estimated. For the components {gamma}-HCH and HCB as a rule was found an atmospheric input into the sea, which, besides the supply by rivers, is another contribution to the load of the sea. (orig.). 75 figs., 13 tabs. [Deutsch] Zur Ermittlung des atmosphaerischen Eintrags von organischen Spurenstoffen ins Meer wurden Konzentrations- und Depositionsmessungen an jeweils einer Kuestenstation an Nord- und Ostsee sowie waehrend vier Schiffskampagnen auf der Nordsee durchgefuehrt. Die gemessenen Konzentrationen von Pentachlorbenzol (QCB), Hexachlorbenzol (HCB), alpha- und gamma-Hexachlorcyclohexan ({alpha}-HCH, {gamma}-HCH) schwankten um bis zu drei Groessenordnungen. Ausgehend von den gemessenen Konzentrationswerten in der Atmosphaere und Literaturangaben ueber Konzentrationen im Wasser, wurde der atmosphaerische Eintrag dieser Substanzen in Nord- und Ostsee abgeschaetzt. Fuer die Komponenten {gamma}-HCH und HCB wurde in der Regel ein atmosphaerischer Eintrag ins Meer ermittelt, der neben der Zufuhr durch die Fluesse einen erheblichen Beitrag zur Belastung darstellt. (orig.)

137Cs and 210Po in Pacific walrus and bearded seal from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska.

Science.gov (United States)

Hamilton, Terry; Seagars, Dana; Jokela, Terry; Layton, David

2008-06-01

The activity concentration of Cesium-137 ((137)Cs) and naturally-occurring Polonium-210 ((210)Po) were measured in the muscle tissue, kidney and liver of Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) collected by native hunters from the Bering Sea during May 1996. The mean (137)Cs concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney of Pacific walrus were 0.07, 0.09 and 0.07 Bq kg(-1) (n=5, wet weight), respectively, and 0.17, 0.10, and 0.17 Bq kg(-1) (n=2, wet weight), respectively, in bearded seal. In general, (137)Cs tissue concentrations are significantly lower than those previously reported for mammals from other regions. By comparison, (210)Po activity concentrations are more variable and appear to be higher level compared with mammal data from other regions. The mean (210)Po concentration in the muscle tissue, liver and kidney of Pacific walrus (n=5, wet weight) were 28.7, 189, and 174 Bq kg(-1), respectively. This compares with (210)Po concentration values (n=2, wet weight) of 27, 207 and 68 Bq kg(-1) measured in the muscle tissue, liver and kidney, of bearded seal, respectively. Estimated concentration factors--as defined by the radionuclide concentration ratio between the target tissue to that in sea water--were two to three orders of magnitude higher for (210)Po that those of (137)Cs. We conclude from radiological dose estimates that ingestion of (137)Cs in foods derived from walrus and seal will pose no threat to human health. This work has important implications for assessment of risks of Alaskan coastal communities concerned about the dumping of nuclear waste in the Russia Arctic.

137Cs and 210Po in Pacific Walrus and Bearded Seal from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamilton, T F; Seagars, D J; Jokela, T; Layton, D

2005-01-01

The activity concentration of Cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) and naturally-occurring Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) were measured in the muscle tissue, kidney and liver of Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) collected by native hunters from the Bering Sea. The mean 137 Cs concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney of Pacific walrus were 0.07, 0.09 and 0.07 Bq kg -1 (N= 5, wet weight), respectively, and 0.17, 0.10, and 0.17 Bq kg -1 (N=2, wet weight), respectively, in bearded seal. In general, 137 Cs tissue concentrations are significantly lower than those previously reported for mammals from other regions. By comparison, 210 Po activity concentrations appear to be higher than those reported elsewhere but a larger variation. The mean 210 Po concentration in the muscle tissue, liver and kidney of Pacific walrus (N=5, wet weight) were 28.7, 189, and 174 Bq kg -1 , respectively. This compares with 210 Po concentration values (N=2, wet weight) of 27, 207, and 68 Bq kg -1 measured in the muscle tissue, liver and kidney, of bearded seal, respectively. Estimated bioaccumulation factors--as defined by the radionuclide concentration ratio between the target tissue to that in sea water--were two to three orders of magnitude higher for 210 Po that those of 137 Cs. We conclude from radiological dose estimates that ingestion of 137 Cs in foods derived from walrus and seal will pose no threat to human health. This work has important implications for assessing health risks to Alaskan coastal communities concerned about the dumping of nuclear waste in the Russia Arctic

137Cs and 210Po in Pacific walrus and bearded seal from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamilton, Terry; Seagars, Dana; Jokela, Terry; Layton, David

2008-01-01

The activity concentration of Cesium-137 ( 137 Cs) and naturally-occurring Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) were measured in the muscle tissue, kidney and liver of Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) collected by native hunters from the Bering Sea during May 1996. The mean 137 Cs concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney of Pacific walrus were 0.07, 0.09 and 0.07 Bq kg -1 (n = 5, wet weight), respectively, and 0.17, 0.10, and 0.17 Bq kg -1 (n = 2, wet weight), respectively, in bearded seal. In general, 137 Cs tissue concentrations are significantly lower than those previously reported for mammals from other regions. By comparison, 210 Po activity concentrations are more variable and appear to be higher level compared with mammal data from other regions. The mean 210 Po concentration in the muscle tissue, liver and kidney of Pacific walrus (n = 5, wet weight) were 28.7, 189, and 174 Bq kg -1 , respectively. This compares with 210 Po concentration values (n = 2, wet weight) of 27, 207 and 68 Bq kg -1 measured in the muscle tissue, liver and kidney, of bearded seal, respectively. Estimated concentration factors-as defined by the radionuclide concentration ratio between the target tissue to that in sea water-were two to three orders of magnitude higher for 210 Po that those of 137 Cs. We conclude from radiological dose estimates that ingestion of 137 Cs in foods derived from walrus and seal will pose no threat to human health. This work has important implications for assessment of risks of Alaskan coastal communities concerned about the dumping of nuclear waste in the Russia Arctic

Improved optimum condition for recovery and measurement of 210Po in environmental samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zal Uyun Wan Mahmood; Norfaizal Mohamed; Nik Azlin Nik Ariffin; Abdul Kadir Ishak

2012-01-01

An improved laboratory technique for measurement of polonium-210( 210 Po) in environmental samples has been developed in Radiochemistry and Environmental Laboratory (RAS), Malaysian Nuclear Agency. To further improve this technique, a study with the objectives to determine the optimum conditions for 210 Po deposition and; evaluate the accuracy and precision results for the determination of 210 Po in environmental samples was carried-out. Polonium-210 which is an alpha emitter obtained in acidic solution through total digestion and dissolution of samples has been efficiently plated onto one side of the silver disc in the spontaneous plating process for measurement of its alpha activity. The optimum conditions for deposition of 210 Po were achieved using hydrochloric acid (HCl) media at acidity of 0.5 M with the presence of 1.0 gram hydroxyl ammonium chloride and the plating temperature at 90 degree Celsius. The plating was carried out in 80 ml HCl solution (0.5 M) for 4 hours. The recorded recoveries obtained using 209 Po tracers in the CRM IAEA-385 and environmental samples were 85 % - 98% whereby the efficiency of the new technique is a distinct advantage over the existing techniques. Therefore, optimization of deposition parameters is a prime importance to achieve accuracy and precision results as well as economy and time saving. (author)

Occurrence of 210Po and Biological Effects of Low-Level Exposure: The Need for Research

OpenAIRE

Seiler, Ralph L.; Wiemels, Joseph L.

2012-01-01

Background: Polonium-210 (210Po) concentrations that exceed 1 Bq/L in drinking-water supplies have been reported from four widely separated U.S. states where exposure to it went unnoticed for decades. The radionuclide grandparents of 210Po are common in sediments, and segments of the public may be chronically exposed to low levels of 210Po in drinking water or in food products from animals raised in contaminated areas. Objectives: We summarized information on the environmental behavior, bioki...

Polonium-210 and Lead-210 in food and tobacco products: transfer parameters and normal exposure and dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watson, A.P.

1985-01-01

Food-chain transport of Pb-210 and Po-210 from soil to edible plant parts and from animal feed to meat and milk was evaluated from a review of literature. The degree of transfer was characterized by estimating concentration factors as well as the transfer coefficients B/sub v/, B/sub r/, f/sub m/, and f/sub f/. Global dietary intake of Pb-210 and Po-210 was also summarized, and 50-y dose estimates to target organs were calculated. The greatest estimated ingestion doses were those to populations with large dietary complements of animal protein in the form of seafood (Japan) or caribou/reindeer muscle and organ meats (Arctic Eskimos and Lapps). The origin and magnitude of inhalation exposure and dose from tobacco products were also assessed. For the majority of internal organs evaluated, the dose resulting from smoking commercially available tobacco products is comparable with or greater than the dose estimates for ingestion of naturally occurring dietary Pb-210 and Po-210. 79 refs

Radicaesium 210Po and 210Pb in wolves (Canis lupus), Lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolverine (Gulo gulo)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holm, E.; Gjeisvik, R.; Kålås, J.A.; Persson, B.; Henricsson, F.; Samuelsson, C.; Åsbrink, J.

2013-01-01

Wolves, lynx and wolverines are on the top of the food-chain in northern Scandinavia and Finland and also several other countries. Concentrations of 210 Po, 210 Pb and 137 Cs have been analysed in muscle, liver and kidney samples of 28 wolves from Sweden and liver from 16 lynx and 16 wolverines from Norway collected during the years 2010 and 2011. For example the activity concentrations of 210 Po in liver from wolf, lynx, wolverine and wolf varied from 20-500, 22-211 Bq kg -1 , and 17-160 Bq kg - respectively. Using a wet weight ratio of 3.8 the maximal dose to liver of wolves is estimated to 3.5 mGy per year. Polonium-210 is accumulated to a large extent than it precursor 210 Pb. Activity ratios, 210 Po/ 210 Pb, in liver for example ranged from 9 to 56. Radiocaesium in liver shows for example a very larger variation ranging from 40-13000 Bq kg -1 in lynx. This is mainly due to the large variability in deposition from the Chernobyl accident. For wolves the 137 Cs concentration in muscle varied from 70 to 8000 Bq kg -1 d.w. The maximal dose to muscle for wolves from 137 Cs is estimated to 3.6 mGy per year. Wolves, lynx and wolverines are on the top of the food-chain in northern Scandinavia and Finland and also several other countries. Concentrations of 210 Po, 210 Pb and 137 Cs have been analysed in liver samples of 28 wolves from Sweden and 16 lynx and 16 wolverines from Norway collected during the years 2010 and 2011. The activity concentrations of 210 Po in liver from lynx, wolverine and wolf varied from 22- 211 Bq kg -1 , 17-160 Bq kg -1 d.w. and 20-523 Bq kg -1 d.w., respectively and did not differ between species. Using a wet weight ratio of 3.8 the maximal dose to liver is estimated to 3.5 mGy per year. Polonium-210 is accumulated to a larger extent than it precursor 210 Pb. Activity ratios, 210 Po/ 210 Pb, in liver for example ranged from 9 to 56. Radiocaesium in liver show a very larger variation ranging from 20-13000 Bq kg in lynx. This is mainly due to

Chemical and geochemical studies off the coast of Washington. Report of progress, May 1974--May 1975

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carpenter, R.

1975-05-01

Results are reported from studies on the chemical, geological, and geochemical effects of the Columbia River in the northeast Pacific Ocean from May 1974 to May 1975. The studies followed three main lines of investigation: surface chemical studies of the scavenging of various species dissolved in sea water, especially lead-210, by well characterized natural particulates; studies of uptake and transfer of several isotopes, starting with polonium-210, by particularly well defined parts of the marine food web; and studies of the behavior of lead-210 and polonium-210 in sediments off the Washington coast and the application of lead-210 dating to determine sediment accumulation rates over the past 100 years in the coastal zone

Lead-210, bismuth-210, polonium-210. Natural activity, internal dosimetry, and dose factors for ingestion and inhalation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jacobi, W.

1979-02-01

Starting with a comprehensive review of the normal, natural activity of 210 Pb and 210 Po in the environment and in the tissues of the human body, a model of the activity and dose distributions of this nuclides in the human body is developed. Dose factors for ingestion with food and for inhalation are derived from this model, related to the intake rate unit. This 'natural exposure model' can be used for an estimation of the population exposure due to normal natural radiation as well as to man-made sourcess of these nuclides, e.g. coal-fired power plants. (orig.) [de

Polonium (²¹⁰Po), uranium (²³⁴U, ²³⁸U) isotopes and trace metals in mosses from Sobieszewo Island, northern Poland.

Science.gov (United States)

Boryło, Alicja; Nowicki, Waldemar; Olszewski, Grzegorz; Skwarzec, Bogdan

2012-01-01

The activity of polonium (210)Po and uranium (234)U, (238)U radionuclides, as well as trace metals in mosses, collected from Sobieszewo Island area (northern Poland), were determined using the alpha spectrometry, AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry) and OES-ICP (atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma). The concentrations of mercury (directly from the solid sample) were determined by the cold vapor technique of CV AAS. The obtained results revealed that the concentrations of (210)Po, (234)U, and (238)U in the two analyzed kinds of mosses: schrebers big red stem moss (Pleurozium schreberi) and broom moss (Dicranum scoparium) were similar. The higher polonium concentrations were found in broom moss (Dicranum scoparium), but uranium concentrations were relatively low for both species of analyzed mosses. Among the analyzed trace metals the highest concentration in mosses was recorded for iron, while the lowest for nickel, cadmium and mercury. The obtained studies showed that the sources of polonium and uranium isotopes, as well as trace metals in analyzed mosses are air city contaminations transported from Gdańsk and from existing in the vicinity the phosphogypsum waste heap in Wiślinka (near Gdańsk).

Inhalation of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb from cigarette smoking in Poland

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Skwarzec, B. E-mail: bosk@chemik.chem.univ.gda.pl; Ulatowski, J.; Struminska, D.I.; Borylo, A

2001-07-01

The carcinogenic effect of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb with respect to lung cancer is an important problem in many countries with very high cigarette consumption. Poland has one of the highest consumptions of cigarettes in the world. The results of {sup 210}Po determination on the 14 most frequently smoked brands of cigarettes which constitute over 70% of the total cigarette consumption in Poland are presented and discussed. Moreover, the polonium content in cigarette smoke was estimated on the basis of its activity in fresh tobaccos, ash, fresh filters and post-smoking filters. The annual effective doses were calculated on the basis of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb inhalation with the cigarette smoke. The results of this work indicate that Polish smokers who smoke one pack (20 cigarettes) per day inhale from 20 to 215 mBq of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb each. The mean values of the annual effective dose for smokers were estimated to be 35 and 70 {mu}Sv from {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb, respectively. For persons who smoke two packs of cigarettes with higher radionuclide concentrations, the effective dose is much higher (471 {mu}Sv yr{sup -1}) in comparison with the intake in diet. Therefore, cigarettes and the absorption through the respiratory system are the main sources and the principal pathway of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb intake of smokers in Poland.

The speciation and determination of 210Pb and 210Po in soil samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jia Guogang; Liu Senlin; Xu Changheng; Xiao Xuefu; Chen Ling; Yang Hetao; Maria Belli; Umberto Sansone; Silvia Rosamilia; Stefania Gaudino

2005-01-01

A method for speciation and determination of 21 0Pb and 210 Po in soil samples was developed. The speciation was carried out by fractionating the soil samples into 5 fractions which are water soluble or exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to Fe-Mn oxides, bound to organic matter and bound to residue. After mineralisation, 10% solution of each fraction was used to spontaneously deposit polonium on a silver disk at 85-90 degree C and pH 1.5 and 210 Po was measured by α-spectrometry; the remain solution was used to separate lead by anion-exchange resin and purified by precipitation as PbS and PbSO 4 , and 210 Pb was determined by a low background β-counter. IAEA-327 reference material (soil) has been studied for 210 Pb and 210 Po speciation. The results show that: (1) the average yields are 88.7±6.4% for 210 Pb and 93.8±8.2% for 210 Po; (2) if compared to the total 210 Pb activity in the sample, 210 Pb fractions are 0.95% in exchangeable form, 10.6% bound to carbonates, 14.3% bound to Fe-Mn oxides, 7.00% bound to organic matter, and 67.2% bound to residue or acid soluble, and the corresponding values for 210 Po are 0.17%, 0.97%, 21.0%, 0.47% and 77.4%, respectively; and (3) the obtained 210 Pb concentration is in good agreement with the recommended value given by IAEA.

Death by polonium-210: lessons learned from the murder of former Soviet spy Alexander Litvinenko.

Science.gov (United States)

McFee, Robin B; Leikin, Jerrold B

2009-02-01

The medical response to radiation--whether the result of radiological warfare, terrorist deployment of improvised radiation dispersal weapons, political assassination, occupational or industrial accidents or the medically radiated patient remains one of the least taught among all disciplines within medical education. In the aftermath of 9/11 among medical vulnerabilities to toxicant threats, of all the categories of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)--whether using the CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive) or NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) acronym--radiation is the least taught in professional schools, responder cultures or civil preparedness organizations. To date, few health care professionals (HCP) possess the fundamental knowledge or skills to identify and diagnose, let alone treat a radiation victim; this vulnerability made even more obvious in the aftermath of the high profile assassination of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko. He was poisoned with Polonium210. Radioactive substances are ubiquitous with radiation sources being in or transported through virtually every region nationwide. It is essential to increase preparedness among community and rural health care facilities as well as urban and university hospitals. Managing radiation injuries effectively requires access to specialized equipment and expertise. Radiation sickness is progressive and may require acute, critical and long-term care throughout the course of illness. Regardless of the source, preparedness rests upon acknowledging a threat exists and dedicating the resources to address the risks including the enhancement of training and equipment. Mass or individual exposures to radiation present unique challenges to the entire response continuum from law enforcement, first responders and emergency medical care. Increased education about and practice in responding to radiological threats is essential to enhance preparedness.

Polonium-210 concentration in the hair of 51 radium dial painters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Erkang, Zeng; Nanxiang, Li

1984-07-01

The /sup 210/Po concentration in the hair of 51 radium dial painters (one group of 29 male, and the another group of 22 female) was reported in this paper. It was found that the /sup 210/Po concentration in the hair of both the male and female painters were significantly higher than that of the controls. A correlation has also been observed between the /sup 210/Po concentration in the hair and the working ages of the male painters.

A study of Polonium in human hair and in fur from animals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holstein, H; Ranebo, Y.; Henriksson, F.; Rääf, C.L.; Holm, E.; Roos, P.

2013-01-01

Human hair and hair from animals might serve as good indicators for internal contamination, allowing for the quantification of general environmental levels of certain radioactive elements. From a sampling, analytical and hygienic point of view it would be advantageous to study hair instead of urine and faeces samples. There have been several investigations concerning Polonium in hair. The purpose of this study was to investigate if hair from humans and fur from animals constitute as matrixes for the estimation of the body burden of 210 Po. Human hair taken from 26 individuals from Sweden was analyzed for its 210 Po content. The resulting activity concentration of 210 Po ranged from 0.5 to 4.8 Bq/kg for individuals between the ages of 3 to 32 years and range from 0.5 to 11.5 Bq/kg for individuals between the ages of 32 to 60. This is in agreement with results presented in other studies. The 210 Po in hair might be due to external contamination or in vivo build up from 210 Pb. To help quantify these sources of contamination a couple of human volunteers ingested known amounts of 209 Po (which does not exist in nature). Results from the study showed that 209 Po was rather rapidly detected in the hair samples Human hair consists of 45% Carbon, 7% Hydrogen, 28% Oxygen, 15% Nitrogen and 5% Sulphur. The central core consists of polypeptide chains with hydrogen and disulphide bindings. It is suggested that the sulphide binding is the reason for transfer of Polonium into the hair. Samples from horses; mane, fur, and tail showed activity concentration levels ranging from 6 to 17 Bq/kg, with no significant differences between the various sample types. Fur samples taken from Muskox from Greenland showed much higher concentrations, i.e. 260 Bq/kg. This was expected since the animal graze over vast surface and consumes large amounts of lichen. Deposited radionuclides accumulate in lichens. Fur samples taken from other animals i.e. moose, hare, wild boar, roe deer, and sheep (lamb

Unusually large 210Po deficiencies relative to 210Pb in the Kuroshio Current of the East China and Philippine seas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoshiyuki Nozaki; Naoko Ikuta; Mayumi Yashima

1990-01-01

Three vertical water profiles of 210 Pb and 210 Po have been measured in the East China and Philippine seas. All the profiles show a large 210 Po deficiency of ∼ 8 dpm/cm 2 relative to 210 Pb in the top ∼ 1,000 m of the water column. Based on the 210 Po deficiency, the steady state flux for 210 Po removal from the surface water is estimated to be 14 dpm cm -2 /yr. The 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio of sinking particles will be too high unless an additional source of 210 Pb into the surface is accounted for. Thus the large 210 Po deficit is probably caused by the increased atmospheric input of 210 Pb without any significant 210 Po, which is focused in the Kuroshio region by isopycnal transport, and the preferential scavenging of 210 Po relative to 210 Pb by settling particles. The transient model calculations indicate that the model can account for the observed high excess 210 Pb inventory and large 210 Po deficiency in the water column if focusing of atmospherically derived 210 Pb in the Kuroshio water is a factor of 2-3 more than the local input. Such lateral redistribution by the western North Pacific gyre circulation is not inconsistent with the deeper penetration and the high water column inventories of anthropogenic substances observed in this region

Trends in the chemical state of polonium-210 in the atmosphere

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abe, M.; Abe, S.

1980-01-01

Trends of the chemial state of 210 Po in airborne dusts at Chiba, Japan, between 1963 and 1976 are discussed. A sublimination method is used to determine the chemical state of the 210 Po. The results show that the fraction of the component volatilizing at low temperature varies yearly in the range between 0 and 50%. If we assume the component comes from an artificial source, it may be suggested that a large fraction of 210 Po in airborne dusts comes from artificial sources. Additional reference data that show local properties of our sampling site are presented

Orientating investigation to Polonium-210 and other radionuclides in Dutch aquatic ecosystems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koester, H.W.; Marwitz, P.A.; Berger, G.W.; Weers, A.W. van; Hagel, P.; Nieuwenhuize, J.

1990-08-01

In 1985/86 reconnaissance investigations were carried out of Po-210, Pb-210, Ra-226, Th-230 of the U-238 series, and of Th-232 and its daughter Th-228. In the lower reaches of the Rhine, Westerschelde, and Hoogoven(furnace)-channel concentrations were markedly elevated. The average Po-210 concentrations of these waters were between 3-4 Bq.m -3 dissolved in water, between 200-500 Bq.kg -1 in dry suspended matter, between 300-400 Bq.kg -1 in mussels dry matter. These elevated levels could be ascribed to emissions on these waters by the phosphate rock and iron-ore-processing industries. In bottom sediment of waterways or of docks close to these industries Pb-210 and Po-210 concentrations varied from 150 to 750 Bq.kg -1 dry sediment. The lowest average Po-210 concentrations were found in the Oosterschelde: 0.8 Bq.m -3 dissolved in water, 70 Bq.kg -1 in dry suspended matter, 100 Bq.kg -1 in mussels dry matter. It was found that several organisms incorporate Po-210 more strongly than the other natural radionuclides. Po-210 also contributes most to the radiation burden caused by the consumption of fish products, in particular mussels and shrimps. Consumption of 1 kg. a -1 of shrimps from the Oosterschelde or from the coastal area causes respectively a radiation exposure of 10 μSv.a -1 or 30 μSv.a -1 . This study points out the necessity for further studies of the emissions of Po-210 and other U-238 daughters and their dispersal and/or accumulation in the aquatic environment. Furthermore it is important to identify critical groups with respect to the radiation exposure caused by the consumption of mussels and other fish products, and the contribution to this radiation exposure by the industries. (author). 43 refs.; 58 figs.; 52 tabs

Polonium ({sup 210}Po) and lead ({sup 210}Pb) in marine organisms and their transfer in marine food chains

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carvalho, Fernando P., E-mail: carvalho@itn.p [Instituto Tecnologico e Nuclear, Departamento de Proteccao Radiologica e Seguranca Nuclear, E.N. 10, 2686-953 Sacavem (Portugal)

2011-05-15

The determination of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb was performed in marine organisms from the seashore to abyssal depths, encompassing a plethora of species from the microscopic plankton to the sperm whale. Concentrations of those radionuclides ranged from low values of about 5 x 10{sup -1} Bq kg{sup -1} (wet wt.) in jellyfish, to very high values of about of 3 x 10{sup 4} Bq kg{sup -1} (wet wt.) in the gut walls of sardines, with a common pattern of {sup 210}Po > {sup 210}Pb.These radionuclides are primarily absorbed from water and concentrated by phyto- and microzooplankton, and then are transferred to the next trophic level along marine food chains. Investigation in epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic and abyssobenthic organisms revealed that {sup 210}Po is transferred in the marine food webs with transfer factors ranging from 0.1 to 0.7, and numerically similar to those of the energy transfer in the marine food chains. As {sup 210}Po preferentially binds to amino acids and proteins, its transfer in food chains likely traces protein transfer and, thus, {sup 210}Po transfer factors are similar to ecotrophic coefficients. {sup 210}Pb is transferred less efficiently in marine food chains and this contributes to increased {sup 210}Po:{sup 210}Pb activity ratios in some trophic levels.

A study on distribution of natural radionuclide polonium-210 in a pond ecosystem

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shahul Hameed, P.; Shaheed, K.; Somasundaram, S.S.N.

1997-01-01

This paper presents the results of an investigation on the distribution of 210 Po in Mutharasanallur pond ecosystem. It has been demonstrated that 210 Po is non-uniformly distributed within the ecosystem. The results of the study show a dissolved 210 Po concentration in pond water of 1.4mBql -1 . The sediment sample recorded a 210 Po activity of 59.9 Bqkg -1 . The aquatic organism showed differential accumulation of the radionuclide with enhanced bioaccumulation in soft tissues and muscle. The 210 Po activity in the biota fell within the range of 1.2-53.3 Bqkg -1 (wet weight). The bivalve mussel, Lamellidens marginalis was identified to accumulate higher concentration of 210 Po in soft tissues, suggesting that these organisms could serve as a bio-monitor of 210 Po radionuclide in a freshwater system. The concentration factors of 210 Po for the biotic components ranged from ∼ 10 2 - ∼ 10 4 . Analyses of the results indicate that prawn and fish represent an important source of supply of 210 Po to humans via dietary intake. Results of 210 Po activity in the abiotic and biotic components of the pond ecosystem were higher when compared with those of Cauvery river system, the primary water source of the pond. (author)

Distribution and intake of polonium-210 in the environment of Goa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Avadhani, D.N.; Mahesh, H.M.; Narayana, Y.; Siddappa, K.; Karunakara, N.; Somashekarappa, H.M.

1999-01-01

The paper deals with the distribution of 210 Po in soil, sand and food samples of the Goa region. The activity concentration of 210 Po in diet samples of the region were also measured and the annual effective internal dose due to ingestion of this radionuclide was estimated. The activity of 210 Po in soil and sand samples vary from 9.8 Bq kg -1 to 43.2 Bq kg -1 with a mean value of 26.3 Bq kg -1 and from 0.94 Bq kg -1 to 3.67 Bq kg -1 with the mean value of 1.82 Bq kg -1 respectively. Among food samples fish and prawn shows higher concentration of 210 Po. The committed effective dose equivalent due to veg and non-veg meals were found to be 13.49 μSvy -1 and 24.83 μSvy -1 respectively which is well below the dose limit of 1 mSvy -1 recommended by ICRP. (author)

Uranium, radon-222 and polonium-210 in drinking waters from metropolitan area of Recife, PE, Brazil; Uranio, radonio-222 e polonio-210 em aguas de abastecimento publico da regiao metropolitana do Recife

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Cleomacio Miguel da

2000-04-01

There is only scarce information on the presence of radionuclides in water for public consumption in Brazil. A recently issued federal regulation requires that waters from public supplies be screened to determine their content of alpha and beta emitters. In order to comply with this requirement the present work was carried out with the purpose of determining the concentration of natural uranium, {sup 222} Rn and {sup 210} Po in water supplies in the metropolitan region of Recife, Brazil. The analyses were performed in 17 points of supply of superficial water and 94 points of groundwater supply. The concentrations of uranium were determined by the fluorimetric method, whereas the liquid scintillation method was used to determine the concentration of {sup 222} Rn. Polonium-210, on the other hand, was determined by alpha spectrometry, following its spontaneous deposition on copper disks. The water analyzer presented uranium concentrations varying from 35.3 to 1146.5 mBq/L for superficial resources and from 20.2 to 919.15 mBq/L for underground sources. The concentration of uranium in superficial water showed significant correlation with some parameters such as conductivity, alkalinity and total hardness, as well as, with the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cl, K, SO{sub 4} and Mn. No correlation, however, was shown with the concentrations of Fe, NO{sub 2} and NO{sub 3}. The concentrations of {sup 222} Rn varied from 5.3 to 83.7 Bq/L in the groundwater analyzer. Radon concentration was not measured in superficial water due to the high emanation rate of radon in open air conditions. As far as {sup 210} Po is concerned, the analyses showed concentrations ranging from <22 mBq/L (the lowest limit of detection) to 57.4 mBq/L for superficial water and from <22 to 813 mBq/L for ground water samples. The concentrations of {sup 210} Po did not show and correlation with physico-chemical parameters. The average concentrations of uranium and {sup 210} Po in superficial water were of 44

Polonium content in sediments and other solid tailings generated by mining industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chmielewska, Izabela; Michalik, Boguslaw [Silesian Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Central Mining Institute, 40-166 Katowice, Pl. Gwarkow 1 (Poland)

2014-07-01

All legal limits or recommendations concerning NORM include only primordial radionuclides and secular equilibrium state among all decay products is assumed. This is not valid for a majority of residues from NORM industry where activity concentration of progenies can substantially differ each other. Upper Silesia Coal Basin is a unique region where mining activity is continuously done over longer period of time and this include discharging of radium-bearing water to environment and creating huge amount of solid wastes where at the beginning radium is the most dominant radionuclide. With time other daughter products start to build up and actual exposure to radiation is changing. One of them is polonium that with regard to its chemical properties can be easily accumulated in non-human biota resulting in the increase of radiation exposure. In our work we focused attention on sediments where content of {sup 210}Po was determined by chemical separation followed by alpha spectrometry. Chemical preparation involves organic matter destruction and dissolution of the sample itself (if possible). In our research we employed wet digestion by means of mixture of concentrated acids: HNO{sub 3}, HClO{sub 4}, HCl. Later on polonium was spontaneously deposited onto silver disc and measured with use of alpha spectrometry. In this article we want to show results of our study and as well to present some conclusions concerning changes in radiation risk assessment when actual concentration of polonium is taken into consideration. (authors)

Distribution of dissolved and particulate 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po in the Bismarck Sea and western equatorial Pacific Ocean

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peck, G.A.; Smith, J.D

2000-01-01

The distribution of the radionuclides 226 Ra, 210 Pb and 210 Po in the dissolved ( 210 Pb and 210 Po in the particulate (>0.45 μm) phases was measured in the upper 300 m of the Bismarck Sea off the Sepik River and along the equator from 143 deg E to 152 deg E in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean. 210 Pb and 210 Po occurred principally in the dissolved phase with a 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratios greater than 1.0. Box model calculations yielded an average atmospheric flux of 210 Pb of 4.5 mBq cm -2 year -1 to the ocean surface. The average residence times for dissolved 210 Po and dissolved 210 Pb were 0.27 years and 8.0 years respectively (in the mixed layer) and 1.45 years and 170 years (in the deeper layer). With an average residence time of 0.08 ± 0.03 years, particulate 210 Po varied little between the layers. The difference in 210 Po and 210 Pb residence times reflects the greater particle reactivity of 210 Po. The flux of particulate organic carbon was calculated to be 104 ± 21 mg m -2 day -1 from the upper 100 m and 180 ± 22 mg m -2 day -1 from 100-300 m. Copyright (2000) CSIRO Publishing

Spatial distribution of radionuclides in soil around a coal-fired power plant: lead 210, polonium 210, radium 226, thorium 232, kalium 40 emitted with the fly ash and cesium 137 from the worldwide weapon testing fallout

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bunzl, K.; Hoetzl, H.; Rosner, G.; Winkler, R.

1984-09-01

To determine the effect of airborne emissions of radionuclides from coal-fired power plants on the environment, the concentrations of the most important radionuclides were measured in soil samples from the local environments (0.4-5.2 km) as well as in fly ash. The spatial distribution of the radionuclides in the soil did not indicate any significantly increased concentrations in the area downwind of the plant compared to other areas; the ratios lead 210/radium 226 and polonium 210/radium 226 were within the range observed for unaffected soils. The emissions from the plant, though present, are obviously too small to significantly change the natural local distribution pattern of the radionuclides in the soil. A highly significant correlation between potassium 40 and thorium 232 was observed which was independent of the different types of soils found in this area. The concentration of cesium 137 in topsoil, which is the result of worldwide fallout from nuclear weapons testing, varied at some places even within a small distance (approx. 2 km) by up to one order of magnitude. Furthermore, it was observed that the concentration of cesium 137 in soils from cropland was on average a factor of 2 less than in those from grassland. This variability has to be considered in planning monitoring programs around nuclear power plants, which may also release this radionuclide. (A.V.)

Polonium-210 in seaweeds of the Krusadai island, Gulf of Mannar

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Somasundaram, S.S.N.; Shaheed, K.; Shahul Hameed, P.

1997-01-01

The concentration of 210 Po, an alpha emitter of the natural uranium series was measured in some commercial seaweeds, collected from Krusadai island, the south east coast of Tamil Nadu. The concentration of 210 Po in water and sediment samples was found to be 2.80 mBq/l and 36.2 Bq/kg respectively. The 210 Po was observed to be non-uniformly distributed among the seaweeds, which maintained the following descending order: Ulva reticulata (30.0 Bq/kg > Cystophyllum murictum (24.9 Bq/kg) > Sargassum wightti (22.1 Bq/kg) > Sargassum ilicifolium (19.6 Bq/kg) > Hypnea valentiae (15.09 Bq/kg) > Gracilaria follifera (14.87 Bq/kg) > Gracilaria edulis (10.12 Bq/kg) > Turbinaria conoides (8.5 Bq/kg) > Gelidiella acerosa (5.80 Bq/kg). The general range of CF s for the macro algae varies between 10 3 and 10 4 . The distribution of 210 Po in the seaweeds and its relation to the protein content is discussed. (author). 14 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab

Thermochromatography study of volatile polonium species in various gas atmospheres

CERN Document Server

Maugeri, Emilio Andrea; Eichler, Robert; Piguet,David; Mendonça, Tania Melo; Stora, Thierry; Schumann, Dorothea

2014-01-01

Phenomena related to the volatilization of polonium and its compounds are critical issues for the safety assessment of the innovative lead–bismuth cooled type of nuclear reactor or accelerator driven systems. The formation and volatilization of different species of polonium and their interaction with fused silica was studied by thermochromatography using carrier gases with varied redox potential. The obtained results show that under inert and reducing conditions in the absence of moisture, elemental polonium is formed. Polonium compounds more volatile than elemental polonium can be formed if traces of moisture are present in both inert and reducing carrier gas. The use of dried oxygen as carrier gas leads to the formation of polonium oxides, which are less volatile than elemental polonium. It was also found that the volatility of polonium oxides increases with increasing oxidation state. In the presence of moisture in an oxidizing carrier gas, species are formed that are more volatile than the oxides and le...

210Pb dating of Baltic Sea sediments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gellermann, R.

1990-01-01

The paper reports on the results of 210 Pb measurement in sediment cores from the Baltic Sea. The models used for the interpretation are derived and discussed. In general, the sedimentation parameters calculated with different models are consistent. However, parameters of cores independently taken on same partly show clearly differing values. The reasons of this observation have to be analysed by further studies. An essential problem considered in this paper is the dating of disturbed sediments. The use of such cores for the reconstruction of the input history of chemical indicators requires a deconvolution of data. The response function necessary for this procedure can be derived from 210 Pb measurements. The results of such a reconstruction considerably differ from those obtained by conventional dating models. The analysis of the measuring uncertainty of the indicator (e.g. lead) in the deconvolution procedure unveals the limits of the method and prevents it from overinterpretation. (orig.) [de

Determination of "2"1"0Po in calcium supplements and the possible related dose assessment to the consumers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strumińska-Parulska, Dagmara I.

2015-01-01

The aim of this pioneer study was to investigate the most popular calcium supplements as a potential additional source of polonium "2"1"0Po in human diet. The analyzed calcium pharmaceutics contained organic or inorganic calcium compounds; some from natural sources as mussels' shells, fish extracts, or sedimentary rocks. The objectives of this research were to investigate the naturally occurring "2"1"0Po activity concentrations in calcium supplements, find the correlations between "2"1"0Po concentration in medicament and calcium chemical form, and calculate the effective radiation dose connected to analyzed calcium supplement consumption. As results showed, "2"1"0Po concentrations in natural origin calcium supplements (especially sedimentary rocks) were higher than the other analyzed. Also the results of "2"1"0Po analysis obtained for inorganic forms of calcium supplements were higher. The highest "2"1"0Po activity concentrations were determined in mineral tablets made from sedimentary rocks: dolomite and chalk – 3.88 ± 0.22 and 3.36 ± 0.10 mBq g"−"1 respectively; while the lowest in organic calcium compounds: calcium lactate and calcium gluconate – 0.07 ± 0.02 and 0.17 ± 0.01 mBq g"−"1. The annual effective radiation doses from supplements intake were estimated as well. The highest annual radiation dose from "2"1"0Po taken with 1 tablet of calcium supplement per day was connected to sample made from chalk – 2.5 ± 0.07 μSv year"−"1, while the highest annual radiation dose from "2"1"0Po taken with 1 g of pure calcium per day was connected to dolomite – 12.7 ± 0.70 μSv year"−"1. - Highlights: • "2"1"0Po in the most popular calcium supplements in Poland was investigated. • "2"1"0Po is present in calcium supplements and could be an additional source of "2"1"0Po for human. • Inorganic samples were richer in "2"1"0Po in comparison to organic. • Additives from sedimentary rocks, were richer in polonium in comparison to

Radioactive {sup 210}Po in magnesium supplements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Struminska-Parulska, Dagmara Ida [Gdansk Univ. (Poland). Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry Chair

2016-08-01

The aim of this pioneer study was to determine polonium {sup 210}Po in the most popular magnesium supplements in Poland and estimate the possible related dose assessment to the consumers. The analyzed magnesium pharmaceutics contained organic or inorganic magnesium compounds; some from natural sources. The objectives of this research were to investigate the naturally occurring {sup 210}Po activity concentrations in magnesium supplements, find the correlations between {sup 210}Po concentration in medicament and magnesium chemical form, and calculate the effective radiation dose connected to analyzed magnesium supplement consumption. The highest {sup 210}Po activity concentrations were determined in mineral tablets made from sedimentary rocks, namely dolomite - 3.84 ± 0.15 mBq g{sup -1} (sample Mg17). The highest annual radiation dose from {sup 210}Po taken with 1 tablet of magnesium supplement per day or with 400 mg of pure Mg daily would come from sample Mg17 (dolomite) - 1.35 ± 0.5 and 8.44 ± 0.33 μSv year{sup -1} respectively.

Deformation and mixing of co-existing shapes in the neutron-deficient polonium isotopes

CERN Document Server

AUTHOR|(CDS)2078559; Huyse, Mark

The neutron-deficient polonium isotopes, with only 2 protons outside the Z = 82 shell closure, are situated in an interesting region of the nuclear chart. In the neighboring lead (Z = 82) and mercury (Z = 80) isotopes, experimental and theoretical efforts identified evidence of shape coexistence. Shape coexistence is the remarkable phenomenon in which two or more distinct types of deformation occur in states of the same angular momentum and similar excitation energy in a nucleus. The neutron-deficient polonium isotopes have also been studied intensively, experimentally as well as theoretically. The closed neutron-shell nucleus 210Po (N = 126) manifests itself as a two-particle nucleus where most of the excited states can be explained by considering the degrees of freedom of the two valence protons outside of 208Pb. The near-constant behavior of the yrast 2+1 and 4+1 states in the isotopes with mass 200 ≤ A ≤ 208 can be explained by coupling the two valence protons to a vibrating lead core. 200Po seems to ...

Hair as an indicator of the body content of polonium in humans: Preliminary results from study of five male volunteers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rääf, C.L.; Holstein, H.; Holm, E.

2015-01-01

radioactive polonium (209Po as a bio-tracer for 210Po) in well determined quantities. Four of the volunteers were given 5-10Bq 209Po in a single intake (acute intake) and one volunteer has ingested a daily intake of 58.7mBq 209Po for a period of 180 d. Human hair was found to reflect the daily clearance...

Adsorption of volatile polonium species on metals in various gas atmospheres. Pt. II. Adsorption of volatile polonium on platinum, silver and palladium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maugeri, Emilio Andrea; Joerg Neuhausen; Dressler, Rugard; Piguet, David; Voegele, Alexander; Schumann, Dorothea [Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland). Lab. for Radiochemistry; Misiak, Ryszard [The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Krakow (Poland); Eichler, Robert [Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland). Lab. for Radiochemistry; Bern Univ. (Switzerland). Dept. for Chemistry and Biochemistry

2016-07-01

This work presents the results obtained from studying the interaction between polonium compounds formed in different atmospheres and platinum, palladium and silver surfaces obtained by thermochromatography. These results are of crucial importance for the design of cover gas filter systems for lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE)-based nuclear facilities such as accelerator driven systems (ADS). The results obtained from studying the interaction of polonium and platinum under inert atmosphere and reducing atmospheres with and without addition of moisture show that polonium is deposited at temperatures between 993 and 1221 K, with adsorption enthalpies ranging from -235 to -291 kJ mol{sup -1}, indicating a very strong adsorption of the polonium species present on platinum surfaces. The interaction between polonium and silver was investigated using purified inert, reducing and oxidizing carrier gases. Results show a deposition temperature between 867 and 990 K, with adsorption enthalpies ranging from -205 to -234 kJ mol{sup -1}. The interaction of polonium and palladium was studied in purified helium and purified hydrogen. For both conditions a deposition temperature of 1221 K was observed corresponding to an adsorption enthalpy of -340 kJ mol{sup -1}. No highly volatile polonium species was formed at any of the applied experimental conditions.

Distribution of 210Pb and 210Po concentrations in wild berries and mushrooms in boreal forest ecosystems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vaaramaa, Kaisa; Solatie, Dina; Aro, Lasse

2009-01-01

The activity concentrations and distribution of 210 Pb and 210 Po in wild berries and edible mushrooms were investigated in Finnish forests. The main study areas were located in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests in southern and northern Finland. The activity concentrations of 210 Pb and 210 Po in blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) samples decreased in the order: stems > leaves > berries (i.e. fruits). The activity ratios of 210 Po/ 210 Pb in the wild berry samples were mainly higher than one, indicating elevated activity concentrations of polonium in the samples. In mushrooms the activity concentrations of 210 Pb and especially 210 Po were higher than in fruits of the wild berries. The highest activity concentration of 210 Pb was detected in Cortinarius armillatus L. (16.2 Bq kg -1 d.w.) and the lowest in Leccinum vulpinum L. (1.38 Bq kg -1 d.w.). The 210 Po activity concentrations of the whole fruiting bodies ranged from 7.14 Bq kg -1 d.w. (Russula paludosa L.) to 1174 Bq kg -1 d.w. (L. vulpinum L.). In general, the highest activity concentrations of 210 Po were recorded in boletes. The caps of mushrooms of the Boletaceae family showed higher activity concentrations of 210 Po compared to the stipes. In most of the mushrooms analyzed, the activity concentrations of 210 Po were higher than those of 210 Pb. 210 Po and 210 Pb dominate the radiation doses received via ingestion of wild berries and mushrooms in northern Finland, while in southern Finland the ingested dose is dominated by 137 Cs from the Chernobyl fallout.

Management of response to the polonium-210 incident in London

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Croft, John; Bailey, Michael; Tattersall, Phil; Morrey, Mary; McColl, Neil; Prosser, Lesley; Maguire, Helen; Fraser, Graham; Gross, Roger

2008-01-01

On the 23 November 2006, Alexander Litvinenko died in London allegedly from poisoning by 210 Po, an alpha particle emitter. The spread of radioactive contamination, arising from the poisoning and the events leading up to it, involved many locations in London. The potential for intakes of 210 Po arising from the contamination posed a public health risk and generated significant public concern. The scale of the event required a multi-agency response, including top level UK Government emergency response management arrangements. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) had a leading role in co-ordinating and managing the public health response. This paper reviews the management of the incident response and the issues involved. The fatal poisoning of Mr Litvinenko with 210 Po, and the associated public health hazard from the spread of contamination to many locations across London, was an unprecedented event. Fortunately, no one else is known to have suffered any acute effects. Results from the programme of individual monitoring showed that whilst more than 100 people had measurable intakes of 210 Po, only 17 had assessed doses in excess of 6 mSv. The highest dose of about 100 mSv gives rise to an increased risk of fatal cancer of about 0.5%, compared with the natural incidence of about 25%. The incident required a co-ordinated and sustained multi-agency emergency response. The Health Protection Agency, as the lead on public health matters played a significant role in this. Whilst inevitably some lessons have been identified, the response is considered to have been very effective and to have benefited from the wide spectrum of experience and expertise developed through normal work, together with the effort put into emergency preparedness and the various emergency response. (author)

210Po in the marine environment with emphasis on its behaviour within the biosphere.

Science.gov (United States)

Fowler, Scott W

2011-05-01

The distribution and behaviour of the natural-series alpha-emitter polonium-210 in the marine environment has been under study for many years primarily due to its enhanced bioaccumulation, its strong affinity for binding with certain internal tissues, and its importance as a contributor to the natural radiation dose received by marine biota as well as humans consuming seafoods. Results from studies spanning nearly 5 decades show that (210)Po concentrations in organisms vary widely among the different phylogenic groups as well as between the different tissues of a given species. Such variation results in (210)Po concentration factors ranging from approximately 10(3) to over 10(6) depending upon the organism or tissue considered. (210)Po/(210)Pb ratios in marine species are generally greater than unity and tend to increase up the food chain indicating that (210)Po is preferentially taken up by organisms compared to its progenitor (210)Pb. The effective transfer of (210)Po up the food chain is primarily due to the high degree of assimilation of the radionuclide from ingested food and its subsequent strong retention in the organisms. In some cases this mechanism may lead to an apparent biomagnification of (210)Po at the higher trophic level. Various pelagic species release (210)Po and (210)Pb packaged in organic biodetrital particles that sink and remove these radionuclides from the upper water column, a biogeochemical process which, coupled with scavenging rates of this radionuclide pair, is being examined as a possible proxy for estimating downward organic carbon fluxes in the sea. Data related to preferential bioaccumulation in various organisms, their tissues, resultant radiation doses to these species, and the processes by which (210)Po is transferred and recycled through the food web are discussed. In addition, the main gaps in our present knowledge and proposed areas for future studies on the biogeochemical behaviour of (210)Po and its use as a tracer of

210Po in the marine environment with emphasis on its behaviour within the biosphere

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fowler, Scott W.

2011-01-01

The distribution and behaviour of the natural-series alpha-emitter polonium-210 in the marine environment has been under study for many years primarily due to its enhanced bioaccumulation, its strong affinity for binding with certain internal tissues, and its importance as a contributor to the natural radiation dose received by marine biota as well as humans consuming seafoods. Results from studies spanning nearly 5 decades show that 210 Po concentrations in organisms vary widely among the different phylogenic groups as well as between the different tissues of a given species. Such variation results in 210 Po concentration factors ranging from approximately 10 3 to over 10 6 depending upon the organism or tissue considered. 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratios in marine species are generally greater than unity and tend to increase up the food chain indicating that 210 Po is preferentially taken up by organisms compared to its progenitor 210 Pb. The effective transfer of 210 Po up the food chain is primarily due to the high degree of assimilation of the radionuclide from ingested food and its subsequent strong retention in the organisms. In some cases this mechanism may lead to an apparent biomagnification of 210 Po at the higher trophic level. Various pelagic species release 210 Po and 210 Pb packaged in organic biodetrital particles that sink and remove these radionuclides from the upper water column, a biogeochemical process which, coupled with scavenging rates of this radionuclide pair, is being examined as a possible proxy for estimating downward organic carbon fluxes in the sea. Data related to preferential bioaccumulation in various organisms, their tissues, resultant radiation doses to these species, and the processes by which 210 Po is transferred and recycled through the food web are discussed. In addition, the main gaps in our present knowledge and proposed areas for future studies on the biogeochemical behaviour of 210 Po and its use as a tracer of oceanographic

Accumulation of 210Po in foodstuffs cultivated in Gudalore in South India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sivakumar, R.; Selvasekarapandian, S.; Mugunthamanikandan, N.; Raghunath, V.M.

2000-01-01

Gudalore is an important region on the western gate in South India. Systematic studies on radiation levels and radionuclides distributions in the environment of this region were undertaken to provide baseline data on the radiation levels for future use and to throw light on the basic aspects of transportation of radionuclides in the environment and their uptake by vegetation species. Radiochemical method is used to determine the activity concentration of 210 Po in number of environmental samples. 210 Po in vegetables varies from 0.015 to 0.558 Bq/Kg (wet weight). The highest content of polonium was observed in tea and the lowest in tomato. The activity concentration of 210 Po in different vegetables follows the descending order, leafy vegetables > other vegetables > tuberous vegetables. The soil to plant transfer coefficients are determined from the measured activity values. The transfer coefficient for different vegetables varies from 0.011 for papaya to 0.119 for cabbage. The major concentration in the leaf and other vegetables suggests that the accumulations of 210 Po in vegetables be due to its deposition on and absorption by their leaves. From the intake annual effective dose was calculated. Effective dose equivalent due to polonium in different vegetables varies between 0.012 and 2.446 μSv/Y. The results of these systematic investigations, which form the first report on the radionuclide distribution of Gudalore are discussed and presented in this paper. (author)

The research for a method for controlling atmospheric pollution in a plutonium treatment cell; Recherche d'une methode de controle de la pollution atmospherique dans une cellule traitant le polonium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bouteiller, E [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France).Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1960-07-01

The aerosols likely to contain {sup 210}Po are trapped by bubbling through an acid solution. The problem of determining the polonium concentration of the solution has been solved by combining it with telluric acid. The reduction is carried out at pH = 0 using a solution of stannous chloride. We have studied the factors influencing coprecipitation; nature of the medium, pH, amounts of telluric acid and of stannous chloride. The average yield for the precipitation is 93 per cent. After precipitation, the polonium is filtered on paper and its activity is measured by means of a scintillation counter. The method makes it possible to measure 1/20 of the maximum permissible dose with an accuracy of 20 per cent. (author) [French] Les aerosols susceptibles de contenir du {sup 210}Po sont captes par barbotage dans une solution acide. Le probleme de la concentration de la solution en polonium a ete resolu en entrainant celui-ci avec de l'acide tellurique. La reduction est effectuee a pH = 0 par une solution de chlorure stanneux. Nous avons etudie les facteurs influencant la coprecipitation: nature du milieu, pH, quantite d'entraineur, quantite de chlorure stanneux. Le rendement moyen de la precipitation est de 93 pour cent. Apres precipitation, le polonium est filtre sur papier et son activite mesuree au compteur a scintillations. La methode permet de mesurer le 1/20 de la dose maximum permise avec une precision de 20 pour cent. (auteur)

Transfer factors of Polonium from soil to parsley and mint

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Al-Hamwi, A.; Eadan, Z.; Amin, Y.

2010-01-01

Transfer factors of 210 Po from soil to parsley and mint have been determined. Artificial polonium isotope ( 208 Po) was used as a tracer to determine transfer factor of Po from soil to plant in pot experiments. Two plant growing systems were used for this study namely, an outdoor system and a sheltered system by a polyethylene tent. 208 Po and 210 Po were determined in soil and different parts of the studied plants (stem and leaf), using alpha spectroscopy. The results have shown that there was a clear uptake of 208 Po by roots to leaves and stems of both plants. Higher values of transfer factors using the 210 Po activity concentrations than the 208 Po activity concentration were observed. Transfer factors of 210 Po from soil to parsley varied between 20 x 10 -2 and 50 x 10 -2 and 22 x 10 -3 and 67 x 10 -3 in mint, while 208 Po transfer factors varied between 4 x 10 -2 and 12 x 10 -2 for parsley and 10 x 10 -2 and 22 x 10 -2 in mint. Transfer factors of Po were higher in those plants grown in the sheltered system than in the open system; about 75% of Po was transferred from atmosphere to parsley parts using the two systems. Ratios of transferred Po from soil to mint stem and leaf in the sheltered system were higher by 2 times from those in the open system.

A study on Polonium-210 distribution in the Koraiyar river ecosystem, Tiruchirappalli - India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krishnamoorthy, R.; Syed Mohamed, H.E.; Raja, P.; Shahul Hameed, M.M.; Shahul Hameed, P.

2004-01-01

The present work reports the distribution of naturally occurring alpha emitting radionuclide 210 Po in the environmental matrices of Koraiyar river. Koraiyar is a seasonal river and it is situated 5 Km West of Tiruchirappalli. Environmental samples such as water, sediment, plankton, weeds (Eichhornia crassipes), crab (Barytelphusa jacguemonti), gastropods (Pila virens and Bellamya dissimilis) and fishes (Anabas testudineus, Catla catla, Clarias batrachus, Channa punctatus, Macrognathus acculeatus, Mystus vittatus and Oreochromis mossambicus) were collected and subjected to the analyses of 210 Po activity. The concentration of 210 Po in water sample and sediment sample was 0.75 mBq/l and 3.1 Bq/Kg respectively. The roots and shoots of aquatic weeds and plankton sample showed concentration of 3.4, 1.2 and 22.2 Bq/Kg respectively. The concentration of 210 Po in crab muscle and exoskeleton was 43.92 Bq/Kg and 11.34 Bq/Kg respectively. In soft tissue of gastropods the 210 Po activity ranged from 38.16 (B. dissimilis) to 88.74 Bq/Kg (P. virens) and 2.9 to 9.45 Bq/Kg in shell. The 210 Po activity in fishes ranged from 8.87 (Macrognathus acculeatus) to 45.29 (Clarias batrachus) Bq/Kg in muscle and 4.76 to 25.09 Bq/Kg in bone. Concentration factor of 210 Po in edible portion of fish from river water ranged from 1.3 x 10 3 to 6.0 x 10 4 . Among the samples analysed P. virens accumulated higher concentrations of 210 Po and it could serve as a bioindicator organism in the absence of any bivalve mollusc. (author)

Intake of 210Po, 234U and 238U radionuclides with beer in Poland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skwarzec, B.; Struminska, D.I.; Borylo, A.; Falandysz, J.

2004-01-01

238 U, 234 U and 210 Po activity concentrations were determined in beer in Poland by alpha-spectrometry with low-level activity silicon detectors. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of 238 U, 234 U and 210 Po in the analyzed beer samples were 4.63, 4.11 and 4.94 mBq x dm -3 , respectively, the highest in Tyskie (5.71 for 210 Po, 5.06 for 234 U and 6.11 for 238 U) and the lowest in Lech (2.49 for 210 Po). The effective radiation dose due to uranium and polonium ingestions by beer was calculated and were compared to the effective radiation dose from drinking water. (author)

Versicherung und volkswirtschaftlicher Kreislauf

OpenAIRE

Lampert, Heinz

1982-01-01

Versicherung und volkswirtschaftlicher Kreislauf : zur Behandlung d. Privatversicherung in d. volkswirtschaftl. Gesamtrechnung. - In: Zeitschrift für die gesamte Versicherungswissenschaft. 71. 1982. S. 189-210

Radioecological modelling of Polonium-210 and Caesium-137 in lichen-reindeer-man and top predators.

Science.gov (United States)

Persson, Bertil R R; Gjelsvik, Runhild; Holm, Elis

2018-06-01

This work deals with analysis and modelling of the radionuclides 210 Pb and 210 Po in the food-chain lichen-reindeer-man in addition to 210 Po and 137 Cs in top predators. By using the methods of Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) the atmospheric deposition of 210 Pb and 210 Po is predicted at the sample locations. Dynamic modelling of the activity concentration with differential equations is fitted to the sample data. Reindeer lichen consumption, gastrointestinal absorption, organ distribution and elimination is derived from information in the literature. Dynamic modelling of transfer of 210 Pb and 210 Po to reindeer meat, liver and bone from lichen consumption, fitted well with data from Sweden and Finland from 1966 to 1971. The activity concentration of 210 Pb in the skeleton in man is modelled by using the results of studying the kinetics of lead in skeleton and blood in lead-workers after end of occupational exposure. The result of modelling 210 Pb and 210 Po activity in skeleton matched well with concentrations of 210 Pb and 210 Po in teeth from reindeer-breeders and autopsy bone samples in Finland. The results of 210 Po and 137 Cs in different tissues of wolf, wolverine and lynx previously published, are analysed with multivariate data processing methods such as Principal Component Analysis PCA, and modelled with the method of Projection to Latent Structures, PLS, or Partial Least Square Regression PLSR. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of 210Po in Slovak mineral waters by sorption on ZnS(Ag)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krivosik, M.

2009-01-01

In determining of 210 Po it was followed according to the Czech technical standard CSN 75 7626 Water quality - Determination of polonium-210. The aim of this work was to optimize the conditions for sorption of 210 Po on ZnS (Ag) from acidic environment from the model solutions. The effect of pH of the sample, its volume and the presence of NaCl on the sorption of 210 Po on ZnS (Ag) was studied. Three types of filters for filtering ZnS (Ag), Synpor, paper and glass fiber filters were tested. Bulk activity of 210 Po was determined in the samples of Slovak mineral waters and healing waters as well as in water samples from antimony mine (mine Rufus) near the village Poproc (rural Kosice district). (author)

Some aspects of polonium-210 and lead-210 bioaccumulation in the gills of the fish Macrodon ancylodon ( Block and Schneider, 1801)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pereira, Wagner S.; Kelecom, Alphonse; Gouvea, Rita C.S.; Santos, Pedro L. dos

2000-01-01

The concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb and the ratios between these radionuclides have been determined monthly from February 1997 to May 1998 in the gills of the fish Macrodon ancylodon, collected in the bay of Sepetiba (State of Rio de Janeiro). The variations in the biological accumulation of 210 Po and 210 Pb were analysed along the time and correlated to the weight and length of the fishes. (author)

Some aspects of the bioaccumulation of polonium-210 and lead-210 in the gill of the fish Macrodon ancylodon (Block and Schneider, 1801)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pereira, Wagner de Souza

1999-01-01

210 Po and its grandfather 210 Pb are natural radionuclides from the 238 U family. The former is of considerable radio-biological relevance because of its very easy absorption by almost all living organisms and because of its high radiotoxicity, being considered as the major contributor to α-irradiation in the great majority of organisms. On the contrary, the low energy β-emitter 210 Pb is less efficiently absorbed; its biological importance results from the fact that it decays to 210 Po, being one of the sources of the latter in all living beings. The concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in the gills of Macrodon ancylodon (known as 'pescadinha') from Sepetiba Bay (80 Km SW of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were determined monthly, looking for: eventual variations along the time of their respective bioaccumulation; variations of their relative bioaccumulation ( 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratios); and correlations between levels of 210 Po and 210 Pb and biometric parameters such as length and weight. Thus, the concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in gills of M. ancylodon were determined monthly during respectively 16 and 12 months. The overall mean concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb were respectively of 22.41 +/- 14.57 mBq/g (range : 12.69 +/- 4.76 mBq/g in May 98 to 34.84 +/- 15.72 mBq/g in January 98) and 2.48 +/- 1.92 mBq/g (range : 1.62 +/- 0.85 mBq/g in September 97 to 4.89 +/- 2.85 mBq/g in May 97). Statistical analysis of the radiometric parameters ( 210 Po activity, 210 Pb activity and 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio) showed that there was no detectable dependence of 210 Po or 210 Pb accumulation along the time. However, the 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratios were higher during summer and winter (approximately 22), and lower during spring and autumn (approximately 10). This suggested that some seasonal variations must indeed occur and these might be related to the heavy rainfalls that occur during summer and winter. On the other hand, no correlations could be observed between the biometric

Po-210 and Pb-210 in water and fish from Taboshar uranium mining Pit Lake, Tajikistan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skipperud, L.; Jørgensen, A.G.; Heier, L.S.; Salbu, B.; Rosseland, B.O.

2013-01-01

Polonium-210 in water and 210 Pb and 210 Po in different fish organs from 3 different fish species in Taboshar Pit Lake (n = 13), located in the uranium mining area in Tajikistan, and in Kairakkum Reservoir (reference lake, n = 3), have been determined as part of a Joint project between Norway, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The average activity concentration of 210 Pb and 210 Po in liver, muscle and bone of Carassius auratus was higher than the concentration in similar tissues of C. carpio and Sander lucioperca from the reference site. The accumulation of 210 Po was higher than for 210 Pb, and the accumulation of 210 Po was highest in the liver of C. auratus (3673 ± 434 Bq kg −1 ww). Although the average activity concentration of 210 Pb in liver and bones of C. auratus from Pit Lake were fairly similar, a huge variation in the liver activity concentrations (25–327 Bq kg −1 ww) was found. The results confirm direct uptake of unsupported 210 Po into the liver, and that the distributions of 210 Po and 210 Pb in fish organs were different. The BCF (L/kg) for 210 Po in bone, liver and muscle clearly demonstrates high accumulation of 210 Po in C. auratus, especially in the liver. The average BCFs of liver, bone and muscle were >1.4 × 10 5 , >2.5 × 10 4 and >1.4 × 10 4 , respectively. All fish in the Pit Lake were found to be in the same trophic level, however, a linear correlation between log 210 Po in liver and δ 15 N could indicate biomagnification of 210 Po in liver of C. auratus. In regards to the recommended Annual Limit of Intake (ALI) for 210 Po, the concentration of 210 Po in muscle tissues of C. auratus is alarming, as there is a high probability for the local population at risk to exceed the recommended ALI through consumption of fish from Taboshar Pit Lake

The human alimentary tract transfer and body retention of environmental polonium-210

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hunt, G J; Rumney, H S

2007-01-01

This paper presents the results of a 4 year study to investigate the human alimentary tract transfer factor (f A value) and body retention of 210 Po in shellfish. In the first 3 years, mussels (Mytilus edulis L.), cockles (Cerastoderma edule L.) and brown meat from crab (Cancer pagurus L.) were successively studied. In each year five volunteers (from a pool of seven) ate a suitable portion of the shellfish and provided 24 h samples of excreta usually for 3 days before and for at least 7 days during and after eating. Subsamples of shellfish were analysed to determine the intakes of 210 Po. Faeces were analysed and the data used to assess apparent f A values. Urine samples were analysed in the mussel and crab studies to provide urinary excretion parameters. Pb-210 was also analysed during the mussel study; the levels were low, leading to large uncertainties, but confirming the negligible effect of radioactive decay to its granddaughter 210 Po in the main study. In the fourth year, larger samples of brown crab meat were eaten by five volunteers and faecal samples were taken at suitable times over periods of up to 43 days to study body retention of 210 Po. The first ∼7 days provided additional data on f A values. Pooled results for the apparent f A for the whole study lay in the range 0.15-0.65 with a mean of 0.46; corrections for endogenous excretion suggest a true f A value of ∼0.51, supporting the value of 0.5 currently used by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The retention data suggest a biological half-time of about 40 days, in broad consistency with the 50 days currently used by the ICRP. Thus there is no strong evidence from this study suggesting a change in dose coefficient for 210 Po. Full experimental data are provided to allow independent further interpretation

Sequential extraction procedure for determination of uranium, thorium, radium, lead and polonium radionuclides by alpha spectrometry in environmental samples

Science.gov (United States)

Oliveira, J. M.; Carvalho, F. P.

2006-01-01

A sequential extraction technique was developed and tested for common naturally-occurring radionuclides. This technique allows the extraction and purification of uranium, thorium, radium, lead, and polonium radionuclides from the same sample. Environmental materials such as water, soil, and biological samples can be analyzed for those radionuclides without matrix interferences in the quality of radioelement purification and in the radiochemical yield. The use of isotopic tracers (232U, 229Th, 224Ra, 209Po, and stable lead carrier) added to the sample in the beginning of the chemical procedure, enables an accurate control of the radiochemical yield for each radioelement. The ion extraction procedure, applied after either complete dissolution of the solid sample with mineral acids or co-precipitation of dissolved radionuclide with MnO2 for aqueous samples, includes the use of commercially available pre-packed columns from Eichrom® and ion exchange columns packed with Bio-Rad resins, in altogether three chromatography columns. All radioactive elements but one are purified and electroplated on stainless steel discs. Polonium is spontaneously plated on a silver disc. The discs are measured using high resolution silicon surface barrier detectors. 210Pb, a beta emitter, can be measured either through the beta emission of 210Bi, or stored for a few months and determined by alpha spectrometry through the in-growth of 210Po. This sequential extraction chromatography technique was tested and validated with the analysis of certified reference materials from the IAEA. Reproducibility was tested through repeated analysis of the same homogeneous material (water sample).

Systematics of even-a polonium isotopes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Younes, W.; Cizewski, J.A.; Bernstein, L.A.

1995-01-01

Polonium nuclei, with two valence protons, provide fertile ground for the study of the onset of collectivity: from the textbook two-particle levels of 210 Po to the phonon-like multiplets of 196 Po. In their earlier work the authors described the low-lying structure of even-A Po nuclei down to 196 Po as two protons interacting via a surface-δ interaction and adiabatically coupled to a vibrating core. However, this particle-core model (PCM) fails to adequately describe the recently measured level scheme of 194 Po. Also because it assumes a pre-existing vibrational core, this model does not help to understand the single particle contributions to the collective motion. Therefore, the authors have also studied the Po systematics using a more microscopic model: the quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA). They will present a phenomenological analysis of the rapidity of the onset of collectivity for the Po isotopes as well as results of both PCM and QRPA calculations. The microscopic nature of the collectivity for the even-A Po isotopes will be discussed

Transfer factors of polonium from soil to parsley and mint.

Science.gov (United States)

Al-Masri, M S; Al-Hamwi, A; Eadan, Z; Amin, Y

2010-12-01

Transfer factors of (210)Po from soil to parsley and mint have been determined. Artificial polonium isotope ((208)Po) was used as a tracer to determine transfer factor of Po from soil to plant in pot experiments. Two plant growing systems were used for this study namely, an outdoor system and a sheltered system by a polyethylene tent. (208)Po and (210)Po were determined in soil and different parts of the studied plants (stem and leaf), using alpha spectroscopy. The results have shown that there was a clear uptake of (208)Po by roots to leaves and stems of both plants. Higher values of transfer factors using the (210)Po activity concentrations than the (208)Po activity concentration were observed. Transfer factors of (210)Po from soil to parsley varied between 20 × 10⁻² and 50 × 10⁻² and 22 × 10⁻³ and 67 × 10⁻³ in mint, while (208)Po transfer factors varied between 4 × 10⁻² and 12 × 10⁻² for parsley and 10 × 10⁻² and 22 × 10⁻² in mint. Transfer factors of Po were higher in those plants grown in the sheltered system than in the open system; about 75% of Po was transferred from atmosphere to parsley parts using the two systems. Ratios of transferred Po from soil to mint stem and leaf in the sheltered system were higher by 2 times from those in the open system. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transfer factors of Polonium from soil to parsley and mint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Al-Masri, M.S., E-mail: prscientific@aec.org.s [Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091 (Syrian Arab Republic); Al-Hamwi, A. [Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091 (Syrian Arab Republic); Eadan, Z. [Physics Department, Damascus University (Syrian Arab Republic); Amin, Y. [Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091 (Syrian Arab Republic)

2010-12-15

Transfer factors of {sup 210}Po from soil to parsley and mint have been determined. Artificial polonium isotope ({sup 208}Po) was used as a tracer to determine transfer factor of Po from soil to plant in pot experiments. Two plant growing systems were used for this study namely, an outdoor system and a sheltered system by a polyethylene tent. {sup 208}Po and {sup 210}Po were determined in soil and different parts of the studied plants (stem and leaf), using alpha spectroscopy. The results have shown that there was a clear uptake of {sup 208}Po by roots to leaves and stems of both plants. Higher values of transfer factors using the {sup 210}Po activity concentrations than the {sup 208}Po activity concentration were observed. Transfer factors of {sup 210}Po from soil to parsley varied between 20 x 10{sup -2} and 50 x 10{sup -2} and 22 x 10{sup -3} and 67 x 10{sup -3} in mint, while {sup 208}Po transfer factors varied between 4 x 10{sup -2} and 12 x 10{sup -2} for parsley and 10 x 10{sup -2} and 22 x 10{sup -2} in mint. Transfer factors of Po were higher in those plants grown in the sheltered system than in the open system; about 75% of Po was transferred from atmosphere to parsley parts using the two systems. Ratios of transferred Po from soil to mint stem and leaf in the sheltered system were higher by 2 times from those in the open system.

Adsorption of volatile polonium and bismuth species on metals in various gas atmospheres. Pt. I. Adsorption of volatile polonium and bismuth on gold

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maugeri, Emilio Andrea; Neuhausen, Joerg; Dressler, Rugard; Piguet, David; Voegele, Alexander; Schumann, Dorothea [Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland). Lab. for Radiochemistry; Eichler, Robert [Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland). Lab. for Radiochemistry; Bern Univ. (Switzerland). Dept. for Chemistry and Biochemistry; Rijpstra, Kim [Ghent Univ., Zwijnaarde (Belgium). Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM); Cottenier, Stefaan [Ghent Univ., Zwijnaarde (Belgium). Center for Molecular Modeling (CMM); Ghent Univ., Zwijnaarde (Belgium). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering

2016-07-01

Polonium isotopes are considered the most hazardous radionuclides produced during the operation of accelerator driven systems (ADS) when lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) is used as the reactor coolant and as the spallation target material. In this work the use of gold surfaces for capturing polonium from the cover gas of the ADS reactor was studied by thermochromatography. The results show that gaseous monoatomic polonium, formed in dry hydrogen, is adsorbed on gold at 1058 K. Its adsorption enthalpy was calculated as -250±7 kJ mol{sup -1}, using a Monte Carlo simulation code. Highly volatile polonium species that were observed in similar experiments in fused silica columns in the presence of moisture in both inert and reducing gas were not detected in the experiments studying adsorption on gold surfaces. PoO{sub 2} is formed in both dry and moist oxygen, and its interaction with gold is characterized by transport reactions. The interaction of bismuth, present in large amounts in the atmosphere of the ADS, with gold was also evaluated. It was found that bismuth has a higher affinity for gold, compared to polonium, in an inert, reducing, and oxidizing atmosphere. This fact must be considered when using gold as a material for filtering polonium in the cover gas of ADS.

Unusual {sup 210}Po/{sup 210}Pb ratios in the surface water of the Gulf of Lions; Rapports {sup 210}Po/{sup 210}Pb inhabituels dans l`eau superficielle du golfe du Lion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radakovitch, O.; Heussner, S. [Universite de Perpignan, 66 (France). Laboratoire de Sedimentologie et Geochimie Marines]|[Cerege, Europole de l`Arbois, 13 - Aix-en-Provence (France); Cherry, R.D.; Heyraud, M. [Cape Town Univ. (South Africa). Dept. of Physics

1998-05-01

Concentrations of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb have been measured in sea water collected in the Grand Rhone Canyon. Concentrations of {sup 210}Pb are at similar levels to those found in other Mediterranean sea water samples, and are at the levels which would be expected in comparison with global sea water data. The same applies to the {sup 210}Po concentrations in samples from below 100 m depth. Surface samples from above 100 m have {sup 210}Po at levels rather higher than expected, and their {sup 210}Po/{sup 210}Pb ratios are about 1 or more as compared with the usual open ocean ratio 0.5. These data can be interpreted as indicating another source of supply of {sup 210}Po to the surface layer in addition to the normal atmospheric input. We suggest that an episodic advective particulate input, probably originating in the output of the Rhone river and perhaps involving resuspension of fine particulates from the bottom sediments as a result of storm conditions, is he most likely candidate for this additional source. (authors) 47 refs.

Distribution of {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po concentrations in wild berries and mushrooms in boreal forest ecosystems

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vaaramaa, Kaisa, E-mail: Kaisa.Vaaramaa@Helsinki.fi [Laboratory of Radiochemistry, Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 University of Helsinki (Finland); Solatie, Dina [STUK-Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Regional Laboratory in Northern Finland, FI-96500 Rovaniemi (Finland); Aro, Lasse [Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA), Parkano Research Unit, FI-39700 Parkano (Finland)

2009-12-15

The activity concentrations and distribution of {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po in wild berries and edible mushrooms were investigated in Finnish forests. The main study areas were located in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests in southern and northern Finland. The activity concentrations of {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po in blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) samples decreased in the order: stems > leaves > berries (i.e. fruits). The activity ratios of {sup 210}Po/{sup 210}Pb in the wild berry samples were mainly higher than one, indicating elevated activity concentrations of polonium in the samples. In mushrooms the activity concentrations of {sup 210}Pb and especially {sup 210}Po were higher than in fruits of the wild berries. The highest activity concentration of {sup 210}Pb was detected in Cortinarius armillatus L. (16.2 Bq kg{sup -1} d.w.) and the lowest in Leccinum vulpinum L. (1.38 Bq kg{sup -1} d.w.). The {sup 210}Po activity concentrations of the whole fruiting bodies ranged from 7.14 Bq kg{sup -1} d.w. (Russula paludosa L.) to 1174 Bq kg{sup -1} d.w. (L. vulpinum L.). In general, the highest activity concentrations of {sup 210}Po were recorded in boletes. The caps of mushrooms of the Boletaceae family showed higher activity concentrations of {sup 210}Po compared to the stipes. In most of the mushrooms analyzed, the activity concentrations of {sup 210}Po were higher than those of {sup 210}Pb. {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb dominate the radiation doses received via ingestion of wild berries and mushrooms in northern Finland, while in southern Finland the ingested dose is dominated by {sup 137}Cs from the Chernobyl fallout.

Pathways for the release of polonium from a lead-bismuth spallation target (thermochemical calculation); Verfluechtigungspfade des Poloniums aus einem Pb-Bi-Spallationstarget (Thermochemische Kalkulation)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eichler, B.; Neuhausen, J

2004-06-01

An analysis of literature data for the thermochemical constants of polonium reveals considerable discrepancies in the relations of these data among each other as well as in their expected trends within the chalcogen group. This fact hinders a reliable assessment of possible reaction paths for the release of polonium from a liquid lead-bismuth spallation target. In this work an attempt is made to construct a coherent data set for the thermochemical properties of polonium and some of its compounds that are of particular importance with respect to the behaviour of polonium in a liquid Pb-Bi target. This data set is based on extrapolations using general trends throughout the periodic table and, in particular, within the chalcogen group. Consequently, no high accuracy should be attributed to the derived data set. However, the data set derived in this work is consistent with definitely known experimental data. Furthermore, it complies with the general trends of physicochemical properties within the chalcogen group. Finally, well known relations between thermochemical quantities are fulfilled by the data derived in this work. Thus, given the lack of accurate experimental data it can be regarded as best available data. Thermochemical constants of polonium hydride, lead polonide and polonium dioxide are derived based on extrapolative procedures. Furthermore, the possibility of formation of the gaseous intermetallic molecule BiPo, which has been omitted from discussion up to now, is investigated. From the derived thermochemical data the equilibrium constants of formation, release and dissociation reactions are calculated for different polonium containing species. Furthermore equilibrium constants are determined for the reaction of lead polonide and polonium dioxide with hydrogen, water vapour and the target components lead and bismuth. The most probable release pathways are discussed. From thermochemical evaluations polonium is expected to be released from liquid lead

Determination of 210Pb and 210Po in soil or rock samples containing refractory matrices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jia Guogang; Torri, Giancarlo

2007-01-01

A new method has been developed for determination of 21 Pb and 21 Po in soil or rock samples containing refractory matrices. The samples were first fused with Na 2 CO 3 and Na 2 O 2 at 600 o C for pre-treatment and then 210 Pb and 210 Po were sequentially leached out at 200-250 o C with HNO 3 +HF, HClO 4 and HCl. About 10% of the leaching solution was used for 21 Po determination, carried out by spontaneous deposition of polonium on a silver disc from a weakly acidic solution that contained hydroxylamine hydrochloride, sodium citrate and 209 Po tracer, measurement being made by α-spectrometry. The remains of the leaching solution were used for determination of 21 Pb, conducted by precipitation as sulphate, purification with Na 2 S as PbS in 6 M ammonium acetate, separation from α-emitters by an anion-exchange resin column, source preparation as PbSO 4 , and measurement with a β-counter. The procedure has been checked with two certified IAEA reference materials, showing good agreement with the recommended values. The lower limits of detection for 1 g of analysed soil or rock samples were found to be 0.75 Bq kg -1 for 210 Po and 2.2 Bq kg -1 for 210 Pb. A variety of solid sample species analysed through use of the procedure gave average yields of 90.0±9.8% for 210 Po and 88.4±7.1% for 210 Pb

Unusual 210Po/210Pb ratios in the surface water of the Gulf of Lions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radakovitch, O.; Heussner, S.; Cherry, R.D.; Heyraud, M.

1998-01-01

Concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb have been measured in sea water collected in the Grand Rhone Canyon. Concentrations of 210 Pb are at similar levels to those found in other Mediterranean sea water samples, and are at the levels which would be expected in comparison with global sea water data. The same applies to the 210 Po concentrations in samples from below 100 m depth. Surface samples from above 100 m have 210 Po at levels rather higher than expected, and their 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratios are about 1 or more as compared with the usual open ocean ratio 0.5. These data can be interpreted as indicating another source of supply of 210 Po to the surface layer in addition to the normal atmospheric input. We suggest that an episodic advective particulate input, probably originating in the output of the Rhone river and perhaps involving resuspension of fine particulates from the bottom sediments as a result of storm conditions, is he most likely candidate for this additional source. (authors)

Fundamental study of polonium contamination by neutron irradiated lead-bismuth eutectic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obara, T.; Miura, T.; Sekimoto, H.

2005-01-01

As a fundamental study of polonium contamination by neutron irradiated LBE, it was investigated to remove polonium surface contamination by baking method. The baking experiments were performed using quartz glass plates contaminated by material evaporated from neutron irradiated LBE liquid. The contaminated quartz glass plates were baked in vacuum (2 Pa) at various temperatures. The experimental results clearly show that polonium evaporated from LBE can be removed by baking samples at temperatures 300 deg. C and above. It is of note that the decrease in the weight of deposited materials baked at 300 deg. C differed from that observed at 400 deg. C or higher temperatures. At temperature of 300 deg. C, no change in weight was observed. The mass of polonium in the LBE samples was so small that no weight change could be observed by release of polonium. Thus, it might show that only the polonium among the adherent materials was removed by baking at 300 deg. C without removing other adhered material. The method is rather simple, so it is easy to apply the method for practical application. One of the expected applications may be the removal of polonium contamination in a primary loop before maintenance work of the loop. Also it shows that this method can be used to avoid the release of polonium from contaminated material, in case of an accident, by keeping the contaminated material at low temperature

Estimation of 210Po activity in mussel sample and its contribution in radiation dose to the public around Kanyakumari Coast, India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macklin Rani, L.; Govindaraju, M.; Jeevanram, R.K.; Muthukumaran, V.R.

2013-01-01

Polonium-210 ( 210 Po), a naturally occurring á-emitting radionuclide exists in the environment as a result of Uranium- 238 ( 238 U) decay chain. It is therefore ubiquitously distributed in the rocks, soils, making up Earths crust, in the atmosphere and in natural waters. 210 Po enters in marine organisms via adsorption, absorption and ingestion and is transferred through seafood consumption. The concentration of 210 Po in the edible portions of marine organisms may be many folds higher than that in the seawater because of biological re-concentration processes. In the present study, sampling sites were chosen to determine the difference of 210 Po concentration in bivalve mussel, an appropriate bio-indicator for radioactive contamination. The concentration of radionuclide Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) in brown mussel (Perna perna), obtained from different locations of Kanyakumari coastal area were estimated, which ranged between 76.0 ± 5.1 Bq/kg and 310.20 ± 18.4 Bq/kg. The highest activity was observed at Kalluvilai. The daily and annual intake of 210 Po from ingestion via mussel was estimated in these areas. To evaluate the internal exposure, annual committed effective dose to the adult population of this coastal area was determined and compared with the Indian and worldwide values to assess the risk status of the study area. It was observed that the average annual committed effective dose of 210 Po through ingestion is higher than the recommended dose of ICRP, 1990 (1 mSv/year) for general public due to the contribution of seafood, mussel species (3.09 mSv/year) in daily diet. (author)

Distribution of Po-210 in two species of predatory marine fish from the Brazilian coast

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mársico, E.T.; Ferreira, M.S.; São Clemente, S.C.; Gouvea, R.C.S.; Jesus, E.F.O.; Conti, C.C.; Conte Junior, C.A.; Kelecom, A.G.A.C.

2014-01-01

Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) concentration was quantified in the muscle tissue and organs of two predatory marine fishes (Genypterus brasiliensis and Cynoscion microlepidotus) from Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species C. microlepidotus, a benthic carnivore, registered higher 210 Po in its tissue. The organs associated with digestion displayed the maximum radionuclide compared with other organs. The average activity was 2 mBq kg −1 for G. brasiliensis and it was 6 mBq kg −1 for C. microlepidotus. The activity concentrations varied significantly between the species and among organs. -- Highlights: • We analyzed the distribution of 210 Po in two species of predator marine fish. • 210 Po tends to accumulate in some organs, which make this radionuclide radiotoxic. • The consumption of small quantities of fish can represent high potential of 210 Po exposure. • Data about 210 Po bioaccumulation in tropical predator marine fish are limited

Assessment of radiation dose from 210Pb and 210Po due to chewing tobacco leaves and smoking cigarettes - an Indian scenario

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manu, Anitha; Thualsi Brindha, J.; Rajaram, S.; Venkataraman, S.; Hegde, A.G.

2011-01-01

The study of 210 Pb and 210 Po content in tobacco and its products is essential because of their elevated concentrations. The cumulative alpha-radiation dose delivered to humans from inhaled 210 Po in cigarette smoke becomes significant. 210 Pb is another element of interest since it is the precursor to 210 Po in the radioactive decay chain of 238 U. Further, in India the ingestion dose due to these radionuclides becomes significant because of chewing tobacco leaves. In the present study, the concentrations of these two radionuclides were determined in dried tobacco leaves and some branded cigarettes. 210 Pb was determined by counting the beta activity of 210 Bi with a low background beta counter after radiochemical separation and precipitation. 210 Po was determined by alpha counter after radiochemical separation and deposition of polonium on silver disc. 210 Pb and 210 Po concentrations in dry tobacco leaves ranged from 6.0 to 30.5 mBq/g (mean 15.8 mBq/g) and 5.6 to 29.3 mBq/g (mean 12.7 mBq/g). The average annual committed effective dose for the tobacco chewers (10 g/day) was estimated to be 95.5 μSv/y (39.9 μSv/y from 210 Pb and 55.6 μSv/y from 210 Po). 210 Pb and 210 Po concentrations in branded cigarettes ranged from 11.0 to 18.4 mBq/cigarette (mean 41.2 mBq/cigarette) and 10.5 to 16.6 mBq/cigarette (mean 13.1 mBq/cigarette). The average annual committed effective dose for the smokers (20 cigarettes per day) was estimated to be 149.8 μSv/y (39.8 μSv/y from 210 Pb and 110.0 μSv/y from 210 Po). (author)

Increase of {sup 210}Po levels in human semen fluid after mussel ingestion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kelecom, Alphonse, E-mail: lararapls@hotmail.co [Laboratory of Radiobiology and Radiometry-LARARA-PLS, Universidade Federal Fluminense, P.O.Box 100.436, 24001-970 Niteroi, RJ (Brazil); Programs in Environmental Science and Marine Biology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ (Brazil); Gouvea, Rita de Cassia dos Santos [Laboratory of Radiobiology and Radiometry-LARARA-PLS, Universidade Federal Fluminense, P.O.Box 100.436, 24001-970 Niteroi, RJ (Brazil)

2011-05-15

Polonium-210 ({sup 210}Po) radioactive concentrations were determined in human semen fluid of vasectomized non-smoker volunteers. The {sup 210}Po levels ranged from 0.10 to 0.39 mBq g{sup -1} (mean: 0.23 {+-} 0.08 mBq g{sup -1}). This value decreased to 0.10 {+-} 0.02 mBq g{sup -1} (range from 0.07 to 0.13 mBq g{sup -1}) after two weeks of a controlled diet, excluding fish and seafood. Then, volunteers ate during a single meal 200 g of the cooked mussel Perna perna L., and {sup 210}Po levels were determined again, during ten days, in semen fluid samples collected every morning. Volunteers continued with the controlled diet and maintained sexual abstinence through the period of the experiment. A 300% increase of {sup 210}Po level was observed the day following mussel consumption, with a later reduction, such that the level returned to near baseline by day 4.

South African SIBEX 1 Cruise to the Prydz Bay region, 1984: Pt. 6. Preliminary report on the naturally-occurring radioactive nuclide /sup 210/Po in the survey area

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cherry, M I

1985-01-01

During the SIBEX 1 cruise seawater, phytoplankton, and zooplankton samples were collected in the survey area for subsequent Polonium 210 determinations. The levels of /sup 210/Po found in the samples appear to be comparable with those previously reported in samples from other oceanographic regions. The determinations are not yet complete but some pleliminary conclusions are drawn.

The polonium 210 in aerosols: contribution to the study of savannah fires and volcano emissions; Le polonium 210 dans les aerosols: contribution a l`etude des feux de savanes et des emissions volcaniques

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nho-Kim, E.Y

1996-06-27

Natural sources plan a fundamental role on the emission of the species causing climatic variations. The aim of this study is, on the one hand, to estimate fluxes of different components emitted by biomass burning and volcanoes, and on the other hand, to trace these components in time and space. We used {sup 210}Po, last decay product in the {sup 238}U series, as a tracer, as it is one of the characteristic species emitted by these sources: it is highly enriched in these plumes compared to the usual atmosphere and the {sup 210}Po radioactivity is not affected by chemical transformation. We have shown that the contribution of biomass burning on the {sup 210}Po concentration in local background atmosphere is minor during the dry season, compared to that of Saharan soil dusts despite of the importance of this source in the global budget of {sup 210}Po (10%). However, the good correlation observed between the {sup 210}Po concentration and that of carbonaceous aerosols and of CO{sub 2} in biomass burning plumes reveals that {sup 210}Po can be used as a reference of the components emitted by biomass burning. We have estimated the contribution of the Indonesian volcanoes which represent about 5 to 30 % of the global volcanic budget of trace metals. Atmospheric transport of these volcanic plumes was simulated using the {sup 210}Po as a tracer. Due to the characteristic atmospheric circulation in this region, vertical transport is predominant over meridian dispersion, which is moderated by the convergence of the trade winds. The impact of these volcanic emissions on the atmospheric concentration of the trace metals remains a local effect when the volcanic activity is out of cataclysmal eruptions. (author)

210Po and 210Pb levels in mussels and fish from Slovenian market and the related dose assessment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Planinšek, Petra; Smodiš, Borut; Benedik, Ljudmila

2013-01-01

Polonium-210 (t 1/2 = 138 d) is a decay product of uranium-radium decay chain and consequently widely spread in the environment. It enters organisms through direct uptake, ingestion or inhalation. It is a pure alpha emitter and its radiotoxicity is connected with the fact that emits alpha particles with relatively high energy of about 5.3 MeV. It is concentrated in the soft tissues such as mussel, liver and others, where significantly contributes to the internal dose. Beta emitter lead-210 (t 1/2 = 22.17 years) is the second highest radiotoxic radionuclide from uranium-238 decay chain and decays, through bismuth- 210 (t 1/2 = 5.01 d) into 210 Po. Therefore it is necessary to determine the 21P o in foods, especially in seafood, because of its accumulation capacity. 210 Po and 210 Pb were determined in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and fish (salmon, trout) from Slovenia market. Mussels were bought on the local market as well as from domestic producers. Fish of Slovenian origin were bought on the local market. Samples were freeze dried, homogenized and assayed for 210 Po and 210 Pb. First, radiochemical separation was performed, followed by alpha particle spectrometric measurement of 210 Po and beta counting of 210 Pb on a low background gas-flow proportional counter. The results obtained show that the activity concentrations of 210 Po in mussels varied from 0.9 to 191 Bq/kg of fresh mass and for fish from 0.3 to 2.12 Bq/kg of fresh mass, while for 210 Pb they varied from 1.5 to 6.9 Bq/k of fresh mass for mussels and in fish samples the activity concentrations were less than 1.9 Bq/kg of fresh mass. Combined annual ingestion doses due to 210 Po and 210 Pb for mussels and fish from the Slovenian market is assessed. (author)

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in food and tobacco products: a review of parameters and an estimate of potential exposure and dose

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Watson, A.P.

1983-07-01

Food-chain transport of Pb-210 and Po-210 from soil to edible plant parts and from animal feed to meat and milk were evaluated from a review of literature. The degree of transfer was characterized by estimating concentration factors (unweighted arithmetic means) as well as the transfer coefficients B/sub v/, B/sub r/ (unweighted geometric means, f/sub m/ and f/sub f/ (unweighted arithmetic means). Global dietary intake of Pb-210 and Po-210 was also summarized, and 50-year dose estimates to target organs calculated. The greatest estimated ingestion doses were those to populations with large dietary complements of animal protein in the form of seafood (Japan) or caribou/reindeer muscle and organ meats (Arctic Eskimos and Lapps). The magnitude of this latter source illustrates the importance of simple food chains in generating significant exposures to populations dependent upon them. The origin and magnitude of inhalation exposure and dose from tobacco products was also assessed. For the majority of internal organs evaluated, the dose resulting from smoking commercially available tobacco products is comparable to or greater than the dose estimates for ingestion of naturally occurring dietary Pb-210 and Po-210.

Polonium-210 and lead-210 in food and tobacco products: a review of parameters and an estimate of potential exposure and dose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Watson, A.P.

1983-07-01

Food-chain transport of Pb-210 and Po-210 from soil to edible plant parts and from animal feed to meat and milk were evaluated from a review of literature. The degree of transfer was characterized by estimating concentration factors (unweighted arithmetic means) as well as the transfer coefficients B/sub v/, B/sub r/ (unweighted geometric means, f/sub m/ and f/sub f/ (unweighted arithmetic means). Global dietary intake of Pb-210 and Po-210 was also summarized, and 50-year dose estimates to target organs calculated. The greatest estimated ingestion doses were those to populations with large dietary complements of animal protein in the form of seafood (Japan) or caribou/reindeer muscle and organ meats (Arctic Eskimos and Lapps). The magnitude of this latter source illustrates the importance of simple food chains in generating significant exposures to populations dependent upon them. The origin and magnitude of inhalation exposure and dose from tobacco products was also assessed. For the majority of internal organs evaluated, the dose resulting from smoking commercially available tobacco products is comparable to or greater than the dose estimates for ingestion of naturally occurring dietary Pb-210 and Po-210

The determination of Pb-210 and Ra-226 in lake sediments and dating applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farid, M.; El-Daoushy, A.F.

1978-04-01

The natural radioactive isotopes Pb-210 and Ra-226 were measured in two sediment cores. The Pb-210 was determined by α-detection of its grand-daughter product Po-210, using the isotope dilution technique and a surface barrier detector. Some technical improvements in the polonium extraction were achieved. The radon emanation technique was used for the determination of Ra-226. The α-activity of Rn-222 was measured using an ionization chamber with an improved filling system, which allows both low level measurements and counter calibration with standard active samples. The memory effect due to adsorption of Rn-222 on the counter walls is studied. The accumulation rates are calculated from the unsupported Pb-210. The results from one core, Gillfjaerden, are in good agreement with some studies of the reservoir effect using C-14. The data from the other core, Lake Vaexjoesjoen, indicated an irregularity in the Pb-210 profile. Results from other studies on Lake Vaexjoesjoen showed a similar propensity

Determination of 210Po in tea, mat and their infusions and its annual intake by Syrians

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Nashawati, A.; Amin, Y.; Al-Akel, B.

2004-01-01

Polonium-210 was determined in 34 kinds of imported tea and 9 kinds of mat collected from the Syrian local market. The 210 Po concentration was found to vary from 5.5 to 39 Bq x kg -1 and 47 to 82 Bq x kg -1 in tea and mat samples, respectively. In addition 210 Po was also determined in tea and mat infusions where different infusion conditions have been examined: amount, temperature and infusion time. The results have shown that the amount of 210 Po transferred from tea and mat leaves to the aqueous extract ranged from 9 to 21% and 3 to 15%, respectively. The annual intake of 210 Po by Syrians due to tea consumption and mat infusions was calculated and found to be 9 Bq and 151 Bq for tea and mat respectively: washing of mat with warm water is recommended before preparation the infusions to decrease the annual intake of 210 Po. (author)

210Pb and 210Po determination in environmental samples using liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanchez, D.P.; Sanchez, A.M.; Vargas, M.J.

2002-01-01

A simple radiochemical procedure has been developed to determine 210 Pb and 210 Po in environmental samples. After adding 209 Po tracer and Pb carrier, an aliquot of the sample is decomposed by microwave digestion or by evaporation with mineral acids (depending on the expected activity of the sample). Part of the leaching solution must be used for 210 Po determination, preparing a polonium source by spontaneous deposition onto a nickel disk. The quantitative recoveries are determined using a standard 209 Po tracer, and the activity concentration is determined by isotopic dilution alpha spectrometry. The remaining part of the leaching solution is used for 210 Pb determination by means of two alternative methods: lead can be retained from 1.5 M HCl by the DOWEX 1 X 8, Cl - form resin in a chromatographic column, and stripped with deionised water, or it can be separated by solvent extraction as a lead bromide complex with the organic compound ALIQUAT-336 in toluene (this second method is used preferably in water samples). The Pb source for measurement is prepared by precipitation as oxalate and the chemical recovery determined by gravimetry. The activity concentration of 210 Pb is calculated from the spectra measured with a liquid scintillation spectrometer. Several certified material samples supplied by IAEA were analysed to check the procedure. The measured values for 210 Pb and 210 Po were in good agreement with the certified values presenting deviations lower than 5%. Several environmental samples (river and well waters and also sediments) from zones impacted by Uranium mine exploitation were analysed using the described procedure. The mean yields of Pb and Po were (70 ± 10)% and (81 ± 7)% for waters and (70 ± 12)% and (77 ± 8)% for sediments. (author)

Annual dose of Taiwanese from the ingestion of 210Po in oysters.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Hsiu-wei; Wang, Jeng-Jong

2013-03-01

Oysters around the coast of Taiwan were collected, dried, spiked with a (209)Po tracer for yield, digested with concentrated HNO(3) and H(2)O(2), and finally dissolved in 0.5 N HCl. The polonium was then spontaneously deposited onto a silver disc, and the activity of (210)Po was measured using an alpha spectrum analyzer equipped with a silicon barrier detector. Meanwhile, the internal effective dose of (210)Po coming from the intake of oysters by Taiwanese was evaluated. The results of the present study indicate that (210)Po average activity concentrations ranged from 23.4 ± 0.4 to 126 ± 94 Bq kg(-1) of fresh oysters. The oysters coming from Penghu island and Kinmen island regions contain higher concentrations of (210)Po in comparison with oysters from other regions of Taiwan. The value of (210)Po weighted average activity concentrations for all oyster samples studied is 25.9 Bq kg(-1). The annual effective dose of Taiwanese due to the ingestion of (210)Po in oysters was estimated to be 4.1 × 10(-2) mSv y(-1). Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Bioaccumulation of 210Po in common gastropod and bivalve species from the northern Gulf.

Science.gov (United States)

Uddin, S; Bebhehani, M

2014-06-01

This study sets the baseline for the concentration of the natural-series radionuclide polonium-210 in two species of gastropods and four species of bivalves that are common to the Northern Arabian/Persian Gulf. (210)Po is primarily absorbed from water and via ingestion of detrital material by gastropoda and bivalves. This concentrated (210)Po can then be passed along to the next trophic level of the marine food web. The lowest (210)Po concentration was measured in the gastropod Stomatella auricular (10.36-12.39Bq kg(-1)dry) and the highest in the bivalve Marica marmorata (193.51-215.60Bq kg(-1)dry). The measured concentration factor for these molluscs in the northern Gulf varied between 4.8 and 115×10(3), values very similar to the IAEA recommended value for bivalves and gastropods of 2×10(4). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cosmogenic 32P and 33P in the Atmosphere and Oligotrophic Ocean and Applications to the Study of Phosphorus Cycling

Science.gov (United States)

1993-02-01

Ed.) , pp53-82. Poet, S.E., Moore H.E., and EA. Martell, 1972. Lead- 210 , bismuth 210 and polonium 210 in the atmosphere: accurate ratio measurement...in the ocean food web. The residence time of P in macrozooplankton was estimated to range from 40 to 60 days. A grazing rate of macrozooplankton of...A.F and M.W. Silver, 1988. Primary production, sinking fluxes and the microbial food web. Deep Sea Res., 35:473-490. Perry, M. J. and R. W. Eppley

Environmental radiological Monitoring to the Pb-210 in waters and soils in the Boquete region in Panama Republic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gibbs, E.; Scotland, E.E.; De Infante, M.; Fernandez, M.A.

1998-01-01

Natural water samples were analyzed in Brazil Institutes and shows activities high to 1000 mBq/I in Polonium 210. Later on samples were analyzed in the Departamento de Salud Radiologica de la Caja de Seguro Social to Panama Republic and the results reported to 16.08 mBq/I and 2.4 Bq/Kg respectively

The polonium 210 in aerosols: contribution to the study of savannah fires and volcano emissions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nho-Kim, E.Y.

1996-01-01

Natural sources plan a fundamental role on the emission of the species causing climatic variations. The aim of this study is, on the one hand, to estimate fluxes of different components emitted by biomass burning and volcanoes, and on the other hand, to trace these components in time and space. We used 210 Po, last decay product in the 238 U series, as a tracer, as it is one of the characteristic species emitted by these sources: it is highly enriched in these plumes compared to the usual atmosphere and the 210 Po radioactivity is not affected by chemical transformation. We have shown that the contribution of biomass burning on the 210 Po concentration in local background atmosphere is minor during the dry season, compared to that of Saharan soil dusts despite of the importance of this source in the global budget of 210 Po (10%). However, the good correlation observed between the 210 Po concentration and that of carbonaceous aerosols and of CO 2 in biomass burning plumes reveals that 210 Po can be used as a reference of the components emitted by biomass burning. We have estimated the contribution of the Indonesian volcanoes which represent about 5 to 30 % of the global volcanic budget of trace metals. Atmospheric transport of these volcanic plumes was simulated using the 210 Po as a tracer. Due to the characteristic atmospheric circulation in this region, vertical transport is predominant over meridian dispersion, which is moderated by the convergence of the trade winds. The impact of these volcanic emissions on the atmospheric concentration of the trace metals remains a local effect when the volcanic activity is out of cataclysmal eruptions. (author)

Dietary intake of natural radionuclides

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith-Briggs, J L; Bradley, E J [National Radiological Protection Board, Chilton (UK)

1984-09-01

The levels of the natural radionuclides, radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 were measured in food samples collected for a National Food Survey, thus reflecting current consumption patterns in the UK. Daily intakes of radium-226, lead-210 and inferred values of polonium-210 were calculated for 20 food groups. From these data, the annual effective dose equivalents from radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 in the UK diet were estimated to be 3..mu..Sv, 41..mu..Sv and 13..mu..Sv respectively.

Polonium-210 assay using a background-rejecting extractive liquid-scintillation method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Case, C.N.; McDowell, W.J.

1981-01-01

This paper describes a procedure which combines solvent extraction with alpha liquid scintillation spectrometry. Pulse shape discrimination electronics are used to reject beta and gamma pulses and to lower the background count to acceptable levels. Concentration of 210 Po and separation from interferring elements are accomplished using a H 3 Po 4 -HCl solution with TOPO combined with a scintillor in toluene

Polonium-210 in marine bivalves inhabiting a wedge bank region, South India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Feroz Khan, M.; Godwin Wesley, S.; Rajan, M.P.

2013-01-01

Determination of background radiation dose-rate is important in the process of assessing risks to the environment from exposure to living organisms both in terms of deriving the incremental dose-rate and as a point of reference for evaluating the significance of the exposure level. In the present study, 210 Po was quantified in two species of bivalve mollusks commonly available from so called a 'wedge bank region' of southern tip of India. Based on the activity concentration in media and in the whole body, an external and internal dose rate assessment to green mussel Perna viridis and brown mussel Perna indica due to 210 Po was derived using ERICA assessment tool. The samples were collected at the intertidal region along the wedge bank region of southern tip of India during 2009 to 2010. The measurement contributes to a better knowledge of these elements, since no data exists in this region. 5-10 g of each tissue sample was wet-digested using 70% concentrated HNO 3 followed by the addition of 40% H 2 O 2 along with 20 8Po tracer (0.2 Bq). The normality of the data set was checked using Lilliefors test (ne''50) and potential outliers, if any, were tested using Walsh's test (n>60). Using the measured 210 Po activity in molluscs, sediments and seawater, dose assessment was performed using the Tier 2 ERICA environment dose assessment tool 1.0

Dietary intake of natural radionuclides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith-Briggs, J.L.; Bradley, E.J.

1984-01-01

The levels of the natural radionuclides, radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 were measured in food samples collected for a National Food Survey, thus reflecting current consumption patterns in the UK. Daily intakes of radium-226, lead-210 and inferred values of polonium-210 were calculated for 20 food groups. From these data, the annual effective dose equivalents from radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 in the UK diet were estimated to be 3μSv, 41μSv and 13μSv respectively. (U.K.)

Evaluation of sample pretreatment methods for analysis of Polonium isotopes in herbal medicine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sathyapriya, R.S.; Nair, Madhu G.; Rao, D.D.

2013-01-01

Ayurvedic medicines are widely consumed by Indian population both for treatment and good health Ayurvedic medicines are used in various forms like infusions, decoctions, powder, tablets, fermented decoction (Arishta) etc. Arishtas are prepared using plant extracts soaked in sugar or jaggery and are generally consume on regular basis for good health. Hence an effort was made to analyse the natural radioactivity in the Ayurvedic Arishtas. 213 Po is an important naturally occurring radionuclide that volatilizes beyond 150℃. Hence adequate care is needed during sample pretreatment step. Both physical (freeze-drying, open vessel evaporation and microwave digestion) and chemical (digestion using various mineral acids like aqua regia, Con. HNO 3 , H 2 SO 4 and oxidizing agents like H 2 O 2 and HClO 4 ) pretreatment procedures were adopted. After the initial sample treatment polonium radionuclide was pre-concentrated using calcium phosphate co-precipitation. Calcium phosphate precipitate was dissolved in 150 ml of 0.5M HCI solution with approximately 1 g of ascorbic acid for auto deposition of Polonium on silver planchette for 3 hours at 90℃ on a rotary hot plate. The sample sources were counted in calibrated alpha spectrometer with 450 mm 2 low-back-ground PIPS detector interfaced with ECIL MCA. The spectrum analysis was done using PHAST Software. 209 Po tracer, at low levels was added to the samples for assessing the radiochemical recovery. The recovery ranged between 18-83 %. The lowest recovery was obtained for the samples that were processed by open vessel digestion with HNO 3 + HCIO 4 + H 2 O 2 . The highest recover was for those samples that were freeze dried and subjected to HNO 3 + HCIO 4 + H 2 O 2 acid digestion at 90℃ for 8 hours. 210 Po concentration in a few samples varied between 0.3-3.5 mBq/L. The paper presents the results of radiochemical recoveries for different pretreatment methods and also the 210 Po content in the ayurvedic arishtas. (author)

Spatial and temporal distribution of 210Po in sediments from Thane Creek Mumbai, India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pandit, G.G.; Bhangare, R.C.; Tiwari, M.; Ajmal, P.Y.; Sahu, S.K.; Puranik, V.D.

2013-01-01

The study of sediments in coastal areas has great importance for the understanding of the interaction between human activities and marine systems. The Polonium-210 activity has been commonly used as environmental tracer in many environmental studies especially in determination of the age of sediments in the aquatic systems. The determination of age of the sediments provides the chronological profile of contamination of the marine environment over the period of time. The temporal and spatial distribution of 210 Po in Thane creek sediments was observed in this study. The allochthonous activity of 210 Po in surface sediments across different locations was observed to be the highest amongst different layers which ranged between 22.5-56.3 Bq/kg. The total 210 Po activity in different layers of the sediments ranged between 15.3 to 88.9 Bq/kg. The two modeling approaches CRS and CIC were applied to determine age of the sediment at four locations in the creek. (author)

Distribution of Ra isotopes and the 210Pb and 210Po balance in surface seawaters of the mid Northern Hemisphere

Science.gov (United States)

Nozaki, Yoshiyuki; Dobashi, Fumi; Kato, Yoshihisa; Yamamoto, Yoshiyuki

1998-08-01

210Po, 210Pb, 228Ra, and 226Ra were measured in surface sea waters along the 1989-1990 global traverse of the oceans using the new R.V. Hakuho-Maru. Where the traverse intersects other expedition routes, the data are generally confirmatory. In the high-productivity regimes like the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea 210Po is removed from the mixed layer at much faster rates than 210Pb. This fractionation occurs during scavenging presumably because 210Po is strongly sorbed by organic particles, whereas 210Pb is more likely associated with inorganic detritus. The 210Po/ 210Pb activity ratios leaving the mixed layer by particulate transport can be estimated from the steady state balance of 210Pb and 210Po in the surface waters for different oceanic regions, and are compared with those in the literature obtained by sediment-trap experiments. Although this comparison appears to merge, there exist some inconsistencies, which may be attributable to one of the following possibilities: (1) the model-derived atmospheric 210Pb flux is overestimated for the North Pacific and the North Atlantic, or (2) the sediment-trap data do not represent the real 210Po/ 210Pb ratio in the vertical particulate flux due to some experimental artifacts, such as incomplete trapping and size fractionation. Further careful studies of sediment trapping including seasonal variation are needed to resolve this issue. Our Ra data confirmed that strong sources for 228Ra exist in the Bay of Bengal and the Southeast Asian continental shelf zone, whereas the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, though they are surrounded by land, are not effective sources of 228Ra in the surface water.

Application of an in vitro digestion model for 210Po bioaccessibility assessment in seafood.

Science.gov (United States)

Roselli, Carla; Desideri, Donatella; Feduzi, Laura; Ugolini, Lucia; Meli, Maria Assunta

2017-12-01

This study aims to investigate the bioaccessibility of 210 Po in seafood and the impact of food preparation on this radionuclide. Polonium bioaccessibility is the fraction of 210 Po mobilised from food matrices into digestive extractants when applying an in vitro digestion model. The degree of bioaccessibility of 210 Po in food has important implications for estimating ingestion doses from this radionuclide. The simulation of gastrointestinal digestion was divided into three stages through the use of synthetic saliva, gastric and bile-pancreas solutions. Following pre-treatment with a saliva solution, raw and cooked seafood samples underwent one of the following treatments: (a) simulated gastric digestion only or (b) simulated complete gastrointestinal digestion (gastric digestion followed by bile-pancreas digestion). No significant difference (P > 0.05) in 210 Po mobility was found between samples that underwent gastric digestion compared to those that only underwent gastro-intestinal digestion. However, a significant difference (P 210 Po bioaccessibility was found between raw and cooked seafood undergoing both gastric and gastro-intestinal digestion.

Plutonium and polonium concentrations in the different water masses crossing the Strait of Gibraltar

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gasco, C.; Anton, M.P.

1999-01-01

In this paper total Pu and Po concentrations in the water column are presented as part of a study to determine the exchange fluxes and overall budget of these selected nuclides within the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. Polonium is a natural radionuclide continuously input to the sea via atmospheric deposition from the radon existing in the air. Plutonium is a man-made radionuclide that was mostly introduced in the atmosphere during the 60's nuclear testing. Since then, it has been gradually disappearing due to fallout and the banning of nuclear atmospheric explosions

Comprehensive enzymatic analysis of the cellulolytic system in digestive fluid of the Sea Hare Aplysia kurodai. Efficient glucose release from sea lettuce by synergistic action of 45 kDa endoglucanase and 210 kDa ß-glucosidase.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Akihiko Tsuji

Full Text Available Although many endo-ß-1,4-glucanases have been isolated in invertebrates, their cellulolytic systems are not fully understood. In particular, gastropod feeding on seaweed is considered an excellent model system for production of bioethanol and renewable bioenergy from third-generation feedstocks (microalgae and seaweeds. In this study, enzymes involved in the conversion of cellulose and other polysaccharides to glucose in digestive fluids of the sea hare (Aplysia kurodai were screened and characterized to determine how the sea hare obtains glucose from sea lettuce (Ulva pertusa. Four endo-ß-1,4-glucanases (21K, 45K, 65K, and 95K cellulase and 2 ß-glucosidases (110K and 210K were purified to a homogeneous state, and the synergistic action of these enzymes during cellulose digestion was analyzed. All cellulases exhibited cellulase and lichenase activities and showed distinct cleavage specificities against cellooligosaccharides and filter paper. Filter paper was digested to cellobiose, cellotriose, and cellotetraose by 21K cellulase, whereas 45K and 65K enzymes hydrolyzed the filter paper to cellobiose and glucose. 210K ß-glucosidase showed unique substrate specificity against synthetic and natural substrates, and 4-methylumbelliferyl (4MU-ß-glucoside, 4MU-ß-galactoside, cello-oligosaccharides, laminarin, and lichenan were suitable substrates. Furthermore, 210K ß-glucosidase possesses lactase activity. Although ß-glucosidase and cellulase are necessary for efficient hydrolysis of carboxymethylcellulose to glucose, laminarin is hydrolyzed to glucose only by 210K ß-glucosidase. Kinetic analysis of the inhibition of 210K ß-glucosidase by D-glucono-1,5-lactone suggested the presence of 2 active sites similar to those of mammalian lactase-phlorizin hydrolase. Saccharification of sea lettuce was considerably stimulated by the synergistic action of 45K cellulase and 210K ß-glucosidase. Our results indicate that 45K cellulase and 210K �

Measurement of natural radionuclides in U.K. diet.

Science.gov (United States)

Smith-Briggs, J L; Bradley, E J

1984-05-01

The levels of radium-226, lead-210 and polonium-210 in the U.K. diet have been determined. The important food groups contributing to the intake of these radionuclides have been identified. Seventy-five percent of the daily intake of radium-226 is derived from beverages, cereals, other vegetables, bread, sugars and preserves. Seventy-five percent of the intake of lead-210 and polonium-210 is derived from bread, milk, cereals, beverages, other vegetables, sugars and preserves, and meat products. The average daily intakes of these radionuclides are tentatively calculated to be 30 mBq for radium-226 and 82 mBq for both lead-210 and polonium-210. These levels are compared with data from other countries. The annual effective dose equivalents resulting from the intakes are approximately 3 muSv for radium-226 and 54 muSv from lead-210 and polonium-210 together. The differences between these doses and other current estimates are discussed.

A study on 210Po activity concentration in soil at different depths along coastal Kerala

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Primal D'Cunha; Sathyanarayana Bhat, P.; Narayana, Y.

2011-01-01

The paper presents systematic studies on the vertical profiles of 210 Po, an important decay product of 238 U, in soils along coastal Kerala. Soil samples collected from different depth intervals 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 cm were analyzed for 210 Po activity concentration by radiochemical methods. The activity 210 Po in soil samples were counted using a ZnS(Ag) alpha scintillation counting system. The mean values of activity concentrations of 210 Po in soil of various depths were found to be 8.66, 5.63 and 4.95 Bq kg -1 for depth intervals of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm, respectively. The overall activity concentration of 210 Po in soil was found to vary from 2.26 ± 0.19 to 14.02 ± 0.12 Bq kg -1 with a mean value of 6.43 Bq kg -1 . Maximum activity concentration was found in soil samples of Kollam region with the mean value of 10.08 ± 0.92 Bq kg -1 . The activity of 210 Po was found to be comparatively high in surface soil. The variation of 210 Po activity concentration with organic matter contents was studied. 210 Polonium activity concentration was found to increase with increasing organic matter content. (author)

210Po in Nevada groundwater and its relation to gross alpha radioactivity

Science.gov (United States)

Seiler, R.L.

2011-01-01

Polonium-210 (210Po) is a highly toxic alpha emitter that is rarely found in groundwater at activities exceeding 1 pCi/L. 210Po activities in 63 domestic and public-supply wells in Lahontan Valley in Churchill County in northern Nevada, United States, ranged from 0.01 ± 0.005 to 178 ± 16 pCi/L with a median activity of 2.88 pCi/L. Wells with high 210Po activities had low dissolved oxygen concentrations (less than 0.1 mg/L) and commonly had pH greater than 9. Lead-210 activities are low and aqueous 210Po is unsupported by 210Pb, indicating that the 210Po is mobilized from aquifer sediments. The only significant contributors to alpha particle activity in Lahontan Valley groundwater are 234/238U, 222Rn, and 210Po. Radon-222 activities were below 1000 pCi/L and were uncorrelated with 210Po activity. The only applicable drinking water standard for 210Po in the United States is the adjusted gross alpha radioactivity (GAR) standard of 15 pCi/L. 210Po was not volatile in a Nevada well, but volatile 210Po has been reported in a Florida well. Additional information on the volatility of 210Po is needed because GAR is an inappropriate method to screen for volatile radionuclides. About 25% of the samples had 210Po activities that exceed the level associated with a lifetime total cancer risk of 1× 10−4 (1.1 pCi/L) without exceeding the GAR standard. In cases where the 72-h GAR exceeds the uranium activity by more than 5 to 10 pCi/L, an analysis to rule out the presence of 210Po may be justified to protect human health even though the maximum contaminant level for adjusted GAR is not exceeded.

Bioassay of 210Po in human urine and internal contamination of man

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, F.P.; Oliveira, J.M.

2009-01-01

The deliberate poisoning of A. Litvinenko in London in late 2006 with 210 Po, attracted attention to the difficulties in identifying internal contamination with alpha emitting radionuclides and to the limited knowledge available on the cycling of many naturally occurring radioisotopes in the body and their baseline concentration values in humans. To cope with the emergency caused by the spread of high 210 Po activity, which contaminated several people and places in London, we were called upon to analyze urine samples in potentially contaminated people. A reference group of adult humans was also selected for determination of baseline 210 Po values to be used for comparative purposes. Concentrations of 210 Po in urine samples from three Portuguese citizens that have been at contaminated places, in London, ranged from 2.3 to 4.1 mBq x L -1 while in the reference group 210 Po concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 4.8 mBq x L -1 . Analytical quality of results was ensured through participation in an international inter laboratory comparison exercise on 210 Po determination in aqueous samples. Results indicated that people potentially exposed to 210 Po in London were not internally contaminated with the radionuclide used as a poisoning agent, and the levels of this radionuclide measured in the urine were similar to the naturally occurring levels in the reference group. Polonium levels in urine and in man are discussed in the light of 210 Po levels in the human diet. (author)

Po-210 and other radionuclides in terrestrial and freshwater environments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gjelsvik, Runhild; Brown, Justin [eds.; Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (Norway); Holm, Elis [Univ. of Lund (Sweden); Roos, Per [Risoe DTU (Denmark); Saxen, Ritva; Outola, Iisa [STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Finland)

2009-01-15

This report provides new information on Po-210 (and where appropriate its grandparent Pb-210) behaviour in environmental systems including humans. This has primarily been achieved through measurements of Po-210 in aquatic and terrestrial environments that has led to the derivation of information on the levels of this radioisotope in plants, animals and the biotic components of their habitat (i.e. water, soil) providing basic information on transfer where practicable. For freshwater environments, Po-210 concentration ratios derived for freshwater benthic fish and bivalve mollusc were substantially different to values collated from earlier review work. For terrestrial environments, activity concentrations of Po-210 in small mammals (although of a preliminary nature because no correction was made for ingrowth from Pb-210) were considerably higher than values derived from earlier data compilations. It was envisaged that data on levels of naturally occurring radionuclides would render underpinning data sets more comprehensive and would thus allow more robust background dose calculations to be performed subsequently. By way of example, unweighted background dose-rates arising from internal distributions of Po-210 were calculated for small mammals in the terrestrial study. The biokinetics of polonium in humans has been studied following chronic and acute oral intakes of selected Po radioisotopes. This work has provided information on gastrointestinal absorption factors and biological retention times thus improving the database upon which committed effective doses to humans are derived. The information generated in the report, in its entirety, should be of direct relevance for both human and non-human impact assessments. (au)

Po-210 and other radionuclides in terrestrial and freshwater environments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gjelsvik, Runhild; Brown, Justin; Roos, Per; Saxen, Ritva; Outola, Iisa

2009-01-01

This report provides new information on Po-210 (and where appropriate its grandparent Pb-210) behaviour in environmental systems including humans. This has primarily been achieved through measurements of Po-210 in aquatic and terrestrial environments that has led to the derivation of information on the levels of this radioisotope in plants, animals and the biotic components of their habitat (i.e. water, soil) providing basic information on transfer where practicable. For freshwater environments, Po-210 concentration ratios derived for freshwater benthic fish and bivalve mollusc were substantially different to values collated from earlier review work. For terrestrial environments, activity concentrations of Po-210 in small mammals (although of a preliminary nature because no correction was made for ingrowth from Pb-210) were considerably higher than values derived from earlier data compilations. It was envisaged that data on levels of naturally occurring radionuclides would render underpinning data sets more comprehensive and would thus allow more robust background dose calculations to be performed subsequently. By way of example, unweighted background dose-rates arising from internal distributions of Po-210 were calculated for small mammals in the terrestrial study. The biokinetics of polonium in humans has been studied following chronic and acute oral intakes of selected Po radioisotopes. This work has provided information on gastrointestinal absorption factors and biological retention times thus improving the database upon which committed effective doses to humans are derived. The information generated in the report, in its entirety, should be of direct relevance for both human and non-human impact assessments. (au)

Polonium-210 and Caesium-137 in lynx (Lynx lynx), wolverine (Gulo gulo) and wolves (Canis lupus)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gjelsvik, Runhild; Holm, Elis; Kålås, John Atle; Persson, Bertil; Åsbrink, Jessica

2014-01-01

Wolves, lynx and wolverines are on the top of the food-chain in northern Scandinavia and Finland. 210 Po and 137 Cs have been analysed in samples of liver, kidney and muscle from 28 wolves from Sweden. In addition blood samples were taken from 27 wolves. In 9 of the wolves, samples of muscle, liver and blood were analysed for 210 Po. Samples of liver and muscle were collected from 16 lynx and 16 wolverines from Norway. The liver samples were analysed for 210 Po and 137 Cs. Only 137 Cs analyses were carried out for the muscle samples. The wolves were collected during the winter 2010 and 2011, while the samples for lynx and wolverines were all from 2011. The activity concentrations of 210 Po in wolves were higher for liver (range 20–523 Bq kg −1 d.w.) and kidney (range 24–942 Bq kg −1 d.w.) than muscle (range 1–43 Bq kg −1 d.w.) and blood (range 2–54 Bq kg −1 d.w.). Activity ratios, 210 Po/ 210 Pb, in wolf samples of muscle, liver and blood were in the ranges 2–77, 9–56 and 2–54. Using a wet weight ratio of 3.8 the maximal absorbed dose from 210 Po to wolf liver was estimated to 3500 μGy per year. Compared to wolf, the ranges of 210 Po in liver samples were lower in lynx (range 22–211 Bq kg −1 d.w.) and wolverine (range16–160 Bq kg −1 d.w.). Concentration of 137 Cs in wolf samples of muscle, liver, kidney and blood were in the ranges 70–8410 Bq kg −1 d.w., 36–4050 Bq kg −1 d.w., 31–3453 Bq kg −1 d.w. and 4–959 Bq kg −1 d.w., respectively. 137 Cs in lynx muscle and liver samples were in the ranges 44–13393 Bq kg −1 d.w. and 125–10260 Bq kg −1 d.w. The corresponding values for 137 Cs in wolverine were 22–3405 Bq kg −1 d.w. for liver and 53–4780 Bq kg −1 d.w. for muscle. The maximal absorbed dose from 137 Cs to lynx was estimated to 3000 μGy per year. - Highlights: • Annual doses from 210 Po are 1.4, 1.0 and 3.4 mGy for lynx, wolverine, and wolf. • Annual doses from 137 Cs are 3.3, 1.5 and 3.6 mGy for

Abstracts of Papers Submitted in 1978 for Publication,

Science.gov (United States)

1978-01-01

210 and Polonium - 210 as Marine...34.." . .." . .• . ’... . .. X. . ’-"..’-..- . - .>I-.A7.’ -~. .-.. .. . .< .- , ,.. . -’ ~ ~ \\ - & . .x. \\ , ,, .. . . . ... . .. . C-22 i- LEAD- 210 AND POLONIUM - 210 AS...Herbivore Food Preference B-13 Mary E. Nicotri High Benzo(a)pyrene Hydroxylase Activity in the Marine Teleost Fish Stenotomus versicotor . . .

Investigation of electrostatic collection of some polonium radioisotopes for plane and hemispheric geometries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lobach, D.J.; Dezhurko, M.D.

2004-01-01

The model approach to the description of the electrostatic collection (precipitation) of short-lived radon daughter products (RDP) is presented. The considerations are based on speculations about current processes (oxidation ( k - the constant of polonium oxidation), recombination (α - the constant of recombination), neutralization (γ - the constant of polonium oxide neutralization) and radioactive decay (λ - the constant of radioactive decay)). The subscript Rn refers to radon; Po, to polonium ( 215 Po, 216 Po, 218 Po); PoO, to polonium oxide (PoO 2 ). There is continuous uniform ionization in working matter of plane electrostatic chamber for RDP collection (the length of the chamber is d). The formation intensity of ion pairs is q, which is in correlation to the volume activity (VA) of radioactive ions in the chamber and irradiation from external sources. It is neglected by ion diffusion during electrostatic collection. Recombination losses are from collisions of heavy ions solely. Positive ions are collected on the working surface of the detector (cathode of the electrostatic chamber). n ± is the volume concentration of positive (negative) ions; ω ± > 0 is the drift velocity of positive (negative) ions. The driftage of positive ions along x-axis (to the cathode) and the balance of ions in dx layer are considered. At k approaching infinity, k >> λ Po + αn - and it is possible to obtain a single expression for the two polonium fractions: ω +PoO (dn +PoO /dx) = λ Rn n Rn - α n +PoO n - - γ n +PoO - λ Po n +PoO . The driftage time of positive ions in plane electrostatic chamber should be τ(drift) = d/ω + PoO is the mobility of polonium ions or aerosol complexes with polonium: ε(U) = [(μ PoO . U)/(d 2 . (λ Po + γ))] . [1 - exp [(d 2 . (λ Po + γ))/(μ PoO . U)

International intercomparison on glass implanted 210Po in Yugoslavian houses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zunic, Z.S.; Trotti, F.; Birovljev, A.; Bissolo, F.; Falk, R.; Mc Laughlin, J.P; Tanferi, A.; Walsh, C.

2000-01-01

Measurements of 210 Po embedded in glass have been performed with passive detectors in houses of three rural communities of Yugoslavia. Field work has been initiated and carried out by the VINCA Institute of nuclear sciences, Belgrade, and analyses have been conducted by SSI (Sweden), UCD (Ireland), NRPA (Norway) and CRR (Italy). Based on 210 Po concentration assessments, radon retrospective estimates have been produced. Fairly good agreement amongst laboratories resulted both for polonium and radon determinations. Comparison of radon retrospective estimates with contemporary levels has identified a small number of contemporary concentrations which are certainly not representative of the past. Retrospective measurements give clear indication of higher levels for one of the three communities (Gornja Stubla). From the analysis of retrospective and contemporary levels in different rooms of a high concentration house in Gornja Stubla, less data dispersion has come out for retrospective estimates, indicating a sort of better spatial stability of these estimates. (author)

Investigation of evaporation characteristics of polonium and its lighter homologues selenium and tellurium from liquid Pb-Bi-eutecticum

CERN Document Server

Neuhausen, J; Eichler, B

2004-01-01

The evaporation behaviour of polonium and its lighter homologues selenium and tellurium dissolved in liquid Pb-Bi-eutecticum (LBE) has been studied at various temperatures in the range from 482 K up to 1330 K under Ar/H2 and Ar/H2O-atmospheres using γ-ray spectroscopy. Polonium release in the temperature range of interest for technical applications is slow. Within short term (1h) experiments measurable amounts of polonium are evaporated only at temperatures above 973 K. Long term experiments reveal that a slow evaporation of polonium occurs at temperatures around 873 K resulting in a fractional polonium loss of the melt around 1% per day. Evaporation rates of selenium and tellurium are smaller than those of polonium. The presence of H2O does not enhance the evaporation within the error limits of our experiments. The thermodynamics and possible reaction pathways involved in polonium release from LBE are discussed.

Polonium-210 and Caesium-137 in lynx (Lynx lynx), wolverine (Gulo gulo) and wolves (Canis lupus).

Science.gov (United States)

Gjelsvik, Runhild; Holm, Elis; Kålås, John Atle; Persson, Bertil; Asbrink, Jessica

2014-12-01

Wolves, lynx and wolverines are on the top of the food-chain in northern Scandinavia and Finland. (210)Po and (137)Cs have been analysed in samples of liver, kidney and muscle from 28 wolves from Sweden. In addition blood samples were taken from 27 wolves. In 9 of the wolves, samples of muscle, liver and blood were analysed for (210)Po. Samples of liver and muscle were collected from 16 lynx and 16 wolverines from Norway. The liver samples were analysed for (210)Po and (137)Cs. Only (137)Cs analyses were carried out for the muscle samples. The wolves were collected during the winter 2010 and 2011, while the samples for lynx and wolverines were all from 2011. The activity concentrations of (210)Po in wolves were higher for liver (range 20-523 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and kidney (range 24-942 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) than muscle (range 1-43 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and blood (range 2-54 Bq kg(-1) d.w.). Activity ratios, (210)Po/(210)Pb, in wolf samples of muscle, liver and blood were in the ranges 2-77, 9-56 and 2-54. Using a wet weight ratio of 3.8 the maximal absorbed dose from (210)Po to wolf liver was estimated to 3500 μGy per year. Compared to wolf, the ranges of (210)Po in liver samples were lower in lynx (range 22-211 Bq kg(-1) d.w.) and wolverine (range16-160 Bq kg(-1) d.w.). Concentration of (137)Cs in wolf samples of muscle, liver, kidney and blood were in the ranges 70-8410 Bq kg(-1) d.w., 36-4050 Bq kg(-1) d.w., 31-3453 Bq kg(-1) d.w. and 4-959 Bq kg(-1) d.w., respectively. (137)Cs in lynx muscle and liver samples were in the ranges 44-13393 Bq kg(-1) d.w. and 125-10260 Bq kg(-1) d.w. The corresponding values for (137)Cs in wolverine were 22-3405 Bq kg(-1) d.w. for liver and 53-4780 Bq kg(-1) d.w. for muscle. The maximal absorbed dose from (137)Cs to lynx was estimated to 3000 μGy per year. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Removal of polonium contamination by lead-bismuth eutectic in nuclear systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miura, Terumitsu; Obara, Toru; Sekimoto, Hiroshi

2003-01-01

Lead-Bismuth eutectic (LBE) is considered as a promising candidate of the coolant of liquid metal cooled fast reactor, and the coolant and/or target of accelerator driven system. LBE has various good characters for coolant, but it has also some problems such as polonium production. It is necessary to take polonium contamination into consideration, when LBE is used as the coolant. In the present paper, the removal of contaminating polonium from material surface is studied. Baking method is investigated for polonium removal from contaminated quartz glass plate in vacuum. Before and after baking, the mass of the contaminants on the surface and alpha particle counts from contaminated surface is measured. When the contaminated quartz glass plates are baked at more than 400degC for a few minutes, alpha particle counts from the surface decreases by more than 99.7%, and the mass of contaminants decreases by more than 50%. When the baking was performed at 300degC for 15 minutes and more, alpha particle count decreases by more than 80%, and the mass decreases in little. When, the baking temperature is lower than 200degC, alpha particle counts and mass do not decrease. (author)

Human skeletal uptake of natural alpha radioactivity from 210Pb-supported 210Po

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oyedepo, A.C.

1998-06-01

This thesis contributes to increasing knowledge on the dosimetry of natural alpha-particle radiation in skeletal tissues, particularly in utero, and associated risks of malignancy. Alpha-particle radiation is an established aetiological factor of cancer. In the human body, polonium-210 decayed from skeletal lead-210 ( 210 Pb/ 210 Po) is the predominant natural alpha-emitter. 210 Pb displaces calcium (Ca) in mineral hydroxyapatite, especially during periods of rapid bone growth and remodelling when Ca is laid down. It was therefore necessary to study alpha activity uptake and calcification concurrently within bone. Human studies were undertaken on: fetal vertebrae, 17 - 42 weeks of gestation, 74 samples; adult vertebrae, 40 - 95 years, 40 samples; and adult ribs, 20 - 95 years, 51 samples. Specimens were unconcentrated and weighed 210 Pb/ 210 Po. Alpha track data were resolved by specially written software named SPATS (Selection Program for Analysing Track Structures). Ca and phosphorus (P) were biochemically determined. Results were examined for trends in bone type, gender and chronological ageing in humans. The main research findings were: 1) The Ca content of fetal vertebrae increased linearly at a weekly rate of 0.2g Ca 100 g -1 wet bone (typical values of 2, 4, 6 g 100 g -1 at 16, 26 and 36 weeks). 2) The P concentration also increased with advancing fetal age. 3) The Ca:P bone weight ratio rose from 1.7 to 2.2 by 32 gestational weeks. 4) The overall range in bone 210 Pb/ 210 Po alpha activity was 0.25 - 1.1 Bq kg -1 with correlation between activity concentration and fetal age (0.47 ± 0.05 Bq kg -1 for 17 - 26 weeks, 0.67 ± 0.04 Bq kg -1 for 32 - 42 weeks). 5) The correlation between increased alpha radioactivity and increased Ca concentration approximating to 0.0046 Bq g -1 of Ca. 6) A decreasing Ca content of adult vertebrae with increasing age from 40 - 95 years, from ∼ 14 to 5 g 100 g-1, but no correlation with age for adult rib Ca content of 10 - 30 g

Biological effect on removal of Th-234, Po-210 and Pb-210 from surface water in Funka Bay, Japan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tanaka, N; Takeda, Y; Tsunogai, S [Hokkaido Univ., Hakodate (Japan). Dept. of Chemistry

1983-10-01

Vertical and temporal variations in the radioactivities of Th-234, Pb-210 and Po-210 were measured at a station in Funka Bay from April 1979 to February 1980. The inventory of Th-234 showed a minimum in early spring, when a spring bloom of phytoplankton was observed, then a steady increase to a maximum value in late summer, just before open sea water invaded the bay and a secondary phytoplankton bloom started. The inventories of Pb-210 and Po-210 also showed minima in early spring. These results suggest that the removal of these nuclides from sea water is accelerated by biological activity. The concentration of Th-234 decreased with depth, but those of Po-210 and Pb-210 were higher in the bottom water in August 1979 when the bay water was strongly stratified. This may be due to the supply of Pb-210 and Po-210 from the bottom. However, if the supply of these nuclides is expected in sediment particles, the concentrations of these nuclides in suspended matter were not sufficient to explain their increments in the bottom water. Residence times of Th, Pb and Po were estimated.

Coulomb excitation of neutron-deficient polonium isotopes studied at ISOLDE

CERN Document Server

Neven, Michiel

The polonium isotopes represent an interesting region of the nuclear chart having only two protons outside the Z = 82 closed shell. These isotopes have already been extensively studied theoretically and experimentally. The heavier isotopes (A > 200) seem to follow a "regular seniority-type regime" while for the lighter isotopes (A < 200) a more collective behavior is observed. Many questions remain regarding the transition between these two regimes and the configuration mixing between quantum states. Experiments in the lighter polonium isotopes point to the presence of shape coexistence, however the phenomenon is not fully understood. A Coulomb excitation study of the polonium isotopes whereby the dynamic properties are investigated can provide helpful insights in understanding the shape coexistence phenomena. In this thesis $^{202}$Po was studied via Coulomb excitation. The $^{202}$Po isotope was part of an experimental campaign in which the $^{196,198,200,206}$Po isotopes were studied as well via Coulomb...

An experimental study on carcinogenesis related to localized fibrosis in the lung

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohwada, Hidemi; Hayashi, Yutaka; Seki, Masatoshi.

1980-01-01

The present series of experiments was carried out in order to see what role pre-existing localized fibrosis plays in carcinogenesis of the lung. Hemorrhagic infarction was produced in the lung of 180 male Wistar rats by injecting 0.05 ml of hexachlorotetrafluorobutane into the tail vein. This resulted in localized fibrosis in the lung 3 months later. One hundred and fifteen rats were alive 3 months after administration of the chemical. Of these animals, 30 were given no further treatment (control). The remaining 85 rats were given intratracheal instillation of 0.2 μCi of polonium-210 once a week, a total of 15 times. It was subsequently found that lung carcinoma was induced in close proximity to the localized pulmonary fibrosis in 3 of 26 rats (11.5%) during the period from completion of the 15 weekly administrations of polonium-210 until the end of this experiment (21 months after the 1st instillation of polonium-210). Polonium-210 was found to be deposited in the fibrous thickening of the alveolus around the subpleural fibrotic lesion, bronchial epithelium, and peribronchial lymph apparati at the initial period of administration of polonium-210, but during the period of pulmonary carcinogenesis, it was deposited in the localized fibrotic lesion in the lung and in a few cancer cells. This suggests that polonium-210 deposited in the pulmonary fibrotic lesion remains there over a long period of time, indicating a reduced clearance ability at this site. (author)

Occurrence of 210Po and Biological Effects of Low-Level Exposure: The Need for Research

Science.gov (United States)

Wiemels, Joseph L.

2012-01-01

Background: Polonium-210 (210Po) concentrations that exceed 1 Bq/L in drinking-water supplies have been reported from four widely separated U.S. states where exposure to it went unnoticed for decades. The radionuclide grandparents of 210Po are common in sediments, and segments of the public may be chronically exposed to low levels of 210Po in drinking water or in food products from animals raised in contaminated areas. Objectives: We summarized information on the environmental behavior, biokinetics, and toxicology of 210Po and identified the need for future research. Methods: Potential linkages between environmental exposure to 210Po and human health effects were identified in a literature review. Discussion: 210Po accumulates in the ovaries where it kills primary oocytes at low doses. Because of its radiosensitivity and tendency to concentrate 210Po, the ovary may be the critical organ in determining the lowest injurious dose for 210Po. 210Po also accumulates in the yolk sac of the embryo and in the fetal and placental tissues. Low-level exposure to 210Po may have subtle, long-term biological effects because of its tropism towards reproductive and embryonic and fetal tissues where exposure to a single alpha particle may kill or damage critical cells. 210Po is present in cigarettes and maternal smoking has several effects that appear consistent with the toxicology of 210Po. Conclusions: Much of the important biological and toxicological research on 210Po is more than four decades old. New research is needed to evaluate environmental exposure to 210Po and the biological effects of low-dose exposure to it so that public health officials can develop appropriate mitigation measures where necessary. PMID:22538346

The oceanic chemistry of the U- and Th-series nuclides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cochran, J.K.

1982-01-01

The subject is discussed under the headings: input and removal of U- and Th-series nuclides in the oceans; uranium (input to the oceans; in the coastal ocean; in the open ocean; in sediment pore water; removal from the oceans; sources and sinks of 234 U in the oceans); thorium (scavenging in the deep sea; 230 Th and 231 Pa balance; removal from the coastal and surface ocean); Ra-226 and Ra-228; radon (in surface waters; near bottom 222 Rn as a tracer for vertical mixing); lead-210; polonium-210. (U.K.)

The Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site: Through My Own Eyes

Science.gov (United States)

2014-07-01

compounds as strontium-90, zirconium-95, cesium-137, carbon-14, plutonium-239, polonium - 210 , and lead- 210 . Plutonium and lead (sic) have not been studied as...times greater than in the population in Europe. This means that the sheep and the kangaroo feed on plants which are filled with lead- 210 and polonium ...9 2.3 POISONED FOOD

Radioactivity and Environmental Security in the Oceans: New Research and Policy Priorities in the Arctic and North Atlantic

Science.gov (United States)

1993-06-09

combined with pictures of fishing activities and further a dish I with fish with a question-mark of the edibility of the food are not 210 1...alpha and beta activity. In addition, individual analyses were conducted for lead- 210 , polonium - 210 , strontium-90, I and radium-226, as well as for...as radium-226, lead- 210 , polonium - 210 , and potassium-40. The cosmogenic nuclides m include tritium and carbon-14. In the marine environment, the

Neutron-rich polonium isotopes studied with in-source laser spectroscopy

CERN Document Server

Dexters, Wim; Cocolios, T E

This work studies the unknown region of neutron rich polonium isotopes. The polonium isotopes, with Z=84, lie above the magic lead nuclei (Z=82). The motivation for this research can mainly be found in these lead nuclei. When looking at the changes in the mean square charge radii beyond the N=126 shell gap, a kink is observed. This kink is also found in the radon (Z=86) and radium (Z=88) isotopes. The observed effect cannot be reproduced with our current models. The polonium isotopes yield more information on the kink and they are also able to link the known charge radii in lead isotopes to those in radon and radium. Additionally, the nuclear moments of the odd-neutron isotope $^{211}$Po are investigated. This nucleus has two protons and one neutron more than the doubly magic nucleus $^{208}$Pb. Nuclear moments of isotopes close to this doubly magic nucleus are good tests for the theoretic models. Besides pushing the models to their limits, the nuclear moments of $^{211}$Po also yield new information on the f...

Defense Space Support to Civil Authority: How Can Policy be Improved?

Science.gov (United States)

2010-06-11

former Russian KGB agent, is killed by Polonium - 210 in a London sushi bar. NOV 2006 Iran successfully test-fires 3 new models of sea missiles in a show of...Infrastructure Protection Mass Care (Sheltering, Feeding, and Related Services) Epidemiological Surveillance and Investigation Mass Prophylaxis Food and...Radiological Attack 12 Explosives Attack - IED 13 Biological Attack - Food contamination 14 Biological Attack - Foreign Animal Disease 15 Cyber

Sulfur, selenium, tellurium and polonium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berry, F.J.

1987-01-01

This chapter on the coordination compounds of sulfur, selenium, tellurium and polonium starts with an introduction to the bonding, valence and geometry of the elements. Complexes of the group VIB elements are discussed with particular reference to the halo and pseudohalide complexes, oxo acid complexes, oxygen and nitrogen donor complexes and sulfur and selenium donor complexes. There is a section on the biological properties of the complexes discussed. (UK)

Environmental Assessment for Increased Depleted Uranium Use on Target 63-10, Nevada Test and Training Range

Science.gov (United States)

2006-09-01

min. β Bismuth-214 19.9 min. β Polonium -214 1.5 x 10-4 sec. α Lead- 210 22 years β Bismuth- 210 5 days β Polonium - 210 140 days α Lead-206 stable...Uranium-234 2.5 x 105 years α Thorium-230 7.7 x 104 years α Radium-226 1600 years α Radon-222 3.8235 days α Polonium -218 3.05 min. α Lead-214 26.8...the degraded areas where ordnance delivery occurs. This also applies to DU use. These areas do not provide food or habitat resources likely to

Radioactivity of tobacco

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nashawati, A.; Al-Dalal, Z.; Al-Akel, B.; Al-Masri, M. S.

2002-04-01

This report shows the results of studies related to radioactivity in tobacco and its pathways to human being. Tobacco contains high concentrations of natural radioactive materials especially polonium 210 and lead 210, which may reach a value of 27 mBq/g. The amount of polonium 210 in tobacco is related to the concentration of radon (the main source of polonium 210 in the agricultural areas) in addition to the over use of phosphate fertilizers for tobacco plantation. Radioactive materials present in tobacco enter the human body through smoking where 210 Po concentrates in the Alveolar lung; this may cause health risks including lung cancer. In addition, radiation doses due to smoking have been reported and some results of the studies carried out for radioactivity in tobacco at the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission. (author)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie, polonium, radium and radiochemistry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guillaumont, R.

2011-01-01

In this work, the author describes how the methodology developed by Marie Curie in discovering polonium and radium has contributed to greater scientific discoveries and how these discoveries have played a great part in the development of science in general and have particularly enriched chemistry. (O.M.)

Do culinary preparations influence 210Po activity concentration in fin fishes?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Praveen Pole, R.P.; Godwin Wesley, S.; Rajan, M.P

2013-01-01

Polonium-210, a member of the 238 U series, is a major source of internal radiation dose to marine organisms and human beings. This naturally occurring radionuclide is responsible for a considerable proportion of radiation exposure of humans, in particular, through consumption of seafood. Considering all these facts, many countries and various international agencies have carried out studies for assessing the levels of 210 Po globally. The volatile nature of 210 Po at high temperatures would significantly reduce its activity concentration in various culinary preparations of seafood. Some studies of fishes have shown no measurable reduction in 210 Po activity in culinary preparations and some authors have reported measurable increase. Based on this scenario, the present study was aimed at estimating 210 Po activity concentrations in different culinary preparations of fishes traditionally prevalent in the coastal region of southern Tamil Nadu. The commonly available fish species (Sardinella sp., Leiognathus sp., Katsuwonus sp., Stolephorus sp. and Chirocentrus sp.) consumed more by the people of this region were collected from nearby fish-landing centre (Kanyakumari and Manakudi). The samples were washed thoroughly with tap water and eviscerated. The fillets were divided into four groups. Fresh fillets analysed as such; A portion of the sample was subjected to oil-frying (with commonly used spices and salt); One portion of the sample was salt-dried; Another portion of the sample was boiled (curry) along with common spices and salt. Ten to twenty grams of each sample was subjected to wet-digestion using 70% conc. HNO 3 followed by the addition of 40% H 2 O 2

A laboratory and field study of 210Po depuration by edible winkles (Littorina littorea L.) from the Cumbrian coast (north-eastern Irish Sea)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Swift, D.J.; Smith, D.L.; Allington, D.J.; Winpenny, K.

1995-01-01

Edible winkles from Saltom Bay, Cumbria (north-eastern Irish Sea) had flesh 210 Po concentrations in excess of 200 Bq kg -1 (wet). This came from liquid waste discharged under authorisation from a chemical plant producing phosphoric acid. This labelling of the winkles under natural conditions was exploited to determine the 210 Po depuration rate and biological half-time. Winkles transferred to Lowestoft and depurated in flowing seawater had biological half-times ranging from 82 to 119 days depending on temperature. After the chemical plant was shut, changes in Saltom Bay winkle flesh contents of 210 Po, 210 Pb and cadmium were followed by monthly samples. The biological half-time in the environment for the decrease in 210 Po after the plant closed was estimated at about 92 days. (author)

Radioactivity levels in some sediment samples from Red Sea and Baltic Sea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salahel Din, K.; Vesterbacka, P.

2012-01-01

Levels of 226, 228 Ra, 232 Th, 210 Pb, 210 Po and 40 K in sediments from four monitoring areas, El Hamraween and Ras El Behar (Red Sea (Egypt)) and LL3A and JML (Baltic Sea (Finland)), have been investigated using alpha and gamma spectrometry. The average activity concentrations were 238±4 Bq kg -1 ( 226 Ra), 215±11 Bq kg -1 ( 210 Pb) and 311±18 Bq kg -1 ( 210 Po) for El Hamraween area. In Ras El Behar area, the corresponding values were 16±0.4, 18±1 and 20±5 Bq kg -1 , respectively. The activity concentrations for 226 Ra, 210 Pb and 210 Po (uranium series) in El Hamraween bottom sediment are much high compared with those in Ras El Behar area, which indicates the enhanced levels due to the activities of phosphate mining and shipment operations in El Hamraween area. Excluding the influence of phosphate mining activities, it can be concluded that the levels of radioactivity in Baltic Sea sediments are higher than those in Red Sea sediments. (authors)

Intake of 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po with food in Poland

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pietrzak-Flis, Z.; Chrzanowski, E.; Dembinska, S.

1997-01-01

Intake with food and water of 226 Ra, 210 Pb and 210 Po was determined for an adult population in regions of central, northern and northeastern Poland. The content of radionuclides was determined in the daily diet and, in the central region, also in foodstuffs and drinking water. The annual intake with foodstuffs was estimated on the basis of their average annual consumption. The 226 Ra intake in northeastern Poland was approximately 17% higher than the overall average, correlating well with the higher concentration of this radionuclide in the soil. The 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio was close to unity in the continental regions, whereas at the Baltic Sea coast it was approximately 1.5. The latter value can be ascribed to a larger consumption of fish for which the 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio was found to be approximately 10. In central Poland the largest intake of 226 Ra was with flour and vegetables (contribution approx. 60%), the largest intake of 210 Pb was with flour and meat (approx. 50%) and the largest intake of 210 Po was with fish (approx. 34%). From the intake and dose coefficient, annual effective doses were calculated. The dose from 210 Pb and 210 Po was approx. 54 μSv year -1 , and the dose from 226 Ra was approx. 4 μSv year -1

Human skeletal uptake of natural alpha radioactivity from {sup 210}Pb-supported {sup 210}Po

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oyedepo, A.C

1998-06-01

This thesis contributes to increasing knowledge on the dosimetry of natural alpha-particle radiation in skeletal tissues, particularly in utero, and associated risks of malignancy. Alpha-particle radiation is an established aetiological factor of cancer. In the human body, polonium-210 decayed from skeletal lead-210 ({sup 210}Pb/{sup 210}Po) is the predominant natural alpha-emitter. {sup 210}Pb displaces calcium (Ca) in mineral hydroxyapatite, especially during periods of rapid bone growth and remodelling when Ca is laid down. It was therefore necessary to study alpha activity uptake and calcification concurrently within bone. Human studies were undertaken on: fetal vertebrae, 17 - 42 weeks of gestation, 74 samples; adult vertebrae, 40 - 95 years, 40 samples; and adult ribs, 20 - 95 years, 51 samples. Specimens were unconcentrated and weighed <5 g each. TASTRAK alpha-particle autoradiography was used to assess the bone activity concentration and spatial microdistribution of {sup 210}Pb/{sup 210}Po. Alpha track data were resolved by specially written software named SPATS (Selection Program for Analysing Track Structures). Ca and phosphorus (P) were biochemically determined. Results were examined for trends in bone type, gender and chronological ageing in humans. The main research findings were: 1) The Ca content of fetal vertebrae increased linearly at a weekly rate of 0.2g Ca 100 g{sup -1} wet bone (typical values of 2, 4, 6 g 100 g{sup -1} at 16, 26 and 36 weeks). 2) The P concentration also increased with advancing fetal age. 3) The Ca:P bone weight ratio rose from 1.7 to 2.2 by 32 gestational weeks. 4) The overall range in bone {sup 210}Pb/{sup 210}Po alpha activity was 0.25 - 1.1 Bq kg{sup -1} with correlation between activity concentration and fetal age (0.47 {+-} 0.05 Bq kg{sup -1} for 17 - 26 weeks, 0.67 {+-} 0.04 Bq kg{sup -1} for 32 - 42 weeks). 5) The correlation between increased alpha radioactivity and increased Ca concentration approximating to 0

Current Research Activities.

Science.gov (United States)

1975-02-01

and PoZonium- 210 Investigations of lead- 210 and polonium - 210 in sediments offshore of the 4 Columbia River are under way, with the dual aims of...Geochemical bepb’~for of mercury in Bellingham Bay .. .. ....... 45IiD Lead-ZlO. and polonium -ZlO. .. ............... ..... 46 E. Hydrocarbons in Lake...Biological oceanography, marine food chain dynamics, carbon cycling in the ocean. Martin, Seelye,Ph.D., Johns Hopkins. Geophysical fluid dynamics

Casualty Estimation for Nuclear and Radiological Weapons

Science.gov (United States)

2016-06-01

rate 2.69 d β Metal Polonium - 210 210Po Static eliminators 138 d α Metal foil Radium-226 226Ra Brachytherapy - low dose rate 1600 y α Salt...Promethium-147 153Gd Gadolinium-153 169Yb Ytterbium-169 170Tm Thulium-170 192Ir Iridium-192 210Po Polonium - 210 226Ra Radium-226 238Pu Plutonium-238...Brussels: NATO, in development). iv present in a large food irradiator facility, and constitutes about 34.5 kg of 137Cs. To illustrate alternative

Deposition potential of polonium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heal, H. G.

1948-11-23

The cathodic deposition potential for polonium in concentrations of 10{sup -13} normal and 8 x 10{sup -13} normal, the former being 100-fold smaller than the smallest concentrations previously studied, has been determined. The value is 0.64 volt on the hydrogen scale. Considering the various ways in which the graphs can reasonably be drawn, we consider the maximum possible error to be of the order of +- 0.03 volt. There is apparently no shift of deposition potential between concentrations of 10{sup -8} and 10{sup -13} normal, indicating that the Nernst equation is not applicable in these circumstances.

210Pb and 210Po as tracers of particle transport mechanisms on continental margins

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radakovitch, O.; Heussner, S.; Biscaye, P.; Abassi, A.

1997-01-01

The natural radionuclides 210 Po and 210 Pb, members of the 238 U decay chain, are particularly helpful to the understanding of particle transport processes in the ocean. These isotopes were analysed on sediment trap particles collected during 3 one-year experiments on continental margins. In the Bay of Biscay (Northeastern Atlantic) and in the Gulf of Lion (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea) both as part of the French ECOMARGE programme, and in the Middle Atlantic Bight (Northwestern Atlantic) as part of the SEEP programme. They yielded great insights into scenarios of particle transfer at each site, mainly based on the spatial and temporal distribution of 210 Pb particulate concentrations and fluxes. (author)

Particulate and soluble 210Pd activities in the deep sea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Somayajulu, B.L.K.; Craig, H.

1976-01-01

Particulate and soluble, 210 Pb activities have been measured by filtration of large-volume water samples at two stations in the South Atlantic. Particulate phase 210 Pb (caught by a 0.4-μm filter) varies from 0.3% of total 210 Pb in equatorial surface water to 15% in the bottom water. The 'absolute activity' of 210 Pb per unit mass of particulate matter is about 10 7 times the activity of soluble 210 Pb per unit mass of water, but because the mass ratio of particulate matter to water is about 10 -8 , the particulate phase carries only about 10% of the total activity. In Antarctic surface water the particulate phase carries 40% of the total 210 Pb activity; the absolute activity of this material is about the same as in other water masses and the higher fraction is due to the much larger concentration of suspended matter in surface water in this region. In the equatorial Atlantic the particulate phase 210 Pb activity increases with depth, by a factor of 40 from surface to bottom, and by a factor of 4 from the Antarctic Intermediate water core to the Antarctic Bottom Water. (Auth.)

Aspects on the analysis of 210Po.

Science.gov (United States)

Henricsson, F; Ranebo, Y; Holm, E; Roos, P

2011-05-01

There has been little development regarding analysis of polonium (Po) in environmental samples since the 1960 ies. This is due to the straightforward spontaneous deposition of this element on silver (Ag), nickel (Ni) or copper (Cu) without any radiochemical separation. For many years, no radiochemical yield determinant was used and it was generally supposed that the yield was 100% after two depositions. Counting was often done using ZnS scintillation counter coupled to a photomultiplier tube. However, the use of the yield determinants (208)Po and (209)Po and the development of alpha spectrometry showed that the yield was lower. Furthermore, the tendency of Po to volatilize at low temperatures constrains the sample preparation techniques; dry-ashing cannot be used. But during the wet-ashing procedure, there are still some losses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Po losses during wet-ashing by the use of a double-tracer technique. We have found that the losses were about 30% when open glass beakers were used and about 17% when the samples were digested in microwave oven. When long-necked bottles (Kjeldahl flasks) were used, a loss of about 20% was registered. It has also been observed that (210)Pb to some extent is plating out together with its daughter nuclide Po during the electrochemical deposition. This will result in a systematic error since an unknown amount of supported (210)Po will be produced from the (210)Pb decay depending on the fraction of (210)Pb being deposited on the disc and the waiting time between deposition and measurement of the sample. A further consequence of this is that in the assessment of the (210)Pb content in the sample, very often the remaining liquid is stored after deposition for build-up of (210)Po. Since some (210)Pb is lost on the disc, the result for (210)Pb will be too low. Both these systematic errors give rise to a too high (210)Po/(210)Pb ratio. The fraction of (210)Pb which is plating out has been assessed in this

Effect of polonium alpha-radiation on aqueous solutions (the history of French and Russian studies)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vladimirova, M.V.

1998-01-01

Since Pierre and Marie Curie's discovery of polonium and radium the effect of their radiation on chemical systems was noted. This gave rise to a new science - radiation chemistry. Systematic studies of radiation effects go back to the mid-1940s. The effect of gamma and x radiation was studied most, while only M. Curie's laboratory in France was concerned with alpha emitting polonium and radon. M. Haissinsky, M. Lefort, P. Bonet-Marry, M. Anta pioneered this activity. Radon was soon abandoned in favour of polonium recovered from RaD. With its short half-life, polonium is an ideal emitter which at its low content by weight produces a highly intensive radiation. French scientists determined radiation yields of H 2 , O 2 , H 2 O 2 and that of water radiolytic decomposition, G[-H 2 O]. The latter was found to be equal to 3.5 molecule/100 eV and much less than that from gamma radiolysis (4.2 molecule/100 eV). It should be noted that the polonium recovered from RaD contained a variety of impurities influencing the yield of radiolysis products formed. From the outset of her study in 1957, the author of this paper used the purest polonium recovered from reactor-irradiated Bi-209. This made it possible to define the yields from alpha radiolysis of various aqueous solutions more exactly. Relying on the J. Pucheault hypothesis concerning the decomposition of molecular radiolysis products in heavy particle tracks, author's efforts were directed toward the quantification of initial radiolysis yields. Special experiments have shown that G[-H 2 O] is much the same from alpha and gamma radiolysis (around 4.2 molecule/100eV). The author had the good luck to discuss her results with Pr. M. Haissinsky from Laboratory Curie. (author)

Ingestion of 210Po by public residing in and around Kalpakkam through dietary source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arunachalam, Kantha Deivi; Baskaran, Kamesh Viswanathan; Annamalai, Sathesh Kumar; Sivasubramanian, K.S.; Venkatraman, B.

2014-01-01

The distribution of naturally occurring radionuclide Polonium-210 ( 210 Po) activity in dietary source of Kalpakkam, Nuclear Power Plant, Tamil Nadu and its nearby region was studied. The 210 Po was analyzed in the food materials consumed by the male and female individuals (he/she) living in the study area of Kalpakkam (nuclear power plant) was done by 24-hr Duplicate Diet Study (DDS) and Market Basket Study (MBS). The MBS was done by collecting the food materials such as, cereals, fruits, nuts, leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fish, meat and milk collected from the study area. The DDS was done by collecting the food materials including the beverages consumed in 24 h from different age groups of male and female individuals living in surroundings of Kalpakkam. The intake and ingestion dose of the radionuclide 210 Po was estimated. The mean concentration of 210 Po in DDS (n= 33) was found to be 36 mBq.kg -1 of fresh weight. The MBS was collected based on food consumption representing more than 85-95% of annual supply, and were divided into 8 food groups. The mean concentration of 210 Po in 8 food groups namely leafy vegetables was 288 mBq.kg -1 (n=4), vegetables 33 mBq.kg -1 (n=12), fish 7294 mBq.kg -1 (n=5) and cereal 34 (n=1) mBq.kg -1 of fresh weight respectively. The remaining food categories such as nuts (n=1), fruits (n= 4), meat food (n= 2) and milk (n= 2) are below detection limit of 30 mBq.kg -1 fresh weight. The annual intake and ingestion dose due to 210 Po was estimated by DDS and MBS in adults, adolescents and children. Thereby, discussing the risk level of 210 Po ingestion to the local inhabitants in Kalpakkam region. (author)

The three-spinned stickleback (Gasterosteus Aguleatus) as potential biomonitor of 210Po content at two sampling sites of coastal area of the Gulf of Gdansk

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goral, M.; Bojanowski, R.; Szefer, P.

2006-01-01

The aim of presented study was to evaluate the three-spinned stickleback (Gasterosteus Aguleatus) as potential biomonitor of 210 Po content in the vicinity of mouth of the Vistula River and yacht port in Gdynia. The three-spinned stickleback was collected from the above areas. Fish was caught, samples were weighted and their total lengths was measured. The fish age was determined using sagittal otoliths. The 210 Po content was determined by α-spectrometry, following radiochemical separation. The U Mann-Whitney's test showed insignificant differences in 210 Po activity in samples originated from two various geographic regions. Based on the results of both U Mann-Whitney's test Spearman's rank correlations it seems that stickleback could be useful tool for monitoring because of the lack of the sex- and age-dependent influence on polonium concentration in the fish analysed

Estimation of past radon exposure to indoor radon from embedded 210Po in household glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gusain, G. S.; Rautela, B. S.; Ramola, R. C.

2012-01-01

In the present investigation, the surface-deposited polonium activities were measured in houses in the Ukhimath region of Garhwal Himalaya (India)). The surface-deposited 210 Po activity concentrations were found to vary from 0.7 to 15.40 Bq m -2 with an average of 5.95 Bq m -2 . The radon concentration estimated on the basis of 210 Po activity was found to vary from 0.29 to 700 Bq m -3 with an average value 242 Bq m -3 . The contemporary radon concentration in the area was found to vary from 13 to 181 Bq m -3 with an average of 46 Bq m -3 . The annual effective dose due to 210 Po activity in houses in the Garhwal Himalaya region was found to vary from 0.61 to 13.33 mSv with an average of 5.15 mSv. Some worldwide studies have shown the relation between the increased risk of lung cancer and smoking habits. Data on smoking have also been collected from the same dwellings. The significance of this work is also discussed in detail from a radiation protection point of view. (authors)

Baseline concentration of 210Po and 210Pb in Sargassum from the northern Gulf

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uddin, S.; Aba, A.; Bebhehani, M.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • This is the first baseline for 210 Po and 210 Pb in Sargassum from northern Gulf. • 210 Po concentration in Sargassum boveanum is higher than Sargassum oligocystum. • 210 Pb concentrations in two Sargassum species was not statistically significant. • The concentration factor is microalgae is slightly higher than IAEA recommended value. - Abstract: This baseline study highlights the 210 Po and 210 Pb concentration in two species of the benthic macroalgae Sargassum from northern Gulf, also known as the ROPME Sea Area (RSA). Within the marine environment, 210 Po is initially absorbed from water and concentrated by phytoplankton and macroalgae, and this concentrated 210 Po can then readily be passed along to the higher trophic level of the marine food web. The 210 Po concentration measured in Sargassum boveanum (22.5–25.6 Bq kg −1 ) was higher than that in Sargassum oligocystum (20.2–22.5 Bq kg −1 ), but is not statistically significant (p > 0.064), where as the difference between 210 Pb concentrations in Sargassum boveanum (15.3–16.8 Bq kg −1 ) and Sargassum oligocystum (18.4–22.0 Bq kg −1 ) was statistically significant (p > 0.019). The measured concentration factor for 210 Po in Sargassum in the northern Gulf varied between 0.55 and 1.2 × 10 4 , values higher to the IAEA recommended value of 1 × 10 3 . The 210 Po enrichment is observed in both the species of Sargassum, 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratio was >1 at all the stations for all the samples

Determination of 210Po concentration in commercially available infant formulae and assessment of daily ingestion dose

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ravi K. Prabhath

2015-07-01

Full Text Available A study has been conducted to estimate the concentration of natural radioactive polonium in commercially available packaged infant food formulae available in Mumbai, India and the corresponding daily dose normalized based on its shelf life. Eleven most popular international brands of infant formulae were sourced from market and three aliquots from each sample were analysed for concordant results. Autodeposition method onto a silver planchet from hot dilute acid solution followed by alpha spectrometry was performed for estimation of polonium. Radiochemical recovery was ascertained by the addition of 209Po tracer. Radiochemical recovery of 209Po tracer was ranged from 14.7 to 98.1 %. The 210Po concentration in the samples was in the range of 0.08–0.23 Bq kg−1 on measured date and the corresponding daily dose, calculated on normalized date which is at mid-point of the shelf life of the sample, was ranged from 0.04 to 0.89 μSv d−1 as per the recommended daily consumption. The annual committed effective dose estimated based on the average of daily dose was found to be 150 μSv.

Who’s on First: Unraveling the Complexity of the United States’ Food and Agricultural Regulatory System in the Realm of Homeland Security

Science.gov (United States)

2009-12-01

a weapon in food and water. The case involved the radiological poisoning of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko with Polonium 210 . An article... Polonium 210 an “extraordinary poison” that is lethal in doses so small “you can lose it on the point of a pin” (Jordan & Finn, 2006). Radiological agents...fundamentally new way” (Kim & Mauborgne, 2005, p. 210 ). What this implies in the movement toward a single food safety oversight system is that change

Joint Force Quarterly. Issue 48, 1st Quarter 2008

Science.gov (United States)

2008-01-01

in a London hospital in November 2006 due to ingested alpha particles from Polonium 210 . Just the trace trail of Polonium 210 across the city and...geted and killed 210 Palestinians. An additional 128 civilian bystanders were also killed during these operations. See <www.btselem.org/English...When the baby boomers were children, they passed signs every day for fallout shelters and stocks of water and food to be used in the event of a

Factors affecting 210Po and 210Pb activity concentrations in mussels and implications for environmental bio-monitoring programmes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carvalho, Fernando P.; Oliveira, Joao M.; Alberto, G.

2011-01-01

The activity of 210 Po and 210 Pb was determined in mussels of the same size (3.5-4.0 cm shell length) sampled monthly over a 17-month period at the Atlantic coast of Portugal. Average radionuclide concentration values in mussels were 759 ± 277 Bq kg -1 for 210 Po (range 460-1470 Bq kg -1 dry weight), and 45 ± 19 Bq kg -1 for 210 Pb (range 23-96 Bq kg -1 dry weight). Environmental parameters and mussel biometric parameters were monitored during the same period. Although there was no seasonal variation of radionuclide concentrations in sea water during the study period, the concentration of radionuclide activity in mussels varied seasonally displaying peaks of high concentrations in winter and low concentrations in summer. Analysis of radionuclide data in relation to the physiological Condition Index of mussels revealed that 210 Po and 210 Pb activities in the mussel (average activity per individual) remained nearly constant during the investigation period, while mussel body weight fluctuated due to fat storage/expenditure in the soft tissues. Similar variation of radionuclide concentrations was observed in mussels transplanted from the sea coast into the Tejo Estuary. However, under estuarine environmental conditions and with higher food availability throughout the year, transplanted mussel Condition Index was higher than in coastal mussels and average radionuclide concentrations were 210 ± 75 Bq kg -1 (dry weight) for 210 Po and 10 ± 4 Bq kg -1 (dry weight) for 210 Pb, therefore lower than in coastal mussels with similar shell length. It is concluded that the apparent seasonal fluctuation and inter-site difference of radionuclide concentrations were mostly caused by mussel body weight fluctuation and not by radionuclide body burden fluctuation. This interpretation can be extended to the apparent seasonal fluctuation in concentrations of lipophilic and lipophobic contaminants in mussels, and provides an explanation for occasional high concentrations of 210 Po

210Po and 210Pb concentrations in fish consumed in Syria

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, M.S.; Mamish, S.; Budeir, Y.; Nashwaty, A

2001-01-01

Edible part of 36 types of sea fish collected from local market (Lattakia, Tartus, Banias) and seven types of river fish (Euphrate river and Mzerib lake) have been analyzed for sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Po and sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Pb. Results of analysis have shown that sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Po and sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Pb concentrations in sea fish varied between 0.27 and 27.48 Bq/kg and between 0.05 and 0.38 Bq/kg, respectively while for river fish concentrations were relatively low and varied between 0.61 and 3.08 Bq/kg for sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Po and between 0.04 and 0.10 Bq/kg for sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Pb. In addition, the Syrian adults daily intakes of sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Po and sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 Pb have been estimated and found to be 6.0 and 0.24 mBq respectively. These intakes are much less than those reported in other areas in the world. The collective dose was also determined and found to be about 5.09 man.Sv for polonium sup 2 sup 1 sup 0 and 2.93 man.Sv for lead sup 2 sup 1 sup 0. (author)

Release of radium and other decay-series isotopes from Florida phosphate rock. Final report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burnett, W.C.; Chin, P.; Deetae, S.; Panik, P.

1988-01-01

The purpose of this research was to determine the conditions under which uranium decay-series isotopes are released from phosphate rock into the environment. Particular attention was given to the behavior of radium, radon, and polonium. The emphasis was justified because of several documented cases citing elevated concentrations of these radioelements occurring in Florida ground waters. When it became clear that polonium was occasionally present at exceedingly high concentrations in shallow ground waters, the scope of the project was expanded to include a study of the distribution of Po-210 in the surficial aquifer of west central Florida. Studies of a series of phosphate rock samples representing various degrees of chemical weathering show that almost all uranium-series radionuclides display higher activities in weathered samples compared to fresh material. Most samples display a Pb-210/Ra-226 activity ratio less than secular equilibrium because of Rn-222 leakage. An unexpected result was the deficiency of Po-210, relative to Pb-210 in several samples. This implies that polonium, under certain conditions, may be more mobile than lead. Many wells in central Florida contain high concentrations of Po-210. Characteristics which high-polonium groundwaters have in common include low pH, presence of sulfide, and at least moderately high radon

Impact of microorganism on polonium volatilization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Momoshima, N.; Ishida, A.; Fukuda, A.; Yoshinaga, C.

2007-01-01

Volatilization of polonium by microorganisms, Chromobacterium violaceum, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis was examined for pure cultures in LB medium at 30 deg C, showing relative Po emission intensity 100, 10 and 1, respectively. Chromobacterium violaceum pre-cultured in LB medium without Po and suspended in water with Po showed high Po volatilization in spite of poor nutriment condition. Antibiotics inhibit volatilization of Po and cultivation at low temperature greatly reduced volatilization. The results strongly support the biological effects on Po volatilization. (author)

[Einheit und Vielfalt in der Rechtsgeschichte im Ostseeraum] / Marelle Leppik

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Leppik, Marelle

2013-01-01

Arvustus: Einheit und Vielfalt in der Rechtsgeschichte im Ostseeraum. Unity and plurality in the legal history of the Baltic Sea area Sechster Rechtshistorikertag im Ostseeraum, 3.-5. Juni 2010 Tartu (Estland) / Riga (Lettland9. Hrsg. von Marju Luts-Sootak, Sanita Osipova und Frank L. Schäfer. (Rechtshistorische Reihe, Bd. 428.) Land. Frankfurt am Main u. a. 2012

{sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po as tracers of particle transport mechanisms on continental margins

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radakovitch, O.; Heussner, S. [Perpignan Univ., 66 (France). Lab. de Sedimentologie et Geochimie Marines; Biscaye, P.; Abassi, A. [Columbia Univ., Palisades, NY (United States). Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory

1997-12-31

The natural radionuclides {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb, members of the {sup 238}U decay chain, are particularly helpful to the understanding of particle transport processes in the ocean. These isotopes were analysed on sediment trap particles collected during 3 one-year experiments on continental margins. In the Bay of Biscay (Northeastern Atlantic) and in the Gulf of Lion (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea) both as part of the French ECOMARGE programme, and in the Middle Atlantic Bight (Northwestern Atlantic) as part of the SEEP programme. They yielded great insights into scenarios of particle transfer at each site, mainly based on the spatial and temporal distribution of {sup 210}Pb particulate concentrations and fluxes. (author) 11 refs.

Determination of radionuclides and trace elements in marine sediments and biota from the red sea coast

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sirelkhatim, Dia Awad

2002-09-01

21.9 Bq/kg dry weight. Similarly, the highest concentration of 210 Po was met in Festive at 38.7 Bq/kg. There is no variation seen among algal species for 210 Pb uptake, however, converse to radium and polonium, Favites (coral) was found to contain the minimum concentration of lead (3.88). In most species there is preferential accumulation of polonium over its parent radium as indicated by 210 Po: 226 Ra activity ratio. On the other hand, 210 Po: 210 Pb activity concentration ratio revealed that coral species Favites (9.97) and the brown algae Sargassum (1.85) have a tendency to accumulate 210 Po over 210 Pb, while in the rest of species; this ratio is less than unity. For 239+240 Pu measured in marine algae and animal species, the molluscs species apparently shows the lowest plutonium uptake relative to other animal species analysed and the algal species display a greater tendency for accumulation of plutonium in contrast to animal species. The lowest activity concentration value of 90 Sr in mBq/kg dry weight was met in green algae species Entomorpha (40) and the highest value in coral species Favites (157.2). As regards 40 K, its activity concentration in marine biota ranges between 450 (molluscs species Tridacnica) to 6630 Bq/kg dry weight for the other molluscs species Lambia. For trace elements studied, marine algae species show the highest uptake for all elements except strontium, cerium, rubidium and arsenic. On the other hand, coral species Favites contains the maximum concentration of strontium and cerium whereas highest values for rubidium and arsenic are detected in molluscs species Lambia. Among algal species, the green algae Entomorpha show highest trace metals uptake strongly suggesting its suitability for utilization as an effective bioindicator for trace metals in the Red Sea environment. (Author)

226Ra-210Pb-210Po Levels in Marine Biota and Surface Coastal Sediments from the Red Sea, Sudan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sirelkhatim, D.A.; Sam, A.K.; Hassona, R.K.

2003-01-01

This paper presents data on 226 Ra, 210 Pb and 210 Po activity concentration levels in multicellular marine algae, molluscs, coral as well as in surface marine sediments collected from the shallower waters of the fringing reefs area extending towards north and south (Flamingo bay) of Port sudan harbour. The analyses were performed adopting a simple time efficient method combining alpha-spectrometry, liquid scintillation and Cerenkov counting technique. Generally speaking, surface sediments from this coastal region are poor in their radioactivity content in contrast to similar data reported from different coastal areas around the globe. There is surface enrichment of 210 Pb and 210 Po with respect to their progenitor 226 Ra as it is evident from the activity ratios of 210 Pb/ 226 Ra (3.03±1.79) and 210 Po/ 226 Ra (2.23±1.56). Among marine plants and animals investigated, the green algae species, Halimeda, and coral species, Favites, show substantial concentration of radium at 8.2 Bq/KXg and 21.9 Bq/KXg dry weight, respectively

Factors affecting {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb activity concentrations in mussels and implications for environmental bio-monitoring programmes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Carvalho, Fernando P., E-mail: carvalho@itn.p [Nuclear and Technological Institute (ITN), Department of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, E.N. 10, 2686-953 Sacavem (Portugal); Oliveira, Joao M.; Alberto, G. [Nuclear and Technological Institute (ITN), Department of Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, E.N. 10, 2686-953 Sacavem (Portugal)

2011-02-15

The activity of {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb was determined in mussels of the same size (3.5-4.0 cm shell length) sampled monthly over a 17-month period at the Atlantic coast of Portugal. Average radionuclide concentration values in mussels were 759 {+-} 277 Bq kg{sup -1} for {sup 210}Po (range 460-1470 Bq kg{sup -1} dry weight), and 45 {+-} 19 Bq kg{sup -1} for {sup 210}Pb (range 23-96 Bq kg{sup -1} dry weight). Environmental parameters and mussel biometric parameters were monitored during the same period. Although there was no seasonal variation of radionuclide concentrations in sea water during the study period, the concentration of radionuclide activity in mussels varied seasonally displaying peaks of high concentrations in winter and low concentrations in summer. Analysis of radionuclide data in relation to the physiological Condition Index of mussels revealed that {sup 210}Po and {sup 210}Pb activities in the mussel (average activity per individual) remained nearly constant during the investigation period, while mussel body weight fluctuated due to fat storage/expenditure in the soft tissues. Similar variation of radionuclide concentrations was observed in mussels transplanted from the sea coast into the Tejo Estuary. However, under estuarine environmental conditions and with higher food availability throughout the year, transplanted mussel Condition Index was higher than in coastal mussels and average radionuclide concentrations were 210 {+-} 75 Bq kg{sup -1} (dry weight) for {sup 210}Po and 10 {+-} 4 Bq kg{sup -1} (dry weight) for {sup 210}Pb, therefore lower than in coastal mussels with similar shell length. It is concluded that the apparent seasonal fluctuation and inter-site difference of radionuclide concentrations were mostly caused by mussel body weight fluctuation and not by radionuclide body burden fluctuation. This interpretation can be extended to the apparent seasonal fluctuation in concentrations of lipophilic and lipophobic contaminants in

Evaluation of radionuclide levels and radiological dose in three populations of marine mammals in the eastern Canadian Arctic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Macdonald, C.R.; Ewing, L.L.; Wiewel, A.M.; Harris, D.A.; Stewart, R.E.A.

1993-01-01

Radionuclide levels were measured in beluga, walrus and ringed seal populations collected in 1992 to assess radiation dose and changes in dose with age and sex. The authors hypothesized that Arctic marine food chains accumulate high levels of naturally-occurring radionuclides such as polonium-210 and that radiation may pose a stress to animals which also accumulate metals such as cadmium. Liver, kidney, muscle and jawbone were analyzed by gamma spectrometry for cesium-137, cesium-134, lead-210, potassium-40 and radium-226 and fission-derived nuclides. Polonium-210 was analyzed by alpha spec after autodeposition onto a silver disk. Cesium-137 concentrations in muscle in all three populations were low, and ranged from below detection limits to 10 Bq/kg ww. There was no evidence of fission-derived radionuclides such as zinc-65 or cobalt-60. Lead-210 levels ranged from below detection limits in muscle of ringed seal and walrus to a mean of 82.3 Bq/kg ww in walrus bone. Polonium-210 in the three population ranged from 10 to 30 Bq/kg ww in bone and kidney. The major contributor to dose in the animals was polonium-210 because it is an alpha emitter and accumulates to moderate levels in liver and kidney. Radiological dose is approximately 20--30 times higher than background in humans, and is considerably lower than the dose observed in terrestrial food chains in the Arctic

Radioactivity measurements in the vicinity of the mine waste heap at Crossen and radiation dose assessment; Radioaktivitaetsmessungen in der Umgebung der Bergehalde Crossen und Abschaetzung der Strahlenexposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kulzer, R.

1998-09-01

The radiation dose to the population living in the vicinity of the mine waste heap is assessed. The measurements carried out were to verify the dose relevance of ambient radioactivity on site, in particular the ingestion and inhalation pathways and the external exposure pathways. The nuclide Pb-210 was used as an indicator because of its large dose factor for assessment of ingestion and its airborne dispersion as an Rn-222 daughter product. The waste heap material releases large quantities of this nuclide. Ingestion of radioactivity from the waste heap may be caused by wind-borne erosion and activity deposition on plants in the area. Thererfore, the specific activities of Pb-210 and Ra-226 have been measured in soil and plant specimens sampled at various distances from the waste heap. (orig./CB) [Deutsch] Die Strahlenexposition der in der Naehe einer Bergehalde lebenden Bevoelkerung wird bestimmt. Zu diesem Zweck wurden Messungen realisiert, die den Ingestions- und Inhalationspfad sowie die externe Exposition fuer die vorgefundene Situation auf ihre Dosisrelevanz ueberpruefen sollten. Hierzu diente das Nuklid Pb-210 mit seinem grossen Dosisfaktor fuer die Ingestion und seiner besonderen Verbreitungsmoeglichkeit ueber die Luft als Tochter von Rn-222. Dieses wird aus dem Haldenmaterial in grossen Mengen freigesetzt. Haldenmaterial kann ueber den Ingestionspfad in den menschlichen Koerper aufgenommen werden, wenn es durch Winderosion auf Pflanzenoberflaechen in der Umgebung abgelagert wird.Deshalb wurden die spezifischen Aktivitaeten an Pb-210 und Ra-226 von Boden- und Pflanzenproben in verschiedenen Entfernungen zur Halde bestimmt.

Research on the behavior of polonium produced in lead-bismuth eutectic irradiated with neutrons. JAERI's nuclear research promotion program, H10-026. Contract research

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sekimoto, Hiroshi; Igashira, Masayuki; Yano, Toyohiko; Obara, Toru; Ohsaki, Toshiro

2002-03-01

Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) is proposed by several research institutes as a coolant of liquid metal cooled fast reactors, instead of sodium, and a target of accelerator driven subcritical nuclear reactor systems (ADS). LBE has some advantages that it is chemically inert compared to sodium and that its melting point is low like sodium. A problem might be that bismuth produces polonium, which is an alpha emitter, by irradiation of neutrons. The purpose of the study is to get information for quantitative estimations of the release of polonium on LBE cooled fast reactors and on ADSs by making it clear about production rate of polonium (information about cross section) by neutron irradiation of LBE, release rate of the produced polonium from LBE, and adsorption rate of the polonium on various materials. To get the information about production rate of polonium, neutron cross sections of bismuth were measured in keV energy region, which was important in fast reactors, by using the Pelletron accelerator in Research Laboratory for Nuclear Reactors, Tokyo Institute of Technology. The obtained neutron capture cross sections were from 1/2 to 1/3 of the evaluated values in JENDL and the obtained polonium production cross sections were almost 1/3 of it. At the same time, an experimental device was designed for heating and adsorption experiments and the performance was tested. The performance of alpha spectrometer was tested also. By those the method was established for the measurement of polonium released from melted LBE after neutron irradiation. (author)

Solar energy and nuclear power. Energy sources, environmental pollution and CO{sub 2} - problem; Solarenergie und Atomstrom. Energiequellen, Umweltbelastung und das CO{sub 2}-Problem

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Metzner, H.

1999-07-01

In this volume the energy sources used today and possible alternatives like solar-, wind-, and hydro power, geothermal energy and renewable fuels are presented. The environmental pollution due to fossil fuel application (e.g. sulfur- and nitrogen oxides) as the use of nuclear power are discussed in detail. An extra chapter covers the CO2 problem (greenhouse effect, ice cover on earth, sea level, influence on plant growth and agricultural crop) as climatic forecasting. [German] In diesem Band werden die heute nutzbaren Energiequellen und die dazu moeglichen Alternativen wie Solarenergie, Wind-, und Wasserkraft, Erdwaerme und nachwachsende Rohstoffe aufgezeigt. Die Umweltbelastungen aus der Nutzung fossiler Brennstoffe (z.B. Schwefel- und Stickoxide) sowie der Kernenergie sind ausfuehrlich besprochen. Dem CO2-Problem (Treibhauseffekt, Eisbedeckung der Erde, Hoehe des Meeresspiegels, Auswirkungen auf Pflanzenwuchs und Agrarertraege) sowie den Klimaprognosen ist ein eigenes Kapitel gewidmet.

Radiation studies in Lens culinaris: impact of absorbed polonium on microsporogenesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, V.K.; Tauheed, Nusrat; Jha, V.N.; Tripathi, R.M.

2008-01-01

The root systems of fully grown plants of Lens culinaris (2n=14) were exposed to solutions of different concentrations of polonium (mixture of 208 Po and 209 Po Energy of alpha being 5.1 MeV and 4.9 MeV respectively). Variability in duration of exposure was also maintained. The controlled samples showed normal behavior of chromosomes forming seven bivalents with varying numbers of chiasmata. However, the pollen grain mother cells (PMC) of treated plants harbored a broad spectrum of chromosomal aberrations viz. Clumped configurations, multivalent formation, sticky anaphase bridge and laggards. Clumped configurations following surface stickiness was the most prominent manifestation. It appeared that the alpha particles emitted by the polonium atoms, logged in different organs including the anthers, created a situation akin to chronic internal radiation and inflicting injuries of different extent on the chromosome surface. (author)

Lead-210 as a radiotracer of coastal processes in studies along the Brazil coastal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Patchineelam, Sambasiva R.; Sanders, Christian J.; Smoak, Joseph M.

2013-01-01

In this work, we review environmental radioactivity studies, using 210 Pb, over the past 15 years along various areas of the Brazilian Coast. Included in these studies sediment accumulation rates, mixing zones, atmospheric fallout, sediment focusing and boundary scavenging have been studied. To validate, our 210 Pb geochronologies, we have measured artificially fallout nuclides such as 137 Cs, 239+240 Pu and recorded pollution records, such as with heavy metals, with known mining history and have been used to confirm our 210 Pb geochronologies. Activities reported are also in agreement with duplicate analyses taken at the USGS geochemistry laboratory. Sedimentary deposit in mangrove of the Ilha Grande have been compared with near by tide gauge record. Result indicated the accretion rates are keeping pace with sea level rise. This relation, between 210 Pb sediment accumulation rates at local sea level rise, has proven to be important in area where tide gauges are not available to determine local sea level rise

A study on the distribution of alpha emitting radionuclides Polonium-210 in the Pitchavaram mangrove forest, southeast coast of India (Bay of Bengal)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raja, P.; Sadiq Bukhari, A.; Krishnamoorthy, R.; Shahul Hameed, M.M.; Shahul Hameed, P.

2004-01-01

The environmental samples such as water, sediment and biota (prawns, crabs, bivalves and fishes) were collected from Pitchavaram mangrove ecosystem and subjected to analyses of 210 Po. The concentration of 210 Po in water and sediment was 1.8 mBq/l and 2.6 Bq/kg respectively. It was observed that the muscle and soft tissues of animals concentrated a higher level of 210 Po than the hard parts like shells and bones. The ranges of 210 Po activity in biological samples were analysed in crustaceans (muscle: 72.3-227.7 Bq/kg and exoskeleton 31.2-92.3 Bq/kg), molluscs (soft tissue: 295-584.7 Bq/kg and shell: 2.9-11.9 Bq/kg) and fishes (muscle: 14.3- 43.7 Bq/kg and bone: 10.3-21.9 Bq/kg). The oyster Crassostrea madrasensis was identified to concentrate higher level of 210 Po in their soft tissues, suggesting that this could serve as a bioindicator organism. The study demonstrates that the 210 Po Pitchavaram mangrove has been rather very low as compared to adjacent Kalpakkam coast on the North and Gulf of Mannar on the South. (author)

Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Training Supplement: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, Volume 8 Edition 4, Fall 2008

Science.gov (United States)

2008-01-01

Anthrax, or Polonium 210 . Incidental events such as the postal letter to Senator Daschle that occurred in Washington, D.C. in October 2001 and the use of... Polonium 210 against Alexander Litvinenko in November 2006 show the potential of future insurgents’ willingness to conduct mass killings. The...authors as well (Navein et al., 2003). Hemostatic Agents No hemostatic agents had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and proven to

Journal of Special Operations Medicine. Training Supplement to Fall 2008. Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

Science.gov (United States)

2008-01-01

suicide attacks may include the use of Sarin gas, Anthrax, or Polonium 210 . Incidental events such as the postal letter to Senator Daschle that...occurred in Washington, D.C. in October 2001 and the use of Polonium 210 against Alexander Litvinenko in November 2006 show the potential of future...the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and proven to be effective in stopping life-threatening hemorrhage at the time of the publication of the

Evolution of collective motion in light polonium nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cizewski, J. A.

1998-01-01

The γ-ray spectroscopy of even- and odd-mass isotopes of polonium have been studied using arrays of Ge detectors coupled to recoil-mass analyzers, including recoil-decay tagging techniques. The level energies and B(E2) branching ratios can be reproduced by theoretical frameworks which do not explicitly include proton particle-hole excitations across the Z = 82 shell, conclusions in contrast to those deduced from alpha-decay measurements

Analysis of polonium-210 in food products and bioassay samples by isotope-dilution alpha spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lin Zhichao; Wu Zhongyu

2009-01-01

A rapid and reliable radiochemical method coupled with a simple and compact plating apparatus was developed, validated, and applied for the analysis of 210 Po in variety of food products and bioassay samples. The method performance characteristics, including accuracy, precision, robustness, and specificity, were evaluated along with a detailed measurement uncertainty analysis. With high Po recovery, improved energy resolution, and effective removal of interfering elements by chromatographic extraction, the overall method accuracy was determined to be better than 5% with measurement precision of 10%, at 95% confidence level.

Analysis of polonium-210 in food products and bioassay samples by isotope-dilution alpha spectrometry.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Zhichao; Wu, Zhongyu

2009-05-01

A rapid and reliable radiochemical method coupled with a simple and compact plating apparatus was developed, validated, and applied for the analysis of (210)Po in variety of food products and bioassay samples. The method performance characteristics, including accuracy, precision, robustness, and specificity, were evaluated along with a detailed measurement uncertainty analysis. With high Po recovery, improved energy resolution, and effective removal of interfering elements by chromatographic extraction, the overall method accuracy was determined to be better than 5% with measurement precision of 10%, at 95% confidence level.

Development and validation of a fast combined analysis method for the determination of the natural radioisotopes Pb-210, Po-210, Ra-226, Ra, 228, U-234 and U-238 in drinking water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schuster, Martina

2015-01-01

The guiding value of the effective dose for the consumption of drinking water is 0.1 mSv per calendar year. For the purpose of dose assessment the intake of all relevant radio nuclides via drinking water has to be determined. Some analysis methods for the determination of relevant natural occurring radio nuclides are published but they need complete different and time consuming analysis methods for each radionuclide. This study shows an analysis method which is able to determine the radio nuclides 210 Pb, 210 Po, 226 Ra, 228 Ra, 238 U and 234 U quantitatively within a justifiable time scale. It is based on a chromatography method which has been validated for determination of 90 Sr and 89 Sr in milk, vegetable food and human and animal bones respectively. Applying this method the elution ranges for lead and polonium are so different from uranium and radium that a combined separation with high chemical yield is possible, even by miniaturization the chromatography column which means significant time saving. The activity concentration of 228 Ra and 226 Ra is determined applying gamma-spectrometry and that of 210 Pb, 210 Po, 234 U and 238 U by LSC. The chemical yield of 210 Pb is calculated with a stable lead applying AAS and that of the radium isotopes with 223 Ra. Therefor 223 Ra is separated of a 227 Ac standard solution. The method is validated by a interlaboratory test for the determination of natural radio nuclides in drinking water which was released by the Bundesamt fuer Strahlenschutz. For the analysis only about four litres of drinking water are necessary to realize the required limit of detection. The method is very efficient, enough specific and allows the determination of dose relevant radio nuclides.

210Po/210Pb dynamics in relation to zooplankton biomass and trophic conditions during an annual cycle in northwestern Mediterranean coastal waters.

Science.gov (United States)

Färber Lorda, Jaime; Fowler, Scott W; Miquel, Juan-Carlos; Rodriguez y Baena, Alessia; Jeffree, Ross A

2013-01-01

Monthly sampling in northwestern Mediterranean coastal waters was undertaken to better understand the relationship between zooplankton biomass and the cycling of the natural radionuclide (210)Po/(210)Pb pair during a one-year period (October 1995-November 1996). In conjunction with mesozooplankton collections and (210)Po/(210)Pb measurements in seawater, zooplankton and their fecal pellets, the biochemical composition of particulate organic matter (POM) was also examined at three depths (0, 20 and 50 m) as an indicator of trophic conditions. During May 1996, a strong zooplankton "bloom" was observed which was preceded by a prolonged increase in POM (protein + carbohydrates + lipids) starting at the end of March, and further demonstrated by a concomitant increase in the concentration of smaller particles, two features that are typical of mesotrophic waters. Simultaneous measurements of (210)Po in sea water and zooplankton showed an inverse trend between these two parameters during the sampling period, with the two lowest (210)Po concentrations in the dissolved phase of seawater coincident with the highest radionuclide concentrations in the zooplankton; however, this apparent relationship was not statistically significant over the entire year. Freshly excreted mesozooplankton and salp fecal pellets, which have been strongly implicated in the removal and downward transport of these radionuclides from the upper water column, contained (210)Po and (210)Pb levels ranging from 175 to 878 and 7.5-486 Bq kg(-1) dry weight, respectively. Salp pellets contained 5 and 10 times more (210)Po and (210)Pb than in fecal pellets produced by mixed zooplankton, a finding most likely related to their different feeding strategies. During the zooplankton biomass peak observed in May, the (210)Po concentration in zooplankton was at a minimum; however, in contrast to what has been reported to occur in some open sea oligotrophic waters, over the year no statistically significant inverse

Assessment Activity of 210Po and 210Pb in the Edible Tissues of Cultured Seabass (Lates calcariferat Peninsular Malaysia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Noorliza Zakaria

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Analysis levels of 210Po and 210Pb were determined in the edible tissue of sea bass (Lates calcarifer from 14 cages in the west and east coast Peninsular of Malaysia. The concentrations level in fish were found varies from 1.35 ± 0.22 to 6.20 ± 0.99 Bq/kg dry weight210Po and 3.30 ± 2.69 to 51.71 ± 19.26 Bq/kg dry weight 210Pb. The level of this radionuclide was much related to the anthropogenic activities at the sampling locations neighbouring area, differences in metabolisms of fish and food intake pattern for each cage. Then the calculated daily intake value due to fish consumption was to be 7.69 mBq/d/person210Po and 35.90 mBq/d/person210Pb, which lower than those reported in others countries. In addition, the collective doses of210Po and210Pb were estimated to be 0.001mSv/year and 0.009 mSv/year, respectively. This suggests that the dose received by Malaysian due to consumption of fish is rather small, and did not deteriorate human’s health and safe for consumption.

Low-Level Radiation: Are Chemical Officers Adequately Trained

Science.gov (United States)

2004-06-17

1,000,000 Smoking 1 pack of cigarettes/day ( polonium - 210 ) 8,000 200,000 per 1,000,000 Sleeping next to one’s partner 2 50 per 1,000,000 * LNT. The...treating cancer, food and material irradiation, gamma radiography, and industrial measurement gauges. Half-life is 5.27 years. Decay. The process by...Cosmic rays (at sea level) 30 1,100 per 1,000,000 Cosmic rays (Denver at 5000 ft elevation) 55 2,000 per 1,000,000 Human body (from food we eat

137Cs And 210Po Dose Assessment Due To Consumption Of Red Sea Coral Reef Fishes Collected From The Local Market (Sudan)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hassona, R. K.; Sam, A. K.; Sirelkhatim, D. A.; Osman, O. I.; Larosa, J.

2004-01-01

Assessment of Committed Effective Dose (CED) due to consumption of marine fishes (Red Sea area) was performed in 33 different marine fish samples collected from the local market at Port sudan and classified according to their feeding habits into three categories: carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores. Activity concentrations of 210 Po and 137 Cs were determined and were found to range between 0.25 to 6.42 (carnivores), 0.7-5 (omnivores) and 1.5-3.8 (herbivores) Bq/Kg fresh w. for 210 Po and 0.1 to 0.46 (carnivores), 0.09 to 0.35 (omnivores) and 0.09 to 0.3 (herbivores) Bq/Kg fresh w. For 137 Cs which are several times lower than those of 210 Po. Appropriate conversion factors were used to derive the CED which was found to be 0.012, 0.01 and 0.01 (μ Sv/y) in carnivores, omnivores and herbivores, respectively, for 137 Cs, this contributes about 0.4% of the total dose. While for 210 Po, it was found to be 3.47, 4.81 and 4.14 (μ Sv/y) in carnivores, omnivores and herbivores, respectively which represents 99.6% of the total dose. The results of CED suggest that the dose received by Sudanese population from the consumption of marine fishes is rather small and the contribution of 137 Cs is negligible compared to 210 Po. (Authors)

Space Handbook,

Science.gov (United States)

1985-01-01

thle early life * of" the system. Figure 4-2 shows the variation in power output for polonium - 210 (Po- 210 ) with a 138-day half-life, curium-242 (Cm...miles above the earth’s surface. Above this altitude they must take everything they need with them. The environment will supply them with neither food ...can move large payloads through space. The radioisotope heat cycle engines use high-energy particle sources such as plutonium and polonium . The walls

An assessment of the radiological impact of the Windscale reactor fire, October 1957

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Crick, M.J.; Linsley, G.S.

1983-09-01

The assessment described has involved a review of previously unpublished data, in order to establish the quantities of nuclides released from materials undergoing irradiation in the pile at the time of the fire. Of these additional nuclides, only polonium-210 has been shown to make a significant contribution to the estimate of the collective effective dose equivalent to the population from the Windscale fire. The previous estimate of 1.2 x 10 3 man Sv for the collective effective dose equivalent commitment to the population of the UK and Northern Europe has been increased by 67% to 2.0 x 10 3 man Sv. This change is within the range of uncertainty of the original estimate. The influence of the addition on the theoretical estimate of the upper limit of possible health effects is discussed in this addendum and its foreword. With the inclusion of the additional nuclides, the inhalation pathway has become the overall largest contributor to this population dose, followed by the milk ingestion pathway; the largest nuclide contribution comes from iodine-131, followed by polonium-210. Some perspective may be provided on the contribution due to polonium-210 by noting that it is approximately one-tenth of that arising annually due to naturally occurring polonium-210, and less than one-hundredth of that due annually to the total natural background radiation. (author)

Assessment of the radiological impact of the Windscale reactor fire, October 1957. Addendum to report NRPB R135

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Crick, M J; Linsley, G S

1983-01-01

The assessment described has involved a review of previously unpublished data, in order to establish the quantities of nuclides released from materials undergoing irradiation in the pile at the time of the fire. Of these additional nuclides, only polonium-210 has been shown to make a significant contribution to the estimate of the collective effective dose equivalent to the population from the Windscale fire. The previous estimate of 1.2 x 10/sup 3/ man Sv for the collective effective dose equivalent commitment to the population of the UK and Northern Europe has been increased by 67% to 2.0 x 10/sup 3/ man Sv. This change is within the range of uncertainty of the original estimate. The influence of the addition on the theoretical estimate of the upper limit of possible health effects is discussed in this addendum and its foreword. With the inclusion of the additional nuclides, the inhalation pathway has become the overall largest contributor to this population dose, followed by the milk ingestion pathway; the largest nuclide contribution comes from iodine-131, followed by polonium-210. Some perspective may be provided on the contribution due to polonium-210 by noting that it is approximately one-tenth of that arising annually due to naturally occurring polonium-210, and less than one-hundredth of that due annually to the total natural background radiation.

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, USSR: Space.

Science.gov (United States)

1988-08-17

Half-life, years Specific Heat Release W/hr Plutonium-238 87.5 0.46 Curium-244 18.4 2.8 Curium-242 0.45 120 Polonium - 210 0.38 144 Polonium - 210 ...begun train- ing a year before the flight. The prospective space travelers had to be trained to stay in a special capsule and to use nozzles for food ...conditions of extended weight- lessness. On command, the animals are given food and water, waste is removed, and day/night conditions are regulated

210Po and 210Pb in a pelagic trophic chain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radakovitch, O.; Strady, E.; Veron, A.; Chiffoleau, J.F.; Tronczynski, J.; Harmelin-Vivien, M.

2013-01-01

The ANR-COSTAS program studied the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of organic and inorganic contaminants through the trophic chains of two small pelagic fish, anchovy and sardine, on the continental shelf of the Gulf of Lion (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea). 210 Po and 210 Pb were analysed at various levels of this trophic chain, as well as trace metal elements, lead isotopes and C and N isotopes which provide additional information on both biogeochemical cycles and trophic transfer. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an entire trophic chain is analysed for these two radionuclides. Water, suspended particles, phytoplankton and zooplankton were collected at 7 stations during two contrast seasons. Phyto and zooplankton were separated in 6 classes through size-sieving: 6-60 μm; 60-200; 200-500; 500-1000; 1000-2000 and > 2000 μm. Anchovy and sardine were collected also two times and analyses were performed on muscle and liver independently for both sexes

Environmental radioactivity: A perspective on industrial contributions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baxter, M.S.

1993-01-01

This essay aims to show how many non-nuclear industries contributed significantly to natural radioactivity. The examples given include the release of radon-220 and radon-222, as well as other radioisotopes, from the combustion of fossil fuels. Furthermore, edible mussels in the Irish Sea have been found to concentrate polonium-210 from seawater: the original source of the isotope was found to be the waste from a phosphate processing plant. These contributions should be taken into account when the environmental impacts of different industrial activities are compared. 3 tabs

Environmental radioactivity: A perspective on industrial contributions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baxter, M S [International Atomic Energy Agency, Monaco (Monaco). Marine Environment Lab.

1993-06-01

This essay aims to show how many non-nuclear industries contributed significantly to natural radioactivity. The examples given include the release of radon-220 and radon-222, as well as other radioisotopes, from the combustion of fossil fuels. Furthermore, edible mussels in the Irish Sea have been found to concentrate polonium-210 from seawater: the original source of the isotope was found to be the waste from a phosphate processing plant. These contributions should be taken into account when the environmental impacts of different industrial activities are compared. 3 tabs.

Descriptive statistics and risk assessment for the control of seasonal pollutant effects of 210Po and 210Pb in coastal waters (Canakkale, Turkey)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Serpil Akozcan; Fatih Kulahci

2018-01-01

210 Po is absorbed into the human body by seafood intake. Especially, mollusks and mussels are known to have much higher 210 Po concentration than fish among various other types of seafood and are consumed in large quantities in Aegean Sea. 210 Po and 210 Pb radionuclide concentrations are obtained in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and in the sediment samples collected from the Canakkale. The activity concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb are counted using alpha spectrometry. Activity concentrations of 210 Po and 210 Pb in mussels are in the ranged of 227 ± 11-540 ± 38 and 17 ± 4-48 ± 5 Bq kg -1 dw (dry weight), for sediments the ranges are 23 ± 6-41 ± 3 and 15 ± 3-44 ± 1 Bq kg -1 dw, respectively. Additionally, annual committed effective dose are calculated due to consumption mussel in Canakkale coastal region. The highest effective doses of 210 Po and 210 Po are found as 3187 and 56 μSv, respectively. Finally, risk analysis assessment is recommended to determine the pollutant effects of radionuclides. The risk fractions at the concentrations are easily determined with this evaluation process. This methodology has made a great contribution to risk assessments. (author)

Biological effects of alpha radiation on a human population

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thorleifson, E.M.; Marro, L.; Tracy, B.L.; Wilkinson, D.; Segura, T.M.; Prud'homme-Lalonde, L.; Leach, K.; Ford, B.N.

2003-01-01

Full text: In the environment, natural and man-made sources of radioactive material can become integrated into the food chain. Polonium-210 is a significant source of radiation exposure to caribou and to northern human populations who are dependent on caribou for a major portion of their meat supply. Previous work has shown that humans consuming caribou meat containing measurable quantities of polonium-210 can incorporate a substantial fraction of the radionuclide (Thomas et. al.). Conventional chromosome aberration analysis of blood samples collected from 40 individuals who routinely consumed caribou meat was performed to measure genetic damage from the ingested radioactive material. At least 500 metaphase spreads were analysed for each of 39 individuals. Radiation-specific chromosomal aberrations such as dicentrics and rings were scored and their frequencies were compared to the range of aberrations observed in non-caribou consuming populations. This study was designed to address the possible impact of environmental polonium-210 on background radiation health effects in humans

210Po/210Pb dynamics in relation to zooplankton biomass and trophic conditions during an annual cycle in northwestern Mediterranean coastal waters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Färber Lorda, Jaime; Fowler, Scott W.; Miquel, Juan-Carlos; Rodriguez y Baena, Alessia; Jeffree, Ross A.

2013-01-01

Monthly sampling in northwestern Mediterranean coastal waters was undertaken to better understand the relationship between zooplankton biomass and the cycling of the natural radionuclide 210 Po/ 210 Pb pair during a one-year period (October 1995–November 1996). In conjunction with mesozooplankton collections and 210 Po/ 210 Pb measurements in seawater, zooplankton and their fecal pellets, the biochemical composition of particulate organic matter (POM) was also examined at three depths (0, 20 and 50 m) as an indicator of trophic conditions. During May 1996, a strong zooplankton “bloom” was observed which was preceded by a prolonged increase in POM (protein + carbohydrates + lipids) starting at the end of March, and further demonstrated by a concomitant increase in the concentration of smaller particles, two features that are typical of mesotrophic waters. Simultaneous measurements of 210 Po in sea water and zooplankton showed an inverse trend between these two parameters during the sampling period, with the two lowest 210 Po concentrations in the dissolved phase of seawater coincident with the highest radionuclide concentrations in the zooplankton; however, this apparent relationship was not statistically significant over the entire year. Freshly excreted mesozooplankton and salp fecal pellets, which have been strongly implicated in the removal and downward transport of these radionuclides from the upper water column, contained 210 Po and 210 Pb levels ranging from 175 to 878 and 7.5–486 Bq kg −1 dry weight, respectively. Salp pellets contained 5 and 10 times more 210 Po and 210 Pb than in fecal pellets produced by mixed zooplankton, a finding most likely related to their different feeding strategies. During the zooplankton biomass peak observed in May, the 210 Po concentration in zooplankton was at a minimum; however, in contrast to what has been reported to occur in some open sea oligotrophic waters, over the year no statistically significant inverse

210Po and 210Pb trophic transfer within the phytoplankton–zooplankton–anchovy/sardine food web: a case study from the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strady, Emilie; Harmelin-Vivien, Mireille; Chiffoleau, Jean François; Veron, Alain; Tronczynski, Jacek; Radakovitch, Olivier

2015-01-01

The transfer of 210 Po and 210 Pb in the food web of small pelagic fishes (from phytoplankton and zooplankton to anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus and sardine Sardina pilchardus) is investigated in the Gulf of Lion (GoL). We present original data of 210 Po and 210 Pb activity concentrations, C and N stable isotope ratios, measured (i) from different size classes of phytoplankton and zooplankton during spring and winter in different environments of the GoL, and (ii) in two fish species. Significant spatial patterns based on 210 Po, 210 Pb activity concentrations and 210 Po/ 210 Pb ratios in the different plankton size classes are evidenced by hierarchical clustering, both in spring and winter. This variability, also observed for C and N stable isotopes ratios, is connected to local specific pelagic habitats and hydrodynamics. The sampling strategy suggests that 210 Po bioaccumulation in the GoL remains at a constant level from the first (dominated by phytoplankton) to the second trophic level (zooplankton), while 210 Pb bioaccumulation shows an increase in winter. Based on stable N isotope ratios and 210 Po activity concentrations measured in anchovies and sardines, we evidence 210 Po bio-magnification along the trophic food web of these two planktivorous pelagic fishes. - Highlights: • 210 Po and 210 Pb activity concentrations in plankton vary up to a factor of two in the Gulf of Lion (East vs West). • 210 Po and 210 Pb variability is connected to local specific pelagic habitats. • Bio-magnification of 210 Po is evidenced in anchovy/sardine foodwebs

JPRS Report, Proliferation Issues

Science.gov (United States)

1993-03-22

delivering abroad polonium sources (with experimental physics. polonium - 210 radioisotopes) for several decades now. They are mostly used in space...34sensations"-from attempts to steal pre- gorod a short while ago. It claimed that the load con- cious and rare-earth metals to food stocks which have

Risiko Video- und Computerspiele? Eine Studie über Video- und Computerspielnutzung und Aggression bei 12- und 16- jährigen Jugendlichen

OpenAIRE

Schiller, Eva-Maria; Strohmeier, Dagmar; Spiel, Christiane

2009-01-01

Video -und Computerspielen ist heutzutage eine beliebte Freizeitaktivität von Kindern und Jugendlichen, besonders von Jungen. Trotz der großen Vielfalt der angebotenen Video- und Computerspiele für Kinder und Jugendliche, konzentriert sich die Forschung vorwiegend auf negative Einflüsse von gewalthaltigen Video- und Computerspielen. Da nicht alle Kinder und Jugendliche ausschließlich gewalthaltige Video- und Computerspiele spielen, betrachten wir diesen Fokus in der Wissenschaft als zu eng ge...

Annual effective dose of 210Po from sea food origin (Oysters and Mussels) in Korea

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cho, Bo Eum; Hong, Gi Hoon; Kim, Suk Hyun; Lee, Hyun Mi

2016-01-01

Ingestion of 210 Po laden seafood accounts for a substantial amount of the effective dose of 210 Po. Among seafood items, mollusks, especially domestically produced oysters and mussels, are highly enriched in 210 Po and are consumed in large quantities in Korea. Oysters and mussels around the Korean coasts were collected from major farm areas in November 2013. Samples were spiked with an aliquot of 210 Po as a yield tracer, and they were digested with 6 mol·L -1 HNO 3 and H 2 O 2 . The 210 Po and 209 Po were spontaneously deposited onto a silver disc in an acidic solution of 0.5 mol·L -1 HCl and measured using an alpha spectrometer. The activity concentrations of 210 Pb and 210 Po were decay corrected to the sampling date, accounting for the possible in-growth and decay of 210 Po. 210 Po activity concentrations in oysters were in a range from 41.3 to 206 Bq·(kg-ww -1 and mussels in a range from 42.9 to 46.7 Bq·(kg-ww) -1 . The 210 Po activity concentration of oysters in the turbid Western coast was higher than the Southern coast. The 210 Po activity concentration of the oysters was positively correlated (R2=0.89) with those of the suspended particulate matter in the surface water. The calculated annual effective dose of 210 Po from oysters and mussels consumed by the Korean population was 21-104 and 5.01-5.46 μSv·y -1 . The combined effective dose due to the consumption of oysters and mussels appears to account for about 35±19% of that arising from seafood consumption in the Korean population. The annual effective dose of 210 Po for oysters in the Korean population was found to be higher than other countries. The total annual effective dose of 210Po 210 Po due to consumption of oysters and mussels consumed in Korea was found to be 76±42 μSv·y -1 , accounting for 28±16% of the total effective dose of 210 Po from food in Korea

A comparative study on the internal dose due to Polonium-210 in the ecosystem of Athangarai estuary (Palk Strait) and Punnaikayal estuary (Gulf of Mannar), India

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krishnamoorthy, R.; Ravikumar, S.; Shahul Hameed, P.

2006-01-01

The present study deals with Committed Effective Dose (CEO) due to 210 Po through the dietary intake of seafood from the Athangarai estuary and Punnaikayal estuary. The concentration of 210 Po was determined in selected species of estuarine organisms. It is found that the 210 Po dose due to the consumption of estuarine food varied from 49.9 to 552.1 μSv/y in Athangarai estuary and 148.0 to 406.9 μSv/y in Punnaikayal estuary. Concentration of 210 Po in the muscle of edible organisms in Athangarai estuary and Punnaikayal estuary ranged from 20.8 to 181.3 Bq/kg and 88.1 to 242.2 Bq/kg respectively. Higher 210 Po dose is expected via the consumption of fish Sandinella longiceps (552.1 μSv/y) in Athangarai estuary and Thyssa malabarica (406.9 μSv/y) in Punnaikayal estuary. In the present study higher level of 210 Po concentration was observed in Plankton feeding fish of both the estuary. (author)

210Po/210Pb Activity Ratios as a Possible `Dating Tool' of Ice Cores and Ice-rafted Sediments from the Western Arctic Ocean - Preliminary Results

Science.gov (United States)

Krupp, K.; Baskaran, M. M.

2016-02-01

We have collected and analyzed a suite of surface snow samples, ice cores, ice-rafted sediments (IRS) and aerosol samples from the Western Arctic for Po-210 and Pb-210 to examine the extent of disequilibrium between this pair to possibly use 210Po/210Pb activity ratio to date different layers of ice cores and time of incorporation of ice-rafted sediments into the sea ice. We have earlier reported that the activity concentrations of 210Pb in IRS vary over an order of magnitude and it is 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the benthic sediments (1-2 dpm/g in benthic sediments compared to 25 to 300 dpm/g in IRS). In this study, we have measured 210Po/210Pb activity ratios in aerosols from the Arctic Ocean to constrain the initial 210Po/210Pb ratio at the time of deposition during precipitation. The 210Po activity concentration in recent snow is compared to surface ice samples. The `age' of IRS incorporation can be calculated as follows: [210Po]measured = [210Po]initial + [210Pb] (1 - exp(-λt)) (1) where λ is the decay constant of 210Po, 138.4 days, and `t' is the in-growth time period. From this equation, `t' can be calculated as follows: t = (-1/λ) [ln (1- ((210Po/210Pb)measured - (210Po/210Pb)initial)] (2) The assumption involved in this approach are: i) there is no preferential uptake of 210Po (highly biogenic - S group); and iii) both 210Po and 210Pb remain as closed system. The calculated age using equation (2) will be discussed and presented.

210Po and 210Pb trophic transfer within the phytoplankton-zooplankton-anchovy/sardine food web: a case study from the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea).

Science.gov (United States)

Strady, Emilie; Harmelin-Vivien, Mireille; Chiffoleau, Jean François; Veron, Alain; Tronczynski, Jacek; Radakovitch, Olivier

2015-05-01

The transfer of (210)Po and (210)Pb in the food web of small pelagic fishes (from phytoplankton and zooplankton to anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus and sardine Sardina pilchardus) is investigated in the Gulf of Lion (GoL). We present original data of (210)Po and (210)Pb activity concentrations, C and N stable isotope ratios, measured (i) from different size classes of phytoplankton and zooplankton during spring and winter in different environments of the GoL, and (ii) in two fish species. Significant spatial patterns based on (210)Po, (210)Pb activity concentrations and (210)Po/(210)Pb ratios in the different plankton size classes are evidenced by hierarchical clustering, both in spring and winter. This variability, also observed for C and N stable isotopes ratios, is connected to local specific pelagic habitats and hydrodynamics. The sampling strategy suggests that (210)Po bioaccumulation in the GoL remains at a constant level from the first (dominated by phytoplankton) to the second trophic level (zooplankton), while (210)Pb bioaccumulation shows an increase in winter. Based on stable N isotope ratios and (210)Po activity concentrations measured in anchovies and sardines, we evidence (210)Po bio-magnification along the trophic food web of these two planktivorous pelagic fishes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

210-Polonium studies in some environmental and biological matrices of Domiasiat uranium deposit area, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India.

Science.gov (United States)

Marbaniang, Deswyn G; Poddar, Raj K; Nongkynrih, Phlis; Khathing, Darlando T

2010-03-01

The study was performed using a silicon surface barrier alpha spectrometer at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India. Through the study, the observed (210)Po activity in water sample from different locations in the Domiasiat area ranges from 0.04 to 0.69 Bq/l. The daily and annual intake of (210)Po through water was also estimated and the mean value of 0.72 and 263.61 Bq, respectively, were observed. It is observed that the effective doses through water were higher than the World Health Organization recommended dose of 0.05 mSv/year. The total annual effective doses through terrestrial ingestion for all the locations was studied and the mean annual effective dose was observed to be 0.315 mSv, which, when compared to the worldwide and the Indian values, was observed to be slightly higher. The mean activity in soil is found to be 124.8 +/-5.7 Bq/kg and in meat the activity is 0.43 +/-0.05 Bq/kg. In fishes, an activity of 0.48 +/-0.07 Bq/kg in Garra lamta, 0.29 +/-0.02 Bq/kg in Neolissocheilus hexaganolepis, and 3.3 +/-0.1 Bq/kg in Macrobrachium sp. is observed. Activity concentration in plant samples was analyzed and the activity ranges from 0.020 +/-0.002 to 9.69 +/-0.35 Bq/kg. Committed effective dose by the adult population of the Domiasiat area through intake of (210)Po through these food items was also determined and compared with the Indian average value and the worldwide average value.

International Conference on Thermoelectrics(16th), Proceedings, ICT 󈨥 Held in Dresden, Germany on August 26-29, 1997

Science.gov (United States)

1998-05-08

34Cosmos-84" and "Cosmos-90" there were used RTGs on polonium - 210 with the conditional name "Orion-1" and "Orion-2". In 1969 and 1971 for heating the...compartment with "Lunokhod-1" and "Lunokhod-2" equipment there were used radionuclide heat units on polonium - 210 with the power of 800 W. As is known...of TE being the absence of the noise of a compressor. These refrigerators that contain food and drink are quite sophisticated in that they are

Phase stability, elasticity, and theoretical strength of polonium from first principles

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Legut, Dominik; Friák, Martin; Šob, Mojmír

2010-01-01

Roč. 81, č. 21 (2010), 214118/1/-214118/19/ ISSN 1098-0121 R&D Projects: GA AV ČR IAA100100920; GA MŠk(CZ) OC10008 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20410507 Keywords : polonium * phase stability * elasticity * theoretical strength * ab initio calculations Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 3.772, year: 2010

Environmental radioactivity of radon daughter's radionuclides 210Pb-210Bi-210Po

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Momoshima, N.

2003-01-01

Radionuclide, 210 Pb(22.3 y)- 210 Bi(5.013 d)- 210 Po(138.4 d) belongs to the uranium decay chain and widely distributed in the environment. 222 Rn escaped from the earth surface is a major source of atmospheric 210 Pb. These nuclides attach with atmospheric aerosols and are removed to the ground as wet and dry depositions. The residence time of the atmospheric aerosol, thus, was obtained by activity ratios of 210 Bi/ 210 Pb and 210 Po/ 210 Pb, showing different values. The discrepancy on the residence times are explained with inputs of 210 Po to the atmosphere other than 222 Rn emanated from the earth surface. The removal of aerosol as wet deposition occupies a significant fraction, which reaches 72% on 210 Pb and 89% on 7 Be. In the ocean, the radionuclides are used as tracer to examine dynamic processes occurring in the ocean, such as removal of particulate matter from seawater column to bottom. The 210 Pb and 210 Po concentrations in the ocean water collected off continent decreased from surface toward bottom, and the shortage on 210 Po content relative to that of 210 Po was observed at shallow ocean layers, however, the 210 Po/ 210 Pb activity ratio closed to the radioactive equilibrium at deeper layers. The 210 Pb is a very good tracer to evaluate an accumulation rate of bottom sediment in ocean, lake and river. This is called as 210 Pb dating and is successfully applicable to accumulation circumstances that bottom sediment deposits at constant rate. Most of the actual cases, simultaneous 137 Cs dating is carried out, which uses 137 Cs peak in the core as originated from radioactive fallout of nuclear tests, showing the maximum in 1963. Recently new findings on source of atmospheric 210 Po are report by laboratory experiments and environmental measurements, which proves biologically supported emission of volatile Po compounds to the atmosphere. (author)

Lead precipitation fluxes at tropical oceanic sites determined from 210Pb measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Settle, D.M.; Patterson, C.C.; Turekian, K.K.; Cochran, J.K.

1982-01-01

Concentrations of lead, 210 Pb, and 210 Po were measured in rain selected for least influence by local sources of contamination at several tropical and subtropical islands (Enewetak; Pigeon Key, Florida; and American Samoa) and shipboard stations (near Bermuda and Tahiti). Ratios expressed as ng Pb/dpm 210 Pb in rain were 250--900 for Pigeon Key (assuming 12% adsorption for 210 Pb and no adsorption for lead), depending on whether the air masses containing the analyzed rain came from the Caribbean or from the continent, respectively; about 390 for the northern Sargasso Sea downwind from emissions of industrial lead in North America; 65 for Enewetak, remote from continental emissions of industrial lead in the northern hemisphere; and 14 near Tahiti, a remote location in the southern hemisphere where industrial lead emissions to the atmosphere are much less than in the northern hemisphere. (The American Samoa sample yielded a higher ratio than Tahiti; the reason for this is not clear but may be due to local Pb sources). The corresponding fluxes of lead to the oceans, based on measured or modeled 210 Pb precipitation fluxes, are about 4 ng Pb/cm 2 y for Tahiti, 10 for Enewetak, and 270 for the Sargasso Sea site, and between 110 to 390 at Pigeon Key

Measurement of natural radioactivity for polonium-210 in water and soil samples from Vythiry Taluk, Wayanad district, Kerala

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Athif, P.; Periyasamy, M.; Syed Mohamed, H.E.; Sadiq Bukhari, A.; Shajeer, P.A.; Kogilan, R.; Muzammil, F.S.

2017-01-01

Ground water and soil samples were collected from various tea plantation regions of the Vythiry taluk, Wayanad district, Kerala and measured the "2"1"0Po activity concentration. The descriptive statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 16. The higher distribution is observed between water and soil (1.8 mBq/L and 2.8 Bq/Kg) respectively. (author)

Preparation of a Strong Thin Polonium Source And Preliminary Experiments on the Yield of (α,n) Reactions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Broda, E.

1945-01-01

This report was written by E. Broda and P. K. Wright at the Cavendish Laboratory (Cambridge) in July 1945 and is about the preparation of a strong thin polonium source and preliminary experiments on the yield of (alpha,n) reactions. This report includes the experiment description, the discussion of the results and consist of 4 parts: (1) the electrode position of polonium under different conditions (2) a standard procedure for preparation of strong thin Po sources (3) a simple method for the recovery of RaD from complex mixtures (4) some preliminary experiments with a Po source. (nowak)

Preparation of a Strong Thin Polonium Source And Preliminary Experiments on the Yield of (α,n) Reactions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Broda, E.

1945-07-01

This report was written by E. Broda and P. K. Wright at the Cavendish Laboratory (Cambridge) in July 1945 and is about the preparation of a strong thin polonium source and preliminary experiments on the yield of (alpha,n) reactions. This report includes the experiment description, the discussion of the results and consist of 4 parts: (1) the electrode position of polonium under different conditions (2) a standard procedure for preparation of strong thin Po sources (3) a simple method for the recovery of RaD from complex mixtures (4) some preliminary experiments with a Po source. (nowak)

Assessment of the potential impact of the phosphate industry along the Syrian Coast by evaluating 210Po and 210Pb levels in sediment, seawater and selected marine organisms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Masri, S.; Mamish, S.

2000-12-01

Phosphate industry is considered to be one of the potential sources of natural radionuclides in Syrian environment. Most of the phosphate ore is exported in large quantities via one of the main Syrian ports (Tartous) situated on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea (34 54 North , 35 52 East). The impact of the loading cargoes on the marine environment has been evaluated. 210 Po and 210 Pb in seawater, sediment and marine organisms have been determined. Results have shown a significant enhancement of these two radionuclides in sediment and surface water inside the port area. The highest 210 Po and 210 Pb concentrations observed in sediment were found to be 170 Bq.kg -1 and 64 Bq.kg -1 respectively. While, 210 Pb and 210 Po concentrations in surface water ranged from 5 to 20 m Bq.l -1 and 0.93 to 3.23 m Bq.l -1 . In addition, other naturally occurring radionuclides were also determined in the collected sediment samples and relatively higher values ( 226 Ra = 33.2 Bq.kg -1 and 234 Th = 88 Bq.kg -1 ) were observed for those samples collected from inside the port. However, the effect of loading cargoes on the near marine environment was found to be mainly related to wind direction where air particulate carrying radioactivity either being blown to lands or sea. Moreover, comparable values of 210 Po and 210 Pb for all marine organisms (algae, crab and fish) have been observed and it is not recommended to use these organisms for evaluating the effect of phosphate industry on marine environment. This is due to the fact that marine organisms accumulate 210 Po and 210 Pb in their body. Two core samples were also collected in order to investigate the history of pollution in the port. Results have shown a complex relation for unsupported 210 Pb with depth, where the constant supply dating method can not be applied. This is due to the fact that two sources for unsupported 210 Pb being observed in the port area; viz. radon gas and phosphate dust carrying radioactivity

Definition and coding of surface catchment areas: problems and solutions; Ausgrenzung und Verschluesselung oberirdischer Einzugsgebiete: Probleme und Loesungsansaetze

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wolff, A.; Mehl, D. [biota - Institut fuer Oekologische Forschung und Planung GmbH, Guestrow (Germany); Klitzsch, S. [Landesamt fuer Umwelt, Naturschutz und Geologie Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Guestrow (Germany). Abt. Wasser und Boden

2000-12-01

Due to certain hydrographic situations there are some difficulties in application of the LAWA-directive 'Coding of catchment areas and streams'. In this paper, solutions are shown by means of examples from the federal state of Mecklenburg-Pomerania. Priorities of streams influenced by lakes and the Baltic Sea, branched and linked streams, urban streams and catchment areas without surface run-off were discussed. (orig.) [German] Die Anwendung der LAWA-Richtlinie zur Gebietsbezeichnung und Verschluesselung von Fliessgewaessern stoesst bei Vorliegen bestimmter hydrographischer Konstellationen auf Schwierigkeiten. Anhand von Fallbeispielen aus Mecklenburg-Vorpommern werden Loesungswege zur entsprechenden Problembehandlung aufgezeigt. Wesentliche Schwerpunkte sind daher durchflossene Seen, verzweigte und vernetzte Fliessgewaesser, Fliessgewaesser im staedtischen Bereich, die Problematik der Binnenentwaesserungsgebiete sowie Gewaesser im Ostseerueckstau. (orig.)

Modelling the behaviour of 210Po in high temperature processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mora, J.C.; Robles, B.; Corbacho, J.A.; Gasco, Catalina; Gazquez, M.J.

2011-01-01

In several Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) industries, relatively high temperatures are used as part of their industrial processes. In coal combustion, as occur in other high temperature processes, an increase of the activity concentration of every natural radioisotope is produced both, in residues and by-products. An additional increase can be observed in the activity concentration of radionuclides of elements with low boiling point. This work is centred in the increase of polonium, more precisely in its radioisotope Po-210, present in the natural chains, and with a half-life long enough to be considered for radiation protection purposes. This additional increase appears mainly in the residual particles that are suspended in the flue gases: the fly-ashes. Besides, scales, with a high concentration of this radioisotope, were observed. These scales are produced on surfaces with a temperature lower than the boiling point of the chemical element. Both, the accumulation in particles and the production of scales are attributed to condensation effects. When effective doses for the public and the workers are evaluated, taking into account these increases in activity concentrations, the use of theoretical models is necessary. In this work a theoretical description of those effects is presented. Moreover, a verification of the predictions of the model was performed by comparing them with measurements carried on in coal-fired power plants. The same description here presented is applicable in general to the behaviour of Po-210 in other NORM industries where high temperature processes involving raw materials are used, as can be ceramic, cement production, tiles production or steel processing.

Übergewicht und Adipositas in Kindheit und Jugend

OpenAIRE

Nitzko, Sina

2010-01-01

Einführend wird auf wesentliche Entwicklungsaspekte der interessierenden Lebensphasen Kindheit und Jugend eingegangen. Im Anschluss daran werden verschiedene Aspekte von Übergewicht und Adipositas in Kindheit und Jugend thematisiert. Neben der Definition und Diagnostik, wird auf Möglichkeiten der Klassifikation sowie die Epidemiologie eingegangen. Dargestellt werden darüber hinaus körperliche und psychische Folgestörungen, welche mit Adipositas assoziiert sein können. Basierend auf der...

In-source laser spectroscopy of polonium isotopes: From atomic physics to nuclear structure

CERN Multimedia

Rothe, S

2014-01-01

The Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source RILIS [1] at the CERN-ISOLDE on-line radioactive ion beam facility is essential for ion beam production for the majority of experiments, but it is also powerful tool for laser spectroscopy of rare isotopes. A series of experiments on in-source laser spectroscopy of polonium isotopes [2, 3] revealed the nuclear ground state properties of 191;211;216;218Po. However, limitations caused by the isobaric background of surface-ionized francium isotopes hindered the study of several neutron rich polonium isotopes. The development of the Laser Ion Source and Trap (LIST) [4] and finally its integration at ISOLDE has led to a dramatic suppression of surface ions. Meanwhile, the RILIS laser spectroscopy capabilities have advanced tremendously. Widely tunable titanium:sapphire (Ti:Sa) lasers were installed to complement the established dye laser system. Along with a new data acquisition system [5], this more versatile laser setup enabled rst ever laser spectroscopy of the radioact...

Radionuclides (210Pb, 226Ra, 210Po e 137Cs) in the Cananeia-Iguape coastal system: environmental studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saito, Roberto Tatsuya

2002-01-01

pronounced erosion of the sandy ravines of the margins of the channels. The 210 PbPb and 210 Po levels in the superficial waters of the System varied from 2.3 to 6.2 mBq.L -1 and from 1.1 to 4.1 mBq.L -1 respectively. The highest levels also reflect Ribeira's River bigger influence, besides a possible consequence of the agricultural activity, close to the place. During the study 37 species of fish, 3 of crustaceans and 3 of mollusks were captured. Most of these organisms is used for human consumption. In all the adult individuals of the analyzed species, the amount of 210 Po was larger than the one of 210 Pb. In fish, the levels of 210 Pb varied from MDC ( -1 and of 210 Po varied from 0.15 to 7.76 Bq.kg -1 . The levels of 210 Pb and 210 Po in crustaceans varied from 2.9 to 3.8 Bq.kg -1 and 10.4 to 33.4 Bq.kg -1 respectively. In mollusks, the levels of 210 Pb varied from 4.5 to 7.4 Bq.kg -1 and 210 Po from 52.5 to 148.6 Bq.kg -1 . The comparison of the values of 210 Pb and 210 Po obtained for fish, crustaceans and mollusks, with other areas of the world, shows that the data here presented they are in agreement with the values of the literature and they serve as reference for the Cananeia-lguape System. Mollusks were the animals that more accumulated these radionuclides, mainly 210 Po. The largest concentration observed in the mussel can be related with the habitat of this organism, once the studied species lives buried at the swamp. The concentration factors obtained for 210 Pb and 210 Po showed that the biota of the System accumulated levels of 210 Pb from 10 2 to 10 4 and of 210 Po from 10 2 to 10 5 in relation to the concentration of these radionuclides in the water of the estuary. The mollusks and crustaceans are good bio-indicators of the sea pollution for these radionuclides. Some fish also accumulated significant amounts of the radionuclides. The estimate of individual daily ingestion of 210 Pb and 210 Po by the consumption of sea organisms of larger importance for

Annual effective dose of {sup 210}Po from sea food origin (Oysters and Mussels) in Korea

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cho, Bo Eum; Hong, Gi Hoon; Kim, Suk Hyun; Lee, Hyun Mi [Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Ansan (Korea, Republic of)

2016-09-15

Ingestion of {sup 210}Po laden seafood accounts for a substantial amount of the effective dose of {sup 210}Po. Among seafood items, mollusks, especially domestically produced oysters and mussels, are highly enriched in {sup 210}Po and are consumed in large quantities in Korea. Oysters and mussels around the Korean coasts were collected from major farm areas in November 2013. Samples were spiked with an aliquot of {sup 210}Po as a yield tracer, and they were digested with 6 mol·L{sup -1} HNO{sub 3} and H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. The {sup 210}Po and {sup 209}Po were spontaneously deposited onto a silver disc in an acidic solution of 0.5 mol·L{sup -1} HCl and measured using an alpha spectrometer. The activity concentrations of {sup 210}Pb and {sup 210}Po were decay corrected to the sampling date, accounting for the possible in-growth and decay of {sup 210}Po. {sup 210}Po activity concentrations in oysters were in a range from 41.3 to 206 Bq·(kg-ww{sup -1} and mussels in a range from 42.9 to 46.7 Bq·(kg-ww){sup -1}. The {sup 210}Po activity concentration of oysters in the turbid Western coast was higher than the Southern coast. The {sup 210}Po activity concentration of the oysters was positively correlated (R2=0.89) with those of the suspended particulate matter in the surface water. The calculated annual effective dose of {sup 210}Po from oysters and mussels consumed by the Korean population was 21-104 and 5.01-5.46 μSv·y{sup -1}. The combined effective dose due to the consumption of oysters and mussels appears to account for about 35±19% of that arising from seafood consumption in the Korean population. The annual effective dose of {sup 210}Po for oysters in the Korean population was found to be higher than other countries. The total annual effective dose of 210Po{sup 210}Po due to consumption of oysters and mussels consumed in Korea was found to be 76±42 μSv·y{sup -1}, accounting for 28±16% of the total effective dose of {sup 210}Po from food in Korea.

Ellbogen- und Handgelenksendoprothetik beim Rheumatiker - Richtlinien und Rehabilitation

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Chochole M

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Die Endoprothetik an Ellbogen und Handgelenk ist seit etwa drei Jahrzehnten etabliert. An beiden Gelenken haben sich einzelne Implantate oder Designs durchgesetzt. Operationstechniken und Nachuntersuchungsergebnisse sind publiziert. Wenig ist jedoch zum Thema Nachbehandlung und Nachsorge veröffentlicht. Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich detailliert mit der ärztlichen und therapeutischen Betreuung nach Implantation einer Ellbogen- oder Handgelenksendoprothese beim Patienten mit rheumatischer Arthritis unter Aufgliederung in Krankenhausaufenthalt, ambulanter Nachsorge sowie stationärer Rehabilitation. Dabei werden Zeitrahmen, Therapieziele und Behandlungen gesondert angeführt.