• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.19 no.10
• /
• pp.1036-1042
• /
• 1998

The preconcentration and determination of trace elements in water samples were studied by a solvent sublation utilizing dithizonate complexation. After metal dithizonates were formed, trace amounts of cadmium, cobalt, copper and lead were floated and extracted into small volume of a water-immiscible organic solvent on the surface of sample solution and determined in the solvent directly by GF-AAS. Several experimental conditions as formation condition of metal-dithizonate complexes, pH of solution, amount of dithizone, stirring time, the type and amount of surfactants, N2 bubbling rate and so on were optimized for the complete formation and effective flotation of the complexes. And also four kinds of light solvents were compared each other to extract the floated complexes, effectively. After the pH was adjusted to 4.0 with 5 M HNO3, 8.0 mL of 0.05% acetone solution of dithizone was added to 1.00 L water sample. The dithizonate complexes were flotated and extracted into the upper methyl isobutylketone (MIBK) layer by the addition of 2.0 mL 0.2% ethanolic sodium lauryl sulfate solution and with the aid of small nitrogen gas bubbles. And this solvent sublation method was applied to the analysis of real water samples and good results of more than 85% recoveries were obtained in spiked samples.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.52 no.5
• /
• pp.1022-1028
• /
• 2020

One of the possible options for spent-fuel management in Korea is pyroprocessing, which is a process for electrochemical recycling of spent nuclear fuel. Nuclear material accountancy is considered to be a safeguards measure of fundamental importance, for the purposes of which, the amount of nuclear material in the input and output materials should be measured as accurately as possible by means of chemical analysis and/or non-destructive assay. In the present study, a neutron measurement system based on the fast-neutron energy multiplication (FNEM) and passive neutron albedo reactivity (PNAR) techniques was designed for nuclear material accountancy of a spent-fuel assembly (i.e., the input accountancy of a pyroprocessing facility). Various parameters including inter-detector distance, source-to-detector distance, neutron-reflector material, the structure of a cadmium sleeve around the close detectors, and an air cavity in the moderator were investigated by MCNP6 Monte Carlo simulations in order to maximize its performance. Then, the detector responses with the optimized geometry were estimated for the fresh-fuel assemblies with different ²³⁵U enrichments and a spent-fuel assembly. It was found that the measurement technique investigated here has the potential to measure changes in neutron multiplication and, in turn, amount of fissile material.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.9
• /
• pp.3380-3389
• /
• 2022

We evaluated the performance of an improved hybrid median filter (IHMF) applied to X-ray computed tomography (CT) images obtained using a high-resolution photon-counting cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector. To study how the proposed approach improves the image quality, we measured the noise levels and the overall CT-image quality. We established a CZT imaging system with a detector length of 5.12 cm and thickness of 0.3 cm and acquired phantom images. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed filter, we first modeled two conventional median filters. Subsequently, we were able to achieve a normalized noise power spectrum result of ~10^-8 mm², and furthermore, the proposed method improved the contrast-to-noise ratio by a factor of ~1.51 and the coefficient of variation by 1.55 relative to the counterpart values of the no-filter image. In addition, the IHMF exhibited the best performance among the three filters considered as regards the peak signal-to-noise ratio and no-reference-based image-quality evaluation parameters. Thus, our results demonstrate that the IHMF approach provides a superior image performance over conventional median filtering methods when applied to actual CZT X-ray CT images.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.33 no.9
• /
• pp.2917-2924
• /
• 2012

Four novel metal-organic complexes $[Cd_2(IP)_2(TBZ)_2(H_2O)_2]{\cdot}(H_2O)$ (1), $[Zn_4(IP)_4(TBZ)_4]{\cdot}2(H_2O)$ (2), $[Zn_2(BTC)(TBZ)_2(CO_2H)]$ (3), [Co(PDC)(TBZ)] (4) (where IP = isophthalate; TBZ = thiabendazole; BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate; PDC = pyridine-3,4-dicarboxylate) have been prepared and characterized by IR spectrum, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray structure analysis reveals that 1, 2, and 3 are one-dimensional chain polymers, while 4 is a two-dimensional network polymer. The TBZ acts as a typical chelating ligand coordinated to the metal center in all complexes. The 1D chain architecture of 1 is constructed from isophthalates and cadmium atoms. A simultaneous presence of chelating, monodentate and bidentate coordination modes of IP ligands is observed in complex 2. In complex 3, the 16-membered rings are alternately arranged forming an infinite 1D double-chain structure. The 2D skeleton of 4 is formed by cobalt ions as nodes and PDC dianions as spacers, through coordination bonds. The hydrogen bonds and ${\pi}-{\pi}$ stacking play important roles in affecting the final structure where complexes 1 and 3 have 2D supramolecular networks, while complexes 2 and 4 have 3D supramolecular architectures.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.31
• /
• pp.6.1-6.10
• /
• 2016

Objectives This study examined the spatial distribution and the extent of soil contamination by heavy metals resulting from primitive, unconventional informal electronic waste recycling in the Agbogbloshie e-waste processing site (AEPS) in Ghana. Methods A total of 132 samples were collected at 100 m intervals, with a handheld global position system used in taking the location data of the soil sample points. Observing all procedural and quality assurance measures, the samples were analyzed for barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), using X-ray fluorescence. Using environmental risk indices of contamination factor and degree of contamination ($C_{deg}$), we analyzed the individual contribution of each heavy metal contamination and the overall $C_{deg}$. We further used geostatistical techniques of spatial autocorrelation and variability to examine spatial distribution and extent of heavy metal contamination. Results Results from soil analysis showed that heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher than the Canadian Environmental Protection Agency and Dutch environmental standards. In an increasing order, Pb>Cd>Hg>Cu>Zn>Cr>Co>Ba>Ni contributed significantly to the overall $C_{deg}$. Contamination was highest in the main working areas of burning and dismantling sites, indicating the influence of recycling activities. Geostatistical analysis also revealed that heavy metal contamination spreads beyond the main working areas to residential, recreational, farming, and commercial areas. Conclusions Our results show that the studied heavy metals are ubiquitous within AEPS and the significantly high concentration of these metals reflect the contamination factor and $C_{deg}$, indicating soil contamination in AEPS with the nine heavy metals studied.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.594-604
• /
• 2019

Objectives: This study developed and validated an analysis method of urinary metals and metalloids that can be applied inductively with coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Methods: 0.3 mL of urine was used to analyze 25 metal and metalloid compounds using ICP-MS. The validation of the analytical method included linearity, accuracy, precision, and the calculation of detection limits. In addition, a comparison test was performed with the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) method, which is the current standard method, with urine samples of 66 healthy subjects. Results: The linearities (R²) of calibration curves of all 25 compounds were ≥ 0.999. Of the 25 compounds, the intra-day and inter-day accuracy% of 17 and 20 met ≤15%, respectively. In addition, fifteen compounds showed ≤15% recovery% for certificated reference materials. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the comparison between the current methods and new methods in this study were 0.952 (p-value<0.001) and 0.911 (p-value<0.001) for urinary cadmium and mercury, respectively. Conclusion: This study proposes an efficient simultaneous methodology that can analyze multi elements in smaller sample amounts. More reproduction experiments are needed in the future.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.481-487
• /
• 2020

Radiation measurement technology has steadily improved and its usage is expanding in various industries such as nuclear medicine, security search, satellite, nondestructive testing, environmental industries and the domain of nuclear power plants (NPPs). Especially, the simultaneous measurements of gamma rays and neutrons can be even more critical for nuclear safety management of spent nuclear fuel and monitoring of the nuclear material. A semiconductor detector comprising cadmium, zinc, and tellurium (CZT) enables to detect gamma-rays due to the significant atomic weight of the elements via immediate neutron and gamma-ray detection. Semiconductor sensors might be used for nuclear safety management by monitoring nuclear materials and spent nuclear fuel with high spatial resolution as well as providing real-time measurements. We aim to introduce a portable nuclide-analysis device that enables the simultaneous measurements of neutrons and gamma rays using a CZT sensor. The detector has a high density and wide energy band gap, and thus exhibits highly sensitive physical characteristics and characteristics are required for performing neutron and gamma-ray detection. Portable nuclide-analysis device is used on NPP-decommissioning sites or the purpose of nuclear nonproliferation, it will rapidly detect the nuclear material and provide radioactive-material information. Eventually, portable nuclide-analysis device can reduce measurement time and economic costs by providing a basis for rational decision making.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.157-167
• /
• 2023

Background: The most hazardous wastewater sources in the northern part of the Middle Nile Delta, Egypt; receiving a massive amount of agricultural, industrial, and sewage drainage are Kitchener drain which is one of the tallest drainage systems, and Burullus Lake which represents the 2nd largest Egyptian coastal lake. Results: The current work is to determine the abundance and frequency of cyanophytes, chlorophytes, and bacillariophytes and the correlation between them and environmental abiotic components. Among sixty nine microalgal species, 19 species are belong Cyanophyta, 26 belong Chlorophyta and 24 belong Bacillariophyta. Genus Scenedesmus (Chlorophyta) was the most abundant in the study area (13 species), followed by Genus Oscillatoria (9 species) and Genus Navicula (7 species). Nostoc muscorum and Chlorella vulgaris were the most common and recorded in all sites (100% of the locations) under study. The application of the two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and detrended correspondence analysis revealed agglomerating of 4 groups (communities) at 4th level of classification and reasonable segregation between these groups. Zinc, cadmium and lead were showed the highest levels (0.26±0.03, 0.26±0.06, and 0.17±0.01 ppm, respectively). Conclusions: The correlation analysis between water and community variables indicated a high negative correlation of total algae richness with nickel (r = -0.936, p < 0.01). Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyta were correlated negatively (r = -0.842, p < 0.01). However, Chlorophyta showed a negative richness with each of Ni and Pb (r = -0.965, -0.873, respectively) on one hand and a high positive correlation was revealed (r = 0.964) with all environmental variables on the other hand.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• /
• v.35
• /
• pp.23.1-23.14
• /
• 2023

Background: Exposure to heavy metals is a public health concern worldwide. Previous studies on the association between heavy metal exposure and neurobehavioral functions in children have focused on single exposures and clinical manifestations. However, the present study evaluated the effects of heavy metal complex exposure on subclinical neurobehavioral function using a Korean Computerized Neurobehavior Test (KCNT). Methods: Urinary mercury, lead, cadmium analyses as well as symbol digit substitution (SDS) and choice reaction time (CRT) tests of the KCNT were conducted in children aged between 10 and 12 years. Reaction time and urinary heavy metal levels were analyzed using partial correlation, linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile G-computation analysis. Results: Participants of 203 SDS tests and 198 CRT tests were analyzed, excluding poor cooperation and inappropriate urine sample. Partial correlation analysis revealed no association between neurobehavioral function and exposure to individual heavy metals. The result of multiple linear regression shows significant positive association between urinary lead, mercury, and CRT. BMKR, WQS regression and quantile G-computation analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between complex urinary heavy metal concentrations, especially lead and mercury, and reaction time. Conclusions: Assuming complex exposures, urinary heavy metal concentrations showed a statistically significant positive association with CRT. These results suggest that heavy metal complex exposure during childhood should be evaluated and managed strictly.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.525-531
• /
• 2011

This study was conducted to examine the contents of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in meat and meat products in Korea. The contents of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in 466 samples of beef, pork, chicken, duck, ham, and sausage were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or a mercury analyzer. Wet ashing and microwave method were compared, and the recovery and reproducibility of the microwave method were better than those of wet ashing for meat and meat products. The recovery of the microwave method was 98.1% for Pb, 104.6% for Cd, and 103.4% for As, respectively. The best result was obtained through digestion using an acid mixture ($HNO_3$/$H_2O_2$, 6:2). Hg content was measured using a mercury analyzer. As a result, the contents of Hg and Cd in samples were lower than those of Pb and As. The average contents of Pb were 0.009 mg/kg in beef, 0.010 mg/kg in pork, 0.006 mg/kg in chicken, 0.007 mg/kg in duck, 0.005 mg/kg in ham, and 0.009 mg/kg in sausage. The average Cd contents were 0.0004 mg/kg in beef, 0.0004 mg/kg in pork, 0.0005 mg/kg in chicken, 0.0012 mg/kg in duck, 0.0015 mg/kg in ham, and 0.0019 mg/kg in sausage. The average As contents were 0.016 mg/kg in beef, 0.004 mg/kg in pork, 0.021 mg/kg in chicken, 0.010 mg/kg in duck, 0.014 mg/kg in ham, and 0.018 mg/kg in sausage. The average Hg contents were 0.713 ${\mu}g/kg$ in beef, 0.902 ${\mu}g/kg$ in pork, 0.710 ${\mu}g/kg$ in chicken, 0.796 ${\mu}g/kg$ in duck, 1.141 ${\mu}g/kg$ in ham, and 1.052 ${\mu}g/kg$ in sausage. Based on the results of the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2005, the levels of dietary exposure to heavy metal contaminants in meat and meat products were compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intake(PTWI) established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. The average dietary exposure of the general population from meat and meat products was 0.03-0.2% of PTWI for Pb, Cd, As, and Hg, which indicates a safe level for public health at present.