• Proceedings of the Mineralogical Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2001.06a
• /
• pp.75-75
• /
• 2001

We report Sr, Nd and Pb isotope data of clinopyroxene separates from ultramafic xenoliths and their host basaltic rocks in Jeju Island, Baekryeong Island, Boeun and Ganseong, Korea. The isotopic data of the xenoliths and host basalts are distinctly different from those of Korean basement rocks. Except for two xenoliths from Ganseong, all samples in this study have isotopic ratios within the combined range of MORB-OIB data. All basaltic rocks have Nd-Sr-Pb isotope compositions different from those of xenoliths, indicating that the host basaltic magma did not derive from the lithospheric mantle where the xenoliths originated. The range of isotopic composition of xenoliths is much greater than that observed in host basalts, which reflects small-scale heterogeneity of the lithospheric mantle. The greater isotopic heterogeneity of the lithospheric mantle probably reflects its long-term stability. The spinel peridotite xenolith data of Jeju Island, Baekryeong Island and Boeun display mixing hyperbolas between DMM and EM II end members. Since Jeju basalts have EM II-like isotopic signature, the mixing relationship shown by the isotopic data of the Jeju xenoliths can be interpreted as the result of infiltration of metasomatic fluid or melt derived from basaltic magma into DMM-like lithospheric mantle. In contrast to other xenolith sites, the Ganseong xenoliths are dominantly clinopyroxene megacryst and pyroxenite. Clinopyroxene megacrysts have different isotopic ratios from their host basalt, reflecting its exotic origin. Two Ganseong xenoliths (wherlite and clinopyroxenite) have much enriched Sr and Nd isotopic ratios and Nd model ages of 2.5-2.9 Ga, and plot in an array away from the MORB-OIB field. The mantle xenoliths from Korean Peninsula have similar $\^$87/Sr/$\^$86/Sr,$\^$143/Nd/$\^$144/Nd and $\^$207/Pb/$\^$204/Pb ratios to, but higher $\^$208/Pb/$\^$204/Pb ratios than, those from eastern China, indicating that Korean xenoliths are derived from the lithospheric mantle with higher Th/U ratio compared with Chinese ones. The isotopic data of xenolith-bearing basalts of Baekryeong Island and Ganseong, along with Ulreung and Dok Islands, show a mixing trend betlveen DMM and EM I in Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic correlation diagrams, which is also observed in tile northeastern Chinese basalts. However, the Jeju volcanic rocks show an EM II signature that is observed in southeastern Chinese basalts. The isotopic variations in volcanic rocks from the northern and southern portions of the East Asia reflect a large-scale isotopic heterogeneity in their source mantle.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.45 no.7
• /
• pp.921-928
• /
• 2013

A future nuclear energy system is being developed at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the system involves a Sodium Fast Reactor (SFR) linked with the pyro-process. The pyro-process produces a source material to fabricate a SFR fuel rod. Therefore, an isotopic fissile content assay is very important for fuel rod safety and SFR economics. A new technology for an analysis of isotopic fissile content has been proposed using a lead slowing down spectrometer (LSDS). The new technology has several features for a fissile analysis from spent fuel: direct isotopic fissile assay, no background interference, and no requirement from burnup history information. Several calculations were done on the designed spectrometer geometry: detection sensitivity, neutron energy spectrum analysis, neutron fission characteristics, self shielding analysis, and neutron production mechanism. The spectrum was well organized even at low neutron energy and the threshold fission chamber was a proper choice to get prompt fast fission neutrons. The characteristic fission signature was obtained in slowing down neutron energy from each fissile isotope. Another application of LSDS is for an optimum design of the spent fuel storage, maximization of the burnup credit and provision of the burnup code correction factor. Additionally, an isotopic fissile content assay will contribute to an increase in transparency and credibility for the utilization of spent fuel nuclear material, as internationally demanded.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.549-555
• /
• 2017

A lead slowing-down spectrometer (LSDS) system is under development to analyze isotopic fissile content that is applicable to spent fuel and recycled material. The source neutron mechanism for efficient and effective generation was also determined. The source neutron interacts with a lead medium and produces continuous neutron energy, and this energy generates dominant fission at each fissile, below the unresolved resonance region. From the relationship between the induced fissile fission and the fast fission neutron detection, a mathematical assay model for an isotopic fissile material was set up. The assay model can be expanded for all fissile materials. The correction factor for self-shielding was defined in the fuel assay area. The corrected fission signature provides well-defined fission properties with an increase in the fissile content. The assay procedure was also established. The assay energy range is very important to take into account the prominent fission structure of each fissile material. Fission detection occurred according to the change of the Pu239 weight percent (wt%), but the content of U235 and Pu241 was fixed at 1 wt%. The assay result was obtained with 2~3% uncertainty for Pu239, depending on the amount of Pu239 in the fuel. The results show that LSDS is a very powerful technique to assay the isotopic fissile content in spent fuel and recycled materials for the reuse of fissile materials. Additionally, a LSDS is applicable during the optimum design of spent fuel storage facilities and their management. The isotopic fissile content assay will increase the transparency and credibility of spent fuel storage.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.28-40
• /
• 2013

This study examined the geochemical characteristics, equilibrium temperature and pressure conditions, and oxygen isotopic ratios of mantle xenoliths from the various geological sites of the Korean peninsula. The results are as follows: (1) The ultramafic xenoliths from the Korean peninsula mainly consist of typical high magnesium olivine (MgO : 49.12-50.95 wt.%, Mg value: 90.1-92.2), corresponding to worldwide Cenozoic ultramafic xenoliths in chemical compositions. (2) The pressure-temperature conditions of ultramafic xenoliths in the Korean peninsula are from 854 to $1016^{\circ}C$ and 4.6 to 24.4 kbar. (3) The oxygen isotopic ratios (${\delta}^{18}O$) for olivines in ultramafic xenoliths range from 5.06‰ to 5.51‰, which are relatively uniform oxygen isotopic values and overlapped by the values of N-MORB and upper mantle peridotite (${\delta}^{18}O$: $5.2{\pm}0.2$‰). However, olivines of the ultramafic xenoliths from the Baegdusan and Chejudo have a relatively wide ${\delta}^{18}O$ values ranging from 5.07 to 5.51‰ and 5.07 to 5.45‰, respectively. Based on the results, this study suggests that the high ${\delta}^{18}O$ signature of the Baegdusan xenoliths give a hint that ~5% of the oxygen in typical EM2 sources originally derived from recycled sediments.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.191-206
• /
• 2011

The emplacement ages, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of granitoid rocks from Cheongju area, South Korea, were investigated for delineating their petrogenetic link to the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks. Zircon crystals were collected from the diorite, biotite granite and acidic dyke samples in a single outcrop. Cross-cutting relationships show that the emplacement of diorite was postdated by the intrusion of biotite granite. Both rocks have been subsequently intruded by acidic dyke. The U-Pb isotopic compositions of zircon from the diorite, biotite granite, and acidic dyke were measured using a SHRIMP-II ion microprobe, yielding the crystallization ages of $174{\pm}2Ma$, $170{\pm}2Ma$, and $170{\pm}5Ma$, respectively, with 95% confidence limits ($t{\sigma}$). The emplacement ages are consistent with those determined from the above relative ages. The major and trace element patterns of the rocks are consistent with those of the Jurassic Daebo granitoid rocks, possibly suggesting a subduction-related I-type granite. The geochemical signature is, however, betrayed by the Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of these rocks. The isotopic signatures suggest that the rocks were produced either by the partial melting of lower-crust or by the mantle-derived magma contaminated by the basement rocks during its ascent and/or emplacement. In addition, the inherited ages of zircons of the rocks (ca. 2.1, 1.8, 0.8 and 0.4 Ga) suggest a possible assimilation with crustal rocks from the Gyeonggi massif and Ogcheon metamorphic belt.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.387-394
• /
• 2013

We aim to unveil dietary history recorded in Neolithic human bone from Janghang site at Gadeok Island, Busan. Excavation of Janghang site at Gadeok Island from 2010 to 2011 is an outstanding discovery in Korean Neolithic archaeology. A large number of human bones (48 individuals) were found at Janghang site, which is the largest-scale Neolithic cemetery in Korea. We extracted human bone collagen from 10 individuals and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis were carried out using carbon and nitrogen analyzer connected to a continuous-flow isotope-ratio-monitoring mass-spectrometer. Although bone histological analysis shows poor preservation state, stable isotope results correspond well with bone collagen quality indicator, which implies that bone collagen reflects lifetime signature. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope result indicates highly marinebased diet(${\delta}^{13}$C=$-14.5{\pm}1.3$‰, ${\delta}^{15}$N=$-17.4{\pm}1.7$‰, n=10), however the possible input of terrestrial animal and wild plant cannot be excluded. Our isotopic findings provide an invaluable information on Neolithic subsistence economy in this coastal area. In addition, Janghang site shows specific features in burial methods and burial goods. Two different burial methods of arranging bodies are found with extended burial type and particularly high ratio of flexed burial type. There are also burial goods such as pottery. However, there are no significant isotopic differences according to burial methods and burial goods. Although this is a preliminary study on this site, our research will provide important clues in understanding isotopic dietary history of Korean Neolithic people.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.32 no.10
• /
• pp.3618-3623
• /
• 2011

This paper presents a stable isotope chemistry of bone collagen and carbonate. Bone carbonate has the potential to provide additional isotopic information. However, it remains controversial as to whether archaeological bone carbonate retains its original biogenic signature. I used a novel application of bone density fractionation and checked the integrity of ${\delta}^{13}C_{apa}$ values using radiocarbon dating. Diagenesis in archaeological bone carbonate still remains to be resolved in extracting biogenic information. The combined use of bone density fractionation and differential dissolution method shows a large shift in the ${\delta}^{13}C_{apa}$ values. Although ${\delta}^{13}C_{apa}$ values are improved in lighter density fractions, a large percentage of contamination in bone carbonate was reported via $^{14}C$ dating compared to that noted with bone collagen.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.294-300
• /
• 2008

The stable isotopes ratios ($\delta^{13}C\;and\;\delta^{15}N$) of two coexisting species of zooplankton (Daphnia longispina and Acanthodiaptomus pacificus) and POM were determined in two alpine lakes in Japan. The difference of $\delta^{13}C$ between A. pacificus and D. longispina was 4.1$\pm$0.9‰ in Lake Shirakoma, which was larger than in Lake Panke. Whereas the difference of $\delta^{15}N$ between A. pacificus and D. longispina (2.6$\pm$0.8‰) was larger in Lake Panke than in Lake Shirakoma. $\delta^{13}C$ of POM (-26.6$\pm$1.2‰) in Lake Shirakoma was different from those of zooplankton; it was heavier than those of D. longispina and A. pacificus by 3.7$\pm$1.6‰ and 7.8$\pm$1.0‰, respectively. Whereas $\delta^{15}N$ of POM (2.0$\pm$0.8‰) was similar with those of both A. pacificus and D. longispina. This implies that the two lakes may have different trophic structure and food sources for zooplankton, and each species are grazing on selectively different components of POM. The temporal variation of $\delta^{13}C$ for each zooplankton species was associated with lipid contents of zooplankton in both lakes. The results showed that stable isotope composition of zooplankton can be an useful information for understanding energy pathways and trophic structures in lakes.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.242-251
• /
• 2012

To investigate foodweb of aquatic ecosystem in the Tamjin River, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes ratios of aquatic organisms, as well as environmental indicators based on the water, were determined in this study. Various organisms such as fishes (Coreoperca kawamebari, Zacco platypus, Cobitis lutheri, and Pungtungia herzi) and periphyton (epilithon and epiphyte), and particulate- and coarse particulate organic matters (POM and CPOM) were collected in upper (Tamjin River, Yuchi Stream, and Omcheon Stream) and lower (TJ-1~TJ-5) reaches of Jangheung Dam. The nitrate concentration and ${\delta}^{15}N$ signature of POM and organisms (invertebrates and fish) were found to be more enriched toward the downstream section of the river. It was determined that allochthonous matter occurring from a tributary alters the chemical character of water, as well as the isotopic signature of organisms contained therein. Attached algae (ephilithon) were identified as a base component of the benthic foodchain further downstream.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.171-183
• /
• 2022

The parent and daughter nuclides in a radioactive decay chain arrive at secular equilibrium once they have a large half-life difference. The characteristics of this equilibrium state can be used to estimate the production time of nuclear materials. In this study, a mathematical model and algorithm that can be applied to radio-chronometry using the radioactive equilibrium relationship were investigated, reviewed, and implemented. A Bateman equation that can analyze the decay of radioactive materials over time was used for the mathematical model. To obtain a differential-based solution of the Bateman equation, an algebraic numerical solution approach and two different matrix exponential functions (Moral and Levy) were implemented. The obtained result was compared with those of commonly used algorithms, such as the Chebyshev rational approximation method and WISE Uranium. The experimental analysis confirmed the similarity of the results. However, the Moral method led to an increasing calculation uncertainty once there was a branching decay, so this aspect must be improved. The time period corresponding to the production of nuclear materials or nuclear activity can be estimated using the proposed algorithm when uranium or its daughter nuclides are included in the target materials for nuclear forensics.