Micro-analytical Techniques Based on Nuclear Spectrometry for Environmental Monitoring and Material Studies
Closed for proposals
Project Type
Project Code
G42003CRP
1576Approved Date
Status
Start Date
Expected End Date
Completed Date
17 June 2013Description
Over the last years considerable progress has been observed in development and applications of micro-analytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry. One of the major reasons for the developments has been the possibility to use new excitation sources such as synchrotron radiation facilities and low-power X-ray tubes combined with availability of X-ray optics and thermoelectrically cooled semiconductor detectors. Several groups involved in the new applications of nuclear spectrometry are developing integrated instruments and analytical methodologies based on nuclear spectrometry. As a result the quality of characterization of various materials improved considerably and new applications became possible in support of applied research, teaching and education in nuclear science and technology, industry, environmental pollution monitoring, food and agriculture, human health, study of cultural heritage, production of reference materials, forensic science etc. The CRP is focused on emerging new techniques and applications of nuclear spectrometry for characterization of materials for environmental monitoring and material studies including elemental analysis, 2D and 3D microscopy imaging and chemical speciation. It is expected that through the CRP the analytical performance of micro-analytical techniques will be improved, and modern instrumentation and analytical methodologies including standardised analytical procedures will be developed. The results of the proposed CRP can be used in small laboratories in the developing Member States as well as in state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facilities available in the developed countries. The results can be transferred to other laboratories which will not contribute to the CRP directly.
Objectives
The CRP will help Member States laboratories: to enhance their analytical capabilities to effectively utilize nuclear spectrometry techniques. to provide improved analytical services in industry, environmental pollution monitoring, human health, agriculture etc. through more widely application of micro-analytical techniques.The results of the proposed CRP can be used both in small laboratories in the developing Member States and state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facilities available in the developed countries. The results can also be easily transferred to other laboratories which will not participate in/contribute to the CRP.
Specific objectives
The specific results expected from the CRP are to develop:i. improved instruments for analytical methodologies and standardised procedures for micro-analytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry ii. application of micro-analytical techniques to elemental analysis, 2D and 3D microscopy imaging, and chemical speciation in support of research and technological development in nuclear science and technology, industry, environmental pollution monitoring, production of reference materials etc.
Impact
The CRP allowed to exchange experiences in areas related to characterization of air pollution, elemental pollution of soils and water, cultural heritage and preventive conservation, material analysis, microanalysis of biological and biomedical materials, actinide elements in nuclear materials, including instrumental and methodological developments of X-ray spectrometry techniques. New interactions and collaborations among its 15 participants were possible, including:
ARG-AUS-UAE, in the determination of Cd and As in the soil in residential areas of Buenos Aires,
AUL-CRO cooperated on air pollution issues,
BEL-ARG-POR cooperated on cultural heritage and preventive conservation problems.
Relevance
The CRP contributed to instrumental and methodological developments of X-ray spectrometry techniques, including applications in the fields of environment, cultural heritage and characterization of materials