[en] This report contains the results of the intercomparison IAEA-156 on the determination of radionuclides in clover. Initially participants were requested to determine the levels of ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, ⁴⁰K, ⁹⁰Sr and invited to provide data for other radionuclides. The participants included 46 laboratories located in 25 countries, and statistical evaluation of their data yield recommended values for these four radionuclides. Additional radionuclides reported were ²¹⁰Pb, ²³⁹Pu and ¹²⁵Sb; however, insufficient data exists to statistically determine recommended values for these radionuclides. The following are the recommended values, with confidence intervals, for the most frequently measured radionuclides (reference date: 1 August 1986): ¹³⁴Cs 132.1 Bq/kg (126.4-137.7); ¹³⁷Cs 264 Bq/kg (254-274); ⁴⁰K 657 Bq/kg (637-676); ⁹⁰Sr 14.8 Bq/kg (13.4-16.3). Figs and tabs

[en] The report, written under a research contract with the IAEA, contains a detailed presentation of the most difficult problem encountered in the trace element analysis by methods of the X-ray emission spectroscopy, namely the sample preparation techniques. The following items are covered. Sampling - with specific consideration of aerosols, water, soil, biological materials, petroleum and its products, storage of samples and their handling. Pretreatment of samples - preconcentration, ashing, solvent extraction, ion exchange and electrodeposition. Sample preparations for PIXE - analysis - backings, target uniformity and homogeneity, effects of irradiation, internal standards and specific examples of preparation (aqueous, biological, blood serum and solid samples). Sample preparations for radioactive sources or tube excitation - with specific examples (water, liquid and solid samples, soil, geological, plants and tissue samples). Finally, the problem of standards and reference materials, as well as that of interlaboratory comparisons, is discussed

No abstract available

[en] An overview of radiological situation at the selected bomb test sites is presented. The report is based on the reports and measurements performed by IAEA while the author was a head of its Physics-Chemistry-Instrumentation Laboratory. Radiological conditions at Bikini Atoll (USA testing ground), Mururoa and Fangataufa Atolls (French testing ground) and Semipalatinsk (SSSR testing ground) have been discussed in some details. (author)

[en] X-ray fluorescence has been used for many years as a powerful analytical tool. Recent developments in microprocessor and detector technologies have revolutionized the field of portable x-ray fluorescence analyzers. In the report NITON 700 series multielement XRF spectrum analyzers is introduced. The instrument is equipped with safe, economical Cadmium-109 (10 mCi) source, two 8-hour nickel metal hydride battery packs and number of sample preparation accessories. It may be carried, shipped and transported without exterior labeling, as an ordinary package. It can be used for: - Rapid, on-site analysis of thin media such as filters, wipes and paint films. - Rapid, on site analysis of thick samples such as soils, paint chips, sludges and oils, or other liquids. - Rapid, on site analysis of near surface contamination such as lead paint. In addition Windows-compatible software (stores, downloads and prints 1.000 readings with detailed spectra) is available. List of elements which could be analyzed in various matrices include: Mo, Zr, Sr, Rb, Pb, As,Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ba Hg (if requested) Au (instead of Hg or Pb) Th/U (instead of Mo) Se (instead of As). The instrument has performed well in EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program. Application of the instrument to the measurements of trace elements concentrations in soils within the frame work of the project 'Evaluation of the State of Environment on the Island Krk' is presented. (author)

[en] This report contains the results of the intercomparison IAEA-314 on the determination of uranium, thorium and Ra-226 in two stream sediments from Indonesia. The participants included 39 laboratories located in 19 countries, and statistical evaluation of their data yield recommended values for these elements. The elements, their recommended values and confidence intervals are: Ra-226, 732 Bq/kg (678-787); Th, 17.8 microg/g (16.8-18.8); U, 56.8 microg/g (52.9-60.7). Tabs

[en] The possible applications of nuclear techniques in the study of the role of trace elements in biology and medicine are described. Several examples of the measured variations of trace elements in individual organs and tissue and the interpretation of these data are presented. (orig.)

[en] This report contains the results of the intercomparison IAEA-313 on the determination of uranium, thorium and Ra-226 in two stream sediments from Indonesia. The participants included 36 laboratories located in 18 countries, and statistical evaluation of their data yield recommended values for these elements. The elements, their recommended values and confidence intervals are: Ra-226, 343 Bq/kg (307-379); Th, 77.1 microg/g (74.8-79.4); U, 18.2 microg/g (17.0-19.3). Tabs

[en] The relatively high concentration of sulphur and trace elements measured in coal makes the environmental impact study of the coal burning Power plant Plomin I very important. The results of XRF and PIXE measurements of both coal and ash (fly and bottom) composition served as a basis for the study of dynamic properties of trace elements. The quantities of pollutants were found to be dependent on the initial composition of coal. The pollution control at the plant is found to be also of great importance. Elements like titanium, vanadium and uranium are concentrated in fly ash. On the other side selenium is concentrated in the flue gases and intensively leached by the rainwater from the ash disposal site. Further development of nuclear analytical methods at the Tandem Van de Graft accelerator facility were made. Radiological impact study and study of ground water contamination are now in progress. (author). 7 refs, 2 figs, 3 tabs

[en] This report contains the results of the intercomparison IAEA-312 on the determination of uranium, thorium and Ra-226 in an Indonesian soil sample. The participants included 39 laboratories located in 17 countries, and statistical evaluation of their data yield recommended values for these elements. The elements, their recommended values and confidence intervals are: Ra-226, 269 Bq/kg (250-287); Th, 91.4 microg/g (81.3-101.5); U, 16.5 microg/g (15.7-17.4). Tabs