SUMMARY REPORT OF
THE FNCA 2006 WORKSHOP ON
THE UTILIZATION OF RESEARCH REACTORS

This document presents a summary on the implementation of the FNCA 2006 Workshop on the Utilization of Research Reactors held in Manila , Pasig-city, The Philippine from August 28 to September 1 , 2006. The workshop discussed three fields of activities, Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), Tc-99m generator Technology (TCG) and Research Reactor Technology (RR T ). It was attended by scientists and technical specialists from China , Indonesia , Japan , Korea , Thailand , Vietnam , Malaysia , Bangladesh and The Philippine . A summary of the discussions, progress reports and future programs of each group are presented below.

1.  Neutron Activation Analysis

The 2006 FNCA Workshop on Utilization of Research Reactors was held in Manila , The Philippines from August 28 to September 1, 2006. Representatives from nine countries participated in the Neutron Activation Analysis Workshop: Bangladesh , China , Indonesia , Korea , Japan , Malaysia , Philippines , Thailand and Vietnam . Bangladesh was present as an observer.

Dr. Mitsuru Ebihara gave the perspectives for the meeting. The NAA project is now in its second phase. The first phase dealt with the analysis of airborne particulate matter. It had a secondary objective: the introduction of NAA- k o for the analysis of airborne particulate matter. In the current phase, the participants selected the type of environmental sample to be analyzed by NAA. It has a secondary objective: to demonstrate before national environmental authorities the advantages of NAA for environmental analysis and promote its use in the formulation of environmental policies.

The participants reported on the current status of environmental sample analysis and the reflection of INAA results to environmental authorities. They also presented their respective work plans for 2007. The meeting also discussed possible topics for the third phase of the NAA project.

1.1 Current Status of environmental sample analysis by NAA

Participants reported on the progress of environmental sample collection and analysis in eight countries. The representative from Bangladesh , which has just joined the Group, reported on current work being undertaken by utilizing INAA.

1. China

   Airborne particulate matter in the PM2.5/PM10 range was collected from Liangxian Town , Beijing using the Gent sampler. Samples were analyzed by k 0 -INAA for about 40 elements. Data interpretation has been carried out by using a statistic software, Statgraghics Plus. Four principal factors have been found at the two sampling sites. Correlation among elements was analyzed.

2. Indonesia

   The NAA technique has been used in the monitoring of environmental pollution at North Coastal of Banten Province and the Bay of Jakarta . Marine samples of water, sediments and biota have been collect from 13 sampling points at Banten Province and 33 sampling points of The Bay of Jakarta. Quantitative analysis has been done by using a standard procedure of k o -INAA. Analytical quality control was attained by the use of certified reference materials of NIST 2702 Marine Sediment, NIST 1566b Oyster Tissue and NIST No. 9 Sargasso. The concentrations of interested elements in the water and sediment samples were determined and are presented in this workshop. The results of analytical quality control of k o -INAA by using k o -IAEA software have been also reported and discussed.

3. Japan

   PM10 particulate matters (coarse and fine fractions) have been collecting in Hachioji and Sakata in Phase-II and samples are analyzed by k 0 -INAA. In addition to collecting PM10, collecting PM2.5 particulates at Koto, in downtown Tokyo , was started on Aprile, 2006 in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Research Institute for Environmental Protection. SPM concentration and almost elemental concentrations of SPM in Hachioji and Koto was not so different each other during April to July, 2006. In Koto Mn concentrations were two time higher than in Hachioji . Cape Hedo in Okinawa is also a new sampling site. PM10 and PM2.5 particulates were collected tentatively in cooperation with National Institute for Environmental Studies. Elemental concentrations for V, Mn , Cu, Br, and I were lower than average concentrations in Sakata, rural site in Phase I.

4. Korea

   Air particulates (< 2.5 m m EAD , PM 2.5 ) were collected at Chungnam National University in Daejeon city in the Republic of Korea . An annular denuder air sampler and polycarbonate membrane filter s were used f or the collection of PM 2.5 . Sixty s amples were collected from August 2005 to March 2006. Mass c oncentration of PM 2.5 was determined by the sampling dates. Twenty eight elements including Al, As, Cr, Mn, etc., were analyzed by using INAA and the concentration of the measured elements could be determined. In addition, the black carbon concentration was measured by the reflectance method. The mean value of mass concentration and the ratio of black carbon of PM 2.5 were 31.6 m g/m 3 and about 18% , respectively.

5. Malaysia

   Trace and toxic elements were determined in marine sediments collected from the Strait of Malacca, Malaysia . Samples are collected at 18 sampling locations at the Strait of Malacca . Results show that toxic elements namely As, Sb, V and Zn were relatively high in some sampling location. Major contributing sources of these toxic elements are from anthropogenic activities within the sampling area. The outcome of this project is to provide information regarding the recent status of trace and toxic element concentration presence in the marine sediment collected from the sampling location at the Strait of Malacca . This information is vital in the understanding the pollution level at the Strait and hence a proper control measures may be taken by the relevant authority to control the level of pollution and to protect the natural environment of the Strait of Malacca .

6. Philippines

   The Philippine station for the FNCA project is located at Valenzuela, an industrial area in Metro Manila. This is one of two stations operated by the PNRI in Metro Manila which is co-located with an Environmental Management Bureau real-time monitoring station. Annual summary data for PM2.2 and PM10 for 2004 and 2005 indicate significant increase in concentration for 2005. Multielement characterization of air filters is performed by secondary target XRF spectrometry. Peaks in concentration of some elements on certain days as seen in time series charts indicate association among elements and can provide information on the contributing pollutant source. The availability of trace element data from NAA is useful in verifying results of source apportionment or identifying the cause of abnormal events leading to peaks in concentration observed on particular days. is useful in determining the source of pollution. Technical cooperation among a regional scientific community such as FNCA will enhance acceptability of nuclear analytical techniques in the region.

7. Thailand

   An air pollution study of Saraburi Province , Thailand was presented. The area has been facing difficulties due to high dust generating industries. The work is done under a contract agreement with the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The elemental composition of SPMs, soils and fly ash in Saraburi Province are being monitored. The samples were collected quarterly from May 2005 to March 2006. The average weight of SPM was found lowest in wet season and highest in the middle of dry season. The analytical techniques use for elemental analysis is Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence. The elements found are Na, Mg, Al, As, Sr, Br, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn. Calcium is selected as the key elements since most postulated source of pollution is due industrial utilization of the limestone deposit.

8. Vietnam

   Samples were collected from the coastal area of Nhatrang and Ganhrai bay. Sampling and sample preparation techniques for major, minor and trace elemental analysis in marine environmental samples have been investigated and some preliminary work on sample analysis has been performed. More than 20 elements in marine environmental samples in Nhatrang and Ganhrai bay could be measured. It indicates that both INAA and Radiochemical Neutron Activation Analysis (RNAA) methods can be used for the determination of elements in sediment, seawater and biota samples by directly or after sample treatment for chemical separation either volume reduction or preconcentration.

9. Bangladesh (Observer)

   Arsenic concentrations in human hair samples of a highly polluted site namely Boro Dudpalila village, Damurhuda, Chuadanga and nonpolluted sites of Goainghat & Sylhet Sadar thanas were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique. Samples were irradiated in the TRIGA Mark-II research reactor of Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE), Savar, Dhaka , Bangladesh and PARR-2 of Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad , Pakistan at a thermal neutron flux of order 10 12 n/cm 2 /s for 3 hours. Ranges of arsenic concentrations in Chuadanga and Sylhet samples were found to be 1.04 ± 0.06 to 48.66 ± 1.32 and <0.20 to 0.84 ± 0.04 ppm, respectively. Minimum detection limit of arsenic in the hair samples was found to be 0.20 ppm. All Chuadanga samples exceeded the normal level of arsenic in human hair (1 ppm). In the study it was found that both males and females are affected and there was generally no consistency in the arsenic levels in hair of the members of the same family.

1.2 Reflection of INAA data to environmental authorities  

All the participants are doing environmental sampling and applying NAA for analysis for use of varied end-users e.g. national and regional environmental offices, the scientific community, international development organizations concerned with sustainability of the environment. The manner and extent by which data are made available to policy makers varies among countries depending on the degree of development of the institutions for environmental management. Participants have initiated moves to establish direct or indirect link-up with end-users of data, including national government authorities. A number of participants have formal collaboration with national and regional environmental ministries for the application of INAA in studies in support of policies for the environment.

1. China

   The present work is being implemented under contract with the Environmental Protection Bureau of Fangshan District. The implementation of air pollution study by using NAA and related techniques helps the local government in the investment for improving the quality of environment.

2. Indonesia

   The present project is being carried out in cooperation with the local environment administration of DKI Jakarta and Banten Province for the management of the marine environment. The study aims to map out the heavy metal concentration at the Jakarta Bay and determine the distribution of heavy metals at different compartments of the environment.

3. Japan

   Two joint works with scientists of the National Institute of Environmental Sciences, which belongs to the Ministry of Environment, have been conducted; air monitoring at Okinawa and NAA of SPM reference sample. Results will be reflected to the administrative policy for protecting pollutants under the authority of the Ministry of Environment.

4. Korea

   Air m onitoring in Daej e on has been carried out in collaboration with the Chungnam National University as research and development projects supported from Ministry of Science and Technology and from Ministry of Environment .

5. Malaysia

   The Atomic Energy Licensing Board is funding its marine pollution project utilizing INAA due to its advantages reliability in the analysis of various samples. More time is required so that the INAA technique will eventually appeal to the environmental administration in Malaysia and may find this technique useful for their analytical requirements.

6. Philippines

   The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has ongoing collaboration with the Environmental Management Bureau in various areas of environment. It has served in Technical Working Groups organized by the EMB. Two of its stations are co-located with EMB air monitoring stations. The PNRI contributed data to the 2002 and 2003-2004 National Air Quality Status Report. A contract for PM10/PM2.2 monitoring at a new site in Davao City Mindanao has just been finalized with the USAID Energy and Clean Air Project.

7. Thailand

   The data is being utilized by the Air Quality and Noise Management Bureau, Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the environmental authority in Thailand under an official agreement. The authority will use this data to find possible solution for air quality improvement of the area. This project demonstrated the close collaboration on the recognition on the effective utilization of nuclear analytical techniques by the environmental authority in Thailand . This is expected to lead to stronger future collaboration between the two parties.

8. Vietnam

   Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor with thermal power of 500 kW has become a scientific facility for carrying out NAA. During the past two decades, based on NAA methods in combination with other analytical techniques, Dalat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI) has carried out many programs such as: National Research and Development Programs, Co-ordinated Research Projects with other organizations in Vietnam .

1.3 Work Plan for 2007

Several countries will continue present work identified in the work plan spelled out in 2005. ( Indonesia , Japan , Korea , Malaysia , Philippines , Vietnam .) Bangladesh , which has just joined the project will apply INAA for the analysis of water, soil, rice, vegetables, human hair samples, industrial waste, diet samples as indicators of the levels of As pollution. China will participate in the analysis of vegetables, human hair, fruit, oysters samples for use as certified environmental reference materials. In addition to the present work, Japan will collaborate with NIES scientists in air pollution studies, particularly in air monitoring at Hedo, Okinawa . It will also participate in the preparation of manual for SPM analysis where INAA can be included. It will make representation with the NIES for inclusion of participants of the NAA project in the round-robin exercise being planned for 2007. Thailand will undertake a new project involving the m onitoring of sediment and biota at Thalenoi Bay , a marine reserve.

1.4 Other matters

1. Report for the First Phase of the Project

   So far only 2 countries have submitted the Report for the First Phase of the Project on air particulate analysis, covering 2002-2004 ( Indonesia and Malaysia ). Many countries reported that work is in progress. A new deadline was set for the submission of the report to Prof. Ebihara, the end of October 2006.

2. Project database

   The project database from the participating countries has been compiled by Mr. Wee Boon Siong ( Malaysia ) and is ready for uploading at the FNCA web site. A chart containing annual means for each country was prepared. There were comments regarding the plan to have free access to the web site including download of raw data. It was agreed that an additional control would be instituted - user registration for those who wish to download data.

3. Assigned tasks

   Of the assigned tasks, only the common paper on airborne particulate matter was completed. A paper collaborative monitoring study of airborne particulate matters among seven Asian CountriesEby M. Ebihara, Y. S. Chung, W. Chueinta, B. F. Ni, T. Otoshi, Y. Oura, F. L. Santos, F. Sasajima, Sutisna and A. K. B. H. Wood, was accepted for publication in the Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Vol. 269, No. 2 (2006). Another publication is in preparation and is expected to be completed at the end of November, 2006).

   The following tasks have not been completed:

   • Paper on the comparison of SPM data between INAA and XRF (F. L. Santos & Y. Oura).
   • QA/QC on INAA for small samples ( W. Chueinta ) E
   • Comparison of NAA data from different ko software (Ho. M. D.)

   Delay in the comparison of XRF and INAA was due to breakdown of the PNRI XRF spectrometer which prevented further validation of analysis. With completion of analysis of CRM for air particulate matter on air filter, it is believed that there is now sufficient basis for completing the paper. A new deadline has been set, the end of November, 2006. For the 2 remaining tasks, the responsible persons were not present at the meeting. Information on their status will be obtained.

1.5 Future Plans for Third Phase of the Project

After extensive discussion, the group agreed that NAA is one of the major research reactor utilization in each country. NAA has greater elemental coverage than other analytical techniques and data have had great impact in environment, health, agriculture, material science, etc . It is believed that it could be an effective tool to promote socio-economic benefits in the region. The group strongly recommends the continuation of the project after the termination of the present program in March 2008. Possible areas of study for the third phase of the project are the following:

1. Prompt gamma neutron activation analysis
2. RNAA which can provide data not possible with INAA
3. Forensics
4. Food safety and nutrition
5. Archeology and art
6. Environment and health