Systematic study on the proton radioactivity of spherical proton emitters

In this study, based on a two-potential approach, we systematically investigated the proton radioactivity half-lives of spherical proton emitters with 69≤Z≤81 from the ground and/or isomeric state, choosing the nuclear potential to be a modified Woods–Saxon potential that contains the isospin effect of the daughter nucleus. It was found that the calculated half-lives could reproduce the experimental data well. Furthermore, we extended this model to predict the half-lives of 17 protonemitting candidates whose radioactivity is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in NUBASE2020. For comparison, the unified fission model, Coulomb potential and proximity potential model, universal decay law for proton emission, and new Geiger–Nuttall law were also used. All the predicted results are consistent with each other.

Two-proton radioactivity from excited states of proton-rich nuclei within Coulomb and Proximity Potential Model

In the present work,we extend the Coulomb and Proximity Potential Model(CPPM)to study two-proton(2p)radioactivity from excited states while the proximity potential is chosen as AW95 proposed by Aage Withner in 1995.Demonstration reveals that the theoretical results acquired by CPPM exhibit a high level of consistency with prior theoretical models such as the unified fission model(UFM),generalized liquid-drop model(GLDM)and effective liquid-drop model(ELDM).Furthermore,within the CPPM,we predicted the half-lives of potential 2p radioactive nuclei for which experimental data are currently unavailable.The predicted results were then assessed,compared with UFM,ELDM and GLDM models,and examined in detail.

Systematic study of proton radioactivity half‑lives

In the present study,on the basis of the screened electrostatic effect of the Coulomb potential,we propose an improved Gamow model within the centrifugal potential in which there are only two adjustable parameters,i.e.,the screened parameters t and g,which represent the combined effect of the interaction potential and reduced mass of the emitted proton-daughter nucleus on the half-life of proton radioactivity in the overlapping region.Using this model,we systematically calculated the proton radioactivity half-lives of 31 spherical nuclei and 13 deformed nuclei and obtained corresponding root-mean-square deviations of 0.274 and 0.367,respectively.The relationship between the proton radioactivity half-life of 177Tlm and the corresponding angular momentum l removed by the emitted proton is also discussed.In addition,we used the proposed model to predict the proton radioactivity half-lives of 18 nuclei whose proton radioactivity is energetically allowed or observed but not yet quantified in NUBASE2020.For comparison,we used the universal decay law of proton radioactivity proposed by Qi et al.(Phys Rev C 85:011303,2012.https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysR evC.85.011303),and the new Geiger–Nuttall law of proton radioactivity proposed by Chen et al.(Eur Phys J 55:214,2019.https://doi.org/10.1140/epja/i2019-12927-7).

Recent progress in two-proton radioactivity

During the last few decades,rare isotope beam facilities have provided unique data for studying the properties of nuclides located far from the beta-stability line.Such nuclei are often accompanied by exotic structures and radioactive modes,which represent the forefront of nuclear research.Among them,two-proton(2p)radioactivity is a rare decay mode found in a few highly proton-rich isotopes.The 2p decay lifetimes and properties of emitted protons hold invaluable information regarding the nuclear structures in the presence of a low-lying proton continuum;as such,they have attracted considerable research attention.In this review,we present some of the recent experimental and theoretical progress regarding the 2p decay,including technical innovations for measuring nucleon-nucleon correlations and developments in the models that connect their structural aspects with their decay properties.This impressive progress should play a significant role in elucidating the mechanism of these exotic decays,probing the corresponding components inside nuclei,and providing deep insights into the open quantum nature of dripline systems.

Two-proton radioactivity of the excited state within the Gamow-like and modified Gamow-like models

In this study,we systematically investigated the two-proton(2p)radioactivity half-lives from the excited state of nuclei near the proton drip line within the Gamowlike model(GLM)and modified Gamow-like model(MGLM).The calculated results were highly consistent with the theoretical values obtained using the unified fission model[Chin.Phys.C 45,124105(2021)],effective liquid drop model,and generalized liquid drop model[Acta Phys.Sin 71,062301(2022)].Furthermore,utilizing the GLM and MGLM,we predicted the 2p radioactivity halflives from the excited state for some nuclei that are not yet available experimentally.Simultaneously,by analyzing the calculated results from these theoretical models,it was found that the half-lives are strongly dependent on Qand l.

Natural Radioactivity Measurement and Assessment of Radiological Hazards in Some Building Materials Used in Bangladesh

The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in 24 samples of natural and manufactured building materials commonly used in Bangladesh were measured using HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. The results in the present study were compared with the world average and also with the reported data available in literature. The radium equivalent activity, the absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose, external and internal hazard indices, gamma index, alpha index, annual gonadal dose equivalent and excess lifetime cancer risk were also evaluated to assess the potential radiation hazards associated with these building materials. All samples under investigation were found to be within the recommended safety limit and do not pose any significant radiation hazards. This study can be used as a reference for more extensive studies of the same subject in future.

Evaluation of Natural Radioactivity in Marine Sand Deposits from Offshore China

Natural radioactivity is very important for the assessment of the marine sand property and usability. By using gamma spectrometry, the concentration of the natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been measured in marine sand deposits from Liaodong Bay (LDB), North Yellow Sea (NYS), Zhoushan area (ZS), Taiwan Shoal (TS) and Pearl River Mouth (PR), offshore China, which are potential marine sand mining areas. The radiation activity equivalent (Raeq), indoor gamma absorbed dose rate (DR), annual effective dose (HR), alpha index (Ia), gamma index (Ig), external radiation hazard index (Hex), internal radiation hazard index (Hin), representative level index (RLI), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE) associated with the natural radionuclides are calculated to assess the radiation hazard of the natural radioactivity in the marine sands offshore China. From the analysis, it is found that these marine sands are safe for the constructions. The Pearson correlation coefficient reveals that the 226Ra distribution in the marine sands offshore China is controlled by the variation of the 40K concentration. Principal component analysis (PCA) yields a two-component representation of the entire data from the marine sands, wherein 98.22% of the total variance is explained. Our results provide good baseline data to expand the database of radioactivity of building materials in China and all over the world.

Removal of Radioactivity from Sediment Mud and Soil and Use for Cultivation of Safe Vegetables in Fukushima, and Removal of Toxic Metals Using Photosynthetic Bacteria

The immobilized photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodobacter shpaeroides SSI (SSI), cultured on porous 2 cm ceramic beads, effectively removed and recovered 20 mg/L of non-radioactive Cs (almost 100%) and Sr (≌50%), after 3 - 5 days of aerobic treatment. Toxic and heavy metals such as Hg, Cr, Pb and As were also removed, almost 100%, after 6days of aerobic treatment. A practical method of removal of radioactivity of 10 - 30 μSv/h, caused mainly by radioactive Cs released from the accident at the Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on 11th March 2011, from sediment mud and soil in Fukushima, Japan, was also carried out. Using immobilized SSI beads, more than 90% and 42% - 73% of radioactive Cs was removed and recovered from sediment mud and soil, respectively, after 3 - 14 days of aerobic treatment in an outdoor 60 L vessel. The weight and mass of the harvested beads could be reduced by more than 97% after desiccation. This technology of removal and recovery had therefore, considerable advantages over other technologies that demanded very large storage facilities in Fukushima. After removal of radioactivity from polluted soil, vegetables like Komatsuna (Turrip leaves) and Chingensai (Green pakchoi) were cultivated on remediated soil. Safe vegetables grown on these treated soils showed a radioactivity content lower than the recommended limit for edible foods in Japan, i.e. less than <100 Bq/kg. Treatment by SSI beads, therefore, appeared to be a compact and suitable technology that could make significant contributions towards agricultural recovery in radioactively polluted areas of Fukushima.

A Study on the Radioactivity Level in Raw Materials, Final Products and Wastes of the Phosphate Fertilizer Industries in Bangladesh

A study on the detection of probable radionuclides and their activity concentrations in the raw material (phosphate rock), final product (fertilizer) and waste samples collected from all the phosphate fertilizer factories (total two factories—A Diammonium Phosphate, DAP and a Triple Super Phosphate, TSP factory) in Bangladesh were carried out. A total of seven types of samples (grossly divided into solid and liquid types);liquid waste, waste-mixed river water, normal river water, phosphate rock, phosphate fertilizer, solid waste and normal soil;were analyzed under this study. Raw material samples were collected only from the TSP fertilizer factory. Fertilizer, solid and liquid waste samples were collected from both the factories under study. Moreover, normal soil and natural surface water samples from the suitable areas adjacent to the factories were also collected for the comparison purpose. The samples were analyzed by gamma ray spectrometry technique using a Hyper-Pure Germanium (HPGe) detector of 40% relative efficiency. The analysis of the samples showed that only natural radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were present in the samples and no traces of artificial radioactivity were found in any of the samples. 40K was found below the detection limit in some samples. The analysis of the samples in the case of TSP fertilizer factory showed that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th and 40K in raw materials were 851.27 ± 7.10, 19.63 ± 6.57 and 54.06 ± 5.93 Bq/kg, respectively, in final product 211.90 ± 4.74, 42.48 ± 10.56 Bq/kg and ND (Not Detected), respectively, in solid waste 187.49 ± 4.88, 70.06 ± 11.76 and 289.27 ± 40.24 Bq/kg, respectively and in liquid waste 6.26 ± 0.63, 10.01 ± 1.39 Bq/L and ND, respectively. The measured results in the case of samples collected from DAP fertilizer factory showed that the average activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th and 40K in the final product were 17.31 ± 3.92, 69.74 ± 9.88 and 48.46 ± 17.22 Bq/kg, respectively, in solid waste 24.47 ± 4.15, 164.62 ± 11.08, 191.52 ± 33.74 Bq/kg, respectively and in liquid waste 3.59 ± 1.05, 37.08 ± 3.30 Bq/L and ND, respectively. Considering the stored raw materials and wastes the part of the ambient environment of the factory, radium equivalent activity, radiation hazard index and external annual effective dose to the workers and public due to these materials were also calculated and compared with world average values.

Estimation of Natural Radioactivity of Some Medicinal or Herbal Plants Used in Iraq

Nine medicinal or herbal plants used in Iraq were analyzed to determine natural radioactivity. The radionuclides were determined by Gross alpha, beta and gamma spectrometry Proportional counter + NaI(Tl) detector type(XLB5) and gamma-ray spectroscopy with (HPGe) techniques. The activity concentration of 40K ranged from 124.1 Bq/kg in (Crust sample) to 88.3 Bq/kg in (Chamomile sample), for gross alpha ranged from (N.D.) in (Flax sample) to 0.4 cpm in (Anise sample), while for beta ranged from 5.7 cpm in (Flax sample) to 25.6 cpm in (Latency sample) and for gamma ranged from 0.6 cpm in (Thyme sample) to 5.10 cpm in (Coriander and Flax samples).

Radioactivity in Surface Soils Around the Proposed Sites for Titanium Mining Project in Kenya

Radioactivity measurements were carried out around Maumba and Nguluku villages, two of the proposed sites for titanium mining in the coastal area of Kenya. Samples of surface soils were analyzed using a HPGe gamma spectrometer. The average activity concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 20.9 ±7.6, 27.6 ± 9.1 and 69.5 ± 16.5 Bqkg–1, respectively. The absorbed dose rates in air, calculated on the basis of the measured activity concentrations, range from 9.8 to 50.0 nGyh-1, with an average of 29.2 nGyh-1. These values are below the global population-weighted mean, and they should be considered when planning appropriate monitoring and surveillance programmes during the mining operation, as well as the reclamation and restoration programmes after mining.

Natural Radioactivity Assessment and Radiological Hazards in Soils from Qarun Lake and Wadi El Rayan in Faiyum, Egypt

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring 238U, 232Th and 40K in surface soils along Qarun Lake and Wadi El Rayan located in Faiyum, Egypt were determined. The measurements were carried out through gamma-ray spectrometry using a coaxial HPGe detector. The results were compared with those reported in the literature. The radiological hazard radium-equivalent activity index, external and internal indices, radioactivity level index, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose rate and total absorbed dose rate associated with radioactivity in all samples were evaluated and compared with recommended values. Correlation studies between pairs of radionuclides were performed and discussed.

Research and implementation of the monitor for in situ radioactivity measurements in the marine environment

As the traditional methods can not meet the requirements of marine radioactivity monitoring,a radioactivity monitoring sensor used in marine field has been proposed.This sensor is based on Nal(TI) scintillation crystal and employs the special shielding method,the anticoincidence design,the spectrum stabilization algorithm of characteristic peaks and the Monte Carlo simulation fitting calibration formula.Through the continuous tests of terminals and the activity test for target nuclide ^(40)K,it is found that the sensor is stable and the error is less than 10%.

Assessment of Exposure Due to Technologically Enhanced Natural Radioactivity in Various Samples of Moroccan Building Materials

The aim of our present work is to measure the specific activities of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and the exhalation rates in terms of area and mass of 222Rn in some samples of building materials commonly used in Morocco in order to evaluate the radiological risk caused by natural radioactivity. To this end, the analyses were carried out, using two nuclear techniques, namely high resolution gamma spectrometry and alpha dosimetry based on the use of LR115, on 50 samples collected from large commercial suppliers in Morocco. The results of these analyses show that the average specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in these materials vary from 9 to 52 Bq/kg, 3 to 63 Bq/kg and 68 to 705 Bq/kg respectively. These activities remain within the permissible limits of 35 Bq/kg, 30 Bq/kg and 370 Bq/kg respectively, with the exception of a few samples of red brick, gray cement, ceramic and granite. The activity of the radium equivalent (Raeq), the internal (Hin) and external (Hex) hazard indices, the absorbed dose rate, the total annual effective dose , the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) as well as volumic activities, exhalation rates in terms of area (ES) and mass (EM) are calculated for the samples analyzed in this work in order to assess the radiological risks resulting from the use of these materials in various construction activities. It seems that the values of these indices vary from 19 to 196 Bq/kg, 0.08 to 0.67, 0.05 to 0.53, 9 to 91 nGy/h, 0.05 to 0.56 mSv/y, 0.19 × 10&minus;3 to 1.96 × 10&minus;3, 72 to 350 Bq/m3, 56 to 273 mBq&sdot;m&minus;2&sdot;h&minus;1 and 3 to 15 mBq&sdot;kg&minus;1&sdot;h&minus;1 respectively. The lowest values are identified for gypsum, while the highest are attributed to granite. All of the obtained results of these indices respect the permissible limits except for the Raeq in some granite samples, the ELCR index in all samples except gypsum and the radon volumic activity in some gray cement samples, ceramic and granite. As a result, the different types of building materials analyzed in our work do not present a health risk to the public and can be used in various construction activities, with the exception of a few samples of red brick, gray cement, ceramic and granite. The choice of the use of red brick, gray cement and ceramic should be monitored and adapted according to the criteria of the limitation of the doses whereas the use of the granite must be moderate in order to limit over time the health risk which increases with the duration of exposure of humans to these building materials.

The Radioactivity of Nuclei &Solar Oscillations: New Experiments

The experimental detection of the hidden periodicities in the activity of various radioactive sources which were observed by different instruments and which coincided with the period of the free oscillations of the Sun gave an impetus to the further research. The simultaneous recording of gamma rays from two radioactive sources revealed the elements of synchronism and the periods of solar oscillations as well as the phase delay for the different sources in the obtained time series. A neutrino detector has been designed and tested, the advanced schemes for neutrino detection are developed, and the impact of the neutrino source on the radioactive matter is explored. The search for the new principles for creating the emitters of neutrino beams is conducted.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Rivers Sediment and Soil from the Copper Belt Artisanal Mining Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The concentrations and distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides (238U, 235U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, 228Ra, and 40K) were determined by alpha and gamma spectrometry in soil and sediments collected from Luilu and Dilala rivers located in the mining district of Kolwezi (Lualaba Province) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The average concentrations of 238U and 226Ra in the analyzed samples were 5 - 10 times higher than the world average values for soil provided by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. However, the average concentrations of 232Th were found similar to the world average. In both river basins, artisanal mining activities and mineral washing sites displayed the higher concentration values of radionuclides. The mean values of health risk indices calculated for those sites were found significantly higher compared to world average levels. Radiation protection measures seem needed to ensure the radiation safety of local populations. Graphical Abstract

Possibility for Gaining Nuclear Energy without Radioactivity from Solid Density Hydrogen Boron Using Lasers with Nonlinear Force Driven Plasma Blocks

In addition to the matured ＂Laser Inertial Fusion Energy （LIFE）＂ with spherical compression of deuterium-tritium （DI） for a pure fusion engine or for fusion-fission-hybrid operation, a very new scheme may have now been opened by igniting the neutron-free reaction of proton-boron-11 （p-^11B） using side-on block ignition. Laser pulses of several petawatt power and ps duration led to thc discovery of an anomaly of interaction, if the prepulses are cut off by a factor 108 （contrast ratio） to avoid relativistic self focusing. In this case the Bobin-Chu conditions of side-on ignition of solid fusion fuel can be applied after several improvements leading to energy gains of 10,000 similar to the Nuckolls-Wood ignition with extremely intense 5 MeV electron beams. In contrast to the impossible laser-ignition of p-^11B by the usual spherical compression, the side-on ignition is less than ten times only more difficult of DT ignition. This p-^11B fusion produces less radioactivity per gained energy than burning coal. After encouraging success with computations based on the different nuclear cross sections, next steps are focusing on stability and transport problems.

Measurement of Natural Radioactivity and Radon Exhalation Rate in Coal Ash Samples from a Thermal Power Plant

Coal is the main energy source for electricity generation in the world. In Morocco, 37% of electricity generation comes from combustion coal in thermal power plants. This combustion process generates large amounts of fly and bottom ashes. In recent years, these ashes became a great topic of interest because of their different uses and especially in construction materials. In this work, we assess radiation risks due to natural radioactivity in samples of fly and bottom ashes collected from JLEC (Jorf Lasfar Energy Company) thermal power plant, and different analyses are performed through two nuclear techniques such as gamma spectrometry and alpha dosimetry based on the use of LR115 films detectors. Our analysis shows that 226Ra activities and 232Th in both ash samples are well above the permissible activity. The values of the external risk index (Hex) and internal one (Hin) for these ashes are below unity, with the exception of 1.28 in fly ash for Hin. The obtained values for the equivalent radium Raeq and annual effective doses Ėin fly and bottom ashes are 324 Bq/kg and 210 Bq/kg, and 0.18 mSv/y and 0.11 mSv/y, respectively. The surface radon exhalation rates for the samples of fly and bottom ashes are 276 mBq⋅m-2⋅h-1 and 381 mBq⋅m-2⋅h-1, respectively. Based on these results, we have shown that fly ash and bottom one from thermal power plant JLEC didn’t have, in any case, a health risk to the public so it can be effectively used in various construction activities.

NATURAL BACKGROUND RADIOACTIVITY LEVELS IN THE TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG

This paper analyses and summarizes the natural radionuclide contents of soil and building materials, radon concentrations and the penetrating radiation levels in Hong Kong. From these, a thorough and objective assessment for the terrestrial background irradiation level of Hong Kong was made. Finally, the annual effective dose equivalent received by Hong Kong people due to the natural background irradiation was calculated to be 3.2 mSv.

Petrogenesis,Geodynamics and Radioactivity of the Granitic Rocks of the Nugrus Weakness Zone,South Eastern Desert,Egypt

The studied granitic bodies belong to the south Eastern Desert of Egypt.They extend in a NNW–SSE trend along the same strike of the Nugrus weakness zone by which they are structurally controlled.These rocks are composed of biotite and biotite-muscovite monzogranites to syenogranites.Geochemically,a higher abundance of Ba and Rb in biotite granites with a relatively low abundance in biotite-muscovite granites as well as the diversity of Th,U,Nb,Ta,Zr,and REE reflects their origin from different sources and geodynamic settings.The biotite granites are predominantly metaluminous to low peraluminous whereas the biotite-muscovite granites have a peraluminous nature.Potassium enrichment at the expense of calcium in these rocks reflects a derivation from crustal sources by partial melting in the presence of a volatile system.Radiometric investigation showed high abundances of U(up to 38 ppm)and Th(up to 26 ppm)in biotite-muscovite granites relative to biotite granites(up to 5 ppm U and 18 ppm Th).Radioactive anomalies furthermore have been recorded in parts of biotite-muscovite granites that were affected by the faults(up to 116 ppm eU and 97 ppm eTh).Consequently,biotite-muscovite granites form a potentially fertile source for uranium mineralization.