Publications and Research
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
12-2-2021
Abstract
The main focus of the research is: application of neutron activation analysis (NAA) to determine concentration and distribution of heavy metals in environmental samples. Due to human activity and industrialization, heavy metal pollutants have been accumulating in the environment. The heavy metal elements (such as: mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), thallium (Tl), and lead (Pb)) tend to be toxic and their presence in the environment is problematic for plant, animal, and human health. The Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is one of nuclear techniques that has many useful applications such as bio-monitoring, biological analysis, environmental research and materials science. One advantage of this technique is the non-destructive analytical method that is suitable for tracing low concentration, especially rare elements, and heavy metal elements. Using NAA, we can find both qualities and quantities characteristics of a specific element. In other words, this technique helps identify the elements in samples, and their concentrations in the sample.
The principle of NAA is that traces of various elements can be identified and measured by analyzing the gamma rays they give off after being irradiated with neutrons. The project is conducted online by using, summarizing, analyzing, and organizing relevant literature, articles, and data that are available via open sources, and the world wide web. This project will focus on application of NAA to detection of high atomic numbers or heavy elements in the environment which could cause health problems for plants, animals, and human beings.
Comments
This poster was presented as the 35th Semi-Annual Honors and Undergraduate Research Scholars Poster Presentation at New York City College of Technology, December, 2nd, 2021.
Mentor: Vishwas Joshi (Chemistry).