The Analytical Research Department performs the work in the following areas:
Determination of the ultimate composition of samples from different sites (water, soil, bottom sediments, vegetation, aerosol, biosubstrates, farm products and food products, building materials etc.) using X-ray fluorescent analysis (XPA), inductively coupled atomic emission (ICP-AES) and mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). A series of identifiable elements involves a range from lithium (Li) to uranium (U). Determination of uranium isotope composition.
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A radiochemical analysis of 238, 239+240Pu, 241Pu, 90Sr, 210Ро and 241Am in samples of environmental sites and biosubstrates. A spectrometric analysis of radionuclides using Alpha Ensamble, Alpha Analyst alpha-spectrometers and a Tri-Carb 2910TR liquid scintillation counter. Sensitivity of alpha- and beta-spectrometric analyses are 0.2 Bq/kg and 7 Bq/kg, respectively.
Determination of activity concentrations of man-made (241Am, 137Cs, 152,154,155Eu, 60Co) and natural radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, 228Ac, 210, 212, 214Pb, 235, 238U) in environmental sites and biosubstrates using solid-state detectors based on high-purity germanium from global leaders in this field - Canberra and Ortec. Sensitivity of a gamma-spectrometric technique is on the order of 0.5 Bq/kg.
Activity determination of 3Н and 14С isotopes in free and organically bound forms. Preparation of counting samples of tritium and carbon in organically bound form (plants, food products) using a Sample Oxidizer automatic facility. Samples are analyzed with the only low-background Quantulus 1220 spectrometer available in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Tritium analytical sensitivity in water is some 5 Bq/l.
Assessment of internal exposure doses using computational and biophysical dosimetry methods. Biophysical methods are the analysis of 24-hour urine samples (tritium, 238Pu, 239+240Pu, 210Ро, 241Am, 90Sr, 137Cs) and measurements with a whole body counter (137Cs, 241Am). Doses are calculated based on the actual content of radionuclides in a body.
Manufacture of standard samples of radionuclide and ultimate composition abased on various natural matrices (plants, soil, bottom sediments). A wide range of certifiable parameters of standard samples (241Am, 137Cs, 152Eu, 60Co, 90Sr, isotopes of Pu , Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, As) suitable for correction given customer’s preferences. Certified values and indicators characterizing standard samples are determined according to the data from high-precision spectrometric research.
Activities on identification of a potential radiation hazard category for sites and work class. Tasks for estimating biological shielding against sources and facilities.
