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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Nanoparticle's Mapping and Quantification in Organ Tissue
Published on: June 18, 2014
Evaluation of trace elements in lung samples from coal miners using neutron activation analysis
M Saiki1, P H Saldiva, S H Alice
1Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Radiochemistry Division, Brazil.
Abstract:
In this study, instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th, and U in lung samples from miners working in coal mines located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. These results were compared to those from a control group constituted of healthy individuals. The results showed that the elements determined exhibit considerable intersubject variability within a single group of individuals and the mean values of concentrations in miners' lungs were higher than those of normal individuals. Lung samples presented U concentrations varying from 11 to 890 micrograms/kg. Therefore, for some samples, the contribution of the uranium fission products in the analysis of La, Ce, Nd, and Sm was considered by determining the interference correction factors. The accuracy of the results was evaluated by analyzing certified reference materials.
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