Sementes de tomate do híbrido Gladiador foram expostas a radiações gama do Co-60 nas doses 0; 2,5; 5; 7,5; 10; 12,5; 15 e 20 Gy. Foram analisados vários parâmetros como germinação, altura da plântula até o cotilédone, altura total da plântula, peso fresco e seco da plântula, altura da planta, diâmetro do caule da planta, peso fresco e seco e área da 5º folha, número de frutos verdes com diâmetro maior que 3 cm, número de frutos esverdeados, de vez e maduros, número total de frutos, Brix e pH dos frutos, peso médio dos frutos e produção total de frutos. Diferentes efeitos estimulantes foram observados nos diversos estádios de desenvolvimento das plantas. O maior estímulo, para produção ocorreu para a dose de 10 Gy. As maiores alturas médias da plântula e da planta ocorreram para a dose de 7,5 Gy. O maior número de frutos verdes com 3 cm de diâmetro ocorreu para o tratamento de 12,5 e 15 Gy. A irradiação também estimulou a produção de maior número total de frutos, em todas as doses aplicadas, com vantagem para a dose de 10 Gy que produziu 88% mais frutos que a testemunha e também uma produção em peso 86% maior. O pH dos frutos acidificou significativamente a partir da dose de 12,5 Gy. Houve aumento na produção em todos os tratamentos em relação à testemunha sendo que o maior estímulo para produção ocorreu para as doses de 10, 12,5 e 15 Gy. O uso de baixas doses de radiação gama do Co- 60 aplicado no tratamento pré-semeadura, nas sementes, mostrou-se eficiente em estimular o desenvolvimento das plantas e aumentar a produção do tomate. / Tomato seeds of the Gladiador hybrid were exposed to gamma radiation of Co-60 with the following doses: 0; 2,5; 5; 7,5; 10; 12,5; 15 e 20 Gy. Analysis were performed on germination, seedlings height to cotyledon, seedling total height, seedling fresh and dry weight, plant height, stalk diameter at the root beginning, fresh and dry weight of the 5th leaf, number of green fruits with diameter higher than 3 cm, number of green, half ripen and ripen fruits, total number of fruits, Brix and pH of fruits, average fruit weight and fruit total production. A variety of stimulation effects were observed on the different plant developing stages. The greatest stimulus for production was observed in the 10 Gy dose. The highest seedling average height and plant average height were observed for the 7,5 Gy dose. The biggest number of green fruits with diameter higher than 3 cm occurred for the 12,5 and 15 Gy treatments. Irradiation also stimulated a higher total number of fruits in all doses, having advantage the 10 Gy dose which produced 88% more fruits than control as well as 86% more weight production. The fruits pH acidified significantly in a dose of 12,5 Gy and higher. Production increased in all treatments comparing to control and the highest stimulus for production observed was for the 10, 12,5 and 15 Gy. The use of low gamma radiation doses of Co-60 applied as pre-sowing treatment in the seeds, efficiently stimulated the development of plants and the tomato production.

A pesquisa teve como objetivo a utilização da radiação gama do Cobalto-60 como tratamento quarentenário de plantas medicinais, aromáticas e condimentares desidratadas infestadas por Lasioderma serricorne e Plodia interpunctella determinando as doses desinfestantes atendendo o critério de não emergência de adultos das espécies em estudo e analisando através da Cromatografia de Camada Delgada os efeitos da radiação gama do Cobalto-60 sobre o princípio ativo dos substratos desidratados de Chamomilla recutita, Pimpinella anisum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum e Thymus vulgaris. O trabalho foi desenvolvido no Laboratório de Inseticidas do Instituto Biológico em São Paulo no período de agosto de 2005 a junho de 2007. A fonte de radiação gama utilizada foi um irradiador experimental de Cobalto-60, modelo Gamacell 220, localizado no Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares ? IPEN, localizado em São Paulo. No período de 30 dias após a irradiação das amostras avaliou-se o número de adultos emergidos de Lasioderma serricorne e Plodia interpunctella, utilizando os dados de mortalidade para a análise de Probit. Obteve-se 100% de não emergência de adultos de Lasioderma serricorne com a dose de 2,00 kGy e 100% de não emergência de adultos de Plodia interpunctella com a dose de 2,25 kGy. A Análise Cromatográfica de Camada Delgada efetuada não revelou diferença na composição química dos substratos analisados. / The research had as objective the use of the gamma radiation of the Cobalto-60 as quarantine treatment of the medicinal plant, aromatic and seasoning plants dehydrated infested by Lasioderma serricorne and Plodia interpunctella determining the desinfestation doses to attend the criterion in the not emergency of adults of the species in study and analysing through the Chromatography of Thin Layer the effect of the gamma radiation of the cobalto-60 on the active principle of extract dehydrated of Chamomilla recutita, Pimpinella anisum, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum and Thymus vulgaris. The work was developed in the Laboratório de Inseticidas in the Instituto Biológico in São Paulo in the period of August of 2005 the June of 2007. The radiation source used gamma was an experimental irradiador of Cobalto-60, model Gamacell 220, located in the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN, located in São Paulo. In the period of 30 days after the irradiation of the samples evaluated the number of adults emerged of Lasioderma serricorne and Plodia interpunctella, using the data of mortality for the analysis of Probit. Obtained 100% of not emergency of adults in the Lasioderma serricorne with the dose of 2,00 kGy and 100% of not emergency of adults in the Plodia interpunctella with the dose of 2,25 kGy. The Chromatographic Analysis of Thin Layer was to evaluate did not show chemical differences in the extracts analysed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:58:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2004 - Cristiane Magela Floriano.pdf: 765031 bytes, checksum: a9dc1e79d63d53940ee5a888798748c5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004-02-20 / Brazil has been highlighted as a major producer of fruits, especially tropical and subtropical. The passion fruit belongs to the family PASSIFLORACEAE and order PASSIFLORALES. The gender PASSIFLORAS is composed of at least 400 species, all originated from Tropical America and belongs to the sub-gender GRANADILLA, Quadrangles serie. The PASSIFLORA ALATA CURTIS is a native species and fairly widespread occurrence in Brazil where it is also commonly known by passion sweetfruit among other names. In Brazil, the species is found from the State Bahia all the way to the State of Rio Grande do Sul, showing good adaptation to the conditions EDAFOCLIM?TICAS. Considering the market potential, special attention should be given in post-harvest of passion sweet-fruit. This task aims to evaluate the behavior post-harvest of the passion sweet-fruit (PASSIFLORA ALATA CURTIS) submitted to the application of different doses of radiation gamma aimed at increasing the conservation period, with maintenance of quality and health. This work was developed in post-harvest in the laboratory of the Department of FITOTECCNIA - Institute of Agriculture UFRRJ with fruits collected at the Site of Passion sweet-fruit, in the municipality of Paty do Alferes. After being selected, they were transported to the Office of Research and Development to be irradiated. The fruits received the following treatments: Irradiation with source of C?sio 137 (137Cs) at doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 kGy. After treatment, all fruits were stored at a temperature of 12 C and 90% UR. Assessments were made every 4 days through determinations of appearance, loss of fresh weight, firmness equatorial and apical, soluble solids, pH, total titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and longevity of the fruits. All fruits, regardless of the dose of gamma radiation that were submitted showed changes in appearance during the period of storage and tended to loss both firmness as well firmness apical and equatorial. There was a small variation in levels of soluble solids, and the process of irradiation led the fruits of sweet passion fruit to no traditional behavior, not only showing a trend of accumulation or reduction of soluble solids total. It follows that the lower doses favored to increase the conservation period with maintaining the health and quality of the fruits of fresh passion fruit during the 28 days of storage fruits. / O Brasil tem se destacado como grande produtor de frutas, especialmente as tropicais e subtropicais. O maracujazeiro pertence ? fam?lia Passifloraceae e ? ordem Passiflorales. O g?nero Passifloras ? composto de pelo menos 400 esp?cies, todas elas originadas da Am?rica Tropical e pertence ao sub-g?nero Granadilla, s?rie Quadrangulares. A Passiflora alata Curtis ? uma esp?cie ind?gena e de ocorr?ncia bastante generalizada no Brasil onde ? tamb?m conhecida vulgarmente por maracuj?-doce entre outros nomes. No Brasil, a esp?cie ? encontrada da Bahia at? o Rio Grande do Sul, apresentando boa adapta??o ?s condi??es edafoclim?ticas. Considerando o potencial de mercado, uma especial aten??o deve ser dada na p?s-colheita de maracuj?-doce. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o comportamento p?s-colheita de frutos do maracujazeiro-doce (Passiflora alata Curtis) submetidos ? aplica??o de diferentes doses de radia??o gama visando aumento do per?odo de conserva??o com manuten??o de qualidade e sanidade. O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido no Laborat?rio de P?s-Colheita do Departamento de Fitotecnia Instituto de Agronomia da UFRRJ com frutos obtidos no S?tio do Maracuj?-doce, no munic?pio de Paty do Alferes. Ap?s serem selecionados, os mesmos foram transportados at? o Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento para serem irradiados. Os frutos receberam os seguintes tratamentos: Irradia??o com fonte de C?sio 137 (137Cs) nas doses de 0,1; 0,2; 0,5 e 1,0 kGy. Ap?s o tratamento, todos os frutos foram armazenados em temperatura de 12?C e 90% de UR. Foram feitas avalia??es de 4 em 4 dias atrav?s de determina??es de apar?ncia, perda de massa fresca, firmeza apical e equatorial, s?lidos sol?veis totais, pH, acidez total titul?vel, ?cido asc?rbico e longevidade dos frutos. Todos os frutos, independente da dose de radia??o gama a que foram submetidos apresentaram altera??es na apar?ncia no decorrer do per?odo de armazenamento e tiveram tend?ncia a perda de firmeza tanto firmeza apical quanto firmeza equatorial. Houve uma pequena varia??o no teor de s?lidos sol?veis totais, sendo que o processo de irradia??o levou os frutos de maracuj?-doce a um comportamento n?o tradicional, n?o apresentando a uma tend?ncia ?nica de ac?mulo ou de redu??o de s?lidos sol?veis totais. Conclui-se que as doses mais baixas favoreceram ao aumento do per?odo de conserva??o com manuten??o da qualidade e sanidade dos frutos do maracujazeiro doce durante o per?odo de 28 dias de armazenamento dos frutos.

Apesar da perda econômica, representada pela contaminação por fungos toxigênicos em castanhas-do-Brasil, um importante produto extrativista da região Norte do Brasil, estudos realizados ainda são incipientes quanto ao controle da contaminação por fungos aflatoxigênicos utilizando métodos como radiação gama (R.G) e, sobretudo, feixe de elétrons (F.E). Esses fatos motivaram a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da radiação gama e da aplicação de feixe de elétrons em amostras de castanha-do-Brasil inoculadas artificialmente com Aspergillus flavus. Para atingir tal objetivo, foram estudadas 50 amostras de castanha-do-Brasil, previamente, inoculadas com suspensão de esporos de A. flavus e, posteriormente, incubadas a 30 ºC em ambiente com umidade relativa controlada a 93 %. Após 15 dias de incubação, as amostras foram divididas em 5 grupos que receberam as seguintes doses de radiação: controle (0 kGy), 5 e 10 kGy F.E, 5 e 10 kGy R.G. A micobiota foi realizada através de diluição seriada, com semeadura em superfície utilizando ágar batata. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com F.E utilizando a dose de 5 kGy e 10 kGy resultou na redução de crescimento de A. flavus em 74% (37/50) e 94% (47/50) das amostras. Quanto às amostras tratadas com R.G na dose de 5 kGy e 10 kGy não ocorreu crescimento fúngico em 92% (46/50) e 100% (50/50) delas. A pesquisa de aflatoxinas mostrou que doses de F.E de 5 kGy e 10 k Gy reduziram os níveis de AFB1 em 53,32% e 65,66%, respectivamente. Por sua vez, a aplicação de raios gama nas doses de 5 e 10 kGy reduziu os níveis das toxinas em 70,61% e 84,15 % respectivamente. Tal resultado pode ser atribuído a maior penetrabilidade da radiação gama. Análise sensorial demonstrou maior aceitação das amostras irradiadas com F.E e R.G na dose de 10 kGy. Concluímos que, apesar de a análise sensorial ter demonstrado perda de algumas características organolépticas, ambos os processos de radiação foram eficazes na redução da contagem de A. flavus e dos níveis de aflatoxinas. / Despite the economic loss represented by contamination by toxigenic fungi in Brazil nuts, a major product of extractive Northern of Brazil, studies are still preliminary as the control of contamination aflatoxigenic fungal using methods such as gamma radiation (G.R) and mainly, electron beam (E.B). These facts motivated this research, which aimed to evaluate the effects of gamma radiation and application of electron beam in samples of Brazil nut artificially inoculated with Aspergillus flavus. This goal, we were studied 50 samples of the Brazil nut previously inoculated with spores of A. flavus and subsequently incubated at 30 °C in relative humidity controlled at 93%. After incubation, period of 15 days, the average water activity of the samples was 0.80, the samples were divided into 5 groups that received the following doses of radiation: control (0 kGy), 5 and 10 kGy 5 E.B and G.R. The mycobiota was performed by serial dilution, plated on surface using potato dextrose agar. The results demonstrated that treatment with E.B using a dose of 5 kGy and 10 kGy resulted in reduced growth of A. flavus in 74% (37/50) and 94% (47/50) of samples. The samples treated with G.R at the dose of 5 kGy and 10 kGy no fungal growth occurred in 92% (46/50) 100% (50/50) of. The study of aflatoxins showed that doses of E.B of 5 kGy and 10 kGy reduced levels of AFB1 at 53.32% and 65.66% respectively. The application of gamma rays at doses of 5 and 10 kGy reduced levels of toxins in 70.61% and 84.15% respectively. This result may be attributed to higher penetrability of gamma radiation. Sensory analysis showed greater acceptance of the judges for the samples irradiated with E.B and G.R at the dose of 10 kGy. We concluded that although sensory analysis have demonstrated some loss of organoleptic characteristics, both processes of radiation were effective in reducing the count of A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination.

Nas últimas décadas, a introdução de produtos de uso diário nos ambientes aquáticos tem sido uma das questões mais discutidas no que se refere ao monitoramento ambiental. Estes produtos não são totalmente removidos pelos processos convencionais de estações de tratamento de esgoto e de água e são continuamente inseridos no ambiente aquático. O Dietiltoluamida, um princípio ativo de repelente de insetos bastante utilizado mundialmente, é um composto ambientalmente persistente e sua toxicidade para alguns organismos aquáticos tem sido comprovada. Em substituição aos produtos sintéticos, a população tem optado em utilizar produtos naturais, sendo cada vez mais comum o uso de repelentes com óleos essenciais de gramíneas. O óleo essencial de capim-limão é um dos mais utilizados nas formulações de cosméticos e de cuidados pessoais. Entretanto, nenhum estudo tem comprovado a sua toxicidade para a biota aquática. Além dos poluentes químicos, os organismos aquáticos podem estar sujeitos à exposição da radiação ionizante proveniente de fontes naturais (background radiation) ou nas proximidades de instalações de usinas nucleares. O presente estudo avaliou a reprodução de invertebrados aquáticos C. silvestrii após a exposição à radiação gama e posteriormente submetidos aos princípios ativos de repelente sintético e natural. Para isso, avaliou-se a citotoxicidade in vitro bem como a ecotoxicidade aguda e crônica dos princípios ativos e o efeito da radiação gama para D. similis e C. silvestrii. Os ensaios com radiação gama foram realizados sob as mesmas condições dos testes de ecotoxicidade, utilizando o irradiador Gamma-Cell com fonte de Co60. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o óleo essencial apresentou efeito citotóxico igual a 50 mg.L-1 enquanto para o dietiltoluamida, foi de 420 mg.L-1. O efeito tóxico agudo na sobrevivência (CE50) foi encontrado na concentração de 7,2 mg.L-1 e 3,8 mg.L-1 de óleo essencial para D. similis e C. silvestrii, respectivamente. Concentrações de 64,9 e 53,9 mg.L-1 de dietiltoluamida apresentaram efeito agudo na sobrevivência de D. similis e C. silvestrii, respectivamente. 3,4 mg.L-1 foi estabelecida como a concentração de inibição (CI25) de óleo essencial para o dietiltoluamida correspondeu a 16,4 mg.L- 1, ambos para C. silvestrii. As doses letais de radiação gama que causaram efeito agudo na sobrevivência (DL50) foram de 242 Gy para D. similis e 525 Gy para C. silvestrii. A reprodução de C. silvestrii apresentou redução de 25% na dose de 29 Gy. Depois de determinar a ecotoxicidade dos princípios ativos e o efeito da radiação gama, os organismos foram irradiados com dose de 25 Gy, sendo a maior dose que não causou efeito na reprodução de C. silvestrii, e posteriormente foram expostos às mesmas concentrações utilizadas para os princípios ativos. Os resultados mostraram que a reprodução de C. silvestrii não foi afetada significativamente após a irradiação dos organismos testados quando comparada com os organismos não irradiados. / Over the last decades, the introduction of personal care products in aquatic environments has been one of the most discussed issues regarding environmental monitoring. These products are not completely removed by conventional sewage and water treatment processes and are continuously inserted into the aquatic environment. Diethyltoluamide an active ingredient in insect repellents widely used worldwide is an environmentally persistent compound and its toxicity to some aquatic organisms has been proven. In order to replace synthetic products, people have opted to use natural products which made more common the use of repellents with essential oils of grasses. The essential oil of lemongrass is one of the most used in the formulations of cosmetics and personal care. However, no study has proven its toxicity to aquatic biota. In addition to chemical pollutants, aquatic organisms may be subject to exposure of ionizing radiation from natural sources (background radiation) or near nuclear installations. The present study evaluated the reproduction of aquatic invertebrates C. silvestrii after exposure to gamma radiation and further submitted to synthetic and natural repellents. On this account, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity as well as acute and chronic ecotoxicity of the diethyltoluamide and lemongrass oil, as well as the effect of gamma radiation over D. similis and C. silvestrii. Irradiation experiments were carried out under the same conditions as performed for ecotoxicity assays, using a Gamma-Cell irradiator with a Co60 source. According to the results, the essential oil presented a cytotoxic effect at concentrations of 50 mg.L-1 whereas diethyltoluamide at 420 mg.L-1. The acute toxic effect on survival (EC50) was found at concentrations of 7.2 mg.L-1 for essential oil to and 3.8 mg.L-1 for D. similis and C. silvestrii respectively. Concentrations of 64.9 and 53.9 mg.L-1 of diethyltoluamide showed acute effect on survival of D. similis and C. silvestrii, respectively. 3.4 mg.L-1 of essential oil was established as the inhibition concentration (IC25) while for diethyltoluamide such value corresponded to 16.4 mg.L-1, both over C. silvestrii. The lethal doses induced by gamma radiation revealed an acute effect on survival (LD50) at 242 Gy for D. similis and 525 Gy for C. silvestrii. The reproduction C. silvestrii decreased by 25% at a dose of 29 Gy. After determining the ecotoxicity of the active ingredients and the effect of gamma irradiation, the organisms were irradiated at 25 Gy, which corresponded to the higher dose which caused no effect over the reproduction C. silvestrii and were subsequently exposed to the same concentrations used for the active ingredients. The results showed that reproduction C. silvestrii was not significantly affected after irradiation of the assayed organisms when compared to non-irradiated organisms.

O pedúnculo de caju é um pseudofruto carnoso, suculento, de ótimo aroma, apresenta altos teores de ácido ascórbico e compostos fenólicos. Apesar da condição nutricional, a vida útil e a comercialização in natura do pedúnculo é limitada principalmente devido a sua alta perecibilidade e susceptibilidade ao ataque de microrganismos patogênicos. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar métodos de conservação pós-colheita de pedúnculos de caju, entre eles: radiação gama, quitosana e atmosfera modificada passiva, de forma primeiramente individual para avaliar o efeito na conservação dos principais atributos físico-químicos, nutricionais e nos aspectos fisiológicos e depois em combinação para verificar efeitos sobre a vida útil, na atividade antioxidante e no perfil de compostos voláteis. No experimento de irradiação a dose de 2,0 kGy reduziu drasticamente a incidência de podridão mas ocasionou alta perdas de firmeza, ácido ascórbico, fenólicos e de pigmentos. A dose de 0,5 kGy proporcionou a melhor qualidade dos pedúnculos, pois além de reduzir podridões, reduziu perda de massa, manteve valores adequados de firmeza e, diferente da maior dose, não interferiu na pigmentação da epiderme, além de manter altos os níveis de compostos fenólicos e reduzir a adstringência. Com relação ao uso de quitosana, as concentrações de 1 e 2% foram eficientes na conservação dos atributos de qualidade de pedúnculos de caju, sendo que a concentração de 2% foi mais eficiente na redução de podridões, além de reduzir a adstringência do pedúnculo. O uso da atmosfera modificada, por meio do filme de PEBD, que proporcinou atmosfera de 11% de O2 e 8% de CO2, foi a mais eficiente na conservação dos atributos da qualidade visual e nutricional de pedúnculos de caju até o 20º dia após a colheita. Mudanças mais dráticas da atmosfera, como observadas em PP e BOPP não causaram anaerobiose, porém, a maior barreira aos gases e ao vapor de água, levou a perda de alguns atributos de qualidade. Os tratamentos de combinação de irradiação+quitosana e irradiação+atmosfera modificada foram eficientes na conservação dos pedúnculos de caju por estender a vida útil até o 25º dia após a colheita, reduzindo a incidência de podridão e perda de massa e mantendo adequada a firmeza da polpa, fato não alcançado com os tratamentos individuais. Além disso, a combinação irradiação + quitosana manteve também altos níveis de atividade antioxidante e perfil de voláteis característico de um pedúnculo agradável, sendo desta forma a combinação mais indicada. A irradiação e a quitosana quando utilizadas como tratamentos individuais também preservam a qualidade volátil, porém até o 20º dia após a colheita. / Cashew apple is a fleshy, juicy pseudofruit of great aroma, presents high levels of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds. Despite the nutritional condition, the shelf life and in natura commercialization of the peduncle is limited mainly due to its high perishability and susceptibility to the attack of pathogenic microorganisms. The objective of this research was to study post-harvest methods of cashew peduncles among them: gamma radiation, chitosan and passive modified atmosphere, in a first individual way to evaluate the effect on the conservation of the main physical-chemical, nutritional and physiological aspects and then in combination to check effects on shelf life, antioxidant activity and the volatile compound profile. In the irradiation experiment the dose of 2.0 kGy drastically reduced the incidence of rot but caused high losses of firmness, ascorbic acid, phenolics and pigments. The dose of 0.5 kGy provided the best quality of the peduncles, because besides reducing rot, reduced mass loss, maintained adequate values of firmness and, unlike the higher dose, did not interfere in the pigmentation of the epidermis, besides maintaining high levels of phenolic compounds and reduce astringency. Regarding the use of chitosan, the concentrations of 1 and 2% were efficient in the conservation of the attributes of cashew peduncles, being that the concentration of 2% was more efficient in the reduction of rot, besides reducing the astringency of the peduncle. The use of the modified atmosphere through the LDPE film, which provided an atmosphere of 11% O2 and 8% CO2, was the most efficient in preserving the visual and nutritional quality attributes of cashew peduncles until the 20th day after harvest. More dramatic changes of the atmosphere, as observed in PP and BOPP did not cause anaerobiosis, however, the greater barrier to gases and water vapor, led to the loss of some quality attributes. The treatments of irradiation+chitosan and irradiation+modified atmosphere treatments were efficient in the conservation of the cashew peduncles by extending the shelf life until the 25th day after harvesting, reducing the incidence of rot and loss of mass and maintaining the firmness of the pulp. A fact not reached with individual treatments. In addition, the combination of irradiation+chitosan also maintained high levels of antioxidant activity and volatile profile characteristic of a pleasant peduncle, thus being the most indicated combination. Irradiation and chitosan when used as individual treatments also preserve the volatile quality, but until the 20th day after harvest.

<p>Nuclear energy is currently one of the world’s main sources of electricity. Closely connected to the use of nuclear energy are important issues such as the nonproliferation of fissile material that may potentially used in nuclear weapons (safeguards), and the management of the highly radioactive nuclear waste. This thesis addresses both these issues by contributing to the development of new experimental methods for ensuring safe and secure handling of the waste, with focus on methods to be used prior to encapsulation and final storage.</p><p>The methods rely on high resolution gamma ray spectroscopy (HRGS), involving the measurement and analysis of emitted gamma radiation from the fission products ¹³⁷Cs, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹⁵⁴Eu. This technique is nondestructive, making it relatively nonintrusive with respect to the normal operation of the nuclear facilities.</p><p>For the safeguards issue, it is important to experimentally verify the presence and identity of nuclear fuel assemblies and also that the fuel has experienced normal, civilian reactor operation. It has been shown in this thesis that the HRGS method may be used for verifying operator declared fuel parameters such as burnup, cooling time and irradiation history. In the experimental part of the work, the burnup and the cooling time has been determined with an accuracy of 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively (1 σ).</p><p>A technique has also been demonstrated, utilizing the ratio ¹³⁴Cs/¹⁵⁴Eu, with which it is possible to determine whether a fuel assembly is of MOX or LEU type. This is of interest for safeguards as well as for the safe operation of a final storage facility.</p><p>As an improvement to the HRGS technique, measuring a part of the fuel assembly length in order to reduce measurement time has been suggested and investigated. A theoretical case for partial defect verification has also been studied as an extension of the HRGS technique. </p><p>Finally, HRGS has been used for determining the decay heat in spent nuclear fuel assemblies, which is of importance for the safe operation of a final storage facility. This application is based on the radiation from ¹³⁷Cs, and the accuracy demonstrated was within 3% (1 σ).</p>

There is an intense interest in the availability of radioactive isotopes that could be developed into nuclear batteries. Promethium-147 is one of the isotopes of interest for use in nuclear batteries as well as in other compact low power applications. Pm-147 is a pure beta (β-) emitter with a half-life of 2.62 years. For this research, Pm-147 was produced from enriched Nd-146 via the neutron capture method in the Hydraulic Tube facility of HFIR at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Radioisotopic impurities produced via the neutron capture method have significant effects on its potential final use for nuclear battery applications. This research provides information on the co-production levels of the radioisotopic impurities in the samples containing Pm-147 and their effects on the required shielding. Gamma spectroscopy analysis served as the primary method in the evaluation of the impurities. Previous research had identified the presence of these impurities but it had not studied them in detail.

Nuclear energy is currently one of the world’s main sources of electricity. Closely connected to the use of nuclear energy are important issues such as the nonproliferation of fissile material that may potentially used in nuclear weapons (safeguards), and the management of the highly radioactive nuclear waste. This thesis addresses both these issues by contributing to the development of new experimental methods for ensuring safe and secure handling of the waste, with focus on methods to be used prior to encapsulation and final storage. The methods rely on high resolution gamma ray spectroscopy (HRGS), involving the measurement and analysis of emitted gamma radiation from the fission products 137Cs, 134Cs and 154Eu. This technique is nondestructive, making it relatively nonintrusive with respect to the normal operation of the nuclear facilities. For the safeguards issue, it is important to experimentally verify the presence and identity of nuclear fuel assemblies and also that the fuel has experienced normal, civilian reactor operation. It has been shown in this thesis that the HRGS method may be used for verifying operator declared fuel parameters such as burnup, cooling time and irradiation history. In the experimental part of the work, the burnup and the cooling time has been determined with an accuracy of 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively (1 σ). A technique has also been demonstrated, utilizing the ratio 134Cs/154Eu, with which it is possible to determine whether a fuel assembly is of MOX or LEU type. This is of interest for safeguards as well as for the safe operation of a final storage facility. As an improvement to the HRGS technique, measuring a part of the fuel assembly length in order to reduce measurement time has been suggested and investigated. A theoretical case for partial defect verification has also been studied as an extension of the HRGS technique. Finally, HRGS has been used for determining the decay heat in spent nuclear fuel assemblies, which is of importance for the safe operation of a final storage facility. This application is based on the radiation from 137Cs, and the accuracy demonstrated was within 3% (1 σ).

In this study, aerobic biological treatment of opium alkaloid wastewater and the effect of gamma preirradiation and fenton&amp / #8217 / s oxidation were investigated. First, the biodegradability of alkaloid wastewater was investigated by batch reactors and wastewater was found to be highly biodegradable providing 83 &amp / #8211 / 90 % COD degradation. In order to evaluate the effect of irradiation, original wastewater and irradiated wastewaters (40 &amp / 140 kGy) were compared by means of BOD5/COD values and through aerobic batch experiments. Results indicated that irradiation imparted no further enhancement in biodegradability. Sequencing batch reactor (SBR) studies revealed that the treatment operation was not possible due to sludge settleability problem observed beyond an influent COD value of 2 g/L. Possible reasons for problem were investigated, and the high molecular weight, larger size and aromatic structure of the organic matters present in wastewater was thought to contribute to poor settleability characteristics. Some operational modifications including phosphate buffer addition cured the settleability problem. Influent COD was then increased to 5,000 mg/L. Significant COD removal efficiencies (&gt / 70 %) were obtained in SBRs fed with both original and irradiated wastewaters. Preirradiated wastewater provided a better settling sludge in comparison to original wastewater. Degradation of the complex structure was followed by GC/MS analyses, particle size measurements and enhancement in filterability. Pre-irradiation enhanced the filterability of wastewater more than Fenton&amp / #8217 / s treatment and degradation by irradiation was proved by GC/MS analyses.