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A critical review of the quantification, analysis and detection of radionuclides in the environment using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT): advances and perspectives

  • Leonardo Pantoja ORCID logo EMAIL logo and Hemda Garelick
Published/Copyright: December 19, 2023
Pure and Applied Chemistry
From the journal Pure and Applied Chemistry Volume 96 Issue 7

Abstract

This critical review explores the quantification, analysis, and detection of radionuclides in the environment using the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. Radionuclides, unstable isotopes emitting ionising radiation, are present in the environment due to natural and anthropogenic sources for which concerns are raised about their impact on human health and ecosystems. DGT offers a unique passive sampling approach for understanding the behaviour of radionuclides and other trace elements. This review provides insights into method development, real case scenarios, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of DGT in radionuclide analysis. In terms of method development, various isotopes have been analysed with varying significance based on origin, concentration, risks, and persistence. Notably, U, Th, Pu, Am, Cm, 99Tc, 226Ra, 137Cs, 134Cs, 232U, 237Np, and 152Eu have been measured, revealing their diverse roles in environmental radioactivity. Real case scenarios illustrate applications in uranium mining, water quality monitoring, and metal speciation studies, shedding light on mobility, bioavailability, and ecological impacts. DGT’s advantages include in-situ monitoring, time-averaged mean concentrations, and comprehensive speciation insights. Challenges include potential influences from biofouling, temperature changes and specifically the possible degradation of the binding and diffuse layer due to ionising radiation in long term exposures. In addition, the distinction between fully labile free metal ions and partially labile metal-ligand complexes introduces a potential limitation in the DGT technique, hence being an opportunity for future studies. Looking forward, DGT is expected to contribute to radiation dose modelling, environmental risk assessment, and water quality monitoring, with ongoing developments enhancing its utility and accuracy.

Keywords: diffusive gradients in thin films; DGT; radioisotope; radioactive; speciation; radioactive waste in the marine environment 2023
Corresponding author: Leonardo Pantoja, Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, NW4 4BT, London, UK, e-mail:
Article note: A collection of invited papers based on the topic of “The global scenario and challenges of radioactive waste in the marine environment” from IUPAC Division VI project #2021-027-2-600.

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Published Online: 2023-12-19
Published in Print: 2024-07-26

© 2023 IUPAC & De Gruyter

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Editorial
  3. The Global Scenario and Challenges of Radioactive Waste in the Marine Environment
  4. Special topic papers
  5. A critical review of the quantification, analysis and detection of radionuclides in the environment using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT): advances and perspectives
  6. Overview of marine radionuclides from sampling to monitoring
  7. Radionuclides in marine sediment
  8. Speciation and mobility of uranium isotopes in the Shu River: impacts for river to sea transfer
  9. Impact of fluvial discharge on 137Cs in the ocean following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident
  10. Transport of radioactive materials from terrestrial to marine environments in Fukushima over the past decade
  11. The transfer of irradiated uranium from the Irish Sea coast to the terrestrial environment in Cumbria, UK
  12. Public knowledge, sentiments, and perceptions of low dose radiation (LDR) and power production, with special reference to reactor accidents
  13. An exercise-based international polymer syllabus
  14. Conference paper
  15. Perovskite: a key structure for a sustainable hydrogen economy
https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2023-0809
Keywords for this article
diffusive gradients in thin films; DGT; radioisotope; radioactive; speciation; radioactive waste in the marine environment 2023

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Editorial
  3. The Global Scenario and Challenges of Radioactive Waste in the Marine Environment
  4. Special topic papers
  5. A critical review of the quantification, analysis and detection of radionuclides in the environment using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT): advances and perspectives
  6. Overview of marine radionuclides from sampling to monitoring
  7. Radionuclides in marine sediment
  8. Speciation and mobility of uranium isotopes in the Shu River: impacts for river to sea transfer
  9. Impact of fluvial discharge on 137Cs in the ocean following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident
  10. Transport of radioactive materials from terrestrial to marine environments in Fukushima over the past decade
  11. The transfer of irradiated uranium from the Irish Sea coast to the terrestrial environment in Cumbria, UK
  12. Public knowledge, sentiments, and perceptions of low dose radiation (LDR) and power production, with special reference to reactor accidents
  13. An exercise-based international polymer syllabus
  14. Conference paper
  15. Perovskite: a key structure for a sustainable hydrogen economy
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