The methodology of determining the content of chemical elements by neutron activation analysis at the REGATA facility of the IBR-2 reactor has been certified. The All-Russian Scientific-Research Institute of Mineral Resources n.a. N. M. Fedorovsky has issued a corresponding document.

“Certification of the measurement methodology is a procedure aimed to confirm that the measurement method corresponds to the metrological requirements imposed on it. Only certified and duly approved measurement techniques can guarantee the results with required accuracy indicators,” Inga Zinicovscaia said who is the Head of the Sector of Neutron Activation Analysis and Applied Research at the Laboratory of Neutron Physics of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research.

With the help of particularly this method, JINR researchers have managed to determine the presence of elements in a roll of cotton cloth that has floated in the open space for more than 10 years. This study is an important step in determining the origins of space dust and the study of its effect on structural materials of spacecraft, which will then help in the design of deep space flights.

The neutron activation analysis at the REGATA facility of the IBR-2 reactor is widely used at the Joint Institute for ecological studies. For example, in the Institute’s works on the study of the impact of metal nanoparticles on human health, assessment of the state of water bodies, and atmospheric deposition of heavy metals. Using this method for several years with active JINR participation, work has been underway on determining the concentration of macroelements and microelements in samples of mussels and oysters in coastal areas of the RSA. Scientists have been also assessing the accumulation of metals in industrial wastewater using microorganisms combined with sorbents, hydroxyapatites, and nanofibers. Moreover, this technique is used to determine the elemental composition of wines, soils, medical plants, and other types of samples.