Investigation of K₀ NAA at MURR and investigation of the toenail as a biomonitor for Mg, Zn, Cu, Se and Hg

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Chapter 1: The K[subscript 0] method of neutron activation analysis (INAA) requires a stable core and neutron flux parameterization. The stability of the reactor core at MURR was evaluated by measuring the neutron flux parameters α and ƒ over nine months. The results indicate that the reactor core and the parameters [alpha] and ƒ are sufficiently stable between fuel cycles at MURR for K[subscript 0] INAA. However, unexpected values of [alpha] and ƒ will decrease the accuracy of K[subscript 0] INAA at MURR. Chapter 2: The toenail as a biomonitor of a dietary supplement containing Mg, Zn and Cu was evaluated and the results indicate that the toenail was not sensitive to supplementation of these elements. Chapter 3: The nail response to concurrent dietary intake of methyl mercury (MeHg) and Se in Long Evans rats was evaluated. The Se concentration in the nail was well correlated with dietary Se in every MeHg exposure group and MeHg was correlated with nail Hg with dietary MeHg in every Se exposure group. Exposure to high levels of MeHg did affect the measured nail Se concentration in one experimental group relative to control.