SECŢIUNEA PUBLICĂ

a. Titlul complet al proiectului:Determinări de emiţători beta prezenţi în agro-ecosisteme în laboratorul de radiochimie ultra joasă

b. Acronimul:BETALAB

c. Rezumatul proiectului:Înfiinţarea în 2006 a primului laborator subteran din România de măsurare în fond ultrascăzut de radiaţii microBq a creat oportunitatea de a relansa tehnicile nucleare de investigaţie clasice aplicate de peste jumătate de secol în ţara noastră la nivelul performanţelor internaţionale atinse la începutul secolului XXI. El asigură totodată, din punct de vedere ştiinţific, posibilitatea de participare sporită la proiecte internaţionale, la proiecte în Programul Cadru 7 al Uniunii Europene şi la integrarea acestei noi ramuri a fizicii nucleare din România în reţelele europene. Din punctul de vedere al aplicaţiilor practice, ea oferă şansa alinierii la standardele şi cerinţele europene şi lărgirea ofertei de servicii pentru beneficiarii din ţară. Noul laborator propus prin proiectul de faţă, BETALAB, satisface ambele motivaţii pentru înfiinţarea lui, răspunde obiectivelor propuse de PNCDI-II. Programul 4 şi deschide noi direcţii ştiinţifice neabordate încă în ţara noastră. Proiectul reuneşte trei instituţii de Cercetare-Dezvoltare: Institutul Naţional de C&D pentru Fizică şi Inginerie Nucleară „Horia Hulubei” Măgurele Bucureşti (IFIN-HH), Staţiunea de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Viticultură şi Vinificaţie Murfatlar judeţul Constanţa (SCDVVM) şi Centrul de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Combaterea Eroziunii Solului Perieni judeţul Vaslui (CCDECS). Ele au credibilitate în tematica abordată în proiect, colaborează de peste 20 de ani şi deţin metodologii bazate pe tehnicile nucleare clasice. BETALAB le oferă şansa dezvoltării experienţei prin înfiinţarea, sub conducerea IFIN-HH, a unui laborator unicat în România. BETALAB va funcţiona ca parte integrantă a microBq cu două compartimente: preparare probe - un laborator de radiochimie la nivele joase („low level radiochemistry”) într-o locaţie a IFIN-HH în afara perimetrului institutului şi măsurare prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi la nivele joase („LSC low level”), în incinta laboratorului microBq amplasat în Mina Unirea Slănic-Prahova. Pentru „low level radiochemistry” este necesar un loc „foarte curat” din punctul de vedere al condiţiilor de mediu iar pentru „LSC low level” un loc „foarte curat” din punctul de vedere al fondului de radiaţii, deziderat oferit de existenţa şi funcţionarea laboratorului microBq. În cazul compartimentului de la suprafaţă, concepţia pratică va îmbina experienţa şi tehnologiile existente la cele trei unităţi CD cu oferta de piaţă privind tehnologiile, aparatura şi dotările necesare. Concepţia lui însă va avea valoare de unicat, adaptarea tehnicilor de radiochimie clasice la „low level radiochemistry” fiind în mare parte rodul ingeniozităţii cercetătorilor români. În ceea ce priveşte sectorul de măsurare probe, alegerea tipului de aparat, montarea lui în condiţiile speciale şi aducerea în parametri implică participarea ca terţi a Societăţii Naţionale a Sării (SNS SALROM SA) (pentru introducerea dotărilor speciale necesare unei bune funcţionări a aparatului la interiorul unei mine de sare) şi a Institutului pentru Criogenie şi Separări Izotopice de la Râmnicu-Vâlcea (ICSI), unitate deja recunoscută pentru experienţa în domeniul tehnologiilor de preparare probe de mediu şi măsurare prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi în condiţiile fondului de radiaţii terestru. IFIN-HH aduce în proiect experienţa privind prelucrarea probelor de mediu şi măsurarea lor prin tehnici nucleare, pe când SCDVVM şi CCDCES pun la dispoziţie „subiectele” din direcţiile prioritare recomandate de PNCDI-II şi PC7; în plus, ele se situează într-o zonă cu probleme de eroziune/sedimentare (Plumbul-210, Pb-210) dar depărtată de CNE-Cernavodă (CCDCES) sau într-o zonă aflată în proximitatea centralei (Tritiul, T şi Carbonul-14, C-14) (SCDVVM), oferind un front de lucru ideal pentru aceşti radioizotopi.

d. Obiectivele generale si rezultatele estimate a fi obtinute:Obiectivul general al proiectului constă deci în înfiinţarea unui laborator pentru măsurare prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi cu scopul desfăşurării unor cercetări originale pentru definirea bazei ştiinţifice necesare stabilirii unui set de tehnici nucleare avansate de măsurare în fond ultrascăzut de radiţtii şi aplicarea lor în cercetări ştiinţifice din chimie, fizică şi domenii conexe, la supravegherea şi controlul calităţii resurselor naţionale şi produselor agro-alimentare în vederea creşterii gradului de asimilare, aplicare şi dezvoltare a cunoştinţelor, serviciilor şi tehnologiilor avansate în mediul economic şi social, pentru a face faţă evoluţiei şi concurenţei europene şi internaţionale.Obiectivul general este motivat de următoarele obiective specifice:

- creşterea calităţii activităţii unităţilor şi instituţiilor de CD din parteneriat, care să asigure atragerea, dezvoltarea şi concentrarea de resurse umane şi materiale;

- promovarea participării unităţilor şi instituţiilor de cercetare-dezvoltare la programele europene şi internaţionale de cercetare şi racordarea la aria europeană de cercetare, inclusiv integrarea în platformele tehnologice la nivel european;

- dezvoltarea laboratorului de experimentare şi testare microBq prin includerea BETALAB conform cerinţelor Uniunii Europene privind evaluarea conformităţii cu reglementările tehnice pentru tipul de cercetări ştiinţifice fundamentale şi aplicaţiilor pe ariile tematice promovate de UE. Obiectivele specifice răspund următoarelor arii tematice promovate prin cel de-al 7-lea Program CDT Cadru al Uniunii Europene (PC7) pe perioada 2007-2013:

- alimentaţie, agricultură şi biotehnologii, urmărind dezvoltarea bio-economiei bazate pe cunoaştere;

- alimentaţie, sănătate şi bună-stare, urmărind atât asigurarea sănătăţii cetăţenilor, cât şi creşterea competitivităţii industriilor legate de sănătate;

- fizică nucleară (fuziune, fisiune, altele);- mediu şi schimbări climatice, urmărind administrarea eficientă a resurselor naturale şi

reducerea impactului negativ generat de activităţi industrial-economice asupra mediului şi climei.

e. Institutia coordonatoare, eventual cu sigla institutiei si datele de contact:Instituţia coordonatoare:Institutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizică şi Inginerie Nucleară “Horia Hulubei”

Sigla instituţiei şi datele de contact:

f. Componenta consortiului:Unitatea coordonatoare: IFIN-HHCO: Institutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizică şi Inginerie Nucleară „Horia Hulubei”Partenerul 1: SDVVMP1: Staţiunea de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Viticultură şi Vinificaţie Murfatlar

Partenerul 2: CCDCESP2: Centrul de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Combaterea Eroziunii Solului

g. Autoritatea contractanta (finantatoare a proiectului):Centrul Naţional Management Programe CNMP

h. Durata proiectului:3 ani (2007 – 2010)

i. Activitatile si responsabilitatile aferente fiecarui participant:Detalierea activităţilor în corelaţie cu obiectivele propuse:

- fundamentarea ştiinţifică a selectării metodelor de analiză a probelor de mediu şi a celor agro-alimentare; IFIN-HH, SCDVVM, CCDCES

- stabilirea unei metodologii de investigare prin metode neconvenţionale (de utilizare a proprietăţilor trasorilor radioactivi) a evoluţiei unor procese ce influenţează în mod esenţial calitatea resurselor de apă şi sol; IFIN-HH, SCDVVM, CCDCES

- stabilirea unei metode de determinare a trasabilităţii produselor oenologice cu ajutorul determinărilor privind migraţia radionuclizilor în sistem; SCDVVM, IFIN-HH

- adaptarea unor modele matematice de evaluare şi prognoză a calităţii solului şi apei de pe terenurile agricole degradate; CCDCES

- amenajarea spaţiilor pentru desfăşurarea procedurilor de preparare şi măsurare; IFIN-HH- instalarea aparaturii adecvate măsurărilor la fond scăzut în spaţiile destinate din laboratorul

de măsura la fond de radiaţii ultrascăzut; IFIN-HH- verificarea, protejarea şi integrarea în laborator a aparaturii destinate funcţionării în medii

agresive; IFIN-HH- organizarea de intercomparări pe probe de activitate ultrajoasă şi pe probe de mediu şi agro-

alimentare; IFIN-HH, SCDVVM, CCDCES- integrarea rezultatelor ştiinţifice originale obţinute în circuitul internaţional; IFIN-HH,

SCDVVM, CCDCES.

j. Bugetul proiectului – defalcat finantare de la bugetul de stat si cofinantare:Bugetul proiectului: 2.000.000 RON; finanţat 100% de la bugetul de stat.

k. Descrierea/prezentarea diferitelor evenimente derulate in cadrul proiectului (exp: Conferinte, seminarii, intalniri ale partenerilor, etc.):Anul 2007:Rezumatul Etapei I cu predare la 15.12.2007:Faza I a proiectului reuneste eforturile celor trei parteneri in a stabili importanta ce o are pentru fiecare tehnica de masurare prin “LSC low level”.Partenerii IFIN-HH, respectiv Partenerul 1: Staţiunea de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Viticultura si Vinificatie Murfatlar, si Partenerul 2: Centrul de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Combaterea Eroziunii Solului Perieni demonstreaza importanta ce o are pentru ei studiul unor fenomene prezente in agro-ecosisteme prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi. De fapt, este vorba despre importanta ce o are Tritiul, Carbonul-14 si Plumbul-210 pentru studiul acestor fenomene; importanta tehnicii prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi “LSC” de fapt rezida in faptul ca acesti trei radionuclizi sunt emitatori beta si ca tehnica cea mai buna de masurare a lor este tehnica LSC.Coordonatorul: Institutul pentru Fizica si Inginerie Nucleara “Horia Hulubei” este cel ce detine experienta, tehnicile si modalitatile de a duce la bun sfarsit masurarea prin LSC, dar totodata si

procedurile de transformare a probelor de mediu, fie ca este vorba de apa, aer, sol, vegetatie etc., in probe analitice ce se supun masurarilor prin LSC.In prima faza, cei trei parteneri definesc principalele coordonate stiintifice pe care le vor urmari, impreuna sau separat, de-a lungul proictului.Pentru IFIN-HH, in prima faza este foarte important sa defineasca modul, locul si aparatul prin intermediul carora va realiza masurarea prin “LSC low level”. El demonstreaza experienta existenta pe acest domeniu la nivel national si international, si alege drept loc de amplasare al laboratorului BETALAB Mina Unirea de la Slanic-Prahova. Aici functioneaza inca din 2006 laboratorul de masurare in fond ultra scazut de radiatii microBq al IFIN-HH, BETALAB devenind o componenta a sa si totodata intregind astfel tehnicile nucleare de masurare ale acestui laborator. Datorita experientei deja existente la acest laborator, in prima faza, IFIN-HH s-a concentrat pe pregatirea temeinica a spatiului destinat montarii si controlului aparatului de masura. In acest scop a pregatit spatiul de lucru conform procedurilor in lucru la microBq si a finalizat printr-o lucrare cu terti (SNS SALROM SA, administratorul minei) introducerea curentului alternativ de la sursa de alimentare continua, separata de cea a minei de sare. Aceasta operatiune a fost esentiala deoarece ea conditioneaza buna functionare a aparaturii la BETALAB. Componentele existente la microBq, in stagiul actual nu necesitau doar ele insele o astfel de investitie de anvergura. IFIN-HH, in paralel, a efectuat si un studiu sistematic bazat pe experienta proprie, pe experienta altor laboratoare de acelasi profil si pe datele de literatura asupra tipului optim de aparat de masurare. Concuziile desprinse au dus la optarea pentru Quantulus 1220, aparat ce urmeaza a fi achizitionat prin licitatie in Etapa II a proiectului.Pentru SCDVVM important a fost sa demonstreze necesitatea dezvoltarii trasabilitatii pe lantul alimentar in spiritul normelor agreate de UE si in curs de implementare in Romania dupa 1 ianuarie 2007. Importanta rezida atat in alinierea la politica UE dar si in mentinerea vinurilor de Murfatlar pe piata interna si internationala. Trasabilitatea poate apela cu succes la tehnicile nucleare, fiind o expresie a adaptarii metodelor cu trasori radioactivi a secolului XX, prin rafinamentul metodelor folosite, la nivelul secolului XXI; tehnicile ce vor fi folosite sunt atat de dezvoltate incat nu mai este nevoie de marcarea radioactiva a lantului ago-alimentar; nivelul ultra scazut de detectie la BETALAB va permite folosirea izotopilor la nivelele de concentratie obisnuite de mediu. Pentru SCDVVM sunt importante toate componentele de pe lantului trasabilitatii alimentare; astfel, izotopii Tritiu, Carbon-14 si Plumb-210 devin radioziotopi de interes. Ei se pot determina cu succes prin “LSC low level” la ora actuala.Pentru CCDCES este important sa dezvolte tehnicile nucleare deja implementate prin intermediul proiectelor anterioare cu Agentia Internationala de Energie Atomica privind folosirea tehnicilor nucleare la analizarea fenomenelor de eroziune si de sedimentare a diferitelor tipuri de sol. Izotopii importanti sunt Cesiul-137, Beriliul-7 si Plumbul-210, ultimul fiind din ce in ce mai des folosit atat pentru monitorarea acestor fenomene cat si pentru interpretarea lor cu ajutorul modelelor matematice. Dezvoltarea acestor modele este un factor esential pentru interpretarea corecta si la timp a acestor procese, procese care pot avea importanta in stabilirea trasabilitatii alimentare a unui produs, cum ar fi vinul de Murfatlar.Activitati conexeActivitatile conexe au implicat incheierea unui contract cu terti, conform Planul de Realizare al proiectului.Acest contract a avut drept principal scop dotarea laboratorului subteran de masurare in fond ultra scazut de radiatii microBq al IFIN-HH din Mina Unirea, Slanic-Prahova cu o retea electrica noua deoarece el era legat la reteaua comuna a Minei Unirea. Trecerea la o retea separata, superior dimensionata va asigura independenta fata de Mina Unirea, aceasta fiind alimentata cu curent electric doar pe perioada de functionare (orele 9 – 15 zilnic marti – duminica si fara alimentare luni cand are loc revizia saptamanala).

In ceea ce priveste importanta acestei activitati conexe pentru proiectul BETALAB este util de precizat:

1. Programul de furnizare a energiei electrice actual nu este optim pentru activitatile care se vor desfasura in laboratorul microBq o data cu instalarea aparatului de masurare cu scintilatori lichizi (nu poate trece pe baterie auto la terminarea programului minei) si nici pentru siguranta sa, el fiind prevazut pentru regim de functionare continua pe curent alternativ.

2. Buna functionare si siguranta pentru aparat depind de factorii de mediu, de aceea este necesara climatizarea spatiului de lucru, climatizare care si ea trebuie efectuata non-stop.

3. Datorita cerintelor de mai sus, lansarea proiectului necesita rezolvarea din start a alimentarii non-stop de la retea.

4. Lucrarile prevazute implica personal calificat; conform Legii Minelor, singurul personal calificat ce poate desfasura astfel de lucrari in mina este cel al SNS SALROM SA. Pentru Mina Unirea lucrarile de executie nu vor putea fi efectuate decat de personalul angajat la SNS SALROM SA – SUCURSALA SLANIC PRAHOVA de aceea contractul s-a facut cu atribuire directa.

Activitatile conexe corespund urmatoarelor obiective ale fazei de executie a proiectului PNCDI-II:- amenajarea spatiilor pentru desfasurarea procedurilor de preparare si masurare; faza initiala

desfasurata in vederea realizarii Etapei II- instalarea aparaturii adecvate masurarilor la fond scazut in spatiile destinate din laboratorul

de masura la fond de radiatii ultrascazut; faza initiala desfasurata in vederea realizarii Etapei II

si au fost realizate integral.Întâlniri între parteneri:În lunile octombrie şi noiembrie, după semnarea Contractului de Finanţare cu CNMP, directorul de proiect a efectuat o deplasare la sediile partenerilor în vederea discutării modului de desfăşurare a activităţilor comune pentru anul 2007 şi prima jumătate a anului 2008.Seminarii: -Conferinţe, Simpozioane, Workshop-uri: -Lucrări publicate: -

Anul 2008:Rezumatul Etapei II cu termen de predare 10.06.2008:In aceasta a doua etapa a proiectului s-a realizat un amplu studiu de literatura pe revista dedicata masurarilor prin tehnica LSC la “ultra-low level”, Radiocarbon, cu scopul de a urmari evolutia in timp si perfectionarea aparatelor de acest tip in lume. Ca urmare, s-au determinat caracteristicile constructive ale unui aparat LSC care sa indeplineasca cerintele impuse de tematica proiectului. Cu ajutorul lor s-a putut alcatui Caietul de Sarcini, piesa componenta a dosarului de licitatie. Licitatia a fost de tip Licitatie Deschisa si a avut loc la sfarsitul lunii aprilie 2008. La licitatie s-a prezentat firma Canberra-Packard ce a oferit ca solutie la propunerea din Caietul de Sarcini aparatul Quantulus 1220-003. Aparatul este un model de ultima generatie si a fost achizitionat cu setul intreg de accesorii si consumabile. Firma urmeaza sa se ocupe de transportul, montarea si pornirea lui la laboratorul microBq din Mina Unirea Slanic-Prahova, respectiv in spatiul special amenajat, conform detaliilor din literatura si atentionarilor firmei constructoare privind introducerea lui in mediul salin.Datorita raportului defavorabil leu / euro intre perioada de contractare a proiectului si perioada de achizitie a aparatului nu s-a mai putut achizitiona si instalatia de climatizare, ea urmand a fi cumparata prin licitatie din alte fonduri. Asa cum reiese din datele de literatura ea trebuie sa indeplineasca anumite cerinte tehnice. Intre timp a putut fi achizitionat un dezumidificator si s-au adus primele modificari ale incintei din microBq impuse de necesitatile de functionare optima ale

aparatului. El reprezinta principala investitie a proiectului si de aceea i s-a acordat toata atentia si efortul financiar cuvenite. In acest sens, asa cum rezulta din datele de literatura, el este ideal pentru scopurile proiectului, tot asa cum laboratorul de masurare in fond ultra scazut de radiatii microBq al IFIN-HH din Mina Unirea este locul ideal de amplasare al lui, in conditiile asigurarii unei incinte adecvate.Activitatile tehnice s-au axat pe pregatirea spatiului ce va deveni componenta BETALB de la subteran. In acest sens s-a redefinit incinta in microBq, s-au aplicat procedurile de protectie anticorosiva, s-a prevazut modul de functionare al viitoarei instalatii de climatizare, s-a prevazut sas-ul de acces, schimbarea luminii fluorescente cu lumina obisnuita. Filtrul special va asigura calitatea aerului introdus, usoara suprapresiune creata va fi controlata pentru asigurarea unui regim stationar. Avand in vedere ca aparatul functioneaza ideal la 10-15oC, nu este nevoie de racire si nici de incalzire, caci temperatura in Mina este de 12-13oC. Trebuie doar pastrata la aceeasi valoare. S-a prevazut si calcularea unei custi Faraday in etapa viitoare, ca masura de protectie pentru antenele de receptie telefonie mobila amplasate in mina.Studierea literaturii a dus la aprofundarea notiunilor privind componenta fondului de radiatii si ponderea fiecarei componente la valoarea masurata de Quantulus. Din acest motiv se prevede ca sarcina suplimentara in etapa viitoare determinarea acestor componente pentru cazul special al locatiei acestui aparat, activitate ce de fapt antreneaza mai multe echipe de lucru ce isi desfasoara activitatea in laboratorul microBq sau in proiectul de fata.Activitati tehniceActivitatile tehnice desfasurate in aceasta perioada au debutat cu stabilirea modului cum va putea fi transportat aparatul prezentat mai sus din Bucuresti, de la sediul firmei castigatoare a licitatiei si pana la Slanic-Prahova, coborarea si transportul lui prin Mina Unirea pana la laboratorul microBq in conditii de siguranta, precum si modul cum va fi introdus la interiorul laboratorului pana la componenta BETALAB. Aceste probleme au fost discutate si rezolvate cu firma castigatoare, Caietul de Sarcini prevazand inca de la inceput ca firma sa se ocupe de toate aceste aspecte. Detaliile tehnice din interiorul minei au fost discutate cu SNS SALROM SA Sucursala Slanic-Prahova, cea care exploateaza aceasta mina de sare.Dupa castigarea licitatiei de catre firma Canberra-Packard si stabilirea exacta a modului cum aparatul va ajunge in incinta destinata lui, de comun acord cu restul membrilor IFIN-HH ce exploateaza acest laborator, am stabilit ca este practic deosebit de greu de a aduce si monta aparatul, chiar pe bucati, in incinta destinata lui. De aceea am hotarat ca varianta de lucru demontarea unui perete exterior si introducerea lui direct din mina pe bratele moto-stivuitorului special ce il aduce pana la aceasta zona. Astfel el primeste o noua boxa de lucru cu demontarea unui perete intermediar, plasarea la loc optim si re-inchiderea peretilor laboratorului. Aceste operatii se vor executa de membrii IFIN-HH si ai firmei ce a construit laboratorul microBq, practic in acelasi timp cu aducerea aparatului la mina.Activitati conexeActivitatile conexe au vizat organizarea Licitatiei, desfasurarea ei, contractarea aparatului cu firma castigatoare. Pe de alta parte se pot enumera: achizitionarea dezumidificatorului, achizitionarea materialelor diverse prevazute pentru aceasta etapa.In afara de aceste activitati organizatorice, intre ianuarie si iunie 2008 s-au desfasurat o serie de delegatii ce au avut drept scop fie contactarea unor institute ce pot participa ca terti la elaborarea instalatiilor de separare din componenta BETALAB de la suprafata, fie prezentarea unor metode de investigatie originale cu aplicabilitate in chimia la nivele ultra-joase, fie pur si simplu pentru a dirija si executa operatiile de pregatire a incintei pentru primirea aparatului.Licitatia a avut loc la sfarsitul lunii aprilie; a avut un singur deponent, si a fost astfel castigata de filiala firmei Canberra-Packard din Romania, de altfel firma distibuitoare la noi in tara de aparate de acest gen. In privinta aparatului, acesta corespunde sub toate aspectele prevederilor Fundamentarii

Stiintifice din Etapa I cat si prevederilor Caietului de Sarcini. Aparatul a fost cerut de la inceput cu toate anexele posibile, astfel incat sa nu fie nevoie de completari ulterioare pe toata durata de desfasurare a proiectului. Dupa licitatie, in etapa de contractare s-a stabilit modul de plata, comanda, perioada de pastrare si termenul optim de livrare fizica al lui la Mina Unirea. Datorita atentionarilor speciale ale reprezentantilor firmei, s-a avut in vedere atingerea practica a tuturor parametrilor de protectie fizica si siguranta a lui, de aceea este prevazuta montarea lui in incinta BETALAB de la subteran in cursul lunii septembrie 2008.Dezumidificatorul achizitionat face deja parte din sistemul de protectie anticorosiva din microBq. Intre timp s-au executat si procedurile de monitorare ale incintei nou destinate aparatului LSC.Aparatul LSC este un Quantulus 1220 produs de Perkin-Elmer de ultima destinatie cu toate anexele si consumabilele prevazute in oferta optima cu caracteristicile prezentate in Caietul de Sarcini de la paragraful urmator. Tot la acest paragraf este prezentata si fisa aparatului achizitionat.Activitati de promovare a proiectuluiÎntâlniri între parteneri: -Seminarii: -Conferinţe, Simpozioane, Workshop-uri: 1Fizica computaţională şi modelarea fenomenelor complexe, Timişoara, 29-30 mai 2008.Lucrări publicate: 1Using of complex phenomena modelling in biodosimetry. Post-irradiation analysis of some amino acids samples. Validation of theoretical methods, Proceedings , 2008.

Anul 2009:Faza III a proiectului PNCDI-II Nr. 51-053 / 2007: “Determinari de emitatori beta prezenti in agro-ecosisteme in laboratorul de radiochimie ultra joasa” a fost amanata din 15.12.2008 in 01.01.2009 prin Act Aditional Nr. 1 (la cererea CNMP), din 01.01.2009 in 25.03.2009 prin Act Aditional Nr. 2 si din 25.03.2009 in 15.05.2009 prin Act Aditional Nr. 3 (la cererea CNMP).La predarea etapei cu titlul “Fundamentarea stiintifica a proiectului.II.” din 15.05.2009 situatia este urmatoarea:

- faza si-a atins integral scopul, realizandu-se chiar lucrari suplimentare fata de Activitatile A.III.1., A.III.2., A.III.3. (toate au avut sub-titlul: Tehnologii de prepararea probelor in vederea masurarii prin “LSC low level”) prevazute in Planul de Realizare, cheltuielile necesare pentru finalizarea amenajarii laboratorului subteran microBq al IFIN-HH din Mina Unirea Slanic-Prahova (“componenta BETALAB de la subteran”) in vederea montarii si punerii in functiune a aparatului Quantulus 1220 fiind mutate la o faza ulterioara din 2010 (prin diminuarea sumelor angajate de CNMP pe 2009);

- structura cheltuielilor angajate raportate, atat de unitatea coordonatoare cat si de parteneri, urmarind toate recomandarile CNMP pentru 2009, a dus la incadrarea fara depasiri in sumele alocate pentru aceasta etapa

- pentru Etapa IV cu termen de decontare 15.12.2009 (conform Act Aditional Nr. 3 / 2009), institutul IFIN-HH a adoptat politica “Creditului de Angajament” pentru sustinerea unor anumite categorii de cheltuieli indispensabile derularii proiectului si trecerii lui in 2010, faza din decembrie neavand angajate activitati cu partenerii din proiect.

Activitatile desfasurate intre 10.06.2008 si 15.05.2009 au avut mai multe directii principale:- activitati stiintifice: alegerea metodelor de laborator de preparare a probelor cu continut

foarte scazut in radionuclizi beta-minus emitatori (Tritiu, Carbon-14 si Plumb-210) in vederea masurarii lor prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi (LSC), printr-o analiza sistematica a referintelor din literatura de specialitate

- reactualizarea procedurilor de lucru existente in laborator pentru acesti trei radionuclizi si incadrarea lor in standardele in vigoare; analiza posibilitatilor de imbunatatire a tehnicilor de lucru pentru nivele de mediu din zone fara influente contaminante si cu influente contaminante

- analiza extinderii posibilitatilor de investigatie si in alte arii de interes pentru agro-ecosisteme (alti radioizotopi beta-minus emitatori ce pot fi masurati cu succes la aparatul Quantulus 1220) cu scopul de a avea inca de la infiintarea acestui laborator o imagine integrata asupra performantelor lui viitoare dupa incheierea proiectului

- analiza tipului de probe care definesc cele trei zone de interes stabilite in proiect precum si a tehnicilor de prelevare, transport si depozitare in vederea prelucrarii lor in laboratorul BETALAB

- activitati tehnice care au vizat analiza locatiei ideale a spatiului destinat prepararii probelor de nivele foarte joase de radioactivitate conform cu fundamentarea stiintifica a proiectului si identificarea surselor de erori

- activitati tehnice care au vizat dezvoltarea amenajarii spatiului de masurare conform ultimelor recomandari din literatura de specialitate si a firmei producatoare a aparatului

- activitati – suport practice ce au avut in vedere realizarea unui prim set de experimente prin imbinarea tehnologiilor existente in laborator la momentul lansarii proiectului cu noile tehnologii de masurare la nivele foarte joase de radioactivitate

- activitati – suport practice care au avut in vedere realizarea unei prime intercomparari pe spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi

- activitati – suport de promovare a proiectului in manifestari stiintifice cu caracter national si international

- activitati – suport de lansare a diseminarii rezultatelor in lucrari stiintifice.Analiza referintelor din literatura de specialitate s-a constituit intr-un studiu amplu al datelor de literatura efectuat pe perioada 1947 – 2007 in principalele reviste dedicate domeniului de interes. De-a lungul timpului au existat mai multe metode de separare si analiza a Tritiului, Carbonului-14 si Plumbului-210 din probe provenite din mediul inconjurator sau din activitatile umane cu consecinte pentru mediul inconjurator. Aceste metode s-au rafinat pe masura evolutiei tehnologiei puse la dispozitie laboratoarelor, dar si a cresterii cerintelor si diversificarii impactului activitatilor umane asupra mediului inconjurator la scara planetara. Etapa trece succint in revista metodele de prelevare, de depozitare, transport si pastrare, a tehnicilor de pre-tratare si mai amplu metodele de prelucrare pana la faza de analit optim pentru spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi. Din multitudinea de variante descrise in literatura s-a pus accent pe secventa incadrata la capitolul “radiochimie la nivele ultra joase” deoarece numai astfel de solutii ofera seturile de analiti de calitate pentru spectrometria cu lichizi scintilatori (LSC) de nivele ultra joase reprezentata de aparatul Quantulus 1220, principala achizitie a acestui proiect. Cu alte cuvinte, nivelul de acuratete de la masurare trebuie atins in aceeasi masura la preparare. Spre deosebire de tehnicile curente ale Laboratorului de Radiochimie pentru Probe de Mediu din unitatea coordonatoare IFIN-HH, tehnici dedicate probelor la nivel de mediu si peste nivelul de mediu, proiectul aduce nou extinderea scalei de masurare sub nivelele de mediu. Intr-o viziune unitara, societatea la ora actuala nu mai este interesata doar de ceea ce este prezent in mediu, fara interventia sa, sau dupa interventia sa – ci mai ales pana unde se extinde in timp si spatiu interventia societatii umane. Pentru “pana unde in timp” exista datarea si autentificarea (capitol special, de cel mai inalt grad de performanta, si in cazul tehnicilor LSC); pentru “pana unde in spatiu” exista tehnicile LSC “ultra low level” (alaturi de alte tipuri de investigatii, fireste). Un sector bine delimitat este reprezentat de identificarea surselor de erori ce pot interveni intre prelevarea probei si analiza ei finala la LSC. Functie de concluziile desprinse in aceasta etapa privitor la metodele optime ce pot fi abordate la lansarea “componentei BETALAB de la suprafata” si la modul cum pot fi ele aplicate cu maxim de eficienta s-au definit cerintele ce

trebuie sa le indeplineasca acest laborator. Initierea lui include si o secventa de dezvoltare ulterioara pentru analiza altor izotopi la aparatului Quantulus 1220.In paralel, procedurile de lucru existente (fie la nivel de standarde aplicate direct, fie la nivel de proceduri validate sau in curs de validare la IFIN-HH) au fost re-analizate in vederea obtinerii notificarii laboratorului existent (din alte fonduri decat PNCDI-II). Obtinerea acestei notificari va constitui baza unei extinderi de notificare si pe tehnicile “ultra low level” dupa finalizarea acestui proiect (din alte surse financiare).Toti partenerii (IFIN-HH, SCDVVM si CCDCES) au re-evaluat propriile arii de interes din perimetrul unitatilor lor, precum si a tehnicilor de prelevare si depozitare a probelor, in vederea transportarii lor la unitatea coordonatoare. Probele au justificare functie de domeniile studiate (eroziunea-sedimentarea solului, migratia Tritiului, Carbonului-14 si Plumbului-210 in ecosisteme, trasabilitatea pe lantul alimentar) si se constituie in baza experimentala pentru aplicarea tehnicilor “ultra low level” dezvoltate in acest proiect. Experienta pe domenii a celor trei institutii isi va spune cuvantul la alegerea probelor reprezentative si la interpretarea rezultatelor si integrarea lor in studii de interes local si national.Etapa curenta a realizat doua astfel de studii: un studiu de pre-fezabilitate pentru un laborator de radiochimie de nivele ultra joase si un studiu de interes local privind prezenta Tritiului in mediul inconjurator intr-o zona cu influente contaminante minore situata la proximitatea IFIN-HH. Studiul de pre-fezabilitate are caracter original si dupa finalizarea lui poate fi diseminat in cadrul unor intalniri internationale.Datorita extinderii intervalului de desfasurare a etapei, aceste studii au caracter de activitati suplimentare. Tot la categoria activitatilor suplimentare realizate in aceasta etapa putem include: desfasurarea unui Workshop la sediul SCDVVM (unitatea a organizat pe cheltuiala proprie o prima intalnire de lucru intre partenerii din proiect la sediul sau de la Murfatlar in luna august 2008), participarea la Simpozionul international “Archaeomet 03” (octombrie 2008, Curtea de Arges) la invitatia organizatorilor pentru prezentarea laboratorului BETALAB si a posibilitatii extinderii activitatii lui la radiodatare – autentificare (cheltuiala a fost suportata de organizatori), participarea la o intercomparare internationala (alte fonduri) pentru Tritiu si Carbon-14 (noiembrie 2008 – ianuarie 2009) cu obtinerea unor rezultate semnificative pe Tritiu, realizarea unei prime intercomparari a tehnicilor de masurare a Tritiului prin LSC de diferite generatii intre IFIN-HH si Agentia Nationala pentru Protectia Mediului (ANPM) (activitatea nu a fost prevazuta cu cheltuieli speciale la aceasta etapa) cu obtinerea unor date originale ce pot fi diseminate (incepand cu februarie 2009), dezvoltarea tehnicilor de masurare a Tritiului prezent ca apa tritiata in aer in vederea monitorarii zonelor cu influente contaminante, cu posibilitatea depunerii documentatiei in etapa viitoare pentru obtinerea unui brevet de metoda (data inceperii: septembrie 2008).Activitati tehnice Au vizat analiza locatiei ideale a spatiului destinat prepararii probelor de nivele foarte joase de radioactivitate conform cu fundamentarea stiintifica a proiectului, alegerea tipului de tehnologii de preparare si identificarea surselor de erori. In urma acestei activitati a rezultat un amplu Studiu de pre-fezabilitate, a carui componenta legata strict de laboratorul de preparare este prezentata. In etapa viitoare, acest studiu de interes national asupra conditiilor de realizare a unui laborator de spectrometrie la nivele ultra joase de radioactivitate in Romania se va materializa in prezentarea lui la o manifestare stiintifica si diseminarea prin publicare.Activitati-suport tehniceAu vizat realizarea unui contract de prestari servicii pentru amenajarea “componentei BETALAB de la subteran”; in faza imediat premergatoare executiei el a fost sistat; se va relua intr-o etapa viitoare din 2010 conform cu realocarea fondurilor pe etape din Actul Aditional Nr. 3 / 2009. Alte activitati-suport tehnice au avut in vedere monitorarea aparatului amplasat in Mina Unirea Slanic-Prahova.

Activitati – suport practiceAu avut in vedere realizarea unui prim set de experimente prin imbinarea tehnologiilor existente in laborator la momentul lansarii proiectului cu noile tehnologii de masurare la nivele foarte joase de radioactivitate, precum si realizarea unei prime intercomparari pe spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi. Aceasta activitate se concretizeaza in obtinerea la final a unui studiu de interes local privind monitorarea Tritiului ce va fi prezentat la o manifestare stiintifica si diseminat prin publicare. O alta lucrare privind determinarea contaminantilor beta-emitatori prezenti in mediu in vederea monitorarii calitatii aerului dintr-un laborator la nivele ultra joase este in curs de finalizare si se urmareste depunerea documentatiei in vederea obtinerii unui brevet de metoda la OSIM.Activitati de promovare a proiectuluiÎntâlniri între parteneri: 1workshop-ul organizat de SCDVVM pentru prezentarea partenerilor din proiect si stabilirea modului de colaborare pe perioada lui de desfasurare, 2-4 august 2009, Murfatlar; prezentare laborator subteran.Seminarii: -Conferinţe, Simpozioane, Workshop-uri: 1International Symposium “Archaeomet 3” Ancient and medieval gold, silver and bronze - Technologies in minting and toreutics used during Antiquity and Middle Age - The Contribution of the Atomic and Nuclear Analyses; prezentare orala a laboratorului BETALAB Curtea de Argeş, Romania 29th-31st October 2008Lucrări publicate: 1 – abstract al prezentarii orale la International Symposium “Archaeomet 3”Corina Anca Simion, BETALAB Laboratory. An overview for Radiocarbon Dating.

Etapa IV. Rezumatul etapeiActivitatile desfasurate intre 15.05.2009 si 15.12.2009 au avut mai multe directii principale:

- activitati stiintifice:- reactualizarea procedurilor de lucru existente in laborator pentru cei trei radionuclizi

(tritiu, carbon-14 si plumb-210) si incadrarea lor in standardele in vigoare; analiza posibilitatilor de imbunatatire a tehnicilor de lucru pentru nivele de mediu din zone fara influente contaminante si cu influente contaminante functie de concluziile etapei anterioare

- aplicarea metodelor de laborator de preparare a probelor cu continut foarte scazut in radionuclizi beta-minus emitatori pe cazul tritiului datorita sigurantei date de rezultatele foarte bune obtinute la intercompararea internationala NPL 2008 / 2009, ca punct de plecare pentru dezvoltarea in BETALAB a noii tehnici de masurare pe aparatul Quantulus 1220

- realizarea primului set de masurari pe probe sintetice- activitati tehnice care au vizat dezvoltarea amenajarii spatiului de masurare conform

ultimelor recomandari din literatura de specialitate si a firmei producatoare a aparatului- activitati – suport practice care au avut in vedere realizarea unei prime

intercomparari pe spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi, pe aparate diferite si pe acelasi tip de spectrometru

- activitati – suport de promovare a proiectului in manifestari stiintifice cu caracter national si international; prezentarea rezultatelor primelor trei etape la Simpozionul International “10-th IIS International Symposium on Isotopes and Labelled Compounds with Isotopes” desfasurat la Chicago in iunie 2009

- activitati – suport de lansare a diseminarii rezultatelor in lucrari stiintifice, pe baza rezultatelor prezentate la Simpozionul de la Chicago si care vor fi publicate in revista cu cotatie ISI: “Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals” in primavara 2010 (etapa V), conform Anexa 1 si Anexa 2.

Anul 2010:

Etapa V. Rezumatul etapeiFaza V – ultima etapa a proiectului PNCDI-II 51-053 / 2007 - reuneste cei trei parteneri. Unitatea coordonatoare, IFIN-HH realizeaza partial activitatile A.VI.5. si A.VI.6. din Contractul initial si Aditionale, devenite conform Negocierii din 24.03.2010 intre CNMP si IFIN-HH activitatile A.V.1. si A.V.2. Partenerii, conform Planului de realizare din Aditional IV / 2010 au realizat activitatea A.V.2. Coordonatorul a depus o cerere de brevet de metoda, iar unitatea coordonatoare si partenerii au elaborat impreuna sau separat 3 articole stiintifice fie acceptate spre publicare la data depunerii fazei finale, fie trimise spre publicare.Pe de alta parte, cei trei parteneri au elaborat impreuna trei studii (cu rezultatele punctuale din 2007 – 2010) de interes national, regional si local.In aceasta ultima etapa, prin realizarea scopurilor propuse prin activitatile A.V.1. si A.V.2., unitatea coordonatoare a reusit sa realizeze partial formarea componentei BETALAB de la suprafata (laboratorul de preparare – testare masurari) si partial formarea de baze de date. Printr-o repartizare judicioasa a eforturilor si a cheltuielilor, bazele de date au fost orientate preponderent pe problemele reale din cele trei regiuni; tritiul a fost analizat in toate compartimentele agro-ecosistemelor din Magurele, Murfatlar si Perieni datorita impactului acestui radioizotop prin natura vecinatatii celor trei zone cu centrale nucleare sau obiective nucleare, asupra mediului; carbonul-14 a fost studiat preponderent la Murfatlar (prezenta CNE Cernavoda), iar plumbul-210 la Magurele (fenomene de sufosiune) si la Perieni (fenomene de eroziune / sedimentare).La data depunerii fazei finale, componenta BETALAB de la subteran si componenta BETALAB de la suprafata sunt realizate fizic in proportie de 65% din planul initial din considerentele obiective comentate in fazele anterioare ale proiectului, precum si reducerii bugetului total al proiectului. 90% din lucrarile de la subteran implicand masurarile la nivele foarte joase de fond de radiatii s-au realizat la suprafata (din considerente obiective, asa cum rezulta din actualul RST), dar indicatorii stiintifici preconizati a fi atinsi pe tot proiectul au fost realizati 100% printr-o repartizare judicioasa a eforturilor stiintifice si financiare.In aceasta etapa, de finalizare, cheltuielile materiale si cele privind deplasarile au fost reduse substantial, ele fiind impuse doar de necesitatile strict orientate pe atingerea indicatorilor generali ai fazei. Nu au fost deplasari in strainatate.

REZUMATUL PROIECTULUI PNCDI-II 51-053 / 2007 “Determinari de emitatori beta prezenti in agro-ecosisteme in laboratorul de radiochimie ultra joasa BETALAB.”

Faza I a proiectului reuneste eforturile celor trei parteneri in a stabili importanta ce o are pentru fiecare tehnica de masurare prin “LSC low level”. Partenerii Institutului National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizica si Inginerie Nucleara “Horia Hulubei” (IFIN-HH), respectiv Partenerul 1: Staţiunea de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Viticultura si Vinificatie Murfatlar (SCDVVM), si Partenerul 2: Centrul de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Combaterea Eroziunii Solului Perieni (CCDECS) demonstreaza importanta ce o are pentru ei studiul unor fenomene prezente in agro-ecosisteme prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi. De fapt, este vorba despre importanta ce o are Tritiul, Carbonul-14 si Plumbul-210 pentru studiul acestor fenomene; importanta tehnicii prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi “LSC” rezida in faptul ca acesti trei radionuclizi sunt emitatori beta-minus si ca tehnica cea mai buna de masurare a lor este tehnica LSC pe segmentul de investigatii propus. Coordonatorul este cel ce detine experienta, tehnicile si modalitatile de a duce la bun sfarsit masurarea prin LSC, dar totodata si procedurile de transformare a probelor de mediu, fie ca este vorba de apa, aer, sol, vegetatie etc., in probe analitice ce se supun masurarilor prin LSC. In prima faza, cei trei parteneri definesc principalele coordonate stiintifice pe care le vor urmari, impreuna sau separat, de-a lungul proiectului. Pentru IFIN-HH este foarte important sa defineasca modul, locul si aparatul prin intermediul carora va realiza masurarea prin “LSC low level”. El demonstreaza experienta existenta pe acest domeniu la nivel national si international, si alege drept loc de amplasare al laboratorului BETALAB Mina Unirea de la Slanic-Prahova. Aici functioneaza inca din 2006 laboratorul de masurare in fond ultra scazut de radiatii microBq al IFIN-HH, BETALAB devenind o componenta a sa si totodata intregind astfel tehnicile nucleare de masurare ale acestui laborator. IFIN-HH, in paralel, a efectuat si un studiu sistematic bazat pe experienta proprie, pe experienta altor laboratoare de acelasi profil si pe datele de literatura asupra tipului optim de aparat de

masurare. Concluziile desprinse au dus la optarea pentru Quantulus 1220, aparat ce urmeaza a fi achizitionat prin licitatie in Etapa II a proiectului.Pentru SCDVVM important a fost sa demonstreze necesitatea dezvoltarii trasabilitatii pe lantul alimentar in spiritul normelor agreate de UE si in curs de implementare in Romania dupa 1 ianuarie 2007. Importanta rezida atat in alinierea la politica UE dar si in mentinerea vinurilor de Murfatlar pe piata interna si internationala. Tehnicile ce vor fi folosite in acest scop prin BETALAB sunt atat de dezvoltate incat nu mai este nevoie de marcarea radioactiva a lantului ago-alimentar; nivelul ultra scazut de detectie la BETALAB va permite folosirea izotopilor la nivelele de concentratie obisnuite de mediu, mai ales in conditiile in care unitatea se afla in perimetrul zonei cu influente contaminante minore a CNE Cernavoda, asa cum a demonstrat baza de date pe profil anterioara depunerii proiectului. Pentru CCDCES este important sa dezvolte tehnicile nucleare deja implementate prin intermediul proiectelor anterioare cu Agentia Internationala de Energie Atomica privind folosirea tehnicilor nucleare la analizarea fenomenelor de eroziune si de sedimentare a diferitelor tipuri de sol. Izotopii importanti sunt Cesiul-137, Beriliul-7 si Plumbul-210, ultimul fiind din ce in ce mai des folosit atat pentru monitorarea acestor fenomene cat si pentru interpretarea lor cu ajutorul modelelor matematice. Dezvoltarea acestor modele este un factor esential pentru interpretarea corecta si la timp a acestor procese, procese care pot avea importanta in stabilirea trasabilitatii alimentare a unui produs, cum ar fi vinul de Murfatlar.In a doua etapa a proiectului s-au determinat caracteristicile constructive ale unui aparat LSC care sa indeplineasca cerintele impuse de tematica proiectului. Firma Canberra-Packard a oferit ca solutie la propunerea din Caietul de Sarcini aparatul Quantulus 1220-003. Aparatul reprezinta principala investitie a proiectului si de aceea i s-a acordat toata atentia si efortul financiar cuvenite. In acest sens, asa cum rezulta din datele de literatura, el este ideal pentru scopurile proiectului, tot asa cum laboratorul de masurare in fond ultra scazut de radiatii microBq al IFIN-HH din Mina Unirea este locul ideal de amplasare al lui, in conditiile asigurarii unei incinte adecvate. Studierea literaturii a dus la aprofundarea notiunilor privind componenta fondului de radiatii si ponderea fiecarei componente la valoarea masurata de Quantulus. Din acest motiv se prevede ca sarcina suplimentara in etapa viitoare determinarea acestor componente pentru cazul special al locatiei acestui aparat, activitate ce de fapt antreneaza mai multe echipe de lucru ce isi desfasoara activitatea in laboratorul microBq sau in proiectul de fata.Faza III a proiectului a realizat un model conceptual pentru tehnologiile de preparare a probelor in vederea masurarii prin “LSC low level”, si anume: alegerea metodelor de laborator de preparare a probelor cu continut foarte scazut in radionuclizi beta-minus emitatori (Tritiu, Carbon-14 si Plumb-210) in vederea masurarii lor prin spectrometrie cu scintilatori lichizi (LSC), printr-o analiza sistematica a referintelor din literatura de specialitate; reactualizarea procedurilor de lucru existente in laborator pentru acesti trei radionuclizi si incadrarea lor in standardele in vigoare; analiza posibilitatilor de imbunatatire a tehnicilor de lucru pentru nivele de mediu din zone fara influente contaminante si cu influente contaminante; analiza comparata a extinderii posibilitatilor de investigatie si in alte arii de interes pentru agro-ecosisteme (alti radioizotopi beta-minus emitatori ce pot fi masurati cu succes la aparatul Quantulus 1220) cu scopul de a avea inca de la infiintarea acestui laborator o imagine integrata asupra performantelor lui viitoare dupa incheierea proiectului; analiza tipului de probe care definesc cele trei zone de interes stabilite in proiect precum si a tehnicilor de prelevare, transport si depozitare in vederea prelucrarii lor in laboratorul BETALAB. Toate aceste activitati au conturat fluxul tehnologic optim pe fiecare izotop in parte. S-au desfasurat totodata si activitati tehnice care au vizat analiza locatiei ideale a spatiului destinat prepararii probelor de nivele foarte joase de radioactivitate conform cu fundamentarea stiintifica a proiectului si identificarea surselor de erori; activitati tehnice care au vizat dezvoltarea amenajarii spatiului de masurare conform ultimelor recomandari din literatura de specialitate si a firmei producatoare a aparatului; activitati – suport practice ce au avut in vedere realizarea unui prim set de experimente prin imbinarea tehnologiilor existente in laborator la momentul lansarii proiectului cu noile tehnologii de masurare la nivele foarte joase de radioactivitate. Spre deosebire de tehnicile curente ale Laboratorului de Radiochimie pentru Probe de Mediu LRPM din unitatea coordonatoare IFIN-HH, tehnici dedicate probelor la nivel de mediu si peste nivelul de mediu, proiectul aduce nou extinderea scalei de masurare sub nivelele de mediu. Functie de concluziile desprinse in aceasta etapa privitor la metodele optime ce pot fi abordate la lansarea

“componentei BETALAB de la suprafata” si la modul cum pot fi ele aplicate cu maxim de eficienta s-au definit cerintele ce trebuie sa le indeplineasca acest laborator. Initierea lui include si o secventa de dezvoltare ulterioara pentru analiza altor izotopi la aparatului Quantulus 1220. In paralel, procedurile de lucru existente (fie la nivel de standarde aplicate direct, fie la nivel de proceduri validate sau in curs de validare la IFIN-HH) au fost re-analizate in vederea obtinerii notificarii laboratorului existent (din alte fonduri decat PNCDI-II). Obtinerea acestei notificari va constitui baza unei extinderi de notificare si pe tehnicile “ultra low level” dupa finalizarea acestui proiect, in perioada de monitorare din urmatorii trei ani.Toti partenerii (IFIN-HH, SCDVVM si CCDCES) au re-evaluat propriile arii de interes din perimetrul unitatilor lor, precum si a tehnicilor de prelevare si depozitare a probelor, in vederea transportarii lor la unitatea coordonatoare. Probele au justificare functie de domeniile studiate (eroziunea-sedimentarea solului, migratia Tritiului, Carbonului-14 si Plumbului-210 in ecosisteme, trasabilitatea pe lantul alimentar) si se constituie in baza experimentala pentru aplicarea tehnicilor “ultra low level” dezvoltate in acest proiect pe probe reale, in ultima etapa. Experienta pe domenii a celor trei institutii isi va spune cuvantul la alegerea probelor reprezentative si la interpretarea rezultatelor si integrarea lor in studii de interes local, regional si national incheiate pana la finalul proiectului.Etapa curenta a realizat doua astfel de studii: un studiu de pre-fezabilitate pentru un laborator de radiochimie de nivele ultra joase si un studiu de interes local privind prezenta Tritiului in mediul inconjurator intr-o zona cu influente contaminante minore situata la proximitatea IFIN-HH. Totodata, pe seama rezultatelor originale dezvoltate pana in acest punct, IFIN-HH isi propune dezvoltarea tehnicilor de masurare a Tritiului prezent ca apa tritiata in aer in vederea monitorarii zonelor cu influente contaminante, cu posibilitatea depunerii documentatiei in etapa viitoare pentru obtinerea unui brevet de metoda.Etapa IV a proiectului a fost dedicata intrarii in parametri si integrarii masurarilor pe Quantulus 1220 la IFIN-HH. Suspendarea temporara a activitatii la microBq (reluata din toamna anului 2010) a permis eficientizarea lucrului pe acest aparat prin aducerea lui la IFIN-HH si montarea lui temporara intr-un spatiu corespunzator conform studiului de pre-fezabilitate din etapa precedenta, in paralel cu aplicarea metodelor de laborator de preparare a probelor cu continut foarte scazut in radionuclizi beta-minus emitatori pe cazul tritiului datorita sigurantei date de rezultatele foarte bune obtinute la intercompararea internationala a laboratorului la NPL 2008 / 2009, precum si realizarea primului set de masurari pe probe sintetice.Faza V – ultima etapa a proiectului PNCDI-II 51-053 / 2007 - reuneste cei trei parteneri. Coordonatorul pregateste depunerea unei cereri de brevet de metoda privind determinarea tritiului ca apa tritiata in umiditatea din aerul atmosferic prin procedeul deumidificarii, iar unitatea coordonatoare si partenerii au elaborat impreuna sau separat 3 articole stiintifice, in total 5 articole pe proiect, fie publicate, fie acceptate spre publicare la data depunerii fazei finale, fie trimise spre publicare.Pe de alta parte, cei trei parteneri au elaborat impreuna trei studii (cu rezultatele punctuale din 2007 – 2010) de interes national, regional si local.In final, unitatea coordonatoare a reusit sa realizeze partial formarea componentei BETALAB de la suprafata (laboratorul de preparare – testare masurari) si partial formarea de baze de date. Printr-o repartizare judicioasa a eforturilor si a cheltuielilor, bazele de date au fost orientate preponderent pe problemele reale din cele trei regiuni; tritiul a fost analizat in toate compartimentele agro-ecosistemelor din Magurele, Murfatlar si Perieni datorita impactului acestui radioizotop prin natura vecinatatii celor trei zone cu centrale nucleare sau obiective nucleare, asupra mediului; carbonul-14 a fost studiat preponderent la Murfatlar (prezenta CNE Cernavoda), iar plumbul-210 la Magurele si la Perieni (fenomene de eroziune / sedimentare si de sufosiune). La data depunerii fazei finale, componenta BETALAB de la subteran si componenta BETALAB de la suprafata sunt realizate fizic in proportie de 65% din planul initial din considerente obiective prezentate la fazele respective, precum si reducerii bugetului total al proiectului. 90% din lucrarile de la subteran, implicand masurarile la nivele foarte joase de fond de radiatii, s-au realizat la suprafata pana la repornirea activitatilor in microBq, ele urmand a fi reluate la subteran in urmatorii ani, iar indicatorii stiintifici preconizati a fi atinsi au fost realizati 100% printr-o repartizare judicioasa a eforturilor stiintifice si financiare.

l. Link-uri catre diverse alte pagini de interes pentru vizitator (exp: pagini legislative din domeniul de activitate al proiectului, proiecte similare sau complementare, paginile web ale institutiilor partenere in proiect, etc.):Pagina de web a IFIN-HH:www.nipne.roSCDVVM e-mail contact: scv_murf@top-net.roCCDCES e-mail contact: perieni@spectral.ro MicroBq homepage: http://microbq.nipne.roPagina de web a National Laboratory of Gran-Sasso (Italy) LNGS: http://www.lngs.infn.it

m. Datele de contact ale directorului de proiect:SIMION CORINA ANCAInstitutul Naţional de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Fizică şi Inginerie Nucleară “Horia Hulubei”Departamentul de Fizica Vieţii şi a MediuluiStr. Atomiştilor nr. 407 P.O.Box – MG 06 Măgurele-Ilfov cod 077125 RomâniaTelefon: +4 – 021 – 404.23.00 / 4809

0727 – 775.244E-mail: anke@ifin.nipne.ro.

PUBLIC SECTION

a. Full title of project:

Analyzes of existing beta emitters in agro-ecosystems in ultra-low radiochemistry laboratory. b. Acronym:

BETALAB

c. Abstract:

The inauguration in 2006 of the first underground romanian laboratory for ultra low level measurements microBq gives a new way of life for classical nuclear fifty years old methods with international scientific performances. The participation to the european projects and to the networks are encouraged too. As experimental performances, we expect a broad set of applications by developing the applications in Romania. BETALAB is a good example of implementation of the PNCDI-II. Program 4 ideas as a new and original laboratory. This project correlates: Institutul National de C&D pentru Fizica si Inginerie Nucleara „Horia Hulubei” Magurele Bucuresti (IFIN-HH), Statiunea de Cercetare - Dezvoltare pentru Viticultura si Vinificatie Murfatlar Constanta (SCDVVM) and Centrul de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Combaterea Eroziunii Solului Perieni Vaslui (CCDCES) with very well known tradition, collaborating from 20 years on classical nuclear techniques. BETALAB offers the chance of scientific improvement of their experience, upon IFIN-HH directory of an unique laboratory in Romania. BETALAB comprises as a part of microBq laboratory with two compartments: „low level radiochemistry” outside IFIN-HH area, and low level liquid scintillation measurement („LSC low level”), in the microBq area at Unirea salt mine Slanic Prahova. For „low level radiochemistry” a very clean area is needed for surrounding conditions, and for „LSC low level” a clean place regarding to the radiation background is needed too. The surface laboratory will combine the roamanian experience with the new commercial technical solutions. But his conception will be the scientific original part of the project. Concerning the measurements, the undergorund area will need a helping hand of Societatea Nationala a Sarii (SNS SALROM SA) and of Institutul pentru Criogenie si Separari Izotopice Ramnicu-Valcea (ICSI), a very well know team dedicated to the environmental LSC low level measurements on natural radiation background. IFIN-HH brings to the project the experience on classical nuclear techniques and the microBq; SCDVVM and CCDCES will offer the research area agreed in FP7 and PNCDI-II; their geographical positions are ideal for erosion/sedimentation phenomena (Lead-210, Pb-210) but far away from CNE Cernavoda (CCDCES) or for an agro-ecosystem study near nuclear power plant (Tritium, T and Carbon-14, C-14) (SCDVVM). d. The overall objectives and expected results to be obtained:

Objective of the project thus consists in setting up a laboratory for measurement by liquid scintillation spectrometry in order to pursue original research to define the scientific basis necessary to establish a set of advanced nuclear techniques for measuring the ultra-low level radiation and their application in scientific research in chemistry , physics and related areas, the supervision and quality control of national resources and agro-food products to increase the degree of assimilation, application and development of knowledge, services and technologies in the economic and social development and to meet international European competition. The overall objective is motivated by the following specific objectives:

increase the quality of the CD units and institutions in partnership, ensuring the attraction, development and concentration of human and material resources;

promoting participation of units and institutions of research and development in European and international research programs and the connection to the European research area, including integration into the European Technology Platforms; - Development and testing microBq laboratory for testing as required by including BETALAB technical regulations on conformity assessment for the kind of basic scientific research and applications on subject areas promoted by the EU. The specific objectives meet the following thematic areas supported by the 7th RTD Framework Program of the European Union (FP7) for the period 2007-2013:

- Food, agriculture and biotechnology, aimed at developing knowledge-based bio-economy; - Food, health and well-being, aiming both to ensure citizens' health and health-related industries more competitive; - Nuclear physics (fusion, fission, etc.); - Environment and climate change, seeking effective management of natural resources and reduce the negative impact of industrial and economic activities on the environment and climate.

e. Coordinating Institution, any institution logo and contact information:

Coordinating Institution: National Research and Development for Physics and Nuclear Engineering "Horia Hulubei" Institution logo and contact details:

f. Composition of consortia:

Unit Coordinator: IFIN-HH CO: National Research and Development for Physics and Nuclear Engineering "Horia Hulubei" Partner 1: SDVVM P1: Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Winemaking Murfatlar Partner 2: CCDCES P2: Research and Development Center for Combating Soil Erosion.

g. The contractor (project financing):

National Center Management Program CNMP. h. Duration of project:

3 years (2007 to 2010)

i. The activities and responsibilities related to each participant:

Details of activities in line with objectives: scientific validity of selection methods for the analysis of samples of environmental and agri-

food, IFIN-HH, SCDVVM, CCDCES establishing a methodology of investigation by unconventional methods (the use of

radioactive properties) the evolution of key processes that affect water quality and soil, IFIN-HH, SCDVVM, CCDCES

a methodology for establishing the traceability of products oenological with migration of radionuclides in the system; SCDVVM, IFIN-HH

adaptation of mathematical models for assessing and forecasting the quality of soil and water on degraded land; CCDCES

space planning for deployment preparation and measurement procedures, IFIN-HH installation of appropriate equipment to run low measurements of laboratory spaces as the

ulra low radiation background, IFIN-HH verification, protection and integration of laboratory equipment for operation in aggressive

environments, IFIN-HH organization of inter per sample activity outrage and environmental samples and agri-food,

IFIN-HH, SCDVVM, CCDCES integration of original scientific results obtained in the international circuit, IFIN-HH,

SCDVVM, CCDCES.

j. Project Budget - broken state budget financed and co-financing:

Project budget: 2,000,000 EUR, financed 100% of the state budget.

k. Description / presentation of various events held in the project (for instance, conferences, seminars, meetings of partners, etc..): Year 2007: Summary of Phase I deadline 15/12/2007: Phase I of the project brings together three partners in efforts to determine which one is important for each measurement technique as "low level LSC”. Partner IFIN-HH, Partner 1: Research – Development Station for Viticulture and Winemaking Murfatlar, and Partner 2: Research and Development Center for Combating Soil Erosion Perieni demonstrates the importance that has for its study of phenomena present in agro-ecosystems the spectrometry with liquid scintillator. In fact, it is important that one has Tritium, Carbon-14 and Lead-210 to study these phenomena, the importance of technique by liquid scintillation spectrometry "LSC" the fact is that these three radionuclides are beta emitters and that the better technique measurement is the technique of LSC. Coordinator: Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering "Horia Hulubei" is one who has the expertise, techniques and ways to carry out end measurement by LSC, but also and procedures for processing environmental samples, whether it be water, air , soil, vegetation, etc., in the analytical evidence that the subject of measurement by LSC. In the first phase, the three partners define key scientific coordinator that will follow, together or separately, along the project. For IFIN-HH, in the first phase is very important to define how, where and through which the device will make measuring the "low level LSC”. He proves experience on this field at national and international, and choose the place of location the laboratory BETALAB Unirea Mine of Slanic-Prahova. This works since 2006 to fund laboratory measuring ultra low radiation microBq of IFIN-HH, BETALAB becoming a part of it and also as complementing nuclear measuring techniques of this laboratory. Because of existing experience in this laboratory, in the first phase, IFIN-HH has focused on thorough preparation and control of space for mounting the spectrometer. To this end prepared according to procedures in work area and working microBq work completed by the third party (SNS SALROM SA, manager of the mine) introduction of alternating current from the power supply continues, separate from the salt mine. This operation was essential because it good operating condition of equipment to BETALAB. MicroBq existing components in this stage not

only themselves requiring such important investors. IFIN-HH, in parallel, and made a systematic study based on experience, the experience of other laboratories on the same profile and literature data the optimal type of measuring device. The conclusions learned led to opt for Quantulus 1220, equipment to be purchased by auction in Phase II of the project. For SCDVVM important was to demonstrate the need for traceability in the food chain development in the spirit of the rules agreed by the EU and under implementation in Romania after January 1, 2007. Importance reside both in alignment with EU policy but also in maintaining Murfatlar wines on domestic and international markets. Traceability can successfully call the nuclear techniques, as an expression of adaptation measures with radioactive tracers of the twentieth century, the refinement of methods used in the XXI-th century, the techniques to be used are so developed that there is no need for radiolabelling of agro-food chain, the ultra low detection to allow the use of isotopes to common environmental concentration levels. SCDVVM are important for all components of the food chain traceability, so isotopes Tritium, Carbon-14 and Lead-210 are the radioisotopes of interest. They can successfully determine by "low level LSC" currently. For CCDCES is important to develop nuclear techniques already implemented through previous projects with the International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear techniques are used to analyze the phenomena of erosion and sedimentation of the different soil types. Important isotopes are Cesium-137, Beryllium-7 and Lead-210, the latter being increasingly more often used both for monitoring of these phenomena and to interpret them using mathematical models. The development of these models is essential for correct and timely interpretation of these processes, processes that may have importance in determining food traceability of a product such as wine Murfatlar. Related Activities Related activities involving the conclusion of a contract with third parties under the project plan to achieve. This contract had as its main purpose laboratory equipment for measuring underground ultra low background radiation microBq of IFIN-HH in Unirea Salt Mine, Slanic-Prahova with a new electric grid because it was connected to common network of the salt mine. Switching to a separate network, higher-dimensional ensure independence from the Unirea Mine, which is supplied with electric power only during the operation (hours 9 to 15 daily Tuesday - Sunday and Monday without when there is weekly revision). Regarding the importance of this activity related to the project is useful to say:

1. Program current electricity supply is not optimal for activities that will take place in the laboratory microBq a date by installing measuring device with scintillation liquid (can not move the car battery at the end of the mine program), nor to safety, being provided to continue operating mode AC.

2. Soundness and safety for the device depend on environmental factors, so it is necessary work space cooling, air-conditioning and it must be done non-stop.

3. Due to the above requirements, launching the project requires tackling the supply of home non-stop from the network.

4. Work provided involves qualified personnel, according to mining law, only qualified personnel may perform such work in the mine is the SNS SALROM SA. Unirea Mine for the works will not be carried out only by staff at SNS SA - Slanic Prahova therefore made to award the contract to direct.

Related activities meet the following objectives of the project execution phase PNCDI-II: arranging space for self-employment preparation and measuring the initial phase taken to

achieve Phase II installation of appropriate equipment to run low on space measurements for the laboratory to

measure background radiation; initial phase taken to achieve Phase II and have been fully achieved.

Meetings between the partners: In October and November, after signing the financing contract with CNMP, the project director made a motion at the partners to discuss how to conduct joint activities for 2007 and first half of 2008. Seminars: - Conferences, Symposia, Workshops: - Publications: -

Year 2008: Summary of Phase II deadline 10/06/2008: In the second stage of the project has conducted an extensive study of literature for the measurement by LSC technique to "ultra-low level”, in order to track the time evolution and improvement of such devices in the world. As a result, they determined the constructive characteristics of a device LSC to meet the requirements imposed by the theme of the project. With their help could come together the specification, component part of the tender dossier. The auction was kind and open auction held in late April 2008. The auction presented Canberra-Packard Company, which offered as a solution to the proposal of the specification device Quantulus 1220-003. The device is a next generation model and was purchased with full set of accessories and consumables. Company going to handle the transport, installation and startup of the laboratory BETALAB in the Unirea Salt Mine Slanic-Prahova, that in special places, as detailed in the literature and warnings placed on building business in saline environment. Due to unfavorable ratio lei / euro contract between the project period and the period of acquisition of the device could not purchase and installation of air conditioning, it proceeds being bought through auction from other funds. As is clear from the literature data it must meet certain technical requirements. Meanwhile could have purchased a dehumidifier and have made the first changes in the premises of microBq required for optimum functioning of the device needs. He is the main investment project and therefore was given full attention and financial effort due. In this sense, as derived from literature data, it is ideal for project purposes, just as laboratory measuring ultra low background radiation of IFIN-HH microBq is the ideal location's, whilst ensuring a suitable premises. Technical work focused on preparing the space will become part of the underground BETALAB. In this sense to redefine the premises in microBq were applied Anticorrosive protection procedures, it provided the functioning of future air-conditioning, SNS SA has provided access your change ordinary light fluorescent light. Special filters to ensure air quality introduced slight pressure created will be controlled to ensure a steady. Knowing that the device works perfect to 10-15 oC, there is no need for cooling and heating, because temperature is 12-13 0C. Unirea Mine just kept the same value. Was provided and the calculation of Faraday cages in the next stage, as protection for mobile handset antennas located in the mine. Study literature led to deeper concepts of radiation component fund and share of the value measured Quantulus components. For this reason it is foreseen that additional burden in the future phase of these components determine the particular case of location in this device, activity actually train more teams so that activates in microBq laboratory or project. Technical Activities Technical work carried out during this period have started to establish how the device can be transported shown above in Bucharest, the headquarters of the auction winner and up to Slanic-Prahova, descent and transport of the mine to microBq in laboratory conditions safety, and how will be placed inside the laboratory to BETALAB component. These problems were discussed and resolved with the minning company, foreseeing specification from the start that the company will

take care of all these issues. The technical details inside the mine were discussed with SNS SA Branch Slanic-Prahova, one that exploits the salt mine. After winning the auction by Canberra-Packard Company and the exact determination of how the device will reach inside the mine, in agreement with the remaining members of IFIN-HH exploiting this laboratory, we decided that it is practically very difficult to make and mount device, even in pieces, inside. Therefore I decided that this version of dismantling an external wall and place it directly in the mine on the fork-truck arms especially as it brings to this area. Thus he receives a new work box with a wall disassembly intermediate optimal placement back and re-closing the laboratory walls. These operations will be executed by members of IFIN-HH and laboratory microBq firm built virtually at the same time bringing the device at hand. Related Activities Related activities are to organize the auction, develops, contracting with the company winning device. On the other hand may include: dehumidifier purchase, purchase various materials provided for this phase. Besides these organizational activities between January and June 2008 took place a number of delegations that were aimed to be contacting institutions that may participate as third parties in the development of component separation facilities BETALAB component surface or presentation methods original investigation in chemistry applicable to ultra-low levels, or simply to manage and execute the operations of preparing the enclosure for receiving the device. The auction was held in late April, had a single depositor, and was thus won by Canberra-Packard Company subsidiary in Romania, the only company in our country distributing such devices. In terms of device, it meets the all aspects of Phase I Scientific substantiation provisions and requirements specifications. The device was requested from the beginning with all annexes possible, so that no subsequent need for the entire duration of the project progress. After the auction, the stage of contract was established method of payment, demand, retention period and the period of optimal physical delivery at theUnirea Mine. Due to special considerations of the company representative, it was to achieve the practice of all parameters of the physical and his safety, so it's fitting provided inside the underground BETALAB month in September 2008. Dehumidifier purchased is already part of the Anticorrosive protection system of microBq. Meanwhile were executed and procedures for monitoring of the new enclosure for the device LSC. LSC is a Quantulus 1220 device produced by Perkin-Elmer of last destination with all annexes and supplies provided to offer optimum characteristics listed in the its technical book.

Promotional activities of the project Meetings between the partners: -Seminars: -Conferences, symposia, workshops: 1 ”Computational physics and modeling complex phenomena”, Timisoara, 29-30 May 2008. Publications: 1 Using modeling of complex phenomena in biodosimetry. Post-irradiation analysis of some amino acids samples. Validation of theoretical methods, Proceedings, 2008. – oral presentation Year 2009: Phase III project PNCDI-II Nr. 51-053 / 2007 was postponed from 15.12.2008 to 01.01.2009 by Addendum No. 1 (at the request CNMP), from 01.01.2009 to 25.03.2009 by Addendum No. 2 and from 25.03.2009 to 15.05.2009 by Addendum No. 3 (at the request CNMP).

The phase entitled "Scientific Basis of the Project. II." From 15.05.2009 the situation is the following:

phase and reached its full purpose, realized the works even further towards the activities A.III.1., A.III.2., A.III.3. (all had sub-title: sample preparation technologies to measure the "low level LSC”) provided in the plan to achieve, the costs necessary to complete laboratory arrangement of IFIN-HH microBq underground in the mine at Slanic-Prahova (" component BETALAB of the underground ") in the preparation and operation of the device Quantulus 1220 is moved to a later stage in 2010 (by reducing the amounts incurred by the CNMP in 2009);

reported the structure of expenditure incurred, so the coordination unit and partners, following all the recommendations CNMP in 2009, led to the framing without exceeding the amounts allocated for this stage;

for Stage IV-term settlement 15.12.2009 (under Addendum No.3 / 2009), IFIN-HH institute has adopted the policy "of Credit Commitment" to support certain categories of expenditure necessary development of the project and its passage in 2010, phase December not having actively engaged with partners in the project.

Activities performed between 10/06/2008 and 15/05/2009 had several main directions: Scientific activities: choice of laboratory methods for sample preparation with very low

content in beta-minus emitter radionuclides (Tritium, Carbon-14 and Lead-210) to measure them by liquid scintillation spectrometry (LSC), through a systematic analysis references from literature;

updating existing working procedures in the laboratory for these three radionuclides and their classification standards in force; analysis techniques can be improved levels of environmental work in areas without contaminating influences and influences of contaminating;

analysis extend possibilities of investigation and other areas of interest to agro-ecosystems (minus other beta-emitting radioisotopes that can be measured successfully Quantulus device 1220) in order to have since the very beginning of the laboratory's performance on an integrated picture future after completion of the project;

type analysis of samples that define the three areas of interest set in the project and sampling techniques, handling and storage in order to process their lab BETALAB;

technical activities covered analysis of space ideal location for preparation of samples of very low levels of radioactivity consistent with the scientific project and identifying sources of errors;

technical activities that have aimed to develop spatial measurement according to recent recommendations from the literature and the company producing the device;

activities - were practical support in the achievement of a first set of experiments by combining existing technologies in the lab at the time of project launch with the new technology measuring at very low levels of radioactivity;

activities - were practical support in the achievement of a first inter on liquid scintillation spectrometry;

activities - to promote the project to support scientific meetings with national and international character;

activities - support the launch of dissemination of results in scientific papers. Analysis of literature references to constitute a broad study of literature data performed during 1947 - 2007 in the main area of interest magazine. Over time there have been several methods of separation and analysis of tritium, carbon-14 and lead-210 in samples from the environment or human activities affecting the environment. These methods were refined in the measurement of technological change made to the laboratories, but also the growth and diversification requirements

impact of human activities on the environment on a planetary scale. Stage pass briefly in review the methods of sampling, storage, transport and storage, pre-processing techniques and more extensive processing methods to optimally phase analyte for liquid scintillation spectrometry.From the multitude of variants described in the literature has emphasized the sequence framed in the "radiochemistry at ultra low levels" because only such a solution offers quality sets of analytes by liquid scintillation spectrometry (LSC) to ultra low levels of device represented Quantulus 1220, the main acquisition of the project. In other words, the accuracy of the measurement must be achieved to the same degree of preparation. Unlike current techniques Radiochemistry Laboratory for environmental samples from the IFIN-HH coordination unit, dedicated technical and environmental samples at above the average, the project brings new scale for measuring extension of the environmental levels. In a unified vision, the company currently is not interested only in what is present in the environment, without intervention or after intervention - but especially so where is extended in time and space intervention of human society. For "up-time where" there dating and authentication (special chapter, the highest level of performance, and if techniques LSC), for "up where space exists LSC techniques" ultra low level "(along with other types investigation, of course). A well-defined area is the identification of sources of errors that may occur between sampling and analysis to its final LSC. Depending on the conclusions drawn at this stage regarding the best methods that can be addressed at launch "BETALAB component of the surface" and how can they be applied with maximum efficiency were defined requirements to satisfy in the laboratory. Initiation includes a sequence of further development for the analysis of isotopes in the device Quantulus 1220. Concurrently, the existing working procedures (or the level of standards applied directly or in terms of procedures validated or pending validation at IFIN-HH) were re-examined in order to obtain the existing laboratory notification (other than funds PNCDI - II). Obtaining such notification will constitute an extension of the notification and the technique "ultra low level" after completion of the project (from other financial sources). All partners (IFIN-HH, SCDVVM and CCDCES) have re-evaluated their own areas of interest in the area of their units, and sampling techniques and storage of samples, in order to transport to the coordination unit. Samples were justified according to the areas studied (soil erosion-sedimentation, migration of tritium, carbon-14 and lead-210 in ecosystems, tracing the food chain) and is represented in the experimental techniques for applying "ultra low level" developed in this project. Experience in areas of the three institutions will say word to the choice of representative samples and the interpretation of study results and their integration into national and local interest. Current Stage conducted two such studies: a pre-feasibility study for a radiochemistry laboratory for ultra-low levels and a study of local interest on this tritium in the environment in an area located in proximity minor contaminating influences IFIN-HH . Pre-feasibility study has originality and after it can be disseminated within the international meetings. Due to expansion phase interval progress, these studies have the character of additional activities. All the more the activity undertaken at this stage can include: carrying out a workshop at the SCDVVM (unit held its own expense a first working meeting between the project partners from its offices Murfatlar in August 2008), participation in International Symposium "Archaeomet 03" (October 2008, Curtea de Arges) at the invitation of the organizers for presentation BETALAB laboratory and the possibility of extension activities to radiodating - login (expenditure has been incurred by the organizers), participation in an international inter (other funds) for Tritium and Carbon-14 (November 2008 - January 2009) to obtain significant results on Tritium, conduct an initial inter techniques tritium measurement by LSC of different generations in IFIN-HH and National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) (activity not been provided with specific charges at this stage) to obtain the original data that can be released (since February 2009), development of techniques for detection of tritium present as water tritium into the air in the areas

with contaminating influences, with the possibility of submitting documentation to Next step for obtaining a patent on the method (start date: September 2008). Technical Activities Covered analysis of space ideal location for preparation of samples of very low levels of radioactivity consistent with the scientific project, choice of technology for preparing and identifying sources of error. Following this activity resulted in a comprehensive pre-feasibility study, whose component strictly laboratory preparation is presented. In the next stage, the study of national interest on the conditions in a laboratory spectrometry at ultra low levels of radioactivity in Romania will materialize in his presentation at a scientific, dissemination through publication. Activities-Technical Support They concerned the creation of a service contract for planning "component BETALAB from underground”, in the phase immediately preceding his execution was stopped, will resume in a future round of funding in 2010 under the phased redeployment of Addendum No. 3 / 2009. Other activities-technical support in the monitoring of the device were placed in the Unirea Salt Mine at Slanic-Prahova. Activities - practical support They had on the achievement of a first set of experiments by combining existing technologies in the lab at the time of project launch with the new technology measuring at very low levels of radioactivity, and conduct an initial inter by liquid scintillation spectrometry comparison. This activity is materialized in obtaining the end of a study of local interest on the monitoring of tritium will be presented in a scientific, disseminated through publication. Another work on the determination of beta-emitting contaminants present in the environment air quality in a laboratory to ultra low levels is almost completed and it follows the submission of documentation in order to obtain a patent for the method to OSIM. Promotional activities of the project Meetings between the partners: 1 SCDVVM workshop organized for presentation of project partners and to define their cooperation during his progress, 2-4 August 2009, Murfatlar; presentation underground laboratory. Seminars: -Conferences, symposia, workshops: 1 International Symposium Archaeomet 3 "Ancient and medieval gold, silver and bronze - Technologies in minting and toreutics used during antiquity and Middle Age - The Contribution of the Atomic and Nuclear Analyzes, oral presentation of laboratory BETALAB Curtea de Arges, Romania 29 th -31 st October 2008.Publications: 1 - Abstract of oral presentation at “International Symposium Archaeomet 3 " Corina Anca Simion, BETALAB Laboratory. An overview for radiocarbon dating.

Stage IV. Summary stageActivities performed between 15/05/2009 and 12/15/2009 had several main directions:- scientific activities:- updating the existing working procedures in the laboratory for three radionuclides (tritium, carbon-14 and lead-210) and integration into existing standards, analysis of possibilities of improving the techniques work for environmental levels in areas without contaminating influences and contaminating influences depending on the findings of the previous stage- Laboratory methods for sample preparation with very low content in beta-minus emitters radionuclides on the case, because of the tritium safety data very good results obtained in international intercomparison NPL 2008 / 2009, are a starting point for the development of new techniques in BETALAB measuring device on Quantulus 1220- implementation of the first set of measurements on synthetic samples

- technical activities aimed at measuring spatial development according to the latest literature and recommendations from the company producing the device- Activities - practical support had to conduct an initial inter-comparisons in the liquid scintillation on different devices and the same type of spectrometer- activities - support for promoting the project in scientific national and international character, presenting the results of the first three rounds at the International Symposium "10-th International Symposium on Isotopes and IIS Compounds labeled with Isotopes" held in Chicago in June 2009- activities - support the launch of dissemination of results in scientific papers based on results presented at the Symposium in Chicago and will be published in journals with ISI, "Journal of Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals labeled" in spring 2010 (phase V) as Annex 1 and Annex 2.

Year 2010:Stage V. Stage SummaryPhase V - the last project phase-II PNCDI 51-053 / 2007 - brings together three partners. Coordinating Unit, IFIN-HH performed partially A.VI.5 activities. and A.VI.6. the initial and additional contract, now under negotiation in the 24/03/2010 between CNMP and IFIN-HH A.V.1. activities, and A.V.2. The partners plan under development in addition to IV / 2010 have made the work of A.V.2. Coordinator has submitted a patent application of the method and the unit coordinator and partners have developed together or separately three scientific papers that are accepted for publication after the submission of the final phase or being submitted for publication.On the other hand, the three partners have developed along three studies (with specific results from 2007 to 2010) of national interest, regional and local levels.In this last stage, by setting goals through activities AV.1. and A.V.2., coordination unit has managed to achieve partial BETALAB training component of the surface (laboratory preparation - test measurement) and partly training database. Through a judicious distribution of effort and expenditure databases were mainly focused on the real issues in the three regions, tritium was analyzed in all departments of agro-ecosystems Magurele, Murfatlar and Perieni for the radioisotope content because of the impact of the nature of the neighborhood three areas of nuclear power plants or nuclear targets, the environment, carbon-14 has been studied mainly in Murfatlar (this NPP) and lead-210 Magurele (sufosion phenomena) and Perieni (erosion / sedimentation).On submission of the final phase, the underground component and component BETALAB on the surface are physically carried 65% of the initial plan for the reasons commented on in previous phases of the objectives of the project, and reduce total project budget. 90% of the underground work involving measurements at very low background radiation were made at the surface (because of targets, as a result of the current RST), but the scientific indicators expected to be achieved throughout the project were made from 100% through a judicious distribution of scientific and financial efforts.At this stage, completion, and the material costs of the trips have been reduced substantially, they are imposed only on meeting the needs of strictly oriented general indicators of the phase. There were no trips abroad.

PROJECT SUMMARY PNCDI-II 51-053 / 2007 "Determination of beta emitters present in agro-ecosystems in the ultra low BETALAB radiochemistry laboratory."

Phase I of the project brings together three partners in efforts to determine the importance that has for each measurement technique as "LSC low-level". Partner National Research and Development Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering "Horia Hulubei" (IFIN-HH) and partner 1: Research

Station - Murfatlar Viticulture and Development (SCDVVM), and Partner 2: Research and Development Center for Combating Soil Erosion Perieni (CCDECS) demonstrates the importance that has for its study of phenomena present in agro-ecosystems by liquid scintillation spectrometry. In fact, it is important that having tritium, carbon-14 and Lead-210 to study these phenomena, the importance of technique by liquid scintillation "LSC" lies in the fact that these three beta-emitting radionuclides are of technical interest and that the their best measurement technique is proposed through the investigation LSC segment. The coordinator is one who has the expertise, techniques and ways to carry out the measurement by LSC, but also the procedures for processing environmental samples, be it water, air, soil, vegetation, etc.., in the analytical samples subject to measurement by LSC. At first, the three partners define the main scientific coordinates that will follow, together or separately throughout the project. For IFIN-HH is very important to define how, where and through which the device will make measuring the "low level LSC”. It demonstrates the existing expertise in this field nationally and internationally, and choose the place of location of the laboratory BETALAB Slanic-Prahova Unirea Salt Mine. This works since 2006 as microBq IFIN-HH lab measurement in ultra low background radiation, BETALAB becoming a part of it and also as rounded nuclear measurement techniques of this laboratory. IFIN-HH, in parallel, studied and carried out a systematic search based on its own experience, the experience of other laboratories on the same field and literature data on the optimal type of measuring device. The conclusions led to opt for Quantulus 1220 device to be purchased by auction in Phase II of the project.For SCDVVM important was to demonstrate the need for traceability in the food chain development in the spirit of EU rules agreed and under implementation in Romania after January 1, 2007. The importance lies both in alignment with EU policy but also in maintaining Murfatlar wines and international market. Techniques to be used for this purpose by BETALAB are so developed that there is no need for radiolabelling of agro-food chain, the ultra low detection at BETALAB will allow the use of isotopes at environmental levels of common concentration, especially in conditions in which the unit is within the area with minor contaminating influences of the NPP, as shown in the profile database project prior to submission.For CCDCES is important to develop nuclear techniques already implemented through previous projects with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the use of nuclear techniques to analyze the phenomena of erosion and sedimentation of the different types of soil. Cesium-137 isotopes is important, also Beryllium-7 and Lead-210, the latter being increasingly more often used both for monitoring of these phenomena and to interpret them using mathematical models. The development of these models is an essential factor for correct and timely interpretation of these processes, processes that can be important in establishing the traceability of a food product such as wine Murfatlar.In the second phase of the project were determined structural characteristics of a device that meets LSC requirements imposed by the project topic. Canberra-Packard Company has offered the proposal as a solution to the specification 1220-003 Quantulus device. The device is the main investment project and therefore was given all due attention and financial effort. In this regard, as reflected in literature data, it is ideal for project purposes, just as laboratory measurement in ultra low background radiation microBq IFIN-HH as the ideal union of the mine's location, in the conditions of a suitable enclosure. Literature data study led to deeper knowledge of the background radiation component and the weight of each component to the value measured by Quantulus. For this reason it is foreseen that additional attention in the next stage must be due to determine the components for the special case of location in this device, an activity that actually work train more teams that work in the laboratory microBq or in the present project.Phase III of the project has developed a conceptual model for sample preparation technologies to measure the "LSC low-level", namely: the choice of laboratory methods for sample preparation with very low content in beta-minus emitters radionuclides (Tritium, Carbon-14 and Lead-210) in view

of their measurement by liquid scintillation spectrometry (LSC), through a systematic analysis of references in the literature, updating the existing working procedures in the laboratory for these three radionuclides and their classification standards in force , analysis of possibilities of improving the techniques work for levels of environmental contaminants and influential areas without contaminating influences, comparative analysis of the extension of investigative possibilities in other areas of interest to agro-ecosystems (other beta-emitting radioisotopes that can be successfully measured with the device Quantulus 1220) in order to have a laboratory strategy since its foundation an integrated picture of the future after the project's performance, analysis of the type of evidence that define the three areas of interest set in the project and sampling techniques , transport and storage in order to process their at BETALAB laboratory. All these activities have shaped the optimal flow on each isotope separately. Were also developed technical activities covering analysis of space ideal location for preparation of samples of very low levels of radioactivity consistent with the scientific project and identify sources of error, technical activities aimed at measuring spatial development according to the latest recommendations literature and the Company of the device; activities - practical support that took into account the achievement of a first set of experiments by combining existing technologies in the laboratory at launch of the project with new measurement technologies at very low levels of radioactivity. Unlike current techniques of radiochemistry laboratory for environmental samples from the coordination unit LRPM IFIN-HH, dedicated technical and environmental samples at levels above the average, the project brings new scale for measuring extension in environmental levels. Depending on the conclusions drawn at this stage regarding the best methods that can be addressed at launch "BETALAB component of the surface" and how they can be applied with maximum efficiency were defined requirements to meet in the lab. Initiation of development include a sequence for further analysis of other isotopes to the device Quantulus 1220. In parallel, the existing working procedures (or the level of standards applied directly or in terms of procedures being validated or under validation at IFIN-HH) were re-analyzed to obtain current laboratory notification (other than funds PNCDI- II). Obtaining such notification will constitute the basis for an extension of the notification and the technique "ultra low level" after completing this project, for monitoring during the next three years. All partners (IFIN-HH, CCDCES, SCDVVM) have re-evaluated its perimeter areas of interest in their units, and sampling techniques and storage of samples, in order to transport them to the master unit. Samples were justified based on field studies (soil erosion, sedimentation, migration of tritium, carbon-14 and lead-210 in ecosystems, food chain traceability) and is represented in the experimental techniques for “ultra low level "developed in this project real samples, the last stage. Experience in the areas of the three institutions will say the word to the choice of representative samples and the interpretation of study results and their integration into the local, regional and national project completed by the end. Current Stage has produced two such studies: a pre-feasibility study for a radiochemistry laboratory for ultra low levels of local interest and a study of tritium present in the environment in an area located near the minor contaminating influences IFIN-HH. Also, on account of original results developed to this point, IFIN-HH aims to develop techniques for measuring tritium present as tritiated water into the air in the areas with contaminating influences, with the possibility of submitting the documentation next stage method for obtaining a patent.Phase IV project has been dedicated to coming into the measurement parameters and integration Quantulus 1220 at IFIN-HH. Temporary suspension of activity at microBq (resumed in the fall of 2010) allowed efficient work on the unit by bringing it to the IFIN-HH and installation of in a temporary space defined in an appropriate pre-feasibility study under the previous round, along with the application laboratory methods for sample preparation with very low content in beta-minus emitters radionuclides tritium because of the safety data for the very good results obtained in the laboratory to the international intercomparison of NPL 2008 / 2009 and will be the first set of measurements on synthetic samples.

Phase V - the last project phase-II PNCDI 51-053 / 2007 - brings together three partners. The coordinator prepares the application for a patent on the method for determination of tritium as tritiated water in the atmospheric humidity by dehumidification process and the coordination unit and partners have developed three scientific papers together or separately, from a total of 5 articles on the project, either published, be submitted for publication or accepted for publication after the submission of the final phase. On the other hand, the three partners have developed along three studies (with specific results from 2007 to 2010) of national interest, regional and local levels.Finally, the coordination unit has managed to achieve BETALAB component forming part of the surface (laboratory preparation - test measurement) and partly training database. Through a judicious distribution of effort and expenditure, databases were mainly focused on the real issues in the three regions, tritium was analyzed in all compartments of agro-ecosystems Magurele, Murfatlar and Perieni because of the impact of the nature of the neighborhood three areas of nuclear power plants or nuclear objectifs, carbon-14 has been studied mainly in Murfatlar (near to NPP) and lead-210 and Perieni Magurele (erosion / sedimentation and sufosion phenomena). On submission of the final phase, the underground component and component BETALAB at the surface are made of 65% of the initial plan submitted to the relevant phase objective considerations, as well as reducing the total project budget. 90% of the underground works, involving measurements at very low levels of background radiation were made at the surface until to restart activities in microBq, they will be repeated next year in the underground and scientific indicators expected to be touched 100% have been achieved through a judicious distribution of scientific and financial efforts through the past three years.

l. Links to various other pages of interest to visitors (for instance, legislative pages of the business of the project, similar or complementary projects web pages of partner institutions in the project, etc.): The website of IFIN-HH: www.nipne.ro SCDVVM e-mail contact: scv_murf@top-net.ro CCDCES e-mail contact: perieni@spectral.ro MicroBq laboratory homepage: http://microbq.nipne.ro The website of the National Laboratory of Gran-Sasso (Italy) LNGS: http://www.lngs.infn.it

m. The contact of the leader of the project: CORINA ANCA SIMION National Research and Development Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering "Horia Hulubei" Department of Physics of Life and Environment Str. Atomiştilor no. 407 POBox - MG 06 Magurele-Ilfov code 077125 Romania Phone: +4 - 021 - 404.23.00 / 4809 0727 / 775.244 E-mail: anke@ifin.nipne.ro.