Facilitating Experiments with Ion Beam Accelerators

The research topics of the contracts covered a wide spectrum of applications based on ion beam analysis, which was the primary focus of the CRP. Seven contracts supported research in the field of materials science, four of which were related to space applications. Four contracts were awarded for proposals in environmental studies, with an emphasis on pollution monitoring. Three contracts supported research focused on human health, and another three addressed issues relevant to agriculture — particularly soil analysis and crop quality improvement to support farmers in Africa. The remaining contracts supported research aimed at the development of nuclear instrumentation, including detectors and electronics operating in harsh radiation environments.

In addition to the scientific output produced by the supported researchers—which to date includes 16 peer-reviewed papers presenting original data—16 young researchers (nine of them women) were introduced for the first time to accelerator-based applications by conducting experiments as part of their MSc or PhD theses. In particular, within this CRP, nine PhD theses (five by women) and seven MSc theses (four by women) have been completed or are in progress.

The best way to evaluate the impact of the CRP is to cite statements taken from the final reports of a few selected CSIs. These are provided below:

RC POL-23563, by Mr. Marek Lankosz: Our studies aimed for better understanding of diseases in the group of myopathies, which in the future may result in effective prevention of disease evolution and the development of new, more effective treatment methods. The ion beam analysis allows the study of elemental composition and molecular structures. The applied techniques gave the possibility of imaging as well as learning about potential changes in chemical composition in the areas of tissue that may accompany neuromuscular diseases.

RC BKF-27038, by Mr. Chistian Bangou: The elemental composition of the soil samples from cultivated lands of Villy in Burkina Faso was determined using PIXE technique at iThemba LABS. This enabled to know the quality of the soil of Villy. The soil lacks some nutrients (P and Zn) that are important for important for the growth of the plant. This information will help the farmers to improve the quality of their soils and the crop yield. This project was also an opportunity for the team of this CRP to acquire knowledge and skills in PIXE technique.

RC CUB-24035, by Mr. Yoelvis Bolanos Alvarez: The results of this CRP will contribute to the completion of the results of contamination by chemical elements in Cuban coastal areas that have not yet been fully studied. These areas receive directly or indirectly industrial activities impact however they have been focused on a reduced number of elements. This has been the result of insufficient analytical capacity in the national territory, which has reduced the effectiveness of environmental impact assessments of heavy metal pollution in coastal zone sediments. The objective of this project responds to the national government's priorities for the sustainable use of marine resources and is aligned with sustainable development goals (SDG14).

RC THA-24066, by Ms Wanwisa Sudprasert: The impact and relevance of this research project are significant in addressing the persistent problem of PM2.5 pollution in Bangkok and its metropolitan area. By identifying the major sources of PM2.5 pollution in three different regions, this study provides valuable insights into the key contributors to the issue, which are biomass/solid waste burning, traffic, and construction activities. These findings can inform policy and decision-making processes for implementing effective strategies to reduce PM2.5 levels in highly populated cities not only in Thailand but also in other urban areas around the world facing similar challenges.

RC SIL-27053, by Mr Alfred Kanu: Findings from this study have implications for farmers’ preference in terms of local cassava cultivars in Sierra Leone with adequate concentrations of crucial trace elements such as Zn and Fe to address trace element malnutrition especially in rural communities where cassava is an elite food security crop. Cassava breeding programmes will be impacted by this study and postgraduate students trained to use Ion Beam based technologies such as PIXE for future studies.

RC TUN-23917, by Ms Bouthaina Maraoui: The project concerns the determination of the elemental concentration of some 80 archaeological shards from Tunisia using PIXE technique at the accelerator laboratory of the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission in Beirut. The project provided me with the opportunity to conduct geochemical analyses, especially considering the challenges posed by the cost and availability of IBA (Ion Beam Analysis) techniques in Tunisia. The support from IAEA has evidently been crucial in advancing my doctoral research. We have the opportunity to compare many techniques and approaches to characterize different productions.