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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Exploratory Ice Nucleation Measurements at Oliktok Field Campaign Report

Ice nucleating particles (INPs)—such as mineral dust and bacteria (1)—are a crucial source of seeds for cloud ice crystal formation, and can subsequently impact cloud radiative properties, lifetime, and precipitation formation processes (2-4). The presence of such particles in the atmosphere can be rare, but large concentrations are not required to have substantial impacts on cloud microphysics (3). However, knowledge of INPs, particularly in the Arctic, is limited due to the dearth of measurements in time and space. It is especially important to evaluate the sources and efficiency of INPs in the Arctic due to the role mixed-phase clouds play in facilitating the surface energy budget and thus energy reaching the sea ice and snow surfaces (4, 5). The purpose of this campaign, called INPOP (Ice Nucleating Particles at Oliktok Point), is to address the issue of limited information of Arctic INPs by providing time- and size-resolved INP concentrations over the course of a 3-month springtime campaign. This period is subject to Arctic haze, whereby pollutants from mid-latitudes are frequently transported to the Arctic and influence the relatively clean Arctic atmosphere (6-9). One unique aspect of this study is that the measurements were conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility third ARM Mobile Facility (AMF3) in Oliktok Point, North Slope of Alaska (NSA), which is located in the northwest edge of the Prudhoe Bay oilfield. Typically, oil and natural gas extraction emissions are not thought to serve as a significant source of INPs, since naturally produced primary aerosols are the most efficient and abundant INPs (e.g., 1). However, the goal of INPOP was to evaluate INPs in the context of supporting aerosol and meteorological observations to assess: (1) if local industrial activities due to the oilfield operations can serve as a source of INPs (e.g., such as road dust from routine vehicular operations) and (2) if other regional or long-range transported sources impact a polluted Arctic location by introducing higher concentrations of more efficient INPs (e.g., transport of primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) from open ocean water or Arctic haze INPs). Unlike other Arctic coastal locations in the spring, Oliktok Point has a distinct combination of aerosol sources including long-range transported haze, regional/local marine emissions, and the local oilfield activities. Ground-based, immersion-mode, ice nucleation measurements were conducted on samples collected at the AMF3 in Oliktok Point from 1 March to 31 May, 2017. Samples were collected using a Davis Rotating-drum Unit for Monitoring (DRUM; DRUMAir, LLC) cascading impactor in 4 stages (i.e., size bins). Instrument information on the model used, the DA400, can be found at the DRUMAir website (http://www.drumair.com/). Stages A, B, C, and D, had particle size cuts at 2.96, 1.21, 0.34, and 0.15 μm particle diameter. Strips of sample substrate (PFA, perfluoroalkoxy; McMaster) were adhered to each disc in each stage and coated with petrolatum to enable particles to stick on impact. The discs move slowly over time, such that aerosol loading is streaked onto the PFA. Every 24 hours, a blank spot is created on the PFA to separate daily samples. The pump typically pulled 25 lpm at the inlet with all the discs in place in each stage. Daily samples were collected for each of the four stages, equaling 36,000 total L of air per sample. Discs rotated for approximately 24 days before the sampling per strip was complete and a new disc was installed by the ARM operators. Discs were stored frozen after collection until the end of the study.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1980

Cl-36 in polar ice, rainwater and seawater

Concentrations of the cosmogenic radioisotope Cl-36 in Antarctic ice, rain, and an upper limit of the seawater value are determined using van de Graaff accelerator high energy mass spectrometry. Cl-36 concentrations in Antarctic ice range between 2.5 to 8.7 x 10 to the 6th atoms Cl-36/kg, while those concentrations in samples collected at the Alan Hills ice field locations where meteorites have been brought to the surface by glacial flow and ablation are found to vary by more than a factor of three. This variation is attributed either to the effects of atmospheric mixing and scavenging or to radioactive decay in old ice. The Cl-36 concentration found in a present sample of rainwater is much lower than that reported in samples collected in the early 1960's, suggesting the occurrence of a decrease in the concentration of atmospheric Cl-36 derived from nuclear weapons tests over this time period.

Finkel, R. C.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Exploring the Geochemistry of Tholeiitic Basalts and Hyaloclastites Formed in Submarine Volcanoes for Comparison With Venus Lavas

Underwater basaltic lavas exhibit distinct rock textures, mineralogy and morphological differences compared to those formed on land, primarily due to rapid cooling caused by contact with cold seawater instead of air and to high pressures – similar to Venus. The geomorphological similarities between terrestrial submarine volcanoes and some morphological classes of Venusian volcanoes have been investigated, but a comprehensive comparison in geochemical terms has yet to be conducted. Only three missions to Venus (Venera-13, Venera-14, and Vega-2) were able to report bulk composition of Venusian rocks, while other four missions (Venera-8, Venera-9, Venera-10, and Vega-1) provided limited geochemical information. Using X-Ray fluorescent (XRF) analysis, we saw that rocks analyzed on the surface of Venus are tholeiitic and alkalic basalts. This study, as part of the “Analogs for VENus's GEologically Recent Surfaces” (AVENGERS) initiative, aims to examine the possibility of seamounts/submarine volcanoes lavas serving as analogues to Venus lava geochemistry and morphology/formational processes. By sampling and analyzing submarine lavas from three distinct tectonic settings on Earth - hot-spot, convergent margins, and divergent margins - we will assess in which tectonic context the analogy with Venus is most comparable. Fieldwork will be conducted in further detail for submarine volcanoes located in Sicily, Hawaiʻi, and the Southern Pacific (Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa); we will use previously collected samples where these submarine areas are not accessible. Sampling efforts will target areas likely to yield submarine tholeiitic lavas and/or hyaloclastites. Samples collected during fieldwork will undergo detailed whole-rock geochemical analysis, including XRF, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Thin sections will be used to constrain differences in morphology/textures. The obtained geochemical data will then be compared with existing data on Venusian lava geochemistry, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of potential analogies between submarine lavas from Earth and volcanic rocks on Venus. By elucidating these similarities and pinpointing specific tectonic contexts, our study has the potential to enhance our understanding of Venusian geology and the possibility of ephemeral plate tectonics on the planet.

N Mari↗
NASA NTRS2011

Adaptation of G-TAG Software for Validating Touch-and-Go Comet Surface Sampling Design Methodology

The G-TAG software tool was developed under the R&TD on Integrated Autonomous Guidance, Navigation, and Control for Comet Sample Return, and represents a novel, multi-body dynamics simulation software tool for studying TAG sampling. The G-TAG multi-body simulation tool provides a simulation environment in which a Touch-and-Go (TAG) sampling event can be extensively tested. TAG sampling requires the spacecraft to descend to the surface, contact the surface with a sampling collection device, and then to ascend to a safe altitude. The TAG event lasts only a few seconds but is mission-critical with potentially high risk. Consequently, there is a need for the TAG event to be well characterized and studied by simulation and analysis in order for the proposal teams to converge on a reliable spacecraft design. This adaptation of the G-TAG tool was developed to support the Comet Odyssey proposal effort, and is specifically focused to address comet sample return missions. In this application, the spacecraft descends to and samples from the surface of a comet. Performance of the spacecraft during TAG is assessed based on survivability and sample collection performance. For the adaptation of the G-TAG simulation tool to comet scenarios, models are developed that accurately describe the properties of the spacecraft, approach trajectories, and descent velocities, as well as the models of the external forces and torques acting on the spacecraft. The adapted models of the spacecraft, descent profiles, and external sampling forces/torques were more sophisticated and customized for comets than those available in the basic G-TAG simulation tool. Scenarios implemented include the study of variations in requirements, spacecraft design (size, locations, etc. of the spacecraft components), and the environment (surface properties, slope, disturbances, etc.). The simulations, along with their visual representations using G-View, contributed to the Comet Odyssey New Frontiers proposal effort by indicating problems and/or benefits of different approaches and designs.

Mandic, Milan↗
DOE OSTI2026

Data and scripts associated with “Non-random processes impacting organic matter chemistry are maximized in mid-order streams”

NOTE: The manuscript associated with this data package is currently in review. The data may be revised based on reviewer feedback. Upon manuscript acceptance, this data package will be updated with the final dataset and additional metadata. This data package is associated with the publication “Non-random processes impacting organic matter chemistry are maximized in mid-order streams” submitted to Limnology and Oceanography (L&O) by Danczak et al. (in review). This package contains data and scripts used to investigate dissolved organic matter (DOM) molecular chemistry and diversification processes across 47 surface-water sampling sites in the Yakima River Basin, Washington, USA, during an August 2021 sampling campaign. The package contains analyses of ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS), geochemical measurements, geospatial attributes, molecular diversity, and meta-metabolome ecological null models needed to reproduce the main manuscript results. The underlying field data were pulled from exising data packages at https://doi.org/10.15485/1892052 (Fulton et al., 2022) and https://doi.org/10.15485/1898914 (Grieger et al., 2022). For details on how to navigate data packages generated by this project, see https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/portals/PNNLRiverCorridorSFA/About. We thank the following organizations for providing access to field locations for sample collection: the United States Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Cowiche Canyon Conservatory. Research was conducted under Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Scientific Research Permit #210901. We are grateful to the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and Yakama Nation Fisheries for their collaboration in facilitating sample collection and ensuring data usage aligns with their values and worldview. This data package contains an R-Markdown file for analyses and five folders: (1) Data, (2) Geospatial Data, (3) Supplemental_Files, (5) Figures_pdf, (4) and src. The Data folder contains tabular inputs and derived files used in the manuscript analysis. The Geospatial Data folder contains climate and water-balance, hydrologic, land-cover, population/regional water-use, stream, topographic, and stream-order attribute CSV files. The src folder contains scripts used to process data, run analyses, and generate figures. The Figures_pdf folder contains manuscript figure outputs. The Supplemental_Files folder contains supplemental analysis products. All files are .csv, .pdf, .html, .png, .R, .Rmd, .svg, or .tre. This data package is associated with the rcfsa-RC2-SPS_Null_Modeling repository found at https://github.com/river-corridors-sfa/rcfsa-RC2-SPS_Null_Modeling.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2017

Advanced Curation Preparation for Mars Sample Return and Cold Curation

NASA Curation is tasked with the care and distribution of NASA's sample collections, such as the Apollo lunar samples and cometary material collected by the Stardust spacecraft. Curation is also mandated to perform Advanced Curation research and development, which includes improving the curation of existing collections as well as preparing for future sample return missions. Advanced Curation has identified a suite of technologies and techniques that will require attention ahead of Mars sample return (MSR) and missions with cold curation (CCur) requirements, perhaps including comet sample return missions.

Fries, M. D.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Full-Column Greenhouse Gas Sampling Field Campaign Report

The AirCore is a balloon-borne sampler patented and developed at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) Global Monitoring Division (GMD) (Tans 2009) that has the capability to provide full-column measurements of greenhouse gases and other trace gas species (Karion et al. 2010). It consists of a long, coated stainless steel tube that is filled with a known trace gas mixture prior to balloon launch (Figure 1). The AirCore is opened at one end prior to balloon launch and, as the balloon ascends, it evacuates to ambient pressure. At 30 km, the balloon is cut away and the AirCore descends via parachute, now capturing an atmospheric air sample or “core” of air from 30 km to the surface due to the pressure gradient between the evacuated AirCore and the environment. Upon landing, the AirCore is closed, preserving the air sample collected in-flight. Because diffusion acts slowly on the AirCore sample in the four hours that it typically takes to launch, retrieve, and analyze the sample, it is possible to capture more than 100 discrete samples in the atmospheric profile collected by the AirCore. Currently, the AirCore is analyzed for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and carbon monoxide (CO) at NOAA/ESRL GMD, but the sample collected can be measured on a variety of other analyzers to obtain full-column profiles of other trace gas species. Unlike routine aircraft measurements, the AirCore provides a low-cost alternative to atmospheric profiling and captures >95% of the atmospheric column. It has a variety of applications, including to full-column greenhouse and trace gas sampling and monitoring, to satellite and remote-sensing instrumentation evaluation, and to tropospheric and stratospheric model evaluation.

Greenhouse gases, Southern Great Plains, balloon-b↗
NASA NTRS2006

Aircraft Particle Emissions eXperiment (APEX)

APEX systematically investigated the gas-phase and particle emissions from a CFM56-2C1 engine on NASA's DC-8 aircraft as functions of engine power, fuel composition, and exhaust plumage. Emissions parameters were measured at 11 engine power, settings, ranging from idle to maximum thrust, in samples collected at 1, 10, and 30 m downstream of the exhaust plane as the aircraft burned three fuels to stress relevant chemistry. Gas-phase emission indices measured at 1 m were in good agreement with the ICAO data and predictions provided by GEAE empirical modeling tools. Soot particles emitted by the engine exhibited a log-normal size distribution peaked between 15 and 40 nm, depending on engine power. Samples collected 30 m downstream of the engine exhaust plane exhibited a prominent nucleation mode.

Wey, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Confirmatory Sampling Report, South Repeater Building (SWMU 121), Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Confirmatory Sampling (CS) Report was prepared by AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under Contract 80KSC019D0010, Task Order 80KSC021F0096. The purpose of this report is to document CS activities at the South Repeater Building, Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 121, formerly known as the Area 3 Repeater Building (A3RB). A Phase I SWMU Assessment and Confirmatory Sampling Report (NASA 2019) and a Phase II and III SWMU Assessment and Confirmatory Sampling Report (NASA 2022b) were previously submitted detailing Center-Wide assessment activities performed at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida that identified 33 locations of concern and 19 areas of potential concern at KSC associated with the storage, use, or release of materials containing PFAS. A review of the analytical results from investigation derived waste samples collected in 2020 from the South Repeater Building area indicated concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were above Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) provisional Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels of 70 nanograms per liter (ng/L) at a concentration of 1,750 ng/L. Following this review, the KSC Fire Chief was contacted; the Chief recalled fighting a brush fire in 1998 in the area, during which an unknown volume of aqueous film-forming foam was used to extinguish the fire. The Phase II and Phase III SWMU Assessment Report recommended this area proceed to CS. Historical results in this area are provided in Appendix A . PFAS CS activities were contracted at the South Repeater Building. Initial CS activities were conducted in accordance with the PFAS Assessment and Mitigation Work Plan (AECOM 2022), which was submitted to the NASA Remediation Project Management team and accepted by the team on November 1 and 8, 2021. The objectives of the PFAS CS were to: - - Confirm and begin to assess the extent of PFAS affected media in the South Repeater Building area. - - Identify locations for groundwater, soil, surface water, and soil core sampling. - - Qualitatively characterize the migration potential of released PFAS to environmental media (soil, groundwater, and surface water). The following activities were completed to meet the PFAS CS objectives: - - Installation of monitoring wells via direct push technology (DPT) and rotosonic techniques - - Groundwater, soil, and surface water sampling - - Collection of soil cores to evaluate site lithology - - Development of initial PFAS plume characterization

PFAS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Applicability of Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Astromaterials Curation and Research

Introduction: The Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) curates NASA’s astromaterial sample collections which includes: Apollo samples, Luna samples, Ant-arctic meteorites, cosmic dust particles, microparticle impacts into space-flown materials, Genesis solar wind atoms, Stardust comet Wild-2 particles, Stardust inter-stellar particles, Hayabusa asteroid Itokawa particles, Hayabusa 2 asteroid Ryugu particles, and future OSIRIS-Rex asteroid Bennu particles (landing in Sep-tember, 2023) [1–3]. To enhance JSC’s advanced cu-ration capabilities, we have recently installed a high-performance micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) spec-trometer to assist in sample characterization through rapid, non-destructive, in-situ elemental analyses that do not require the sample preparation protocols (i.e., polishing and carbon-coating) commonly needed for electron beam analyses. With this new instrument, we are capable of detecting all elements down to carbon in a variable-pressure or He-purged chamber for anal-ysis of a wide range of sample types. Here we describe the instrumental set-up, capabilities, and applicability of µXRF analysis to astromaterials curation and re-search. Instrumentation and Methodology: The X-ray fluorescence and computed tomography lab (X-FaCT) lab at JSC is now equipped with a Bruker M4 Tornado Plus µXRF (Fig. 1). This system is an energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer equipped with two 60 mm2 silicon drift detectors (SDD) that are able to be used simulta-neously for output count rates ~500,000 cps. New light element windows allow detecting and analyzing the entire elemental range from carbon to americium. Two x-ray tubes (micro-focus Rh with polycapillary lenses and W with collimators of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.5 mm) with max excitation parameters of 50 kV, 30 W and 50 kV, 40 W, respectively, allow for more flexibility of the analysis of high energy lines. The motorized X-Y-Z stage has a mapping range of 190 x 160 mm and can support samples up to 7 kg (~15.5 lbs) and a height of 120 mm [4]. Analytical modes include elemental analysis (down to ~20 µm spot size) via point, line, or area of bulk materials (rock surfaces, thin sections, thick sections, etc.) as well as coating analysis (determination of thickness and composition) of samples. This system has a variable vacuum chamber (1 mbar to 1 atm) that is also equipped with a He-purge system which accommodates vacuum sensitive samples while still allowing detection of light elements at atmospheric pressure. Utility and Applicability of µXRF in Astro-materials research and exploration science (ARES): Elemental analysis using µXRF is commonly em-ployed for both terrestrial and planetary geological science disciplines [5]. It is especially useful for analy-sis of astromaterials given the limited sample prepara-tion required, which is not feasible for certain materi-als. Here we show select applications of µXRF anal-yses of astromaterials that can, have, and will be done at JSC’s X-FaCT lab. Point analysis: In-situ spot analyses (~20 µm spot size) on a cut slab of Martian meteorite NWA 10922 allowed for the discovery, qualitative elemental analy-sis and determination of different feldspar minerals [6]. These point analyses served as an effective prelim-inary step for subsequent quantitative analyses. Ana-lytical standards can be employed for more accurate quantification of µXRF spot analyses. Area analysis: This analytical mode measures all detectable elements (from C to Am) at each pixel (>5 µm pixel size) in a user-defined area. The results are shown as elemental maps which can be extracted as 16-bit TIFF’s for further data processing. In Fig. 2. we show elemental distribution maps of the high-Ti basalt 73001,531 that have been processed using ImageJ software. From these maps you can accurately and quickly (this map took ~50 mins.) identify mineral components, such as pyroxene, plagioclase, oxides, and phosphates, compositional zoning, and mineral textures. Detection of high-Z phases: µXRF techniques are es-pecially effective at analyzing trace minerals with high-atomic-number (high-Z) elements because the high-energy characteristic X-rays used (relative to SEM EDS) allow for mapping of K lines in elements up to La (typically SEM maps use L X-ray lines for elements >Zn, and these can often have interferences). Thus, µXRF is especially suited for identifying minerals like zircon, baddeleyite, REE-rich phosphates, Fe-rich met-als, oxides, sulfides, and phosphides [4]. In Fig. 3 we show elemental distribution maps for 73001,530 where we are able to correlate the original video image with, Zr, Si, Y and Hf elemental maps together identi-fying the location of a zircon. In this location you would expect lower Si compared to surrounding mate-rial, as well as higher Zr, Y, and Hf content compared to surrounding material, all of which is confirmed by our XRF ele-mental distribution maps (Figure 2.) Conclusions: The new M4 Tornado Plus µXRF within the Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation office at NASA JSC allows for rapid and non-destructive elemental analysis of astromaterials with limited or no sample preparation. µXRF analyses pro-vide crucial compositional knowledge for the prelimi-nary examination and curation of astromaterials. This instrument enhances the advanced curation capabili-ties in the X-FaCT laboratory at JSC by allowing pro-ductive, cohesive, and non-destructive multi-modal x-ray analyses on astromaterial samples, which is neces-sary for the comprehensive curation and study of our current and future astromaterial collections. Addition-ally, µXRF can provide complimentary information to researchers for studies on astromaterials. References: [1] Allen, C. et al., (2011). Chemie De Erde Geochemistry, 71, 1-20. [2] McCubbin, F. M. et al., (2016) 47th LPSC, abstract #2668 [3] Zeigler, R. A. et al., (2017) 48th LPSC, abstract #2772 [4] Bruker User Manual [5] Young et al., (2016) Appl. Geochemistry, 72, 77-87 [6] Mor-ris, R. V. et al., (2023) 54th LPSC.

E W O'Neal↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development and Demonstration of a Prototype Molten Salt Sampling System

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) offer potential operability and safety advantages when compared to commercial light water reactors (LWRs). However, operating experience with MSRs is sparse in comparison to what exists for LWRs. Further, the chemical and isotopic composition of the fuel and/or coolant salt is dynamic and difficult to characterize continuously, posing potential safety, operability, and safeguards unknowns that need to be addressed. A molten salt sampling system (MSSS) is regarded as a necessary subsystem within first generation MSRs used to obtain samples of salt for chemical and isotopic analysis in support of the need to monitor and control salt composition during operation. The MSSS is being developed using the Safety-in-Design (SiD) methodology, which incorporates incremental integration of safety analysis into the design process. The MSSS conceptual design emerging from the application of the early stages of the SiD methodology consists of a sample collection system and its housing, a freeze port, and inert gas control and delivery systems. This article describes the prototypes developed to test the functions of these MSSS subsystems, presents the results of testing in both dry and molten salt environments (including reliability data collection performed in accordance with the principles of SiD and the development of a semiquantitative fault tree model), and summarizes the opportunities for future design and testing enhancements based on the results of prototype testing.

molten salt reactor↗
DOE OSTI2026

Cation Data for the East River Watershed, Colorado (2014-2025)

This data package contains mean values for cation concentration for water samples taken from the East River Watershed in Colorado. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used to measure the concentrations of elements of interest simultaneously for the East River Watershed, Colorado groundwater and surface water samples to inform insights on the biogeochemistry processes within the watershed. The East River is part of the Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area (WFSFA) located in the Upper Colorado River Basin, United States. For samples collected prior to 06-16-2021, the instrumentation, Elan DRC II, PerkinElmer SCIEX, automatically switches among the three models necessary to analyze all 37 elements. These 37 elements include: (1) Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be), Boron (B), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminium (Al), Silicon (Si), Phosphorus (P), Titanium (Ti), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Germanium (Ge), Arsenic (As), Rubidium (Rb), Strontium (Sr), Zirconium (Zr), Molybdenum (Mo), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Tin (Sn), Antimony (Sb), Caesium (Cs), Barium (Ba), Europium (Eu), Lead (Pb), Thorium (Th), Uranium (U) using standard model, argon Ar as reaction gas, (2) Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Vanadium (V), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe) using dynamic reaction cell (DRC) model, ammonia NH3 as reaction gas, and (3) Phosphorus (P) and Selenium (Se) using DRC model, oxygen O2 as reaction gas. Note for the samples with higher concentrations of chloride (Cl-), asenic (As) concentrations were analysed with DRC model (oxygen O2 as reaction gas) to avoid the interference of chloride. For samples collected on and after 06-16-2021, an advanced Agilent 8900 triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system (Agilent 8900 QQQ ICP-MS, Agilent Technologies) has been used to measure the concentrations of interested 36 elements simultaneously for environmental samples, including (1) Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be) and Boron (B) using standard no gas mode, (2) Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Aluminium (Al) Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Germanium (Ge), Arsenic (As), Rubidium (Rb), Strontium (Sr), Zirconium (Zr), Molybdenum (Mo), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Tin (Sn), Antimony (Sb), Cesium (Cs), Barium (Ba), Europium (Eu), Lead (Pb), Thorium (Th) and Uranium (U) using standard helium (He) collision mode, (3) Titanium (Ti) and Vanadium (V) using high Energy (HEHe) helium (He) collision mode, and (4) Silicon (Si), Calcium (Ca) and Selenium (Se) using standard H2 reaction mode. All samples were prepared/diluted with 2% (v/v) ultrapure nitric acid in Milli-Q water (18.2 mega ohm-cm), and analyzed under a rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) process. This data package contains (1) a zip file (cation_data_2014_2025.zip) containing a total of 5,849 files: 5.848 data files of cation data from across the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area (SFA) which is reported in .csv files per location and a locations.csv (1 file) with latitude and longitude for each location; (2) a file-level metadata (v6_20260901_flmd.csv) file that lists each file contained in the dataset with associated metadata; (3) a data dictionary (v6_20260901_dd.csv) file that contains terms/column_headers used throughout the files along with a definition, units, and data type; (4) PDF and docx files for the detemination of Method Detection Limits (MDLs) for ICP-MS PerkinElmer DRC II instrumentation (Detemination_of_Method_Detection_Limits__MDLs__for_ICP_MS__PerkinElmer_Elan_DRC_II__LBL_Bldg74_Lab214D) for samples before November 2021; (5) PDF and docx files for the determination of MDLs for ICP-MS Agilent 8900 QQQ instrumentation (ICP_MS_Analysis_detection_limits_and_QA_QC_WenmingDong_updated_2026-08-06) for samples November 2021 and onward. Missing values within the anion data files are noted as either "-9999" or "0.0" for not detectable (N.D.) data. There are a total of 113 locations containing cation data. Update on 2021-04-11: Added Detemination of Method Detection Limits (MDLs) for ICP-MS document, which can be accessed as a PDF or with Microsoft Word. Update on 2022-06-10: versioned updates to this dataset was made along with these changes: (1) updated cation data for all locations up to 2021-12-31, (2) removal of units from column headers in datafiles, (3) added row underneath headers to contain units of variables, (4) removed suffix and prefix on two variables (“aqberylliumion_asberyllium” and “aqlithiumion_aslithium”), (5) added -9999 for empty numerical cells, and (6) the addition of the file-level metadata (flmd.csv) and data dictionary (dd.csv) were added to comply with the File-Level Metadata Reporting Format. Update on 2022-09-09: Updates were made to reporting format specific files (file-level metadata and data dictionary) to correct swapped file names, add additional details on metadata descriptions on both files, add a header_row column to enable parsing, and add version number and date to file names (v2_20220909_flmd.csv and v2_20220909_dd.csv). Update on 2023-08-08: Updates were made to both the data files and reporting format specific files. New available anion data was added, up until 2023-01-05. The file level metadata and data dictionary files were updated to reflect the additional data added. Update on 2024-03-11: Updates were made to both the data files and reporting format specific files. New available anion data was added, up until 2023-10-16. Further, revisions to the data files were made to remove incorrect data points (from 1970 and 2001). The reporting format specific files were updated to reflect the additional data added. Updated versions of the PDF and docx files for determination of MDLs for ICP-MS data were added to this dataset for samples starting in November 2021. Update on 2025-05-15: Updates were made to both the data files and reporting format specific files. New available cation data was added, up until the end of WY2024 (September 30, 2024). International Generic Sample Numbers (IGSNs), when registered, were added to the data files. The reporting format specific files were updated to reflect the additional data added. Update on 2026-09-01: Updates were made to both the data files and reporting format specific files. New available cation data was added, up until the end of WY2025 (September 30, 2025). Updated versions, as of 2026-08-06, of the PDF and docx files for determination of MDLs for ICP-MS data were added to this dataset for samples starting in November 2021.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1991

Mars Sample Return mission: Two alternate scenarios

Two scenarios for accomplishing a Mars Sample Return mission are presented herein. Mission A is a low cost, low mass scenario, while Mission B is a high technology, high science alternative. Mission A begins with the launch of one Titan IV rocket with a Centaur G' upper stage. The Centaur performs the trans-Mars injection burn and is then released. The payload consists of two lander packages and the Orbital Transfer Vehicle, which is responsible for supporting the landers during launch and interplanetary cruise. After descending to the surface, the landers deploy small, local rovers to collect samples. Mission B starts with 4 Titan IV launches, used to place the parts of the Planetary Transfer Vehicle (PTV) into orbit. The fourth launch payload is able to move to assemble the entire vehicle by simple docking routines. Once complete, the PTV begins a low thrust trajectory out from low Earth orbit, through interplanetary space, and into low Martian orbit. It deploys a communication satellite into a 1/2 sol orbit and then releases the lander package at 500 km altitude. The lander package contains the lander, the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), two lighter than air rovers (called Aereons), and one conventional land rover. The entire package is contained with a biconic aeroshell. After release from the PTV, the lander package descends to the surface, where all three rovers are released to collect samples and map the terrain.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dual-Remote Raman Technology for In-Situ Identification of Tank Waste

A new Raman spectroscopic system for in-situ identification of the composition of the solid nuclear tank waste is being developed by collaborative effort between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and EIC, Inc. The recent advancements in the Raman technology allow probing the chemical composition of the tank waste without sample collection. In the newly tested configuration, the Raman probe is installed on the top of the tank riser and sends the incident laser beam to the bottom of the tank, 10 – 70 feet away. The returning light containing chemical information is collected by the Raman probe and transmits it via fiber optic cable to the spectrometer located outside the tank farm area. This dual remote technology significantly expands currently limited options for the safe rapid in-situ identification of the solid tank waste needed for the retrieval decisions. The developed Raman system was extensively tested for acceptability prior tank farm deployment. This testing included calibration of the system with the respect of the distance between the Raman probe and the sample, incident laser beam angle, and presence of the optical interferences. The Raman system was successfully deployed to C-111 tank at the US DOE Hanford site. As the result of this deployment, the composition of the hardpan at the bottom of C-111 tank was identified. Further development of the dual-remote Raman technology will provide a significant safety enhancement eliminating the potential of personnel radiation exposure associated with the grab sample collection and expands options of the rapid and cost-effective in-situ chemical analysis of the tank waste.

in-situ Hanford tank, Raman measurement↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dual-Remote Raman Technology for In-Situ Identification of Tank Waste - 13549

A new Raman spectroscopic system for in-situ identification of the composition of solid nuclear tank waste is being developed by collaborative effort between Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and EIC Laboratories, Inc. The recent advancements in Raman technology allow probing the chemical composition of the tank waste without sample collection. In the newly tested configuration, the Raman probe is installed on the top of the tank riser and sends the incident laser beam to the bottom of the tank, 10 - 70 feet away. The returning light containing chemical information is collected by the Raman probe and is transmitted via fiber optic cable to the spectrometer located outside the tank farm area. This dual remote technology significantly expands currently limited options for the safe rapid in-situ identification of the solid tank waste needed for the retrieval decisions. The developed Raman system was extensively tested for acceptability prior to tank farm deployment. This testing included calibration of the system with respect of the distance between the Raman probe and the sample, incident laser beam angle, and presence of the optical interferences. The Raman system was successfully deployed on Tank C-111 at the US DOE Hanford site. As the result of this deployment, the composition of the hardpan at the bottom of C-111 tank was identified. Further development of the dual-remote Raman technology will provide a significant safety enhancement eliminating the potential of personnel radiation exposure associated with the grab sample collection and expands options of the rapid and cost-effective in-situ chemical analysis of the tank waste. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2013

Heavy mineral distribution in stream sediment of Tapah area, Perak, Malaysia

This paper aims to provide the overview of occurrence, distribution and origin of the heavy minerals in the study area. A total of 45 selected stream sediment heavy mineral concentrate samples were panned using standard dulangs, dried and separated from other light minerals using bromoform. The heavy minerals were separated into different fractions at different amperes using Frantz Isodynamic magnetic separator. Mineral identification was done using binocular microscope augmented by X-ray diffraction analyses. Mineral abundance data were analysed graphically using triangular diagrams to show their origin. Dominant minerals present in the heavy mineral samples collected are ilmenite, cassiterite, tourmaline, zircon, topaz, and magnetite. The less common minerals, present in trace amounts are hematite, xenotime, allanite, monazite, rutile, anatase, leucoxene, chromite, garnet and olivine. Examination of the heavy mineral assemblage shows that they originated from granite batholiths of the Main Range, Changkat Rembian as well as from the metasedimentary rock in the area. The gold flakes present are found together with cassiterite and topaz indicating that gold originates from the mineralized veins contact-metamorphosed metasedimentary rocks. Almost all samples collected contain cassiterite grains in various amounts. From the mineral assemblage, the source of cassiterite originates from the mineralized quartz veins that cut granitic rocks of Main Range, Changkat Rembian as well as the metasedimentary rock in the area. Greisenized veins containing quartz, mica and tourmaline with the presence of wolframite and arsenopyrite also contribute to the presence of cassiterite in this study area.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Metagenomic strategies identify diverse integron–integrase and antibiotic resistance genes in the Antarctic environment

The objective of this study is to identify and analyze integrons and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in samples collected from diverse sites in terrestrial Antarctica. Integrons were studied using two independent methods. One involved the construction and analysis of intI gene amplicon libraries. In addition, we sequenced 17 metagenomes of microbial mats and soil by high-throughput sequencing and analyzed these data using the IntegronFinder program. As expected, the metagenomic analysis allowed for the identification of novel predicted intI integrases and gene cassettes (GCs), which mostly encode unknown functions. However, some intI genes are similar to sequences previously identified by amplicon library analysis in soil samples collected from non-Antarctic sites. ARGs were analyzed in the metagenomes using ABRIcate with CARD database and verified if these genes could be classified as GCs by IntegronFinder. We identified 53 ARGs in 15 metagenomes, but only four were classified as GCs, one in MTG12 metagenome (Continental Antarctica), encoding an aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AAC(6´)acetyltransferase) and the other three in CS1 metagenome (Maritime Antarctica). One of these genes encodes a class D β-lactamase (blaOXA-205) and the other two are located in the same contig. One is part of a gene encoding the first 76 amino acids of aminoglycoside adenyltransferase (aadA6), and the other is a qacG2 gene.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

First Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay of a Charmed Baryon: Λ c + → p K + π -

We report the first observation of the decay Λ c + → p K + π - using a 980 fb - 1 data sample collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e - collider. This is the first observation of a doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay of a charmed baryon. We measure the branching ratio of this decay with respect to its Cabibbo-favored counterpart to be B ( Λ c + → p K + π - ) / B ( Λ c + → p K - π + ) = ( 2.35 ± 0.27 ± 0.21 ) × 10 - 3 , where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗