The commencement of the Industrial Revolution has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the concentration of atmospheric CO (pCO). It is, therefore, important to understand how plant communities respond to increased levels of CO levels in the environment. To this end, we examined the effects of spatial variation in pCO on plant physiology using carbon isotope ratios (δC values) and stomatal index (SI) in C plant leaves along a transect from the central Ganga Plain to the foothills of the Himalayas with industrial and non-industrial zones. Our study shows that the plants adjacent to the industrial areas have much lower δC values (avg. -31.8 ‰) and absorbed more fossil fuel-derived carbon (ca. 18 %) than those growing in non-industrial areas (-28.3 ‰). We also observed ca. 25 % lower SI values from the industrial area, suggesting that the increase in CO concentration (for a given water budget) led to high photosynthetic rates with low stomatal conductivity. Therefore, a long-term increase in pCO would lead to higher water-use efficiency in C plants, which would allow them to function better in low moisture conditions. We also suggest that the δC and SI values can be used for mapping carbon sequestration by plants growing in industrialized regions.

The natural tracers δO and δH are essential for tracing hydrological processes by identifying water sources, tracking evaporation loss and floodwater dynamics to enhance water management and flood mitigation strategies. This study employed this approach in the ephemeral, endorheic Cuvelai-Etosha Basin (CEB), spanning northern Namibia and southern Angola, to determine its viability in capturing spatial and temporal hydrological patterns, their timing and interactions during a medium flood condition (2017), and contrasted with a drought year (2014). During the 2017 wet season 219 grab surface water samples were collected from ephemeral waterbodies in four sampling campaigns (February, March, April and May) in addition to a single campaign in May 2014 (63 samples). Samples were analysed for stable isotopes (δ²H and δO) at the University of Namibia laboratory using an off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscope (Los Gatos, DLT-100). Results for 2017 revealed a compositional range of -13.51 to 12.44 ‰ for δO and from -100.1 to 50.9 ‰ for δH. The 2017 samples plot along a low sloping line (δH = 5.19 δO - 13.91) indicating the dominance of the evaporation effect. Amount, seasonality, and latitude effects were also identified in the isotopic composition of the water. The surface water loss to evaporation is in the range of 24-42 % from March to April and 39-69 % from March to May. The excess decreased from April and remains relatively low in May, which supports observations of evaporation losses. The overall large water losses from the system via evaporation reduces the water availability substantially, and the impact is more pronounced in the western part of the basin than in the eastern. Since evaporative loss begins early, even during the rainy season, proactive technical solutions such as floodwater harvesting need to be planned accordingly to mitigate losses and optimizing water use.

Radon (²²²Rn) and thoron (²²⁰Rn) with their progeny (RnP and TnP) are naturally occurring gases posing health risks when accumulated indoors. This study presents the first geostatistical mapping of indoor exposure to these radionuclides in the diamond mining regions of Yokadouma and Mobilong, eastern Cameroon. Over 101 days, activity concentrations were measured in 50 dwellings using radon - thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET) and progeny sensors (DRPS/DTPS). Data were log-linearly normalised and spatially interpolated by ordinary kriging in ArcGIS to assess long-term human and environmental impacts in radiologically enriched mining areas. Radon concentrations ranged from 12.3 to 198.7 Bq m³, thoron from 9.8 to 389 Bq m³, with progeny levels of 0.3-2.7 Bq m³ (RnP) and 0.2-2.1 Bq m³ (TnP). Estimated annual effective doses varied from 0.3 to 9.7 mSv y¹. Active mining sites accounted for over 50 % of RnP and TnP levels due to granite and thorium-rich bedrock. Inhalation doses averaged 5.4 ± 0.8 mSv y¹ in active mines, 4.8 ± 0.7 mSv y¹ in nearby villages, and 3.6 ± 0.5 mSv y¹ in Yokadouma. About 26 % of homes exceeded the ICRP's 6 mSv y¹ limit, mainly in poorly ventilated mining zones. Kriging and variogram modelling identified high-risk zones requiring intervention. Spatial variability correlated with building materials and ventilation. The inactive Mobilong site showed minimal influence (< 5 %). Findings emphasise mining's role in enhancing indoor radiological hazards and support targeted monitoring and mitigation policies.

Nuclear medicine has witnessed revolutionary progress, spurred by advances in radiopharmaceuticals, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence. These advances have not only improved cancer diagnosis and treatment but also broadened nuclear medicine's application in the treatment of cardiovascular, neurological, and infectious diseases. The current research presents an in-depth review of radiotracers, encompassing production processes, market trends, and India's strategic initiatives towards improving nuclear medicine infrastructure. Emphasis on four key isotopes, I, Tc, F, and C, featuring their changing clinical use, ranging from high-resolution imaging to targeted radiopharmaceuticals treatments. The inclusion of radiopharmaceuticals with organic-based molecules has also improved drug delivery effectiveness by providing better specificity and lower toxicity. In addition, a comprehensive review of the central role of Geant4 in simulating radiation interactions and dose distribution, highlighting its complementarity with computational human phantoms to achieve higher accuracy in radiation dosimetry, has been discussed. Moreover, the emergence of artificial intelligence-based methods in medical imaging and treatment planning has brought new avenues for automation, diagnostic accuracy, and individualized therapy, notwithstanding issues related to interpretability, data bias, and regulatory issues. The review also discusses fundamental limitations of computational modeling and artificial intelligence implementation, suggesting areas of future research. As new technologies evolve continuously to influence nuclear medicine, interdisciplinary advances are set to redefine diagnostics, enhance therapeutic success, and propel the field towards more individualized, streamlined, and accessible healthcare solutions.

Understanding movements of animals and people in modern or historic contexts is hindered by limited animal tissue proxies to indicate regional origins. On North America's east coast, stable oxygen and hydrogen isoscapes provide broad latitudinal proxies, but more nuanced geographical proxies are lacking. This study examines oxygen, strontium, and sulfur isotopes in deer bone bioapatite and collagen from Virginia, USA, which reflects grazing location, to create the first robust δS distribution in this region, contribute new Sr/Sr data to a currently small regional dataset, consider δO values on a more nuanced scale, determine which isotope systems best indicate particular regions, and especially consider the efficacy of δS for geographic location. Random forest models show longitudinal trends in δO and Sr/Sr data; δS values were more variable across Virginia with unique values in specific areas. Model results suggest δO values are most affected by geomorphic and meteorological controls, specifically altitude effects of the Appalachian Mountains, aridity, and mean annual temperature. The Sr/Sr ratios are controlled largely by underlying bedrock geology, allochthonous dust and sea spray deposition, and surface source mixing. The western coal-bearing formations of the Appalachian Plateau showed relatively low δS values; the eastern Coastal Plains showed relatively high δS resulting from dust and sea spray deposition. Modeled proxies for modern anthropogenic inputs of these elements (e.g. fossil fuels) notably were not strong controlling factors for these isotope systems; therefore, the models produced here are suitable for identification of geographic location using bone isotope values from modern, historic, or paleontological samples. Linear discriminant analysis suggests A multi-isotope approach using δO, Sr/Sr, and δS data provides a more nuanced geographic prediction than one isotope system alone in this region. The δS values in particular are emerging as a potential new proxy to indicate broad east-west movements of animals and people.

This study provides a radiological evaluation of commonly used pediatric medications obtained from pharmacies in Erbil, focusing on the measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides-²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³⁸U-and the associated internal exposure concerns. The investigation quantified radionuclide concentrations and assessed dose-related parameters, including dose rate, annual effective dose (AED), average annual internal effective dose (AAIED), and health hazard indices such as excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and risk of an excess cancer fatality per million persons (RECFPMP). All measured radioactive quantities were within safety thresholds established by UNSCEAR, ICRP, WHO, and EPA. In all pediatric medication samples, ²²²Rn concentrations were below legal limits, while ²²⁶Ra and ²³⁸U levels also met international reference standards. The calculated AED and AAIED values remained within permissible exposure limits, indicating negligible radiological danger. However, ELCR values (2.50-6.57 × 10³) exceeded minimal international risk thresholds, with the highest value observed in sample S21, suggesting a non-negligible long-term concern. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and stricter quality control, particularly for imported medicines, to ensure long-term safety in this vulnerable population. From a regulatory perspective, the results support incorporating radiological screening into pharmaceutical quality assurance programs by the Iraqi Ministry of Health and drug importation agencies. Overall, while pediatric medications in Erbil appear radiologically safe, ongoing surveillance is warranted to mitigate potential risks from elevated activity concentrations in selected samples.

Invasive plants pose a significant threat to ecosystems by disrupting the ecological balance, which includes the alteration of biogeochemical processes. Among the most aggressive invaders is , a species that thrives in riparian zones - critical interfaces between aquatic and terrestrial environments - where it significantly impacts biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Despite its success as an invader, the mechanisms that drive both the impact and success of upon ecosystem processes remain poorly understood. Prior studies have suggested that may exhibit traits such as a unique preference for ammonium over nitrate, potentially altering nitrogen availability for native plants like . Additionally, it has been proposed that the species leverages phenolic compounds to influence soil biogeochemistry and nitrogen cycling. However, these processes lack comprehensive investigation. Using stable isotope labelling (N and C), we found that, contrary to prior assumptions, showed an overall lower uptake of both ammonium and nitrate relative to the native competitor, . Although we expected a preference for ammonium, instead exhibited a slight preference for nitrate. In addition, demonstrated higher nitrogen-use efficiency and allocated more freshly assimilated carbon and nitrogen to root growth than . These findings suggest that traits such as efficient nitrogen use and strategic root allocation may contribute to 's ability to establish itself in nitrogen-variable environments like riparian zones. By prioritising belowground biomass during early development, may gain a competitive advantage that enables it to disrupt native plant communities and alter ecosystem dynamics. This study underscores the value of stable isotopes in understanding plant-soil interactions and informs strategies for managing invasive species in sensitive ecosystems.

Rare earth element (REE) surface deposits containing primordial radionuclides such as uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K) were identified in the Dong Pao region, northern Vietnam. As the area is inhabited, an in-depth investigation assessed environmental radioactivity, radiation doses, radiobiological parameters, and DNA alterations to evaluate health risks. Investigations were conducted in the REE deposit area and a control area 20 km away. Soil, water, and locally produced foods were analysed by gamma spectrometry to determine concentrations of ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, and ⁴⁰K, allowing estimation of annual effective doses from external gamma radiation. Ambient dose equivalent was measured with a survey meter and compared with dose estimates based on soil activity concentrations. Effective doses from ingestion were calculated from radionuclide concentrations in food and water. Inhalation doses were estimated from indoor ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn concentrations measured by solid-state nuclear track detectors in dwellings of both areas. Hematological parameters were analysed in blood samples using ADVIA2120 equipment. Peripheral blood counts of both groups were within normal ranges. -tests revealed significant differences in neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in white blood cells of females from the REE area compared to controls. Neutrophil-to-platelet and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in adult females from the ore deposits area were significantly higher, indicating possible inflammation, an early sign of cancer. gene sequencing showed significantly higher genotype frequencies of rs137852793 and c.701 + 25 variants in individuals from the REE area. Results clearly indicate that ionising radiation from REE ore deposits poses a health hazard to the local population, particularly females. Polymorphism of the gene may serve as a biomarker for radiation exposure.

This study investigates the natural radioactivity levels of U, Th, and K in soil samples using a NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer. The primary objective was to determine the activity levels of radionuclides such as U, Th, and K in soil samples and to assess the related radiological risk. Based on these measurements, several radiological parameters, including radium equivalent activity (Ra), outdoor absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), external hazard indices (H), and annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), were calculated. Additionally, the effective radiation dose to specific body organs (D) was estimated to evaluate the potential biological impact of external gamma radiation exposure. The results indicate that the activity level of U slightly exceeds the world recommended limit of (35 Bq kg), while the calculated radiological variables such as ADR (101 ± 13 nGy h), AEDE (0.12 ± 0.02 mSv y), ELCR (0.43 ± 0.08), and AGDE (366 ± 48 µSv y) were slightly higher than the internationally recommended safety limits. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed, helping to identify potential sources and interrelationships among the measured radionuclides and radiological variables.

The uranium levels were investigated in 350 drinking water samples from different aquifers (alluvium, quartzite, limestone, slate, phyllite and schist, hornstone breciss, and granite) in northeastern Rajasthan, India. The LED Fluorimeter (model: LF-2a) technique was employed to determine the uranium levels in the drinking water samples. The uranium concentrations range from 0.62 to 128.63, 0.58 to 99.35, 0.79 to 54.40, 0.61 to 41.35, 2.63 to 3.30, 0.57 to 46.24, and 1.01 to 11.98 µg/L, with mean values of 15.95, 9.14, 14.90, 9.70, 2.97, 12.72, and 4.96 µg/L, respectively, for the alluvium, quartzite, limestone, slate, phyllite and schist, hornstone breciss, and granite aquifers. Uranium concentrations across the studied area varied between 0.57 and 128.63 µg/L, with an average of 13.68 µg/L. About 11.14 % of the samples surpassed the World Health Organization's recommended limit (30 µg/L). The radiation dose was calculated by considering the water intake of various age groups, and found infants received the highest calculated dose. On the radiological aspect, two groundwater samples from an alluvium aquifer exceeded the prescribed level (1.67 × 10) recommended by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India. The average daily dose of uranium from drinking water ranged from 0.02 to 3.68 µg/kg/day. Approximately 8.3 % of the samples from different aquifers surpassed hazard quotient values of unity and indicated chemical toxicity risks. Uranium levels showed no correlation with physicochemical parameters in all the aquifers.

In karst ecosystems like the Gaoping River Basin (Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China), widespread evaporite deposits and exogenous acids inputs drive a shift in water chemistry from carbonate-dominated to sulfate-dominated regimes. Characterizing sulfate () sources and spatiotemporal dynamics is critical for managing vulnerable karst water resources. This study uses hydrochemistry, sulfur-oxygen , and water (δD, ) isotopes, combined with the SIAR model, to trace sources across river reaches and hydrological seasons. Results show that sulfate in the Gaoping River originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources: In the upstream, water-rock interactions during groundwater (GW)-surface water (SW) recharge drive gypsum dissolution in carbonate formations, contributing 20.9-21.7 % of in SW and 20.7-30.4 % in GW. In midstream, where agricultural land use dominates, soil-derived sulfate becomes the primary source, accounting for 23.3-25.8 % (SW) and 24.6-28.3 % (GW), correlated with land-use intensity. In downstream, intensive human activities (sewage discharge, fertilizer application) elevate anthropogenic inputs, with sewage contributing approximately 20.1 % to loads in both SW and GW, and fertilizer inputs accounting for 24.0 %. The SIAR model confirms a transition from geogenic (gypsum, soil sulfate) to anthropogenic dominance downstream, with overall water chemistry shifting to a HCO·SO-Ca type, indicative of carbonate-to-sulfate evolution. These findings underscore the interplay between karst geology, land use, and hydrological processes in shaping sulfate budgets. The study provides a data-driven framework for targeted management: protecting upstream gypsum outcrops, optimizing midstream agricultural practices, and improving downstream wastewater treatment, thereby advancing sustainable karst water resource management in vulnerable ecosystems.

After the Gulf Wars in 1991 and 2003, as well as ISIS, Iraq's environment has experienced significant pollution and degradation, earning it a dubious classification as one of the world's most polluted areas, according to the World Pollution Review. This poses serious health risks to the local population, including a significant increase in female infertility. In this study, uranium concentrations were measured in blood samples collected from three groups: a healthy group ( =  20), primary infertile females ( =  29) and secondary infertile females ( =  11). Uranium concentration was determined by irradiating blood samples with a thermal neutron source (Am-Be) (3.024 × 10 n cm). Hormone concentrations in serum blood were measured using a Snibe Maglumi 800 (CLIA); the concentration of uranium in healthy females was at the rate of 0.712 ppb less than 0.810 ppb limit recommended by ICRP/WHO, while they were high for females suffering from primary and secondary infertility, at a rate of 1.149 and 1.148 ppb, respectively. The effect of uranium on female fertility hormones is of biological significance, especially when exposed to toxic or radioactive levels of uranium, this is a negative indicator of the toxic effect of uranium on female hormones, as there is a clear hormonal imbalance in the concentration of FSH, LH, β-hCG, E2 and progesterone, resulting the inability to get pregnant. One of the most common causes in recent years is the problem of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a high ratio in infertile females (primary infertility 16 % and secondary infertility 21 %) as a result of abnormalities in hormonal levels due to the radiological toxicity effect of uranium.

Soil serves as both a repository and a pathway for natural radioactivity, influencing human exposure through the transfer of radionuclides into the food-chain and atmosphere. Industrial activities can further disrupt this distribution by introducing contaminants, potentially leading to environmental accumulation. This pioneering study investigates the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) and assesses radiological hazards in soil from the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Industrial Area in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh. Thirty soil samples were systematically collected at radial distances of 100, 400 and 800 m from the industrial center. The range of activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were found to be 20 ± 2 to 35 ± 3, 23 ± 2 to 55 ± 4, and 420 ± 32 to 610 ± 51 Bq kg, respectively, while the activity concentrations of certain ²²⁶Ra, most ²³²Th, and all ⁴⁰K exceed the global average values of 30, 35, and 400 Bq kg, respectively. Notably, ⁴⁰K levels remain relatively consistent across the study area, whereas ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th concentrations tend to decrease with increasing distance from the industrial site. The elevated radionuclide levels may be attributed to local geological formations rich in heavy minerals, industrial processes that redistribute these elements, and anthropogenic activities such as waste disposal and construction. Additionally, Sample 16 (23.5422849°N, 89.1951063°E) exhibited trace amount of ¹³⁷Cs (1.84 ± 0.26 Bq kg), indicating possible contamination from past nuclear fallout events such as Chernobyl or Fukushima. While radium equivalent activity and hazard indices remain within safety limits, certain outdoor absorbed dose rates, external effective doses, gamma representative level indices, and excess lifetime cancer risks exceed recommended thresholds, raising concerns about potential long-term health risks. These findings underscore the need for cautious land use planning, particularly for agricultural and construction purposes. Furthermore, this study provides essential baseline data to monitor radioactivity in industrial zones before the commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

The pioneer work on the measurement and distribution of natural radioactivity levels was carried out in the sediment samples of Asia's largest coastal lagoon, Chilika, India. The activity concentrations of radionuclides in the sediment samples measured by using a high-resolution HPGe semiconductor detector gamma-ray spectroscopy system, and the average activity concentration of Ra, Th, and K were found to be 28.25 ± 7.85, 84.27 ± 30.93 and 610.57 ± 89.74 Bq kg. The contour map, drawn using the Kriging method, illustrates the geospatial distribution of each radionuclide in Chilika. The results show the distribution of radionuclides and are compared with similar results from different locations in the worldwide. The activity concentrations are also compared with the average values of the world and India. The radiological indices for the lagoonal system were calculated, and the mean values are 195.77 Bq kg for radium equivalent (Ra), 167.53 nGy h for absorbed gamma dose rate (D), 0.21 mSv y for annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), 631.27 µSv y for Annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), 0.53 for external hazard index (H), 0.61 for internal hazard index (H), 0.72 for gamma representative level index (Iγr), and 0.14 for alpha index (Iα). The mean value of the Ra obtained from the study area was less than the international value of 370 Bq kg. All the radiological assessment indices indicated that the observed values are below the threshold values.

A survey on indoor radon, thoron and their progeny activity concentration has been carried out in two districts of Meghalaya, India, using the recently developed pin-hole dosimeter and DRPS/DTPS progeny sensors. Significant variation in these radionuclides has been observed amongst different house types and seasons of the year; responsible factors are discussed in detail. The mean observed concentration level of radon, thoron and their progeny are 63.7 ± 6, 65.1 ± 8, 24.8 ± 2 and 1.3 ± 0.1 Bq m, respectively. These values are higher than the global average but lie within the prescribed limit. The estimated total annual effective dose is 2.07 mSv, which is within the permissible limit (3-10 mSv) as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Calculated values of radon and thoron equilibrium factors are, at par, with global findings. Positive but weak correlations between radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations have been observed.

Online liquid chromatography (LC) followed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is a trusted technique to detect honey adulteration based on the stable carbon isotope composition (δC) of trisaccharides, disaccharides, glucose and fructose. However, LC-IRMS demands specialised analytical setups not commonly found in most isotope labs. Here we investigate the use of off-line LC followed by elemental analysis (EA)-IRMS as an alternative employing more commonly available instruments. Precision and accuracy were excellent for fructose and glucose (error < 0.1 mUr), but less so for disaccharides and trisaccharides, which are similar results to online LC-IRMS. Therefore, offline LC-EA-IRMS can be a viable alternative for the analysis of honey purity employing stable carbon isotopes.

Over 50% of the annual dosage is caused by inhaling radon, thoron, and their decay products. Additionally, indoor concentrations of radon and thoron's decay agents are primarily responsible for the inhalation doses linked to these gases. This study aimed to measure the activity of radon in soil of Nizampur, and associated cancer risk using an RAD7 detector. The range and average values of radon in soil were found to be 994-14,700 Bq m and 6184 Bq m, respectively. Radon exhalation rate ranged from 220 to 3442 Bq m h with an average value of 1447 Bq m h. The statistical analysis of radon in the soil shows that due to possible localized sources or measurement inconsistency, ambient radon data often exhibits mild skewness or kurtosis, which is shown by minor deviations at the extremes (tails). Based on the values of radon exhalation rate which were found higher than the world permissible value of 57.60 Bq m h, it is concluded that the soil of the study area may pose health hazards if it is used for construction or other purposes.

This study aims to evaluate the radiation doses from building materials, including sand, cement, brick, faience, plaster and marble, collected from different sites in eastern Algeria. The specific activities of natural radionuclides, mainly represented by the natural radioactive series U, Th and primordial K, were determined using a gamma spectrometry system equipped with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Radiological hazard parameters (Ra, H, H, I and I) associated with these activities were calculated to determine the suitability of the construction materials. To assess their radiological risks to human health, an analysis of absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was performed and the results examined and compared with those reported elsewhere. The findings obtained for these samples are within the limits of internationally recommended values.

The use of chemical and organic fertilizers in the farms of the Kurdistan region has increased because of land reclamation and agricultural activities. The ores used in some chemical fertilizers contain various amounts of radioisotopes such as U, Th, K and Cs. For this reason, chemical fertilizers are considered one of many sources of radionuclides and radioactivity in the environment. In this work, the specific activities of U, Th, K and Cs in samples of twenty common chemical fertilizers and of five organic fertilizers were estimated by using a gamma ray spectrometer based on the NaI(Tl) detector The total average activity concentrations of U, Th, K and Cs were 8.81, 8.31, 2360.36 and 0.07 Bq kg, respectively. In general, chemical fertilizers revealed higher radioactivity than organic fertilizers, and the agricultural application of these fertilizers may cause health risks unless their usage has been controlled scientifically.

To assess the natural radioactivity levels and associated health risks in beach sand from Kuakata Sea Beach, this study performed a comprehensive radiological analysis of systematically collected sand samples using high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectroscopy. The average (range) radioactivity levels of Ra, Th, and K in the examined sand samples were 57 (37-105), 121 (76-231), and 210 (181-270) Bq kg, respectively, thus markedly higher than the world average values of 30, 35, and 400 Bq kg for Ra, Th, and K, respectively. The evaluation of different radiological risk parameters indicates values (maximum radium equivalent activity of 449.27 Bq kg, maximum outdoor absorbed dose rate of 205.58 nGy h, and maximum external hazard index of 1.21) much higher than the recommended levels, signifying that heavy minerals rich sands could pose a substantial health risk to individuals. The current findings have the potential to generate interest and exploration in rare-earth resources, particularly for their applications in the electronics industry, and thorium based nuclear fuel cycle resources for the next generation nuclear energy industry.

Biological samples collected during oceanographic research are often chemically preserved to maintain tissue integrity prior to analysis. However, chemical preservation can produce changes in isotopic signatures and elemental compositions of the preserved samples. These changes typically adhere to predictable ranges, but effects vary by species. The impacts of two commonly used chemical preservatives, formalin and ethanol, were tested on tissue samples from Atlantic bluefin tuna () and Atlantic bonito (). Tissue samples underwent bulk isotope signature and elemental analysis for N, C, %N, %C, and C:N before chemical preservation and again after 1, 3, and 12 months. Significant increase in N occurred after preservation in both formalin and ethanol (12-month preservation: +0.95 ‰ ± 0.2 formalin, +0.83 ‰ ± 0.3 ethanol ; +0.9 ‰ ± 0.2 formalin,+0.86 ‰ ± 0.2 ethanol ). In most cases, a significant decrease in C after preservation was observed, but the effect from formalin was most extreme (12-month preservation: -2.93 ‰ ± 0.2 formalin, -0.34 ‰ ± 0.4 ethanol ; -2.86 ‰ ±0.2 formalin,-0.33 ‰ ±0.1 ethanol ). Changes to tissue C:N ratio were significant after preservation in formalin (+0.18 ± 0.1 ; + 0.27 ± 0.1 ), but not after preservation in ethanol. Similarities in changes of each parameter were observed between both Scombrid species. The observed changes in N (∼1 ‰) were minor relative to expected differences between trophic levels (3-5 ‰). However, decrease in C by formalin (∼3 ‰) may result in misinterpretation of primary producer communities if corrections for preservation effect are not done. Changes in elemental composition (%N, %C, and C:N) were more variable. The mechanisms by which chemical preservatives interact with tissue carbon and nitrogen require further study to explain the relative changes in elemental composition over time.