Thomas F. Parkinson

Elemental content of vegetables and millet grown in potted soil amended with lignite fly ash

Vegetables and millet were grown to maturity in potted soil amended with 10% (by weight) of lignite fly ash. Analysis of the ash, soil, and crops for 40 elements showed Al, As, B, Mg, Mo, Rb, and Se to be absorbed at higher levels by the ash-grown plants than the controls in most instances. Selenium was of most concern, because of its toxicity and degree of plant uptake.

A Null-Type Boronimeter for On-Line Analysis

A boronimeter capable of rapid and accurate determination of the boron concentration in the primary coolant of pressurized water reactors is described. The instrument utilizes the neutron transmission method and is thus responsive to the {sup 10}B content of the primary coolant. A unique feature of the boronimeter is a servo-driven absorber sleeve that is positioned to compensate for changes in the boron concentration. This m null-type operation is well suited for on-line analyses and also simplifies the calibration of the boronimeter.