External pixe – A novel approach for determining trace elements in fermentation process.

External Particle Induced X-ray Emission technique was employed in the study of submerged fermentation of ethanol from Jaggery using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the organism. Effect of KNO3 as a nitrogen source was studied and the uptake of the supplement was monitored. A Proton beam of 3MeV from the 3MV Tandom type pelletron accelerator was used for the multi-elemental analysis. Apart from K, other elements like Cr, Fe, Cu and Zn were identified. The sensitivity of the technique was also determined by varying the sample size between 2mm and 10mm.

Trace elemental analysis of dental caries in human teeth by external pixe.

The elemental profiles of the dental caries in human teeth were analyzed by the external proton induced X-ray emission (External PIXE) studies. A total of ten elements including trace namely P, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr and Pb were estimated in the present study. P and Ca were found to be the major elements whereas all other elements were in trace level. It was observed that the concentration of elements Phosphorus and Calcium varied between the range 7.98% and 19.26% and 19.83% and 35.2% respectively in dental caries.