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The Comet Astrobiology Exploration Sample Return (CAESAR) Mission

The Comet Astrobiology Exploration Sample Return (CAESAR) mission will acquire and return to Earth for laboratory analysis a minimum of 80 grams of surface material from the nucleus of comet 67P/Chur-yumov-Gerasimenko (67P). CAESAR will characterize the surface region sampled, preserve the collected sample in a pristine state, and return evolved volatiles by capturing them in a separate gas reservoir. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center provides project management, systems engineering, safety and mission assurance, contamination control, mission operations, and many other important functions. Northrop Grumman Space Systems will build the spacecraft, based on Dawn mission heritage, which like CAESAR, uses solar electric propulsion. CAESAR was selected by for Phase A study in the New Frontiers 4 Competition and will be proposed to New Frontiers 5.Collection of a sample from the surface of comet 67P is facilitated by a set of cameras that together provide images to support sample site selection, perform optical navigation, and document the sample before, during, and after col-lection. The sample is collected at the end of an arm during a 5-second touch-and-go (TAG) maneuver with the Sample Acquisition System (SAS)designed by Honeybee Robotics for the surface properties of comet 67P observed by the Rosetta mission. After sample collection, and while the sample is still cold (< -80°C), the TAG Arm inserts the sample container into the Sample Containment System (SCS) mounted inside the Sample Return Capsule (SRC). The SCS is sealed, preventing the sample from escaping into space. The sample is slowly warmed inside the SCS to enable sublimation of volatiles, which are collected in the Gas Containment System (GCS), a passively cooled gas reservoir. Separating the volatiles from the solid sample protects the solid sample from alteration. Once all sublimated H2O is transferred to the GCS, the GCS is sealed to capture the volatile sit contains, and the SCS is vented to space to maintain the solid sample under vacuum. The SCS vent is closed before Earth entry to prevent atmospheric contamination. Detailed laboratory analyses of the sample from 67P will trace the history of volatile reservoirs, delineate the chemical pathways that led from simple interstellar species to complex molecules, constrain the evolution of the comet, and evaluate the role of comets in delivering water and prebiotic organics to the early Earth. CAESAR will achieve these goals by carrying out coordinated sample analyses that will link macroscopic properties of the comet with microscale mineralogy, chemistry, and isotopic studies of volatiles and solids. Most of the sample (≥75%) will be set aside for analyses by generations of scientists using continually advancing tools and methods, yielding an enduring scientific treasure that only sample return can provide. This presentation will review development conducted during NF4 Phase A and discuss the NF5 mission concept.

A G Hayes↗

DOE OSTI2015

Laser machined plastic laminates. Towards portable diagnostic devices for use in low resource environments

Despite significant progress in development of bioanalytical devices cost, complexity, access to reagents and lack of infrastructure have prevented use of these technologies in resource-limited regions. To provide a sustainable tool in the global effort to combat infectious diseases the diagnostic device must be low cost, simple to operate and read, robust, and have sensitivity and specificity comparable to laboratory analysis. Thus, in this mini-review we describe recent work using laser machined plastic laminates to produce diagnostic devices that are capable of a wide variety of bioanalytical measurements and show great promise towards future use in low-resource environments.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Signatures of Thermal and Electrical Crosstalk in a Microwave Multiplexed Hard X-ray Transition Edge Sensor Array

We investigate the crosstalk between Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) pixels in a 24-pixel hard X-ray spectrometer array fabricated at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. Analysis shows thermal cross talk, possibly associated with insufficient thermalization, and rare but larger in magnitude electrical crosstalk between specific perpetrator-victim pixel combinations, potentially due to defects in the bias wiring or microwave multiplexing circuit. We use a method based on group-triggering and averaging to isolate the crosstalk response despite only having access to X-ray photon illumination uniform across the entire array. This allows us to identify thermal and electrical crosstalk between pixel pairs in repeated measurements to the level of 1 part in 1000 or better. In the array under study, the magnitude of observed crosstalk is small but comparable to the resolving power of this pixel design (E/Delta E similar to\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$E/\Delta {}E \sim$$\end{document} 1000 at 20 keV) and so potentially responsible for a degradation in energy resolution of the array at high incident photon rates. Having proven the methods to identify and quantify crosstalk in our setup, we can now consider mitigations.

Triamkitsawat, Panthita↗

DOE OSTI2014

Examination of lead concentrations in new decorative enamel paints in four countries with different histories of activity in lead paint regulation

Paints with high lead concentrations (ppm) continue to be sold around the world in many developing countries and those with economies in transition representing a major preventable environmental health hazard that is being increased as the economies expand and paint consumption is increasing. Prior lead paint testing had been performed in Brazil and India and these countries were selected to examine the impact of a new regulatory limit in Brazil and the impact of efforts of non-governmental organizations and others to stop the use of lead compounds in manufacturing paints. Armenia and Kazakhstan, in Central Asia, were selected because no information on lead concentration in those regions was available, no regulatory activities were evident and non-governmental organizations in the IPEN network were available to participate. Another objective of this research was to evaluate the lead loading (µg/cm{sup 2}) limit determined by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) for areas on toys that are too small to obtain a sample of sufficient size for laboratory analysis. The lead concentrations in more than three-fourths of the paints from Armenia and Kazakhstan exceeded 90 ppm, the limit in the United States, and 600 ppm, the limit in Brazil. The percentages were about one-half as high in Brazil and India. The average concentration in paints purchased in Armenia, 25,000 ppm, is among the highest that has been previously reported, that in Kazakhstan, 15,700 ppm, and India, 16,600, about median. The average concentration in Brazil, 5600 ppm, is among the lowest observed. Paints in Brazil that contained an average of 36,000 ppm before the regulatory limit became effective were below detection (<9 ppm) in samples collected in the current study. The lack of any apparent public monitoring of paint lead content as part of regulatory enforcement makes it difficult to determine whether the regulation was a major factor contributing to the decline in lead use in these paints. Using data from the current study and those available from other studies 24 of 28 paints from major brands in India decreased from high concentrations to 90 ppm or lower. Since lead concentrations in golden yellow paints from these brands were found to decrease to ≤90 ppm, it is possible that all 28 of these paints now contain ≤90 ppm since yellow paints usually have the highest lead concentrations. Other brands in Brazil and India that have been analyzed only one time had lead concentrations up to 59,000 ppm and 134,000 ppm, respectively. Less than one-third of the paints had notations on their labels with information about lead content and these were sometimes inaccurate. The label from one brand indicating “no added lead” contained paint with 134,000 ppm lead, the highest found in this study. Three percent (3 of 98) of the paints with surface lead loading that did not exceed 2 µg/cm{sup 2}, the limit established by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act for small areas on toys, contained greater than 90 ppm lead and thus were false negatives. Of the new paint samples that contained ≤600 ppm, 88% contained ≤90 ppm. Of the samples that contained ≤90 ppm, 97% contained ≤45 ppm and 92% contained ≤15 ppm. Based on these data it appears to be technically feasible to manufacture paints containing ≤90 ppm and in many cases to produce paints that have lead concentrations that do not exceed 15 ppm. - Highlights: • Brazilian paints with high lead (avg. 36,000 ppm) contained <9 ppm after regulation. • Lead in major Indian paint brands decreased to low levels by efforts of NGOs/others. • Most paints with lead ≤600 ppm also are ≤90 ppm and many also ≤15 ppm. • At the CPSIA limit of 2 µg Pb/cm{sup 2} for small areas on toys, 3% exceeded 90 ppm lead. • Most paint brands in Armenia and Kazakhstan based/manufactured outside the country.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2017

Comparative ignition tests of coal under oxy-fuel conditions in a standardized laboratory test rig

Ignitability is important to characterize pulverized coal combustion, as it is directly related to flame stability. The current paper describes a practical test rig for rapid laboratory analysis of pulverized coal cloud ignition properties. The system has been designed for conventional coal combustion conditions using air as the oxidant. In the current work, the measurement principle of the device is described and its adaption to and applicability for oxy-fuel combustion tests is demonstrated. Four coals with different rank were measured in air and in oxy-fuel atmospheres containing 20–35 vol% O 2 in CO 2 . Finally, the major influencing factors for the investigated samples were found to be the coal rank and the gas-phase oxygen concentration, while a minor influence of particle size was observed.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

DOE OSTI2019

Increasing the detection sensitivity of the Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler/Analyzer using a cosmic veto system

Different configurations of a cosmic veto system have been evaluated for the Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler/Analyzer (RASA). The upgrade has the potential to resolve the issue that U.S. IMS radionuclide stations have difficulty meeting the 140Ba Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) certification requirement when the natural background radioactivity is high. It also aims to improve the detection sensitivity of the RASA system for other fission and activation products indicative of a nuclear explosion. This proof of principal utilizes a prototype RASA system located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and has demonstrated background reductions by up to 11.3% and improvements in the average MDC by up to 7.7%. Recommendations are made for either a 1 or 3 plate configuration, which improves the 140Ba MDC by 5.6% and 7.2% for a blank filter. Whilst elevated 212Pb activity remains problematic, the cosmic veto system provides a practical solution for sensitivity improvement with little design modification of the RASA. It also has value in improving sensitivity and preventing false-positives at remote U.S. IMS station locations where sample transfer for laboratory analysis is logistically difficult.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, RASA, Cosmi↗

DOE OSTI2011

A case report of motor neuron disease in a patient showing significant level of DDTs, HCHs and organophosphate metabolites in hair as well as levels of hexane and toluene in blood

Motor neuron disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition, with the majority of sporadic, non-familial cases being of unknown etiology. Several epidemiological studies have suggested that occupational exposure to chemicals may be associated with disease pathogenesis. We report the case of a patient developing progressive motor neuron disease, who was chronically exposed to pesticides and organic solvents. The patient presented with leg spasticity and developed gradually clinical signs suggestive of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which was supported by the neurophysiologic and radiological findings. Our report is an evidence based case of combined exposure to organochlorine (DDTs), organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and organic solvents as confirmed by laboratory analysis in samples of blood and hair confirming systematic exposure. The concentration of non-specific dialkylphosphates metabolites (DAPs) of OPs in hair (dimethyphopshate (DMP) 1289.4 pg/mg and diethylphosphate (DEP) 709.4 pg/mg) and of DDTs (opDDE 484.0 pg/mg, ppDDE 526.6 pg/mg, opDDD 448.4 pg/mg, ppDDD + opDDT 259.9 pg/mg and ppDDT 573.7 pg/mg) were considerably significant. Toluene and n-hexane were also detected in blood on admission at hospital and quantified (1.23 and 0.87 {mu}g/l, respectively), while 3 months after hospitalization blood testing was found negative for toluene and n-hexane and hair analysis was provided decrease levels of HCHs, DDTs and DAPs. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Exposure to pesticides and organic solvents might be a risk factor for sporadic MND. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We report a patient who developed progressive upper and lower motor neuron disease. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The patient had a history of occupational exposure to pesticides and solvents. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High DDTs' levels and increased levels of DMP and DEP were measured in his hair. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The patients' exposure to chemicals might have played a role in MND development.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2012

Importance of aerosol composition, mixing state, and morphology for heterogeneous ice nucleation: A combined field and laboratory approach

In this study chemical compositions of background aerosol and ice nuclei were examined through laboratory investigations using Raman spectroscopy and field measurements by single-particle mass spectrometry. Aerosol sampling took place at Storm Peak Laboratory in Steamboat Springs, Colorado (elevation of 3210 m). A cascade impactor was used to collect coarse-mode aerosol particles for laboratory analysis by Raman spectroscopy; the composition, mixing state, and heterogeneous ice nucleation activity of individual particles were examined. For in situ analysis of fine-mode aerosol, ice nucleation on ambient particles was observed using a compact ice nucleation chamber. Ice crystals were separated from unactivated aerosol using a pumped counterflow virtual impactor, and ice nuclei were analyzed using particle analysis by laser mass spectrometry. For both fine and coarse modes, the ice nucleating particle fractions were enriched in minerals and depleted in sulfates and nitrates, compared to the background aerosol sampled. The vast majority of particles in both the ambient and ice active aerosol fractions contained a detectable amount of organic material. Raman spectroscopy showed that organic material is sometimes present in the form of a coating on the surface of inorganic particles. We find that some organic-containing particles serve as efficient ice nuclei while others do not. For coarse-mode aerosol, organic particles were only observed to initiate ice formation when oxygen signatures were also present in their spectra.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2018

Rapid determination of soil classes in soil profiles using vis–NIR spectroscopy and multiple objectives mixed support vector classification

Summary Visible‐near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy can reveal various soil properties and facilitate soil classification. However, few studies have attempted to classify vertical soil profiles that contain several genetic horizons. Here, we propose the ‘multiple objectives mixed support vector classification’ (MOM–SVC) method to classify soil profiles. A total of 130 soil profiles were collected from genetic horizons in Zhejiang Province, China. After laboratory analysis, soil profiles were classified according to the Chinese Soil Taxonomy system. Vis–NIR spectra were recorded from each genetic horizon of each soil profile and were then pre‐processed. We performed the MOM–SVC method as follows: (i) created a support vector machine (SVM) model (one‐versus‐one approach) using spectral data from all soil horizons in calibration profiles, (ii) applied the SVM model on each horizon of the profile to be predicted, (iii) extracted ‘votes’ from each horizon and mixed (or summarized) them into the votes of each profile to be predicted and (iv) classified each profile by the majority‐voting method. We also investigated whether the additional input of auxiliary soil information (e.g. moist soil colour, soil organic matter and soil texture), which could be measured easily or be well predicted by vis–NIR spectroscopy, could improve the accuracy of soil classification when combined with it. Independent validation results showed that the MOM–SVC method performed better at the soil order level than at the suborder level. Adding auxiliary soil information to the classification model improved the overall accuracy of classification at the soil order level. The proposed MOM–SVC method provides a fast objective diagnostic of soil classes for use in soil surveys and can help to update soil databases when a more objective soil classification system is developed. Highlights The MOM–SVC method can be used to classify soil profiles objectively with a variety of soil horizons. Stratified random sampling was used to quantify prediction uncertainty in classification MOM–SVC can predict soil orders with greater accuracy than suborders. Adding auxiliary soil information into the classification model improved prediction accuracy.

Chen, S.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Soil carbon, nitrogen, and ice content data (2014-2018) at Happy Valley and Sagwon Hills in Northern Alaska, United States

This dataset contains three data files from soil data collected by sampling soil cores and pits across a toposequence on two hillslopes in permafrost affected soils in Northern Alaska, USA. Soil cores and profiles were excavated to 3m or until auger refusal. Samples were collected by genetic soil horizons for laboratory analysis and organized into complete soil profiles ordered depth. Soil carbon, nitrogen, and ice stocks (stocks_by_core.csv) were calculated from the core dataset . Data for mean values by depth increments (20,50,100,150,200 cm) of total soc, total nitrogen, bulk density, and ice content were determined and made available in this dataset (soc-tn-bd-ice-slab_tables.csv). Stocks by site are included in a separate file (stocks_by_site.csv). Each of these three files also has an associated data dictionary file (stocks_by_core_dd.csv, soc-tn-bd-ice-slab_tables_dd.csv, stocks_by_site_dd.csv). Finally, an FLMD file is also included (FLMD_Happy_Valley_Sagwon.csv).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2011

Biofuel Production Initiative at Claflin University Final Report

For US transportation fuel independence or reduced dependence on foreign oil, the Federal Government has mandated that the country produce 36 billion gallons (bg) of renewable transportation fuel per year for its transportation fuel supply by 2022. This can be achieved only if development of efficient technology for second generation biofuel from ligno-cellulosic sources is feasible. To be successful in this area, development of a widely available, renewable, cost-effective ligno-cellulosic biomass feedstock that can be easily and efficiently converted biochemically by bacteria or other fast-growing organisms is required. Moreover, if the biofuel type is butanol, then the existing infrastructure to deliver fuel to the customer can be used without additional costs and retrofits. The Claflin Biofuel Initiative project is focused on helping the US meet the above-mentioned targets. With support from this grant, Claflin University (CU) scientists have created over 50 new strains of microorganisms that are producing butanol from complex carbohydrates and cellulosic compounds. Laboratory analysis shows that a number of these strains are producing higher percentages of butanol than other methods currently in use. All of these recombinant bacterial strains are producing relatively high concentrations of acetone and numerous other byproducts as well. Therefore, we are carrying out intense mutations in the selected strains to reduce undesirable byproducts and increase the desired butanol production to further maximize the yield of butanol. We are testing the proof of concept of producing pre-industrial large scale biobutanol production by utilizing modifications of currently commercially available fermentation technology and instrumentation. We have already developed an initial process flow diagram (PFD) and selected a site for a biobutanol pilot scale facility in Orangeburg, SC. With the recent success in engineering new strains of various biofuel producing bacteria at CU, it will soon be possible to provide other technical information for the development of process flow diagrams (PFD’s) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID’s). This information can be used for the equipment layout and general arrangement drawings for the proposed process and eventual plant. An efficient bio-butanol pilot plant to convert ligno-cellulosic biomass feedstock from bagasse and wood chips will create significant number of green jobs for the Orangeburg, SC community that will be environmentally-friendly and generate much-needed income for farmers in the area.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2011

Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit 106: Areas 5, 11 Frenchman Flat Atmospheric Sites, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada

Corrective Action Unit 106 comprises the four corrective action sites (CASs) listed below: • 05-20-02, Evaporation Pond • 05-23-05, Atmospheric Test Site - Able • 05-45-04, 306 GZ Rad Contaminated Area • 05-45-05, 307 GZ Rad Contaminated Area These sites are being investigated because existing information on the nature and extent of potential contamination is insufficient to evaluate and recommend corrective action alternatives (CAAs). Additional information will be obtained by conducting a corrective action investigation before evaluating CAAs and selecting the appropriate corrective action for each CAS. The results of the field investigation will support a defensible evaluation of viable CAAs that will be presented in the Corrective Action Decision Document. The sites will be investigated based on the data quality objectives (DQOs) developed on January 19, 2010, by representatives of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office. The DQO process was used to identify and define the type, amount, and quality of data needed to develop and evaluate appropriate corrective actions for CAU 106. The presence and nature of contamination at CAU 106 will be evaluated based on information collected from a field investigation. The CAU includes land areas impacted by the release of radionuclides from groundwater pumping during the Radionuclide Migration study program (CAS 05-20-02), a weapons-related airdrop test (CAS 05-23-05), and unknown support activities at two sites (CAS 05-45-04 and CAS 05-45-05). The presence and nature of contamination from surface-deposited radiological contamination from CAS 05-23-05, Atmospheric Test Site - Able, and other types of releases (such as migration and excavation as well as any potential releases discovered during the investigation) from the remaining three CASs will be evaluated using soil samples collected from the locations most likely containing contamination, if present. Appendix A provides a detailed discussion of the DQO methodology and the DQOs specific to each CAS. The scope of the corrective action investigation for CAU 106 includes the following activities: • Conduct radiological surveys. • Collect and submit environmental samples for laboratory analysis to determine internal dose rates and the presence of contaminants of concern. • If contaminants of concern are present, collect additional samples to define the extent of the contamination and determine the area where the total effective dose at the site exceeds final action levels (i.e., corrective action boundary). • Collect samples of investigation-derived waste, as needed, for waste management purposes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2013

Monitoring Soil Erosion on a Burned Site in the Mojave-Great Basin Transition Zone: Final Report for the Jacob Fire Site

A historic return interval of 100 years for large fires in the U.S. southwestern deserts is being replaced by one where fires may reoccur as frequently as every 20 to 30 years. The shortened return interval, which translates to an increase in fires, has implications for management of Soil Corrective Action Units (CAUs) and Corrective Action Sites (CASs) for which the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office has responsibility. A series of studies was initiated at uncontaminated analog sites to better understand the possible impacts of erosion and transport by wind and water should contaminated soil sites burn. The first of these studies was undertaken at the Jacob Fire site approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of Hiko, Nevada. A lightning-caused fire burned approximately 200 hectares during August 6-8, 2008. The site is representative of a transition between Mojave and Great Basin desert ecoregions on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), where the largest number of Soil CAUs/CASs are located. The area that burned at the Jacob Fire site was primarily a Coleogyne ramosissima (blackbrush) and Ephedra nevadensis (Mormon tea) community, also an abundant shrub assemblage in the similar transition zone on the NNSS. This report summarizes three years of measurements after the fire. Seven measurement campaigns at the Jacob Fire site were completed. Measurements were made on burned ridge (upland) and drainage sites, and on burned and unburned sites beneath and between vegetation. A Portable In-Situ Wind Erosion Lab (PI-SWERL) was used to estimate emissions of suspended particles at different wind speeds. Context for these measurements was provided through a meteorological tower that was installed at the Jacob Fire site to obtain local, relevant environmental parameters. Filter samples, collected from the exhaust of the PI-SWERL during measurements, were analyzed for chemical composition. Runoff and water erosion were quantified through a series of rainfall/runoff simulation tests in which controlled amounts of water were delivered to the soil surface in a specified amount of time. Runoff data were collected from understory and interspace soils on burned ridge and drainage areas. Runoff volume and suspended sediment in the runoff were sampled; the particle size distribution of the sediment was determined by laboratory analysis. Several land surface and soil characteristics associated with runoff were integrated by the calculation of site-specific curve numbers. Several vegetation surveys were conducted to assess post-burn recovery. Data from plots in both burned and unburned areas included species identification, counts, and location. Characterization of fire-affected area included measures at both the landscape scale and at specific sites. Although wind erosion measurements indicate that there are seasonal influences on almost all parameters measured, several trends were observed. PI-SWERL measurements indicated the potential for PM 10 windblown dust emissions was higher on areas that were burned compared to areas that were not. Among the burned areas, understory soils in drainage areas were the most emissive, and interspace soils along burned ridges were least emissive. By 34 months after the burn (MAB), at the end of the study, emissions from all burned soil sites were virtually indistinguishable from unburned levels. Like the amount of emissions, the chemical signature of the fire (indicated by the EC-Soil ratio) was elevated immediately after the fire and approached pre-burn levels by 24 MAB. Thus, the potential for wind erosion at the Jacob Fire site, as measured by the amount and type of emissions, increased significantly after the fire and returned to unburned levels by 24 MAB. The effect of fire on the potential for water erosion at the Jacob Fire site was more ambiguous. Runoff and sediment from ridge interspace soils and unburned interspace soils were similar throughout the study period. Seldom, if ever, did runoff and sediment occur in burned drainage area soils. For burned soils where runoff occurred at 1 MAB, the sediment size was finer than on unburned sites, but this effect disappeared by 3 MAB. For the three year study under the conditions tested at the Jacob Fire site, the potential for water erosion appeared relatively unaffected by the fire. Vegetation responses were documented for each year following the fire. By the end of the study, there was a substantial difference in plant densities and richness between drainage and ridge sites. Cheatgrass densities were higher in unburned plots, and cheatgrass was also more dominant in the community composition in unburned plots. Cheatgrass had increased in the burned area but so did other native species. Three years after the fire, the burned landscape continued to revegetate but had yet to approximate the condition of an unburned landscape. The results from the vegetation surveys support the wind erosion results, where the primary source of windborne particles originate from the understory, where lower plant diversity and densities were found. The soil appears to be more resilient and have a much shorter recovery time than the vegetation in this particular community.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2011

Report on Initial Direct Soil Leaching Experiments Using Post-Detonation Debris

A key challenge of nuclear forensics is reducing the time and manpower effort required to measure nuclear debris compositions. The overall motivation for this work is to explore development of a robust, automated system that can be used to concurrently analyze several elements/isotopes associated with the forensic signature of nuclear materials. The primary focus of this research has been to methodically investigate if rapid partial leaching of post-detonation debris can yield usable elemental and isotopic information for interpretation. The unique requirements of post-detonation nuclear forensics have not been fully adapted to or fully incorporated contemporary chemical separation techniques. Challenges include addressing the range of material matrices or mixed fission product and actinide compositions and concentrations that might be encountered. These include, but are not limited to, puddle melt glass, urban debris, seawater, air filters, iron-rich urban debris, asphalt, and silica sand. Separation of these elements and their subsequent measurement is a key element of related laboratory analysis activity. Existing practices at LLNL rely on proven but time-consuming and labor intensive processes. Significant time and labor savings are possible in chemical separations, however, if rapid processing methods can be adapted to post-detonation debris. Development of a simple and reliable leaching technique could shorten analytical times and would be useful as a field deployable method for the preliminary characterization of actinide isotopic ratios in soils. Measurement of isotopic ratios in the field using modern mass spectrometry capabilities such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is desirable, taking advantage of the extended range of isotopic systems measureable using such instruments. Sample introduction to these types of mass spectrometry instruments requires partial leaching or full dissolution of a sample to remove isobaric (same mass) interferences, and, in some cases, to concentrate the elements(s) of interest. To develop a field-deployable mass spectrometry capability, therefore, automated and robust leaching of likely debris samples (ranging from silicates and oxides to metals and urban materials such as concrete and asphalt), followed by separation/purification through cation exchange column chemistry is necessary. In a post-detonation environment, analysis of melt glasses via rapid leaching and ICP-MS could be a viable route to the same goal. This report presents initial leaching experiments on ‘uncontaminated’ soils, as well as data from melt glass from a single nuclear weapons test. Samples were characterized by gamma spectrometry, then aliquoted for rapid leaching experiments. Experiments were conducted using two different rapid acid treatments to leach the soils. Following leaching, the leachate solutions were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine if U isotopic composition. We present these data to address the question as to whether or not rapid (~1 hr) leaching techniques have the potential to yield meaningful U isotopic compositions, without the need for a complete (time consuming) sample dissolution and separation.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

DOE OSTI2014

Advanced Small Modular Reactor Economics Model Development

The US Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy’s Advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) research and development activities focus on four key areas: Developing assessment methods for evaluating advanced SMR technologies and characteristics; and Developing and testing of materials, fuels and fabrication techniques; and Resolving key regulatory issues identified by US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and industry; and Developing advanced instrumentation and controls and human-machine interfaces. This report focuses on development of assessment methods to evaluate advanced SMR technologies and characteristics. Specifically, this report describes the expansion and application of the economic modeling effort at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Analysis of the current modeling methods shows that one of the primary concerns for the modeling effort is the handling of uncertainty in cost estimates. Monte Carlo–based methods are commonly used to handle uncertainty, especially when implemented by a stand-alone script within a program such as Python or MATLAB. However, a script-based model requires each potential user to have access to a compiler and an executable capable of handling the script. Making the model accessible to multiple independent analysts is best accomplished by implementing the model in a common computing tool such as Microsoft Excel. Excel is readily available and accessible to most system analysts, but it is not designed for straightforward implementation of a Monte Carlo–based method. Using a Monte Carlo algorithm requires in-spreadsheet scripting and statistical analyses or the use of add-ons such as Crystal Ball. An alternative method uses propagation of error calculations in the existing Excel-based system to estimate system cost uncertainty. This method has the advantage of using Microsoft Excel as is, but it requires the use of simplifying assumptions. These assumptions do not necessarily bring into question the analytical results. In fact, the analysis shows that the propagation of error method introduces essentially negligible error, especially when compared to the uncertainty associated with some of the estimates themselves. The results of these uncertainty analyses generally quantify and identify the sources of uncertainty in the overall cost estimation. The obvious generalization—that capital cost uncertainty is the main driver—can be shown to be an accurate generalization for the current state of reactor cost analysis. However, the detailed analysis on a component-by-component basis helps to demonstrate which components would benefit most from research and development to decrease the uncertainty, as well as which components would benefit from research and development to decrease the absolute cost.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

DOE OSTI2013

Innovative Offshore Wind Plant Design Study

Technological advancements in the Glosten PelaStar floating wind turbine system have led to projected cost of energy (COE) reductions from today’s best-in-class offshore wind systems. The PelaStar system is projected to deliver a COE that is 35% lower than that delivered by the current offshore wind plants. Several technology developments have been achieved that directly target significant cost of energy reductions. These include: Application of state-of-the-art steel construction materials and methods, including fatigue-resistant welding techniques and technologies, to reduce hull steel weight; Advancements in synthetic fiber tendon design for the mooring system, which are made possible by laboratory analysis of full-scale sub-rope specimens; Investigations into selected anchor technologies to improve anchor installation methods; Refinement of the installation method, specifically through development of the PelaStar Support Barge design. Together, these technology developments drive down the capital cost and operating cost of offshore wind plants and enable access to superb wind resources in deep water locations. These technology developments also reduce the uncertainty of the PelaStar system costs, which increases confidence in the projected COE reductions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2017

Completion Report for Well ER-2-2 Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat/Climax Mine, Revision 1

Well ER-2-2 was drilled for the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada National Security Administration Nevada Field Office in support of the Underground Test Area (UGTA) Activity. The well was drilled from January 17 to February 8, 2016, as part of the Corrective Action Investigation Plan (CAIP) for Corrective Action Unit 97: Yucca Flat/Climax Mine, Nevada Test Site, Nevada. The primary purpose of the well was to collect hydrogeologic data to evaluate uncertainty in the flow and transport conceptual model and its contamination boundary forecasts, and to detect radionuclides in groundwater from the CALABASH (U2av) underground test. Well ER-2-2 was not completed as planned due to borehole stability problems. As completed, the well includes a piezometer (p1) to 582 meters (m) (1,909 feet [ft]) below ground surface (bgs) installed in the Timber Mountain lower vitric-tuff aquifer (TMLVTA) and a 12.25-inch (in.) diameter open borehole to 836 m (2,743 ft) bgs in the Lower tuff confining unit (LTCU). A 13.375-in. diameter carbon-steel casing is installed from the surface to a depth of 607 m (1,990 ft) bgs. Data collected during borehole construction include composite drill cutting samples collected every 3.0 m (10 ft), geophysical logs to a depth of 672.4 m (2,206 ft) bgs, water-quality measurements (including tritium), water-level measurements, and slug test data. The well penetrated 384.05 m (1,260 ft) of Quaternary alluvium, 541.93 m (1,778 ft) of Tertiary Volcanics (Tv) rocks, and 127.71 m (419 ft) of Paleozoic carbonates. The stratigraphy and lithology were generally as expected. However, several of the stratigraphic units were significantly thicker then predicted—principally, the Tunnel formation (Tn), which had been predicted to be 30 m (100 ft) thick; the actual thickness of this unit was 268.22 m (880 ft). Fluid depths were measured in the borehole during drilling as follows: (1) in the piezometer (p1) at 552.15 m (1,811.53 ft) bgs and (2) in the main casing (m1) at 551.69 m (1,810.01 ft) bgs. As expected, field measurements for tritium were above the Safe Drinking Water Act limit (20,000 picocuries per liter) for a portion of the Tertiary volcanic section near the water table. Tritium concentrations were at or near the field detection limit in the Lower carbonate aquifer (LCA) while drilling. During drilling, a sample was collected while circulating in the LCA. The sample was submitted for off-site laboratory analysis. The sample results indicated low but measurable tritium concentrations. All Fluid Management Plan requirements were met during drilling activities.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

Data Storage and sharing for the long tail of science

Research data infrastructure such as storage must now accommodate new requirements resulting from trends in research data management that require researchers to store their data for the long term and make it available to other researchers. We propose Data Depot, a system and service that provides capabilities for shared space within a group, shared applications, flexible access patterns and ease of transfer at Purdue University. We evaluate Depot as a solution for storing and sharing multiterabytes of data produced in the long tail of science with a use case in soundscape ecology studies from the Human- Environment Modeling and Analysis Laboratory. We observe that with the capabilities enabled by Data Depot, researchers can easily deploy fine-grained data access control, manage data transfer and sharing, as well as integrate their workflows into a High Performance Computing environment.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗