Showing papers in "International Journal of Environmental Studies in 1986"
TL;DR: In this paper, the accuracy and precision of total nitrogen and total phosphorus determinations in freshwater samples by the simultaneous digestion method using an oxidizing reagent solution of NaOH•K2S2O8 were assessed.
Abstract: The accuracy and precision of total nitrogen (T‐N) and total phosphorus (T‐P) determinations in freshwater samples by the simultaneous digestion method using an oxidizing reagent solution of NaOH‐K2S2O8 were assessed. Detection limits based on the blank test of nitrogen and phosphorus were 0.02 mgN/1 and 0.001 mgP/1, respectively. This simultaneous digestion method gave not only a high recovery and reproducibility over a wide range of various nitrogen and/or phosphorus compounds of known nitrogen and phosphorus compositions, but also high recoveries of nitrogen and phosphorus from standard reference materials, such as orchard leaves, pond sediment and chlorella. No significant difference was found between the determinations of T‐N and T‐P in freshwater samples by this method and those determined by the standard methods of T‐N and T‐P, respectively. This method should be useful for the routine analysis of T‐N and T‐P in freshwater samples containing particulate material and samples of low T‐N and/or T‐P co...
212 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize impacts of fly-ash disposal on soil-water environment with special reference to the behaviour of trace elements, and discuss the importance of trace element in terms of their importance in availability, mobility, persistence and ultimate toxicity.
Abstract: This report intends to summarize impacts of fly‐ash disposal on soil‐water environment with special reference to the behaviour of trace elements. Physico‐chemical properties of fly‐ash and trace elements release in environment are dependent on the geological origin of coal, form of the element in coal, combustion products, type of coal burning process, nature of emission control devices, methods of disposal and climatic conditions. Physical and biological transport of trace element, their bioaccumulation, transformation as well as interaction with ecosystem are discussed in terms of their importance in availability, mobility, persistence and ultimate toxicity. Needed research in the areas is identified.
50 citations
TL;DR: The analysis of the soil digests showed that lead, cadmium, zinc and copper contents are high close to the road and decrease with distance from the road edge as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The soil and whole plants of Brachiaria enimi were collected beside a major road (Bombo road) and digested with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid, and perchloric acid. The analysis of the soil digests show that lead, cadmium, zinc and copper contents are high close to the road and decrease with distance from the road edge. Also the Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu concentrations in soil fall off rapidly with increasing distance from the road edge, in agreement with previous investigations. The major traffic effect is mainly limited to the surface soil and to a narrow zone within 40 m of the road. Therefore, land use for vegetable production or for livestock foraging should be avoided in a strip of this width.
50 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the chemical exergy of organic matter in wastewater was investigated and the results showed that organic matter exergy in wastewater is positively correlated with the pH of the wastewater.
Abstract: (1986). Chemical exergy of organic matter in wastewater. International Journal of Environmental Studies: Vol. 27, No. 3-4, pp. 301-315.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the use of mercuric ion, sulfuric acid, and chloroform as preservatives for nitrogen and phosphorus species in water samples containing biologically active microorganisms.
Abstract: Mercuric ion, sulfuric acid, and chloroform were examined as preservatives for nitrogen and phosphorus species in water samples containing biologically active microorganisms. Chilling at 4°C without addition of a chemical preservative also was examined. Chilling alone at 4°C was an adequate preservation technique for 8‐day storage for the water samples used in this study. However, for samples analyzed after 16‐day storage, the addition of 40 milligrams per liter of mercuric ion plus chilling at 4°C, appeared to be the preservation technique of choice. Neither chloroform nor sulfuric acid, coupled with chilling, were adequate as preservation techniques for all analytes determined during the 16‐day study period.
24 citations
TL;DR: The occurrence of organochlorine pesticide residues and trace metals in a Nigerian surface water ecosystem is reported in this article, where the insecticides were analysed by gas liquid chromatography with 63Ni electron capture detector.
Abstract: The occurrence of organochlorine pesticide residues and trace metals in a Nigerian surface water ecosystem is reported. Analysis of 21 water samples revealed that concentrations of the quantifiable organochlorine compounds detected (lindane, DDT‐complex and heptachlor epoxide) were significantly low. The values ranged from 0.001 to 0.014 ng#shml. In the fish sample, on the other hand, more significant concentrations were obtained, ranging from 0.70‐1.5 ng#shg. The insecticides were analysed by gas liquid chromatography with 63Ni electron capture detector. Analysis of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb and As) was accomplished by atomic absorption spectrophoto‐metry. The concentration levels were comparable with levels obtained in other parts of Africa.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the technical feasibility of using aquacultures for municipal wastewater treatment is reviewed, and the major advantages are less capital and maintenance costs required as opposed to conventional wastewater treatment.
Abstract: The technical feasibility of utilising aquacultures for municipal wastewater treatment is reviewed. Aquacultures containing one or more aquatic weeds are cost effective for secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment, compared to the highly energy intensive conventional secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment systems. The major advantages are less capital and maintenance costs required as opposed to conventional wastewater treatment. Aquatic treatment systems utilising one or two aquatic weeds are efficient in substantial removal of phosphorus and nitrogen from the wastewater compared to the conventional secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment systems. Further, biogas generated from the harvested aquatic weed biomass could meet the treatment costs of the aquatic treatment systems utilising these aquatic weeds. Year round treatment of municipal wastewater utilising these aquatic weeds is possible even in the temperate regions of the world by housing the treatment systems in green houses. Other aqua...
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, 17 precipitation samples were collected during a 40-hour snowstorm in the northwestern part of the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area, where the maximum concentrations of barium, calcium, cadmium, chloride, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, nitrate, phosphate and sulfate occurred during the initial three hours of the storm.
Abstract: Seventeen precipitation samples were collected during a 40‐hour snowstorm in the northwestern part of the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area. Maximum concentrations of barium, calcium, cadmium, chloride, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, nitrate, phosphate and sulfate occurred during the initial three hours of the storm. The maximum copper concentrations occurred nearly six hours after the storm began, the maximum strontium concentration occurred 25 hours after the storm began, and the maximum zinc concentration occurred 12 hours after the storm began. Concentrations of beryllium, cobalt, lithium and vanadium were less than the analytical detection limits during the entire storm. Lowest pH values were determined in samples collected during or immediately after periods of normal, maximum automobile traffic.
14 citations
TL;DR: The water pollution levels of Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka, the basin of which covers one sixth of the Island, were monitored to probe the impacts of the urban environment in a developing country as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The water pollution levels of Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka, the basin of which covers one sixth of the Island, were monitored to probe the impacts of the urban environment in a developing country. It was observed the chemical quality is largely controlled by natural factors. From among the metals however, vanadium, zinc and copper showed higher concentrations. Pb and Cd showed a correlation co‐efficient of r = 0.58 for each other, and Co showed a highly significant correlation of r = 0.98 with Cu. The lack of correlation of Pb and Cd with the total dissolved solids (TDS) indicates an anthropogenic input of Pb and Cd into the aquatic environment. In general, the chemical quality of the water in the Mahaweli river is satisfactory for most purposes, none of the major dissolved constituents and nutrients exceeding the limit suggested by the WHO for potable water.
13 citations
TL;DR: The effects of Lignosite#rm lignosulfonate on growth and survival of plants were investigated in a forest plantation as discussed by the authors, and the results showed that the growth of Douglar fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) was not significantly affected.
Abstract: The effects of Lignosite#rm lignosulfonate, a refined lignosulfonate product that is obtained from the sulfite pulping process, on growth and survival of plants were investigated. Following applications of 0, 7500, 15,000 and 22,500 cm3#shm2 to 32 plots within a forest plantation, the following were monitored: (1) live aboveground biomass of vascular plants, (2) growth of Douglar fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and (3) lignosulfonate migration through the soil profile. Live aboveground biomass of woody vegetation was not affected, and that of herbaceous plants was significantly decreased only at the two greatest application rates. Growth of the Douglas fir trees was not significantly affected. Lignosulfonates disappeared from the soil profile at the same rate regardless of initial concentration. Although it is not practical to use this material as a herbicide in western Washington, land application of lignosulfonates may be environmentally more attractive than traditional disposal methods.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the main conclusions are that resistance to damage by lowered temperature and irradiance during the acute phase will be greatest in plants of unproductive biomes, habitats or late successional communities but these same plants face the highest risks of local extinction in circumstances where there is widespread destruction of the established vegetation.
Abstract: Plant strategy concepts have been used to formulate predictions of terrestrial vegetation sensitivity and potential for recovery in nuclear winter scenarios. The main conclusions are that: (1) Resistance to damage by lowered temperature and irradiance during the acute phase will be greatest in plants of unproductive biomes, habitats or late successional communities but these same plants face the highest risks of local extinction in circumstances where there is widespread destruction of the established vegetation; (2) Survival and recovery will be enhanced in plant populations maintaining a persistent bank of buds or seeds within the soil; (3) Resilience will be greatest in vegetation where cycles of destruction and regeneration are already a normal feature of the vegetation dynamics; (4) Where severe vegetation damage occurs in temperate and tropical regions, recolonization will involve further expansion of many of the mobile, early‐successional herbs and shrubs which currently dominate derelict ex‐indust...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the combined scenario of geological and economic activities for the management and protection of the coastal zone and concluded that the geologist has a primordial role to assume.
Abstract: It has been a common occurrence, over the last decades, for conflicts and competition to develop, among existing and potential users of the coastal zone. An agonizing choice has been forced in many instances upon governing bodies, even private enterprises, involving frequently considerable economic, social and ecological impact. The increasing economic importance of the coastal zone and the growing pressures to which it is subjected create an urgent need, especially for nations in the process of industrialization, to first study, then manage the coastal zone. Management and protection of the coastal zone should be harmoniously interwoven. To this end, the geologist has a primordial role to assume. This paper, prepared in part for a government agency, examines the combined scenario of geological and economic activities.
TL;DR: In this paper, both biological (aerobic and anaerobic) and physico-chemical processes are shown to be feasible for the removal of leachate heavy metals from industrial sludge leachates.
Abstract: Results based upon bench/laboratory and pilot‐scale studies reveal that both biological (aerobic and anaerobic) and physico‐chemical processes are feasible for the removal of leachate heavy metals The aerobic process was shown to be superior to the anaerobic process The process of adsorption was found to be superior to the ion exchange The advantage of physico‐chemical processes over the biological process is that the former can handle excessively high concentrations of heavy metals in the influent without the detrimental effect of toxicity Research conducted at NJIT with fly ash and clay sorbents for the removal of heavy metals from industrial sludge leachates showed these materials to be effective with the controlled flow rates and sorbent arrangements
TL;DR: In this article, the feasibility of using a bacterial augmentation process with a bacterial culture product (LLMO) addition in the bio-oxidation of accumulated sludges in the aerated lagoons in municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of using a bacterial augmentation process with a bacterial culture product (LLMO) addition in the bio‐oxidation of accumulated sludges in the aerated lagoons in municipal wastewater treatment plant. Mauldin Road Wastewater Treatment Plant, Greenville, South Carolina, of Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority was selected in this field investigation. LLMO was added to the influent to the roughing filter at a dosage of 1 mg/1 to enhance the bio‐conversion of settled sludge in the aerated lagoons. Sludge profile measurements in aerated lagoons were taken prior to and after the LLMO addition to the treatment plant. The LLMO contains seven strains of bacteria, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Cellulomonas, Aerobacter and Rhodopseudomonas, which are commonly found in soils and wastewater treatment plants. The aerated lagoons had an accumulated sludge of 6.7 million pounds prior to the study period. During the eight‐month s...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the development of environmental science over the last twenty years, in order to test how far it fulfills the role of holism, and its relationship to this larger social movement is examined.
Abstract: Several recent critiques of Western, science‐based, technological society call for a shift away from the present paradigm of reductionism to one of holism. One manifestation of this would be the development of a new kind of science which is non‐interventionist, non‐manipulative, and much more environmentally aware. The object of Part 1 of this paper is to assess the development of Environmental Science over the last twenty years, in order to test how far it fulfills the above role. Environmental Science is therefore considered in the wider context of Environmentalism, and its relationship to this larger social movement is examined. As presently constituted, most U.K. Environmental Science/Studies courses are part of what O'Riordan1 calls Technocentrism, a brand of Environmentalism which subscribes to concepts of rationality, management and control. As such it can be characterised as part of the environmentalism of the present social paradigm. Part 2 of this paper, which explores the nature of (Environment...
TL;DR: The lead and cadmium contents of clover plants and surface soil collected from different areas adjacent to roads having various traffic densities were investigated as mentioned in this paper, and it was found that the lead and Cadmium content was highly dependent on traffic density and distance from the road.
Abstract: The lead and cadmium contents of clover plants and surface soil collected from different areas adjacent to roads having various traffic densities were investigated. Results indicated that lead and cadmium contents of clover plants are highly dependent on traffic density and distance from the road. Concentrations of about 40 μg/g lead and 1.6 μg/g cadmium were found in washed clover plant samples collected from areas adjacent to the Cairo‐Alexandria Road. Washing sometimes removed more than 50 percent of plant lead content. Dust precipitated on the clover plants grown at 2 m distances from the busiest investigated road were found to contain more than 2000 μg/g lead and 40 μg/g cadmium. These concentrations decreased with the distance from the road.
TL;DR: In this paper, photo-irradiation experiments were carried out by means of a 4m3 chamber, in which humidified air containing SO2, CH3ONO, n−C4H10 and NO with concentrations in ppm range was exposed to simulated solar radiation at 303 ± 1K and under atmospheric pressures.
Abstract: In order to investigate sulfuric acid formation by the reaction of HO radicals with SO2, photoirradiation experiments were carried out by means of a 4‐m3 chamber, in which humidified air containing SO2, CH3ONO, n‐C4H10 and NO with concentrations in ppm range was exposed to simulated solar radiation at 303 ± 1K and under atmospheric pressures. The HO radicals were generated by a photolysis of CH3ONO and their concentration was estimated from the decay rate of n‐C4H10 concentration. The amount of SO2 lost by the reaction was evaluated through time integration of the instantaneous reaction rate k 1 [HO] [SO2] by using the rate constant k 1 = 1.22 × 10‐12 cm3 molecule‐1 s‐1 which we reported previously for the HO + SO2 reaction. The yield of sulfuric acid was determined, on the other hand, by the filter collection and the subsequent ion chromatographic analysis of the aerosol product. From the agreement between the yield and the reactant loss, the accuracy of the k 1 value was proved and simultaneously the st...
TL;DR: For example, between 1972 and 1977 flounders (Platichthys flesus L) have been collected in weekly samples from the trash bins of the Oldbury-on-Severn nuclear power station on the inner estuary.
Abstract: Between 1972‐1977 flounders (Platichthys flesus L.) have been collected in weekly samples from the trash bins of the Oldbury‐on‐Severn nuclear power station on the inner estuary. Other occasional samples have also been taken from the nearby Berkeley power station as well as from Hinkley Point power station and Barnstaple Bay on the outer estuary and Bristol Channel. These collections have enabled studies to be made of seasonal and annual changes in relative abundance age composition, growth rates, diet and feeding habits.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the total suspended particulate matter (TSP) levels and inhalable paniculate (IP) levels at four sites in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the total suspended particulate matter (TSP) levels and inhalable paniculate (IP) (<10μ) levels at four sites in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The TSP was evaluated by using standard high volume air samplers and the IP by using circular jet cascade impactors. The average outdoors TSP for 56 samples taken at the four sites was 580 μ.g/m3. The average outdoor back‐ground TSP outside the city of Riyadh was found to be 103 μg/m3. The average TSP for the 56 indoor samples at the same four sites was 194 μ.g/m3. The I/O ratios for TSP ranged from 0.09 to 0.71. The average outdoor IP for the 59 samples taken at the four sites was 240 μg/m3. The average indoor IP for the 59 samples at the four sites was 106 μg/m3. The I/O ratios for IP ranged from 0.21 to 0.59. The average geometric size for IP outdoors was 1.44 μm, while that indoor was 1.14 μm.
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt has been made to synthesize ion exchange membranes based on chemical grafting of styrene on polyethylene film with benzoyl peroxide as initiator, and DVB as the cross linking agent, under optimum processing conditions obtained during experimental work.
Abstract: An attempt has been made to synthesize ion‐exchange membranes based on chemical grafting of styrene on poly‐ethylene film with benzoyl peroxide as initiator, and DVB as the cross linking agent, under optimum processing conditions obtained during experimental work. Electro‐chemical properties of the membrane have been evaluated and utilized in designing a multi‐compartment electrodialysis (ED) cell, for electrodialytic treatment of bleach plant effluent from the pulp and paper industry. ED studies under optimum conditions of 20 mA/cm2 current density indicate the technical feasibility of developing a process for abatement of pollution, along with recycling of water from multi‐stage bleaching stage effluent.
TL;DR: A number of factors constrain the successful development and application of stress ecology, and its usefulness as a basis for a holistic environmental ethics as discussed by the authors, such as lack of consensus about the definitions of stress to organisms or ecosystems, insufficient knowledge about causes of environmental perturbations (e.g. pollutants), inadequate ecosystemic knowledge, and lack of integration of ecosystem knowledge.
Abstract: Stress ecology represents the field of ecology that measures and evaluates impacts of perturbations on the structure and function of ecosystems. Many human ecologists and philosophers maintain that environmental ethics should be predicted upon holistic ecological principles. Specifically, this implies the successful application of stress ecology to environmental problems. However, few thoroughly discuss the extent to which stress ecology is capable of serving as a basis for environmental ethics, nor do they make substantial reference to the scientific literature which examines this question. A number of factors constrain the successful development and application of stress ecology, and its usefulness as a basis for a holistic environmental ethics. These factors include: (1) lack of consensus about the definitions of stress to organisms or ecosystems, (2) insufficient knowledge about causes of environmental perturbations (e.g. pollutants), (3) inadequate ecosystemic knowledge, and (4) lack of integration o...
TL;DR: In this paper, a succession theory is applied to a management situation by giving examples of how the abiotic and biotic factors involved in community interactions can be manipulated to prevent blue-green population dominance.
Abstract: Regulating eutrophication through nutrient limitation is a common water quality management technique. However, limiting nutrients does not confront the issue of the underlying cause for the development of the nuisance populations of blue‐green algae associated with eutrophication. To some extent, blue‐green blooms have been accepted as the natural outcome of a succession process, since traditional succession theory predicts a directed and determined sequence of species culminating in a climax community. However, current ecological succession theory does not support the inevitability of a specific sequence and rate of species replacement. Current theory is applied to a management situation by giving examples of how the abiotic and biotic factors involved in community interactions can be manipulated to prevent blue‐green population dominance. By directing the rate and sequence of species replacement, the process of succession can be altered so that eutrophication is regulated.
TL;DR: In this paper, the biomass of duckweed, water quality and rice production were surveyed in two paddy fields: one irrigated with secondary treated sewage effluent and the other with river water.
Abstract: The biomass of duckweed, water quality and rice production were surveyed in two paddy fields: one irrigated with secondary treated sewage effluent and the other with river water. Chemical analyses were also carried out on the sewage effluent and river water in order to evaluate the role of duckweed in a paddy field. It is concluded that duckweed growth in a rice paddy field irrigated with secondary treated sewage effluent plays a beneficial role as a mitigating agent on excessive nutrient supply to rice plants as well as purifier of the sewage effluent.
TL;DR: The National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan (NIES) had pursued special research through 1978-1984, concerning environmental effects due to land application of sewage sludge, and summarized the essential results.
Abstract: The National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan (NIES) had pursued special research through 1978–1984, concerning environmental effects due to land application of sewage sludge. This paper summarizes the essential results. In many cases, the repeated application of sewage sludge with more than 3–4 times, or the total amount exceeding 30–50 tons/ha, caused (1) unfavorable soil pH (>7.5 or <6), (2) decreased the numbers of soil microbes, (3) reduced crop yields, and (4) caused abnormal symptoms in some kinds of crop. Ground water quality also changed unfavorably in such a manner as excess nitrate concentration by the above rate of sludge application. However, soil water did not increase algal growth in the absence of PO4 3‐ and chelates (EDTA). The application of sludge stimulated the formation of N2O. It seems that no more sewage sludge should be applied after the soil is loaded by sludge three times or with total amount of 30 tons/ha.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the results of studies conducted on the Sarda Sahayak Canal Irrigation Project of the U.P. Government, which was commissioned in 1974.
Abstract: This paper analyses the results of studies conducted on the Sarda Sahayak Canal Irrigation Project of the U.P. Government, which was commissioned in 1974. The operation of this canal has created serious problems of environmental degradation in the command area. The problem of seepage started right from the beginning and at present it has created a situation which may be one of its type in the history of canal irrigation. The seepage in 1984 has damaged 385 villages, 13,677 houses and 2200 catties. Mature natural forests containing Sal trees have been killed by canal seepage over a vast tract. The canal seepage and high water table rendered vast tract waterlogged. Due to continuous waterlogging in the command area, the problems of Malaria, Filaria skin diseases and pest are very common. The canal is operating, and this report should help in assessing the environmental changes such as management of land, water and forests for sustainable development.
TL;DR: In this paper, natural organic wastes and earthworm biotechnology may be used to increase soil buffering capacity for acid precipitates, amend arable soil to reduce its tendency toward erosion, and reclaim certain portions of land presently desertified due to toxic soil conditions.
Abstract: Over the next 2–4 generations, possibly leading to global human carrying capacity, natural organic wastes and earthworm biotechnology may be used to increase soil buffering capacity for acid precipitates, amend arable soil to reduce its tendency toward erosion, and reclaim certain portions of land presently desertified due to toxic soil conditions.
TL;DR: It has been a common occurrence, over the last decades for conflicts and competition to develop, among existing and potential users of the coastal zone as mentioned in this paper, and an agonizing choice has been forced in many instances upon governing bodies, even private enterprises, involving frequently considerable economic, social and ecological impact.
Abstract: It has been a common occurrence, over the last decades for conflicts and competition to develop, among existing and potential users of the coastal zone. An agonizing choice has been forced in many instances upon governing bodies, even private enterprises, involving frequently considerable economic, social and ecological impact.
TL;DR: An annotated up‐to‐date bibliography has been prepared of 83 previously published epidemiological research investigations whose focus is on demographic and/or sociocultural factors and their possible etiological relationship to multiple sclerosis.
Abstract: An annotated up‐to‐date bibliography has been prepared of 83 previously published epidemiological research investigations whose focus is on demographic and/or sociocultural factors and their possible etiological relationship to multiple sclerosis (MS). Each of the investigations has been edited and presented in such a way that the author's purpose for conducting the research is made explicit as are the main findings and conclusion. Included in the bibliography are medical and other relevant literature, international in scope, for the 20 year period inclusive of 1963 to 1983. Some topics addressed include: The impact of urbanization and industrialization on the prevalence of MS, and the relationship between such factors as place of birth, socioeconomic status and ethnic affiliation and susceptibility to MS.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of industrial and agricultural chemical pollutants on wildlife is reviewed, and the need for protection of wildlife against pollution hazards is emphasized and follow-up measures suggested.
Abstract: The effect of various industrial and agricultural chemical pollutants on wildlife is reviewed. Animals and plants as monitors of environmental pollutions are discussed. The need for protection of wildlife against pollution hazards is emphasized and follow‐up measures suggested.
TL;DR: In this article, an energydispersive X-ray fluorescence technique was used to study the elemental compositions of 20 different brands of facial creams, using three annular radioisotope sources (55Fe, 109Cd and 241Am).
Abstract: Energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence technique was used to study the elemental compositions of 20 different brands of facial creams. Three annular radioisotope sources (55Fe, 109Cd and 241Am) were used, covering elements from around silicon onwards. The method of thin samples was used and samples were exposed at a fixed geometrical configuration and also at a particular source‐sample distance where the fluorescent intensity as seen by the detector is uniform. Quantitative results were obtained using calibration curves.