Best Scientific Poster Award to NATA Paper on Black Carbon Profile in Metro Manila
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The paper of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute’s (PNRI) Nuclear Analytical Techniques Application (NATA) Section, Nuclear Services Division on PM2.5 Black Carbon Profile in Metro Manila (Philippines) was adjudged as the Best Scientific Poster for the Climate Science Session during the First National Conference on Research in Climate Change and Variability organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology. The award was given at Traders Hotel on September 27, 2012.
The paper discussed that the PNRI, in the course of its implementation of researches on air pollutant source identification and apportionment using nuclear and related analytical techniques, has also generated profiles of PM2.5 black carbon in sampling sites in Metro Manila since 1998. The results of the studies show that the annual mean values of PM2.5 in the four monitoring sites in Metro Manila and in Angat, Bulacan exceed the United States long-term standard of 15µg m-3 and the World Health Organization guideline value of 10 µg m-3. These results indicate a need to address fine particulate air pollution.
Fine particles are particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) or approximately1/30ththe average width of a human hair. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, PM2.5 particles are believed to pose the greatest health risks. Because of their small size, these particles can penetrate into the lungs which can then be readily taken up into the bloodstream. The sources of fine particles include all types of combustion activities such as motor vehicles, power plants and wood burning.
In her congratulatory note to the principal author Preciosa Corazon B. Pabroa, NATA head, and to the other authors, namely Flora L. Santos (retired PNRI Chief Science Research Specialist) and NATA staff Angel T. Bautista VII, Joseph Michael D. Racho, and Ryan P. Morco, PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda M. dela Rosa stated, “let us keep up the good work for excellence and our efforts for our data to be used by the end-user, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources”. (Click here to see the poster)
PNRI Microbiological Laboratory Awarded with ISO 17025:2005 Accreditation
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The Microbiological Laboratory of the Biomedical Research Section (BMR), Atomic Research Division (ARD), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), was awarded with a Certificate of ISO 17025:2005 accreditation on July 08, 2012. The certificate was presented by Mr. Jaime Lasaro L. Olmos, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Accreditation Office (PAO), during ceremonies held recently at the PNRI.
This achievement was made possible with assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Grants-in-Aid Project, “Establishment, Implementation and Maintenance of Management Systems in all DOST Research and Development Institutes and Regional Offices”. The BMR Laboratory`s accreditation is valid until July 2017, subject to continuing conformity with the ISO technical requirements and PAO conditions for accreditation. The scope covered by the accreditation is “Aerobic Plate Count” in foods and beverages. These include meat and poultry products, cereal and cereal/legume-based products, fruits, vegetables and nuts. The PAO Approved Signatories for microbiological testing are Ms. Zenaida M. De Guzman, Laboratory Manager; Mr. Chitho P. Feliciano, Technical Manager; and Ms. Levelyn Mitos M. Tolentino, Document Custodian.
The BMR is the second PNRI laboratory to gain ISO 17025 accreditation, the first being the Analytical Measurements Research Laboratory, ARD, on July 28, 2009.. The management system developed is applicable to other PNRI testing and calibration laboratories (PNRI LAB) which are also working to gain accreditation. This implies that these laboratories have common PNRI LAB Quality and Procedures Manuals, while maintaining a Procedures Manual specific to each laboratory. It is expected that the accreditation will be expanded to include the following additional scopes: Gafchromic Dosimetry System for the Multipurpose Irradiation Facility; X-Ray Diffraction Spectrometry for the Applied Physics Research Laboratory, Calibration and Personnel Monitoring Services for the Radiation Protection Section, and X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for the Analytical Measurements Research Section.
PNRI Launches the new OSL Personnel Monitoring Services
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PNRI is now launching its new Personnel Monitoring Service that makes use of the Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dosimeters instead of the traditional film badges. This new Dosimeter system has a more advanced technology in terms of accuracy, handling, and evaluation of exposures received by personnel. For more details on the various options & its corresponding subscription details please click on the DOWNLOAD FORMS on the left side panel of the site.
DOST nuclear experts say do not be alarmed over NoKor satellite launch
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Experts at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI) stressed that there is no reason for the public to be alarmed in the event the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) or North Korea launches to orbit its earth observation satellite “Kwangmyongsong-3” on April 12 and 16 which many analysts say is a ballistic missile test.
