@inproceedings{7cc9ddaec0fd4fe3859e14783f264285,
title = "Elemental Levels Analyzed by PIXE in Florida Alligators",
abstract = "Unusual and alarming mortality of alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) has been reported from Lake Griffin, Florida, where almost 400 dead alligators have been observed since 1997. In addition, the hatch rate for alligator eggs around Lake Griffin fell below 10% and remains low (30-45%) while the normal hatch rate is typically 80%. Standard diagnostic methods have been ineffective in determining the cause of the phenomenon. Many possibilities have been considered including pollutants, nutrition, and toxic algae. Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis is highly suitable for investigating concentrations of a wide range of elements in animal tissue. Liver, kidney and spinal cord tissues from healthy and sick alligators have been analyzed by PIXE for elemental content. Initial results showed positive correlation between certain elements and neural impairment and morbidity of alligators in Lake Griffin, but have failed to prove significant.",
author = "Kuharik, {J. C.} and Kravchenko, {I. I.} and Dunnam, {F. E.} and {Van Rinsvelt}, {H. A.} and Ross, {J. P.}",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2003 American Institute of Physics.; 17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry ; Conference date: 12-11-2002 Through 16-11-2002",
year = "2003",
month = aug,
day = "26",
doi = "10.1063/1.1619748",
language = "English",
series = "AIP Conference Proceedings",
publisher = "American Institute of Physics Inc.",
pages = "414--418",
editor = "Duggan, {Jerome L.} and Margaret Hall and Morgan, {Ira Lon}",
booktitle = "Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry",
}
