Abstract: Pyrazoline-based fluorophores and plastic scintillators incorporating the fluorophores are described. The fluorophores include 1,3,5-triaryl substituted pyrazolines. A fluorophore of a plastic scintillator can be a 1-phenyl-4,5-1H-dihydroyrazole having the structure: in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from a heteroaryl group including one or more of an oxygen, selenium or sulfur atom in the ring; an aryl halide group; or a phenyl alkyl including a C1 to C18 saturated or unsaturated alkyl that optionally includes a reactive functionality.

Abstract: Pyrazoline-based fluorophores and plastic scintillators incorporating the fluorophores are described. The fluorophores include 1,3,5-triaryl substituted pyrazolines. A fluorophore of a plastic scintillator can be a 1-phenyl-4,5-1H-dihydroyrazole having the structure: in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from a heteroaryl group including one or more of an oxygen, selenium or sulfur atom in the ring; an aryl halide group; or a phenyl alkyl including a C1 to C18 saturated or unsaturated alkyl that optionally includes a reactive functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, materials and systems that can be used to determine qualitatively or quantitatively the level of uranium contamination in water samples. Beneficially, disclosed systems are relatively simple and cost-effective. For example, disclosed systems can be utilized by consumers having little or no training in chemical analysis techniques. Methods generally include a concentration step and a complexation step. Uranium concentration can be carried out according to an extraction chromatographic process and complexation can chemically bind uranium with a detectable substance such that the formed substance is visually detectable. Methods can detect uranium contamination down to levels even below the MCL as established by the EPA.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and systems useful in determining the existence of radionuclides in an aqueous sample. The materials provide the dual function of both extraction and scintillation to the systems. The systems can be both portable and simple to use, and as such can beneficially be utilized to determine presence and optionally concentration of radionuclide contamination in an aqueous sample at any desired location and according to a relatively simple process without the necessity of complicated sample handling techniques. The disclosed systems include a one-step process, providing simultaneous extraction and detection capability, and a two-step process, providing a first extraction step that can be carried out in a remote field location, followed by a second detection step that can be carried out in a different location.

Abstract: An extraction-scintillation medium of substantially free-flowing, porous, solid particulate matter having one or more fluors retained within the particulate matter and an extraction agent adsorbed on or bound to the surface of the particulate matter. The medium is capable of extracting one of a selected radionuclide from an aqueous stream and permits transmission of light therethrough, which light is emitted from the one or more fluors in response to radiation absorbed thereby from the selected radionuclide. A sensor system using the extraction-scintillation medium for real-time or near real-time detection of the selected radionuclide is also disclosed.