Elemental Analysis - Berkelium (Bk)

Berkelium is a silvery, radioactive metal. Because it is so rare, berkelium currently has no commercial or technological use. It is toxic due to its radioactivity. Less than one gram of berkelium is produced each year. Because it is artificially produced and only available in small quantities, berkelium's primary use is for basic scientific research. It has proven to be quite useful in this regard.

Berkelium, a synthetic chemical element, is named after the city where it was discovered.

All isotopes of berkelium are radioactive, with berkelium-247 being the longest-lived. Berkelium-249 isotope, on the other hand, is widely used in chemical studies of the element, as it can be produced in isotopic pure weighable amounts by nuclear reactions. The only use of berkelium has been in the synthesis of heavier elements such as tennessin. Metallic berkelium, like other actinoid metals, is electropositive, reactive and silver in color.

Little is known about the effects of berkelium on the human body. Most of the available berkelium toxicity data are based on animal studies. Berkelium can promote cancer in all organs, and its radiation can damage red blood cells in the skeletal system. The maximum amount of berkelium-249 allowed in the human skeleton is 0,4 nanograms.

In the tests and analyzes carried out in our organization, which has a wide range of technological equipment, trained and experienced staff and applies the most modern methods, national and international standards and legal regulations in force are complied with. Among the numerous tests carried out in this context, there are also berkelium (Bk) testing services within the framework of elemental analysis.