A review of the nationwide proficiency test on natural radioactivity measurements by gamma spectrometry (original) (raw)
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Proficiency test of gamma spectrometry laboratories in Serbia
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2010
This paper presents the statistical evaluation of results from the analysis of 8 radionuclides in water samples within the frame of the First Proficiency Test of gamma spectrometry Laboratories in Serbia organized in 2008. The water samples used in this proficiency test were prepared using certified radioactive solution containing gamma emitting radionuclides. This solution was diluted and used as a master solution for preparation of test samples. The overall performance evaluation showed that 64.7% of all reported results met the individual proficiency test criteria, where 26.5% of all reported results did not pass the overall PT acceptance criterion.
A STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY MEASUREMENTS FOR CANKIRI, TURKEY
This study is the first to assess the level of background radiation for the Cankiri province of Turkey. Indoor air radon concentrations were determined using Columbia Resin-39 nuclear track detectors and the average 222 Rn activity was found to be 44 Bq m 23 (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 1.1 mSv). Measurements of gamma doses in outdoor air were performed using a portable plastic scintillation detector and the average gamma absorbed dose rate was found to be 8 mR h 21 (corresponding to an annual effective dose of 87.7 mSv). Radionuclide activity concentrations in soil samples were measured through gamma-ray spectrometry and the average activities were determined as 17.7, 22.3, 357 and 4.1 Bq kg 21 for the radionuclides 238 U, 232 Th, 40 K and 137 Cs, respectively. The average annual effective dose from the natural radioactivity sources ( 238 U series, 232 Th series and 40 K) was calculated to be 44.4 mSv. Radioactivity levels of drinking water samples were carried out using a low-background proportional counter and the average gross alpha and beta activities were obtained as 0.25 and 0.26 Bq l 21 , respectively (equivalent to an annual effective dose of 184 mSv). The average radon concentrations in indoor air and the average radionuclide activities in soil were found to be lower than most Turkish cities while higher levels of outdoor gamma dose rate and water radioactivity were observed. The results of this study showed that the region's background radioactivity level differs considerably from the reported data for Turkish cities.
Environmental radioactivity measurements in Kastamonu region of northern Turkey
Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2007
Located in the north-western part of Turkey, the province of Kastamonu has lately been receiving national attention because of its cultural and touristic attractions. This study assesses the environmental radioactivity levels of the region through measurements of indoor radon concentrations and indoor/outdoor gamma absorbed dose in air and radionuclide activities in surface soil and drinking water. The indoor 222 Rn activity concentration was found to be 98:4 Bq=m 3 equivalent to an annual effective dose of 2.48 mSv. The indoor and outdoor gamma absorbed doses were measured as 54.81 and 48.03 nGy/h, respectively, corresponding to a total gamma radiation level (of terrestrial and cosmic origin) of 0.33 mSv/y. The activity concentrations in the soil samples collected from the study area were determined as 32.93, 27.17, 431.43 Bq/kg for the natural radionuclides 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K, respectively, and 8.02 Bq/kg for the fission product 137 Cs. These natural radioactivity sources result in a terrestrial gamma level of 60 mSv=y. The water samples collected from the region carry an average of 0.0089 Bq/l of gross alpha and 0.271 Bq/l of gross beta activities which together cause an annual effective dose of 1:83 mSv. The measurement results obtained in this study indicate that the region has a background radiation level that is within the natural limits and shows no significant departure from the other parts of the country. r
Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine, 2017
When determining the radioactivity in materials by γ spectra, different processes are involved difficulting the fit. Besides, calibrated standard samples are necessary. In this work we propose a methodology to determine natural radioactivity using simulated γ spectra by Monte Carlo and without the use of calibrated standard samples. We applied this methodology to determine radioactivity of K 40 isotopes from a light salt sample. Then we applied this process in soil samples and the results where compared with the values obtained by an other laboratory. In this comparison our results are on average a 13% smaller.
Journal of environmental radioactivity, 2018
In this work, an advanced analytical procedure was applied to calculate radioactivity in spiked water samples in a close geometry gamma spectroscopy. It included MCNP-CP code in order to calculate the coincidence summing correction factor (CSF). The CSF results were validated by a deterministic method using ETNA code for both p-type HPGe detectors. It showed that a good agreement for both codes. Finally, the validity of the developed procedure was confirmed by a proficiency test to calculate the activities of various radionuclides. The results of the radioactivity measurement with both detectors using the advanced analytical procedure were received the ''Accepted'' statuses following the proficiency test.
Physics Access, 2021
Qualitative analysis of radionuclides requires the use of reliable gamma-ray detection system. The NaI(Tl) detector has been widely used and still one of the most used detectors today. It is therefore imperative to validate the reliability of the 5x5 cm2 NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometry system used in carrying out gamma-ray analysis of soil samples in the Radiation and Health Laboratory, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. The gamma ray spectrometer is housed in a 5 cm thick cylindrical lead shield. Calibration was executed using standard materials produced under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Resolution and detection limit (LD) of the detector were determined using full width at half the maximum of the energy peak of 137Cs and background signal level of the reference materials respectively. Counting efficiencies of the detector was calculated using energies of 1460 keV, 1764keV and 2615 keV for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively. Secondary ...
The International Conference on Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Natural radioactivity exists everywhere around us in soil, air, water, and atmosphere and even in our bodies. Radiological background levels especially for vital locations are of great importance to our country nuclear program. EL-Dabaa site, at which the first Egyptian nuclear power plant will be constructed, is strategic area to be monitored before the beginning of the plant experimental and commercial operation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radioactivity levels and its radiological hazard indices especially in the zones around the NPPs; exclusion zone, low population zone and high population area (El-Dabaa old and new town). Many soil and shore sediment samples were collected from these areas. They were prepared and then analyzed using HpGe spectrometer. The calculations of activity concentration (Ac) of natural radionuclides 238 U, 232 Th decay series and 40 K were carried out. Based on the results obtained, the hazard indices (air absorbed gamma dose rate D , annual effective dose E , excess life time cancer risk ELCR) indoor and outdoor also (Ra equivalent Raeq and internal and external hazard index Hin,Hex) also (gamma index I and alpha index I) were estimated. The man-made radionuclide 137 Cs was also measured. The results are tabulated, plotted, discussed and compared with the national and international levels and limits.
Environmental Radioactivity Measuring Methods
2001
Several aspects of environmental radioactivity measurements are surveyed. Starting with the development and goals of the surveillance of environmental radioactivity, the radionuclide coverage needed, the required sensitivities, and the materials to be analyzed are discussed. Presently used analytical and measurement methods are shortly reviewed. Emphasis is laid upon new and advanced techniques for both decay measurements and mass spectrometric methods. Because of the importance of environmental radioactivity measurements for regulatory issues, political decision making and for public discussions there is an extreme need for high quality data. Therefore, current issues of quality assurance and control, of international standardization and harmonization are dealt with in detail. Finally, the needs for dissemination of environmental radioactivity measurements in the public are discussed and possible future developments of environmental radioactivity measurements are outlined. 1 References in this paper are exemplary rather than comprehensive. They shall invite for further reading.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2020
The aim of the study is to determine the ambient radiation level in Gumushane province. With this aim, the gamma dose ratios absorbed in the air were surveyed by a portable gamma detector. The activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, and 137 Cs in soil samples have been measured by the gamma spectrometric analysis system. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in drinking water were also determined by the alpha and beta counting system. By considering the geological structure, the soil samples have been obtained from 62 different spots. In addition, 77 samples of natural and tap water have been collected from different points of the province. The samples were analyzed at the Cekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center in Turkey. Absorbed gamma dose rates in the air were measured in 338 different points in the studied area.