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Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

, Volume 115, Issue 2, pp 263–288 | Cite as

Analysis for naturally occuring radionuclides at environmental concentrations by gamma spectrometry

  • A. S. Murray
  • R. Marten
  • A. Johnston
  • P. Martin
Article

Abstract

The analytical potential of low level, high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry for naturally occurring radionuclides at environmental levels is described, with particular emphasis on detector background levels and sensitivity. Comparisons are drawn between the performance of a specially designed low background detector system, and that of standard “off the shelf” devices. Sample characteristics, calibration procedures and checks, are described, and empirical minimum detection limits of between 0.4 Bq·kg−1 (226Ra,228Th) and 10 Bq·kg−1 (210Pb) are derived for soil or sediment samples of about 250 g. Representative analyses of a variety of environmental samples, including water, plant material, animal tissue and sediment, are given to illustrate the routine use of the spectrometer.

Keywords

Radionuclide Detector System Sediment Sample 210Pb Environmental Sample 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Akadémiai Kiadó 1987

Authors and Affiliations

  • A. S. Murray
    • 1
  • R. Marten
    • 1
  • A. Johnston
    • 1
  • P. Martin
    • 1
  1. 1.Alligator Rivers Region Research InstituteJabiru(Australia)

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