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Compton suppression gamma-spectroscopy in the analysis of radium and lead isotopes in ocean sediments

  • Radium and Radon Measurement
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Abstract

Compton suppression gamma-spectroscopy provides an efficient method for measuring the concentration of226Ra,228Ra, and210Pb in ocean sediments. The background reduction realized from the suppressed mode of operation provides an “active shield” to allow for the low-level counting required for these measurements. We have used the method to study the possible accumulation of radium from produced waters in sediments from Gulf of Mexico sites of varied distances from drill platforms. In addition,210Pb levels were determined to evaluate the use of our spectrometer for this purpose. Baseline undisturbed concentrations have been obtained from the study of subsurface core material which predates drilling activities. Correlations of radium isotope concentrations with iron and barium provide information concerning the possible relationships between radium levels and drilling activity (excess barium) and natural variations in sediment texture (iron).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Chemical Characterization and Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 77843, College Station, Texas, USA

    W. D. James

  2. Trace Element Research Laboratory, Department of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 77843, College Station, Texas, USA

    P. N. Boothe & B. J. Presley

Authors
  1. W. D. James
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  2. P. N. Boothe
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  3. B. J. Presley
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James, W.D., Boothe, P.N. & Presley, B.J. Compton suppression gamma-spectroscopy in the analysis of radium and lead isotopes in ocean sediments. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 236, 261–266 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02386354

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02386354

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