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A low-cost delta underwater gamma system (DUGS) for in-situ measurement of natural radionuclides in aquatic sediments

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Abstract

In this paper, we report on the design and radiometric performance of the delta underwater gamma system, a low-cost modular, waterproof, mobile detector system that we recently developed. Radiometric performance tests indicate that the SS316 enclosure can withstand impact from rock outcrops and debris, with approximately 10% radiation absorption reported (14% at 351 keV and 8% at 1764 keV), implying minimal information loss. There is no significant difference in measurements obtained when the detector is operated vertically or horizontally. From the preliminary in-situ measurements, the system is sensitive to natural radionuclide variability in aquatic sediments.

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Acknowledgements

K. Kilel gratefully acknowledges the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the PhD sandwich fellowship program under RAF0052 “Supporting Human Resource Development in Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA)”. I. Kaniu also wishes to thank the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for support through the Associates Programme (2016-2022).

Funding

This project was funded by the IAEA under the coordinated research project (CRP: F2207) Contract Number KEN-24601 and RAF 0052.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

    K. K. Kilel & M. J. Gatari

  2. Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, Saldanha, 7395, South Africa

    K. K. Kilel, J. Bezuidenhout & R. R. le Roux

  3. Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

    M. I. Kaniu

Authors
  1. K. K. Kilel
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  2. J. Bezuidenhout
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  3. M. J. Gatari
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  4. R. R. le Roux
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  5. M. I. Kaniu
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Contributions

KKK: Conceptualization, Software, Methodology, Formal analysis, Investigation, Validation, Writing-Original draft preparation. JB: Conceptualization, Resources, Methodology, Validation, Supervision, Writing, Reviewing and Editing the Manuscript. MJG: Supervision, Resources, Reviewing the Manuscript. RleR: Conceptualization, Software, Methodology, Formal analysis, Reviewing and Editing the Manuscript. MIK: Supervision, Writing, Validation, Reviewing and Editing the Manuscript.

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Correspondence to K. K. Kilel.

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Kilel, K.K., Bezuidenhout, J., Gatari, M.J. et al. A low-cost delta underwater gamma system (DUGS) for in-situ measurement of natural radionuclides in aquatic sediments. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 332, 659–667 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08701-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08701-7

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