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The226Ra/Ba-ratio as indicator for phosphogypsum contributions to226Ra levels in sediments

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Abstract

Phosphogypsum discharges by phosphate-ore processing industries pollute sediments of the Rotterdam harbour area with226Ra. Direct measurement of this radionuclide in sediments does not provide a reliable indication of the elevation of the levels, since226Ra levels in sediments depend on the particle size. To eliminate the size effect, the226Ra/Ba ratio in sediments was tested as a possible indicator for the226Ra in the discharges. The results indicate almost a doubling of the226Ra levels in sediment samples due to phosphogypsum discharges. The contribution of phosphogypsum to the sediment mass was calculated in the order of a few percent equivalent.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interfaculty Reactor Institute, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB, Delft, The Netherlands

    P. Bode, J. M. De Goeij & P. Van Aller

Authors
  1. P. Bode
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  2. J. M. De Goeij
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  3. P. Van Aller
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Correspondence to P. Bode.

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Bode, P., De Goeij, J.M. & Van Aller, P. The226Ra/Ba-ratio as indicator for phosphogypsum contributions to226Ra levels in sediments. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 231, 51–56 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02388004

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02388004

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