Modified and reverse radiometric flow injection analysis

Determination of¹³⁷Cs and⁶⁰Co by using modified and reverse radiometric flow injection analysis is described. Two component RFIA was also realized using⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs radionuclides.     

Simultaneous determination of60Co,131I and137Cs in model radioactive waste water by reverse radiometric flow injection analysis with the aid of a multichannel analyzer

Reverse radiometric flow injection analysis was used for the simultaneous determination of⁶⁰Co,¹³¹I and¹³⁷Cs in model radioactive waste water. A NaI (Tl) scintillation detector coupled to a Canberra MCA was used for measuring the activity of¹³⁷Cs at 662 keV,⁶⁰Co at 1173 keV and 1332 keV, and¹³¹I at 364 keV.     

A method for assessing and correcting coincidence summing effects for germanium detector efficiency calibrations

The addition of⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁵Zn to a nine-radionuclide standard (containing²⁴¹Am.,¹⁰⁹Cd.⁵⁷Co,¹³⁹Ce,²⁰³Hg.¹¹³Sn,¹³⁷Cs,⁸⁸Y, and⁶⁰Co) provides the capability to determine the extent of coincidence summing for gamma rays from⁸⁸Y and⁶⁰Co. A method for correcting the efficiency points at 1332 keV (⁶⁰Co) and 1836 keV (⁸⁸Y) for coincidence summing is presented.     

Development of a method for the estimation of low amount of plutonium in 200 L waste drums in presence of high amount of β γ activity due to 137Cs and 60Co

The waste drum monitoring system based on HPGe detector was used to study its performance for the estimation of low amounts of plutonium in presence of high activity of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co. The counting was carried out by keeping amount of plutonium constant at 100 mg level and varying the count rate for the γ rays of ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co. Present study has shown that the estimation of low amount of ²³⁹Pu in a waste drum can be carried out using 129 keV γ ray in the presence of ¹³⁷Cs up to an activity level of 16 mCi and in the presence of ⁶⁰Co up to an activity level of 8 mCi.     

Assessment of intake of a complex radionuclide bearing dust formed at a nuclear power plant

The aim of this work was to provide an experimental basis for assessing intakes of an industrial actinide-bearing dust from measurements of⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs in the body or urine. Whilst these radionuclides comprised 72% and 19% of the radioactivity present, greater than 90% of the committed effective dose will result from the low concentrations of the actinides present, 0.4%. To assess the dose coefficient for the dust and predict the biokinetics of⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs in workers, absorption parameters for transfer from lungs to blood obtained from an animal study were combined with information on particle deposition and clearance from the ICRP human respiratory tract model and with tissue distribution and excretion data from the most recent systemic models. All other radionuclides were assumed to have Type M absorption characteristics. The dose coefficient for the dust, 1.29·10^–7 Sv·Bq^–1 was estimated to contain 113 kBq⁶⁰Co, 29 kBq¹³⁷Cs and 0.64 kBq of the actinides. The predicted retention and excretion characteristics of⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs in workers after acute or chronic exposure to the dust suggested that measurements of these radionuclides in the body or urine could detect intakes equivalent to a few percent of an annual dose limit of 20 mSv·y^–1.     

Studies on some experimental parameters of radiometric flow injection analysis (RFIA) using137Cs and60Co

A simple radiometric flow injection analyzer with NaI(Tl) detector was used for the study of some experimental parameters of¹³⁷Cs and⁶⁰Co determination. A sample transfer system was developed employing both merging zone and sample injection principle.     

Influence of plant roots upon the mobility of radionuclides in soil, with respect to location of contamination below the surface

The movement of⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁷Cs,⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co in the 50 cm soil profile was studied with and without the presence of plant roots (triticum aestivum) in order to investigate the influence of roots and depth contamination upon the migration of radionuclides. The water table was maintained manually at 3 cm from the bottom. The physiochemical characteristics (E_h Fe^–2, NH ₄ ⁺ , pH and moisture content) as well as the total and extractable radioactivity were investigated. In the discrete contamination, where the location of contamination varied within the soil profile (0–5, 25–30 or 45–50 cm from the top), the influence of location upon the movement of these radionuclides was also studied. It was found that the changes in the soil physicochemical characteristics influenced the mobility of the four radionuclides. The extractability of⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co was significantly increased in the reducing region of the soil, whereas that of⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁷Cs was not. Plant roots excerted significant effects upon the soil characteristics, via, reducing the E_h pH and moisture content of the soil; increasing the extractability of both⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co from the depth of 35 cm downwards. Radionuclide migration occurred via physicochemical and biological transport. The biological transport via plant roots was of particular importance for¹³⁷Cs. Location of contamination had a significant influence upon the mobility of radionuclides. The migration of radionuclides was in the sequence of contamination in middle>bottom>top. The degree of the influence varied with radionuclides concemed. In the top layer contamination, the rank of the migration from the contamination layers, on the other hand⁵⁴Mn,⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs were more mobile and the movement was:⁸⁵Sr⁵⁴Mn⁶⁰Co>¹³⁷Cs. In the middle and bottom contamination layers, on the other hand,⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs were more mobile and the movement was⁸⁵Sr⁵⁴Mn⁶⁰Co>¹³⁷Cs. The results provide evidence conceming the soil-root interaction influencing the transfer efficiency of radionuclides from below the soil surface into the human food chain.     

Efficiency calibration of HPGe detector in far and close geometries

The absolute total and full-energy peak (FEP) efficiencies of a high purity germanium (HPGe) photon detector are measured in the energy range from 40 keV to 1500 keV. The functional parameters are fitted to the calibration points from 14 long-lived standard sources (¹²⁹I,²⁴¹Am,¹⁰⁹Cd,⁵⁷Co,¹³⁹Ce,¹³⁷Cs,⁵⁴Mn,⁶⁵Zn,⁶⁰Co,²²Na,¹³³Ba,¹⁵²Eu,¹⁵⁴Eu and^166mHo) within an accuracy better than the quoted uncertainty of the calibration sources. The efficiencies in far and close geometries are compared.     

Preliminary results on labelling antibody Mab B72.3 with90Y

Rapid, safe and cost effective techniques for study of radiochemical wastes have been investigated by many workers. This work deals with a further study on this aspect by reverse radiometric flow injection analysis (rRFIA) technique.¹³⁷Cs and⁶⁰Co were determined in model radioactive wastewaters.     

Non-isotopic indicators in radioanalytical chemistry

Three radioanalytical methods have been developed which allow to determine one element the using of radioisotopes of other elements with similar chemical properties. The methods have been applied to the determination of nickel with⁶⁰Co, of rubidium with¹³⁷Cs, and of potassium with⁸⁶Rb and¹³⁷Cs.     

Relative efficiency calibration of Ge(Li) detector in low energy region

The relative gamma-ray intensities in the energy region between 122 and 411 keV in the decay of¹⁵²Eu were measured by using a Ge(Li) detector. Its efficiency calibration was carried out with the radioactive sources of²⁴¹Am,⁵⁷Co,²⁰³Hg,¹³⁷Cs,¹³³Ba,⁷⁵Se,¹⁶⁹Yb and¹⁹²Ir.     

Determination of137Cs and134Cs in air samples collected near Belgrade /Yugoslavia/ following the Chernobyl accident

This paper presents the results of measurements of¹³⁷Cs and¹³⁴Cs content in air sampled during May 1986. Maximum concentrations:¹³⁷Cs 2.94±0.01 Bq m^–3 and¹³⁴Cs 1.38±0.01 Bq m^–3 were registered on May 3. Several other long lived radionuclides having -energies in the region 33 keV to 1365 keV were registered in the same samples two years later. The results of measurements of the total -activity in air for the same period are also presented.     

Gamma-spectrometric determination of106Ru,134Cs,137Cs and144Ce in the fuel from the Czechoslovak atomic power station A-1

Determination of¹⁰⁶Ru,¹³⁴Cs,¹³⁷Cs and¹⁴⁴Ce in samples of irradiated fuel from the Czechoslovak atomic power station Al is described. The determination is based on gamma-spectrum analysis. The analysis was performed using a Ge(Li) semiconductor detector; for the determination of the isotope mentioned the lines in the energy interval from 400 to 1300 keV were used. The analyses of both dissolved and non-dissolved samples of the fuel were performed. The results of the determinations and their comparison are given in detail.     

Mathematical modeling of physico-chemical characteristics of cement-waste composites in radioactive waste management

An optimization of mortar (as matrix), improved with bentonite clay, used for immobilization of radionuclides⁶⁰Co,¹³⁷Cs,⁸⁵Sr and⁵⁴Mn, is presented. A relatively simple mathematical model is given, which permits minimization of leach rate and permeability and maximization of compressive strength. An optimal solution, based on experimental data, is given. These results will be used for a future Yugoslav radioactive waste storing center.     

Diffusion of Sr, Cs, Co and I in argillaceous rock as studied by radiotracers</p> </p>

Summary Diffusions of⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁷Cs,⁶⁰Co and¹²⁵I radionuclides have been studied in borecore samples from Boda siltstone/claystone formation (BCF) under ambient and in situ conditions. In-diffusion (⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁷Cs,⁶⁰Co and¹²⁵I) and through-diffusion measurements (¹²⁵I) were performed at ambient conditions, and for iodine, in-diffusion measurements were also carried out at in situ conditions (100 bar, 50 °C). In the case of cationic species carrier-containing solutions were also applied.⁶⁰Co was detected only in the first slice of borecore at each sample, while¹³⁷Cs was detected also in the first-, second- and third slices according to the concentration-increase of inactive carrier. Among the investigated cations,⁸⁵Sr exhibited the fastest diffusion rate with 2.7-6.0 ^. 10^-12m²/s apparent diffusivity values. In the course of in-diffusion measurements 4.7 ^. 10^-11 m ² /s, during through-diffusion investigations 1.4-1.6 ^. 10^-12m²/s and at in situ conditions 5.0-8.0 ^. 10^-12 m²/s apparent diffusivities were obtained for¹²⁵I.Modest sorption of¹²⁵I can also be deduced from the results.</p> </p>     

Deposition of cesium and cobalt sorbed on zeolite in matrices of blast furnace slag

¹³⁷Cs and⁶⁰Co were sorbed from model solutions and waste water on chemically treated granular zeolite. The zeolite was incorporated into cement slurries based on blast furnace slag (BFS). The compressive and bending strength were measured after different times of hydration. The leaching tests were performed in water, base and acid solutions. The leachability was more pronounced only for samples in acidic solutions.     

Sorption properties of chemically treated clinoptilolites with respect to Cs and Co

The sorption ability of clinoptilolite treated by NaOH solution has been studied. The distribution coefficients of¹³⁷Cs and⁶⁰Co were studied by the radiochemical method. The variation of distribution coefficients with pH was studied. Also the influence of competitive ions on distribution coefficients were investigated. The total cation exchange capacity and XRD analysis were also measured.     

Study of the mass attenuation coefficients and effective atomic numbers in some gemstones

The total mass attenuation coefficients for natural beryl, corundum, garnet, pearl, and tourmaline gemstones were measured at 81, 356.5, 661.6, 1173.2, and 1332.5?keV photon energies. The samples were irradiated with ¹³³Ba, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co radioactive point sources using gamma ray transmission method. Total atomic and electronic cross-sections, effective atomic numbers and electron densities were determined experimentally and theoretically. The experimental values were compared with the calculated values for all samples. The calculations were extended for total photon interactions in a wide energy range (1?keV?C100?GeV) using WinXCom program of the most commonly irradiated gemstones with different sources of ionized radiation. The values of these parameters have been found to vary with photon energy and chemical composition of the gemstones. All variations of these parameters against energy are shown graphically for total photon interactions.     

Concentration of <Superscript>137</Superscript>Cs in seawater surrounding East Malaysia

Studies of ¹³⁷Cs distribution in East Malaysia were carried out as part of a marine coastal environment project. The results of measurements will serve as baseline data and background reference level for Malaysia coastline. Twenty-one locations were identified along the coastline of East Malaysia, and from each location water samples were collected at the surface of the seawater. Ten near-shore locations were also selected and seawater was collected at three different depths. Large volumes of seawater were collected and the co-precipitation technique was employed to concentrate cesium. A known amount of ¹³⁴Cs tracer was added as yield determinant, followed by addition of copper(II) nitrate salt and a solution of potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) trihydrate, to precipitate the total cesium. The precipitate slurry was oven dried at 60 °C for 1–2 days, finely ground and counted using gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity of ¹³⁷Cs was determined by measuring the peak area under the photopeak of the gamma-spectrum at 661 keV, which is equivalent to gamma-intensity corrected for detection efficiency, percentage of gamma-ray abundance of the radionuclide and recovery of ¹³⁴Cs tracer. There were no significant differences of ¹³⁷Cs activities both in surface and bottom water samples at 95% confidence level. The activity of ¹³⁷Cs (for all samples) was found to be in the range of 1.47 to 3.36 Bq/m³ and 1.69 to 3.32 Bq/m³ for Sabah and Sarawak, respectively.     

The distribution and behaviour of artificial radionuclides in sediments of the north Wales coast,U.K.

The distribution of¹³⁴Cs,¹³⁷Cs and²¹⁴Am in surface and core sediments from areas in north Wales has been investigated. Coastal sites show a predominance of Sellafield-derived material for all three radionuclides whereas estuarine sites show an increased proportion of Chemobyl-derived caesium present. By the use of the¹³⁴Cs/¹³⁷Cs ratio, a mean proportion of Chemobyl-derived¹³⁷Cs in surface sediments collected in 1991 fell from 34% at an estuarine site to 11% at a coastal site. In deeper sections of cores representing sedimentation dates near the Chemobyl accident, up to 90% of¹³⁷Cs at the estuarine site and 26% at the coastal site can be attributed to Chemobyl. By using the position of the Chemobyl¹³⁴Cs and¹³⁷Cs peak in the cores, sedimentation rates of 0.7 mm·a^–1 were calculated.