Distribution of some natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in Sudanese harbour sediments

The distribution of some natural and anthropogenic radionuclides (²²⁶Ra,²²⁸Ra,²¹⁰Po,⁴⁰K,¹³⁷Cs) in surface marine sediments from the harbours at Port Sudan and Sawakin on the Sudanese coast of the Red Sea has been investigated using α-spectrometry and direct high-resolution γ-spectrometry. The prime ams were to assess the levels of radioactivity and the influence of factors such as dredging and the organic matter content of the sediments on the distribution pattern of the radionuclides. The results have been evaluated and the leves indicate the absence of any possible enhancement by anthropogenic influx from the hinterland. The spatial distribution pattern is more heterogeneous in Sawakin harbour where some parts have recently been dredged and the sludge is removed to maintain the required depth. The data also show an insignificant relationship between the activity concentrations of all the radionuclides and the content of organic matter in the sediments.     

Levels and effects of natural radionuclides in soil samples of Garhwal Himalaya

Distribution of natural radionuclide gives significant parameter to assess the presence of gamma radioactivity and its radiological effect in our environment. Natural radionuclides are present in the form of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in soil, rocks, water, air, and building materials. Distribution of natural radionuclides depends on the type of minerals present in the soil and rocks. For this purpose gamma spectrometer is used as tool for finding the concentration of these radionuclides. The activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in these soil samples were found to vary from of 8 ± 1 Bq/kg to 50 ± 10 Bq/kg with an average 20 Bq/kg, 7 ± 1–88 ± 16 Bq/kg with an Average 26 Bq/kg and 115 ± 18–885 ± 132 Bq/kg with an average 329 Bq/kg, respectively. In this paper, we are presenting the radiological effect due to distribution of natural radionuclide present in soil of Garhwal Himalaya.     

Optimizing standard sequential extraction protocol with lake and ocean sediments

The environmental mobility/availability behavior of radionuclides in soils and sediments depends on their speciation. Experiments have been carried out to develop a simple but robust radionuclide sequential extraction method for identification of radionuclide partitioning in sediments and soils. The sequential extraction protocol was optimized for temperature, concentration of reagents and reaction time. Optimum extraction conditions were chosen based on the release of ^239,240Pu, ²³⁸U and stable elements. Results from the experiments with lake sediment (SRM 4354) are compared to the previous trials where the sequential extraction protocol was optimized with the ocean sediment (SRM 4357). Based on these two trials the NIST standard sequential extraction protocol is established for defined extraction settings for temperature, reagent concentration and time.     

Spatial and vertical distributions of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides and cesium fractionation in sediments of the Var river and its tributaries (southeast France)

This paper reports results on the natural and anthropogenic radionuclides activity concentrations in sediments of the Var river and its tributaries. Natural (²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K) and artificial (¹³⁷Cs) radionuclides activities were measured using high purity germanium detector. Measured activity concentrations differ widely; they depend on the pertinent environmental situation such as the presence of dams, and sediments type. Other factors controlling the distribution of the studied radioisotopes have been discussed. A sequential extraction method consisting of six operationally-defined fractions has been used for determining the geochemical partitioning of anthropogenic radionuclide ¹³⁷Cs in a 405–410 cm deep sediments collected in the lower valley of the Var river. This method corresponds to a modification of the three-stage sequential extraction procedure proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR, now Standards, Measurements and Testing Program). Two steps with weak reagents, (fraction A: water; fraction B: nitric acid 0.001 M), were added before the first step of BCR (carbonate fraction) in order to better detect anthropogenic components. A total acid digestion of solid residues by microwave assisted was also added. The 6-steps extraction method was tested and validated by certified reference materials. ¹³⁷Cs was found mostly in the hydrosoluble fraction (20–24 %), oxide and hydroxide fraction (22–25 %) and in the residue (51–58 %), while ¹³³Cs was mostly found in the residual fraction (>97 %).     

Radon (222Rn) in underground drinking water supplies of the Southern Greater Poland Region

Activity concentration of the ²²²Rn radionuclide was determined in drinking water samples from the Sothern Greater Poland region by liquid scintillation technique. The measured values ranged from 0.42 to 10.52 Bq/dm³ with the geometric mean value of 1.92 Bq/dm³. The calculated average annual effective doses from ingestion with water and inhalation of this radionuclide escaping from water were 1.15 and 11.8 μSv, respectively. Therefore, it should be underlined that, generally, it’s not the ingestion of natural radionuclides with water but inhalation of the radon escaping from water which is a substantial part of the radiological hazard due to the presence of the natural radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series in the drinking water.     

Study of 137Cs, 90Sr, 239,240Pu, 238Pu and 241Am behavior in the Chernobyl soil

The vertical distribution of ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, ^239,240Pu, ²³⁸Pu and ²⁴¹Am was determined in soil samples collected from the Chernobyl exclusion zone in 1994. The results show very close distribution profiles for all radionuclides, with about 90% of the total activity of each nuclide lying between the surface and the fourth centimeter. Sequential extraction methods were used to determine the association of radionuclides in soil. The data on vertical distribution of radionuclide species were used to calculate their vertical migration parameters.     

On the fractionation of natural radioactivity in the production of phosphoric acid by the wet acid method

The fractionation of different natural radionuclides (U-isotopes,²²⁶Ra and²¹⁰Po) in the process used for the production of phosphoric acid in some factories located in the southwest of Spain is analyzed. As a consequence, different ways of natural radionuclide liberation to the environment can be evaluated due to these industrial activities.     

The NIST natural-matrix radionuclide standard reference material program for ocean studies

In 1977, the Low-level Working Group of the International Committee on Radionuclide Metrology met in Boston, MA (USA) to define the characteristics of a new set of environmental radioactivity reference materials. These reference materials were to provide the radiochemist with the same analytical challenges faced when assaying environmental samples. It was decided that radionuclide bearing natural materials should be collected from sites where there had been sufficient time for natural processes to redistribute the various chemically different species of the radionuclides. Over the succeeding years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in cooperation with other highly experienced laboratories, certified and issued a number of these as low-level radioactivity Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for fission and activation product and actinide concentrations. The experience of certifying these SRMs has given NIST the opportunity to compare radioanalytical methods and learn of their limitations. NIST convened an international workshop in 1994 to define the natural-matrix radionuclide SRM needs for ocean studies. The highest priorities proposed at the workshop were for sediment, shellfish, seaweed, fish flesh and water matrix SRMs certified for mBq per sample concentrations of ⁹⁰ Sr, ¹³⁷ Cs and ²³⁹ Pu + ²⁴⁰ Pu. The most recent low-level environmental radionuclide SRM issued by NIST, Ocean Sediment (SRM 4357) has certified and uncertified values for the following 22 radionuclides: ⁴⁰ K, ⁹⁰ Sr, ¹²⁹ I, ¹³⁷ Cs, ¹⁵⁵ Eu, ²¹⁰ Pb, ²¹⁰ Po, ²¹² Pb, ²¹⁴ Bi, ²²⁶ Ra, ²²⁸ Ra, ²²⁸ Th, ²³⁰ Th, ²³² Th, ²³⁴ U, ²³⁵ U, ²³⁷ Np, ²³⁸ U, ²³⁸ Pu, ²³⁹ Pu + ²⁴⁰ Pu, and ²⁴¹ Am. The uncertainties for a number of the certified radionuclides are non-symmetrical and relatively large because of the non-normal distribution of reported values. NIST is continuing its efforts to provide the ocean studies community with additional natural matrix radionuclide SRMs. The freeze-dried shellfish flesh matrix has been prepared and recently sent to participating laboratories for analysis and we anticipate receiving radioanalytical results in 2000. The research and development work at NIST produce well characterized SRMs that provide the world's environment-studies community with an important foundation component for radionuclide metrology.     

Preliminary studies on 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Th and 40K concentrations in foodstuffs consumed by inhabitants of Accra metropolitan area, Ghana

Knowledge of radioactivity levels in human diet is of particular concern for the estimation of possible radiological hazards to human health. However, very few surveys of radioactivity in food have been conducted in Ghana. The natural radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, ²²⁸Th and ⁴⁰K were measured in the foodstuffs using gamma ray spectrometry. All samples were found to contain high ⁴⁰K content in the range 87.77?C368.50?Bq?kg^?1. The maximum concentration of ²²⁸Th and ⁴⁰K were found in cassava to be 14.93?±?3.86 and 368.50?±?19.20?Bq?kg^?1, respectively. The total annual committed effective dose was estimated to be 4.64?mSv. The daily intake of radionuclides from food consumption reveals that cassava and plantain are the highest contributors, while millet is the lowest. The daily radionuclide intake from the foodstuffs consumed by the general public was 411.32?Bq and the daily internal dose resulting from ingestion of the radionuclides in the foodstuffs was 0.01?mSv. The radionuclide concentrations were comparable with those reported from other countries.     

Partitioning of natural radionuclides in sediments around a former uranium mine and mill

Partitioning of natural radionuclides in sediments from streams affected by the waste piles of the former uranium mine and mill located at ?irovski vrh, Slovenia, was performed by applying a sequential extraction procedure. The sediments were collected at three sites located upstream and three sites located downstream of the waste piles. Then the four-step Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction protocol was applied to the samples and the natural radionuclides ²³⁸U, ²³⁰Th, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po were analysed in each extraction fraction. It was expected that the fractionation of natural radionuclides originating from the waste piles would differ from that upstream of the influence of waste piles because their chemical environment had been altered during the processes of uranium extraction. This difference could allow tracing of the radionuclides coming from the waste piles downstream of the affected watercourses. The results definitely showed that the total activity concentrations at sites downstream of the influence of the waste piles were higher than at sites upstream of the piles. However, this difference was geographically very limited and could no longer be detected already at a distance of about 5 km downstream. Unexpectedly, the fractionation of radionuclides upstream and downstream of the area of influence of the waste piles did not appear to be significantly altered. The sole differences found were for ²³⁸U and ²²⁶Ra in the second fraction (the “Fe/Mn oxides” fraction) and for ²¹⁰Po in the fourth fraction (the “residue” fraction) of the BCR sequential extraction protocol.     

Assessment of radioactivity contribution and transfer characteristics of natural radionuclides in agroecosystem

Taking into account the importance of distribution and transfer of radionuclides in the soil–plant system, especially in agricultural fields, the aim of this research was assessment of radioactivity contribution and transfer characteristics of natural radionuclides in agroecosystem. The measurement of the natural radioactivity distribution was conducted in organic and sustainable farming management systems. Statistical evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of soils subjected to different farming systems, revealed the existence of differences in some parameters. Balanced distribution of natural radionuclides in soil-crop system was observed. Radionuclide ⁴⁰K was the most accessible to the investigated crops via uptake from the soil, then ²³²Th and ²²⁶Ra. The obtained results are useful for understanding the behavior of the radionuclides and provide an insight into the cumulative deposition of radioactivity in the agroecosystem.

     

Thermodynamic parameters of TI+, Ra2+, Bi3+and Ac3+ adsorption onto polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate-hydroxyapatite composite

In this research, a new composite, poly (hydroxyethylmethacrylate-hydroxyapatite) [P(HEMA-Hap)], was synthesized and its adsorptive features for natural radionuclides (TI⁺, Ra²⁺, Bi³⁺and Ac³⁺ in a leaching solution) were investigated at differing initial pH, concentration and temperature ranges. The natural radionuclides were counted by gamma spectrometer using a type NAI (Tl) detector. The adsorption data obtained were well represented by Langmuir and Freundlich type isotherms. The magnitude of determined monolayer adsorption capacities (X _L) for the adsorbed radionuclides were TI⁺ = Ac³⁺ > Ra²⁺ = Bi³⁺. These results demonstrated that P(HEMA-Hap) had high affinity to the natural radionuclide. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption mechanisms were spontaneous (ΔG < 0) in terms of adsorption free enthalpy, and changes in the enthalpy and entropy values showed that the overall adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH > 0), thus increasing entropy (ΔS > 0).     

Natural radioactivity levels of limestone rocks in northern Iraq using gamma spectroscopy and nuclear track detector

The activity concentration of radionuclides, such as ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K of limestone rocks in northern Iraq was measured using gamma spectroscopy. The radionuclide activities were obtained and discussed. CR-39 nuclear track detector was used to measure the radon exhalation rates as well as the effective radium contents of these samples and are found to correspond with uranium concentration values measured by NaI(Tl) detector in the corresponding limestone rocks samples. The absorbed gamma dose rates in air due to the presence of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K and cosmic ray contribution varied between 105.3 and 223.11 nGy/h. The annual effective dose of each sample has been calculated. The correlation between activities of ²²⁶Ra, ²²²Rn exhalation rates and ²³⁸U is explained. Results show a symmetrical distribution of activity concentrations of primordial of radionuclides in selected samples. The values of all studied radionuclides are considered to be a typical level of natural background and compared with results of similar investigations carried out else where.     

Wide-area aquatic sampling and analysis for the detection of nuclear proliferation

Nuclear proliferation signature radionuclides can be delivered to the aquatic environs via direct liquid discharges or atmospheric routes. The candidate radionuclides for detection are ³H, ⁹⁰Sr, ⁹⁵Nb, ⁹⁵Zr, ⁹⁹Tc, ¹⁰⁶Ru, ¹²⁵Sb, ¹²⁹I, ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹⁴⁴Ce, ¹⁴⁷Pm, ^NatU, ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, ²³⁷Np, ²³⁹Pu, ²⁴⁰Pu, and ²⁴¹Pu. The criteria for detection are the limits of radionuclide analysis, the nature and variability of background oncentrations, and the transport characteristics between the source and sample site. The type of sample to be taken is determined by the signature radionuclides sorption on/in the media sampled. Non-sorbing radionuclides such as ³H, ⁹⁹Tc, and ¹²⁹I are in the water, whereas the Pu radionuclides are in the transported sediments. Results are discussed for monthly releases of radionuclides such as ⁹⁰Sr, ¹³⁷Cs, and ²³⁹Pu for variable flow-rate conditions with typical backgrounds and typical detection limits.     

Utilization of (p, 4n) reaction for <Superscript>86</Superscript>Zr production with medium energy protons and development of a <Superscript>86</Superscript>Zr → <Superscript>86</Superscript>Y radionuclide generator

Utilization of (p, 4n) reaction channel for the production of medical radionuclides became very attractive with commercial availability of medium energy cyclotrons. Significantly higher yields and radionuclidic purity may open new perspectives for several novel and some of the radionuclides previously have not been considered due to production difficulties. In present work, we show the proof-of-principle study on the production of ⁸⁶Y for Positron Emission Tomography imaging via radionuclide generator ⁸⁶Zr → ⁸⁶Y. Production suitability of ⁸⁶Zr from natural yttrium target and radiochemical separation strategies were tested. In addition, two generator systems were proposed and evaluated.     

Retrospective determination of 238Pu, 239,240Pu and 90Sr activities in the outer bark of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) collected at various sites in the Czech Republic

The activity concentrations of ²³⁸Pu, ^239,240Pu and ⁹⁰Sr were determined in 25 archived spruce outer bark samples collected in coniferous forests across the Czech Republic in 1995. At three sampling sites the radionuclide activity concentrations were determined in forest soil. Data was provided on the cumulative deposition and vertical distribution of ²³⁸Pu, ^239,240Pu and ⁹⁰Sr in forest soil. The median activity concentration of ²³⁸Pu in the spruce bark samples was 0.009 Bq kg^?1. The median activity concentration of ^239,240Pu was 0.212 Bq kg^?1, and the median activity concentration of ⁹⁰Sr was 10.6 Bq kg^?1. The radionuclide activity concentration distribution was not significantly explained by the local long-term (1961–2000) mean annual precipitation totals, by site elevation, by bark acidity, by soil moisture and soil texture. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides in bark were found to be higher than or comparable with the published and measured figures for radionuclide activity concentrations in cultivated and uncultivated soils (0–20 cm layer) in the Czech Republic and abroad. The activity concentration ratio of ⁹⁰Sr/^239,240Pu in the investigated spruce bark samples was higher than in the relevant soil samples. We assume that the crucial radioactive contamination loads in bark occurred in the first half of the 1960s, when the concentration of the investigated radionuclides in the air was highest. Spruce trunk bark has preserved relatively high activity concentrations of these radionuclides. The mechanism governing the long-term radionuclide activity concentrations in outer bark proportional to the local radioactive fallout rates is not correctly known. Our results indicate the suitability of spruce bark for use as an effective monitor of radioactive plume fallout loads even several decades after the contamination episode.     

Sorption-scintillation determination of Sr in natural water

A porous composite material is described for determination of radionuclides in aquatic objects of the environment. Possibilities have been studied for the use of this material in monitoring of ⁹⁰Sr content in natural waters. The composite is a scintillator with through pores, the surface of which is impregnated by a sorbent that is selective with respect to strontium. The structure of the material allows combination of two processes—concentrating the radionuclide and measuring its activity. Studies were carried out using both model systems based on reference radioactive solutions and samples of natural water contaminated with radionuclides. It is shown that the use of the proposed method for analysis of natural water allows determination in water of 4×10⁻² Bq l⁻¹ of ⁹⁰Sr, which is by two orders of magnitude lower than its maximum acceptable concentration.     

Study on the Horizontal Transport of Some Radionuclides in the Wieprz River Valley

A horizontal transport of radionuclides was studied by the analysis of the radioactivity of the surface soil samples from valleys of Wieprz river and its bottom sediments. Natural gamma-isotopes (⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U and ²³²Th series) antropogenic (¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs) and alpha-isotopes ²³⁸Pu and ^239,240Pu were measured. The different kind of bed rock and terrain configuration, influenced the radionuclide transportation from the soil to river bottom sediments. Radioactivity of the sediment samples is definitely lower than the soils. Very strong adsorption of isotopes in soil hinders their horizontal migration. Calculated ²³⁸Pu/^239,240Pu ratio is characteristic for global fallout and about 90% of the ¹³⁷Cs comes from Chernobyl.     

Prediction capacity of a sequential extraction scheme

The predictions of a sequential extraction scheme with respect to the mobility of some radionuclides (⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁴Cs and^110mAg) in two Mediterranean sandy and sandy-loam soils, are compared to short-term soil-to-plant transfer factors and soil migration. Total soil-to-plant transfer is higher in sandy soil than in sandy-loam soil, as expected and predicted by the scheme. The relative transfer to plants of¹³⁴Cs and⁸⁵Sr follows the scheme predictions about exchangeable radionuclide fraction, radiosilver being less mobile than expected. Migration in soil of radiocesium and radiostrontium is also higher in sandy soil, especially for the latter radionuclide, the relative behavior of these two radionuclides being nearer to the bioavailable radionuclide fraction defined by the scheme. However, the scheme fails in predicting radiosilver migration, which is lower than deduced by the scheme.