Digital autoradiography (DA) in quantification of trace level beta emitters on concrete

In the framework of dismantling of nuclear facilities, there is a strong need to obtain analytical results on residual radioactivity especially on concrete but also on metal surfaces. Since investigation of hundreds of m² areas by the standard Wipe test method is difficult, a semi quantitative digital autoradiography (DA) technique was developed. The DA technique is sensitive to all types of radiation and therefore it is advantageous in dismantling investigations. Recent developments on the DA technique were investigated on concrete floor of an old laboratory in which research had been carried out using ³H and ¹⁴C beta emitters. The results showed that the DA technique was a powerful tool in localization and quantification of residual radioactivity on concrete floor.