Radioisotopes Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Radioisotopes, including details on radioimmunotherapy, radionuclides, procedures, hazards.

High-resolution alpha spectrometry under field conditions - fast identification of alpha particle emitting radionuclides from air samples.

Pöllänen R, Siiskonen T

STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, P.O. Box 14, FIN-00881 Helsinki, Finland. roy.pollanen@stuk.fi

Alpha particle emitting radionuclides may be released into the atmosphere as a result of a severe nuclear accident, the malevolent use of radioactive material or some other incident. Rapid detection methods are then of crucial importance for carrying out well-timed protective actions. The present paper demonstrates that a method in which an aerosol sample is collected on a filter and directly analysed by high-resolution alpha spectrometry in a vacuum chamber, but without radiochemical sample treatment, is suitable for field measurements. A detection limit of less than 0.1 Bqm(-3) for (239)Pu is achieved assuming 1-h sampling using a glass-fibre filter and 1-h data acquisition. This value is higher than in the case when sampling is performed using a porous membrane filter. A measurement system consisting of standard components is mounted in a vehicle designed for rapid field measurements.

Published 17 March 2006 in J Environ Radioact, 87(3): 279-88.
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