Rapid gamma spectrometric analysis of soil samples after radioactive fallout using a “conjugate view” technique

Abstract

A method for fast determination of the activity in soil samples by measuring a fresh soil core sample from both ends with an HPGe-detector is proposed. The method was tested by simulations, as well as by measurements on spiked soil samples. Both simulations and measurements showed that the geometrical mean of the count rates when the sample is measured twice, with the bottom and the top end, respectively, facing the detector closely resembles the count rate from a measurement on a homogenized sample. Therefore, an efficiency calibration for homogenized samples could be used even if the activity is highly inhomogeneous in the soil core, as is the case with fresh fallout.It was also shown that by studying the ratio between the two measurements, a rough estimation of the extent of penetration of the radionuclide in the soil can be found. This will enhance the possibility to make rapid estimations of the soil inventory by field gamma spectrometry. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Gamma-ray spectroscopy; Soil sample; Fresh fallout; Emergency preparedness

Published in

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
2017, Volume: 177, pages: 250-255 Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Rosén, Klas

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Soil Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.07.009

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/93213