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Canepa C, Benzi P, Marabello D. The dynamics of the detection of 226Ra in water by scintillation counting in nonequilibrium conditions. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 251-252:106970. [PMID: 36027819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The conventional methods for the 226Ra determination by liquid scintillation counting require to attain secular equilibrium between 226Ra and 222Rn prior to the counting. This study describes a method that allows the immediate counting of a sample after the dissolution of Ba(Ra)SO4 in EDTA. This results from a detailed modelling of the activity of the parent 226Ra and its daughters in both the aqueous and organic scintillator phases. This methodology was tested on standard solutions of 226Ra showing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Canepa
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Italy.
| | - Paola Benzi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Torino, Italy.
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2
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A comparison of alpha-particle and gamma-ray spectrometry methods for determination of 235U, 238U and 226Ra activity concentration in samples of coal, slag and fly-ash. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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3
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Dovhyi II, Bezhin NA, Tananaev IG. Sorption methods in marine radiochemistry. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr5015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The review presents the general methodology of using sorption methods to solve problems of marine radiochemistry, including sampling, preconcentration and radiochemical preparation and methods for measuring the activity of radionuclides. The possible methodological errors at various stages of sampling and sample concentration are discussed. The most widely used artificial (90Sr, 134Cs, 137Cs, 239Pu, 240Pu), natural (210Pb, 210Po; radium quartet: 223Ra, 224Ra, 226Ra, 228Ra; thorium isotopes, mainly 234Th) and cosmogenic (7Be, 32P, 33P) radiotracers are considered. The sorption of uranium from seawater is not addressed, since its concentration in seawater is usually calculated from the known dependence of uranium concentration on seawater salinity.
The bibliography includes 200 references.
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4
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Xia MM, Liang YG, Yu GB, Zhu JP, Cheng SS, Tian C, Xu T, Wu YR. Simultaneous determination of Ra-226 and Ra-228 in water using spectrum stripping method by LSC. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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5
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Krmpotic M, Rožmaric M, Petrinec B, Bituh T, Fiket Ž, Benedik L. RADIONUCLIDE AND MAJOR ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THERMAL AND MINERAL WATERS IN CROATIA WITH A RELATED DOSE ASSESSMENT. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2018; 181:199-207. [PMID: 29415181 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Major elements concentrations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and the activity concentrations of 226,228Ra, 234,238U, 210Po, 210Pb, 40K and 137Cs in northern and eastern Croatian thermal and mineral waters, collected directly from springs (or wells), are presented herein with total effective doses assessed for those waters that are considered as drinking 'cures' and are available for consumption. The methods used for radionuclide determination included alpha-particle spectrometry, gas-proportional counting and gamma-ray spectrometry, while the major element composition was determined by ICP-MS. The activity concentrations of all of the radionuclides were found to be below the guidance levels set by the WHO and EC Directive, with the exception of one water sample that measured 0.26 Bq L-1 of 228Ra. The effective ingestion dose assessment for the consumption of the so-called water 'cures' during 1, 2 or 4 weeks' time period throughout 1 year was well below the recommended 0.1 mSv for drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Krmpotic
- Ruder Boškovic Institute, Bijenicka cesta 54, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Branko Petrinec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Bituh
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Fiket
- Ruder Boškovic Institute, Bijenicka cesta 54, Zagreb, Croatia
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6
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Abbasi A. A review of the analytical methodology to determine Radium-226 and Radium-228 in drinking waters. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/ract-2018-2967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Radium-228 (228Ra) and Radium-226 (226Ra) isotopes in drinking water are significant from the aspect of radiation protection and human health. In this paper, the three most common preconcentration methods, i.e.coprecipitation, absorption and evaporation, were reviewed with emphasis on routinely measurement techniques. The reviewed measurement techniques include low background γ-spectrometry, α-spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting. The γ-spectrometry technique is the good selection, when the maximum sensitivity is considered. The Environmental Protection Agency guideline has provided the maximum concentration level 0.74 Bq/L for 226Ra and 228Ra. Also, the World Health Organization guideline limit is 1 Bq/L and 0.1 Bq/L for 226Ra and 228Ra, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Abbasi
- Faculty of Engineering , University of Kyrenia , Girne, TRNC, Mersin 10 , Turkey , Phone: +90 3928151039, Fax: +90 3928159998, E-mail:
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7
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Liatsou I, Pashalidis I. Radium concentration in uranium-bearing rocks and minerals by radon emanation after acidic sample dissolution. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4737-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Benedik L. Evaluation of procedures for (226)Ra determination in samples with high barium concentration by α-particle spectrometry. Appl Radiat Isot 2015; 109:210-213. [PMID: 26671792 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.11.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The γ emitter (133)Ba is the most often used tracer in determination of (226)Ra by α-particle spectrometry. If the source for α-particle spectrometry is prepared by microcoprecipitation, a high Ba concentration causes a thicker source layer which results in reduced counting efficiency due to self-absorption on the α spectrometer and consequently lower result for (226)Ra, while not effecting the measurement of (133)Ba in γ-ray spectrometry. If the electrodeposition is used, recoveries of deposited Ra and Ba are not necessarily the same and impurities of other α emitters may interfere with the α spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Benedik
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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9
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Determination of radium by radon emanation after EDTA-mediated sample dissolution. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4095-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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10
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A comparative study of 226Ra determination using total counting and alpha spectrometry in environmental water samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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11
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Benedik L, Rovan L, Klemenčič H, Gantar I, Prosen H. Natural radioactivity in tap waters from the private wells in the surroundings of the former Žirovski Vrh uranium mine and the age-dependent dose assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:12062-12072. [PMID: 25874436 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Activity concentration of (238)U, (234)U, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (210)Pb and (210)Po in tap water from selected springs and private wells in the area of the former uranium mine at Žirovski Vrh were determined. A total of 22 tap water samples were collected at consumer's houses. The results show that the activity concentrations of uranium in water samples are in range (0.17-372) and (0.22-362) mBq L(-1) for (238)U and (234)U, respectively. Radium activity concentrations are in range (0.14-16.7) and (0.9-11.7) mBq L(-1) for (226)Ra and (228)Ra, respectively. (210)Po activity concentration is in range (0.28-8.0) mBq L(-1) and can be regarded as the lowest amongst all analysed radionuclides. The range for (210)Pb is (0.5-24.6) mBq L(-1). Based on the results obtained for activity concentrations of six radionuclides, the committed effective dose for three different age groups of population were estimated. It was found that the committed effective dose was well below the recommended value of 100 μSv year(-1), ranging from 2.3 to 34.3 μSv year(-1) for adults, from 3.5 to 32.0 μSv year(-1) for children (7-12 years) and from 3.0 to 23.3 μSv year(-1) for infants.
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12
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Sohrabi M, Khodadadi F. A new two-phase media method for 226Ra activity measurement in water. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2015; 164:537-541. [PMID: 25971343 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A new two-phase media method was developed for determination of (226)Ra activity in water. The method was calibrated by applying 7 standard (226)Ra waters with known activities. The method detects alphas in two media; 80 ml of water in a glass bottle with air or a non-polar liquid such as olive oil on top of the water. Alpha particles from (226)Ra, (222)Rn and progeny were detected by two polycarbonate track detectors (PCTDs) which were mounted on a holder inserted in the bottle so that one PCTD is placed in water and the other in air or in the non-polar liquid. The bottles were hermetically sealed and kept for 40 or 48 d. The PCTDs in the bottles shaken every other day enhanced the sensitivity of the measurements. The Calibration Factors for the standard (226)Ra waters, air and olive oil above water are, respectively, (7.85 ± 0.25) × 10(-3), (7.94 ± 0.13) × 10(-3) and 3.02 × 10(-2) tracks.cm(-2) kBq(-1) h(-1) m(3).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sohrabi
- Health Physics and Dosimetry Research Laboratory, Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Khodadadi
- Health Physics and Dosimetry Research Laboratory, Department of Energy Engineering and Physics, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Medley P, Martin P, Bollhöfer A, Parry D. 228Ra and 226Ra measurement on a BaSO 4 co-precipitation source. Appl Radiat Isot 2014; 95:200-207. [PMID: 25464199 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
One of the most commonly-used methods for determination of 226Ra, particularly in water samples, utilises co-precipitation of Ra with BaSO4, followed by microfiltration to produce a source for alpha counting. This paper describes two extensions to BaSO4 co-precipitation methods which enable determination of 228Ra using the same source. The adaptations presented here do not introduce any contaminants that will affect the separation of radium or alpha counting for 226Ra, and can be used for re-analysis of already existing sources prepared by BaSO4 co-precipitation. The first adaptation uses detection of 228Ac on the source by gamma spectrometry. The detection efficiency is high, allowing analysis of water samples at sufficiently low activity to be suitable in testing for compliance with drinking water quality standards. As 228Ac grows in quickly, taking less than 2 days to reach equilibrium with the 228Ra parent, this can also be useful in radiological emergency response situations. The second adaptation incorporates a method for the digestion of BaSO4 sources, allowing separation of thorium and subsequent determination of 228Th activity. Although ingrowth periods for 228Th can be lengthy, very low detection limits for 228Ra can be achieved with this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Medley
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (eriss), Darwin, NT 0810, Australia.
| | - Paul Martin
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Yallambie, Vic. 3085, Australia
| | - Andreas Bollhöfer
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (eriss), Darwin, NT 0810, Australia
| | - David Parry
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
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14
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Erden PE, Dirican A, Seferinoğlu M, Yeltepe E, Şahin NK. 238U, 234U and 226Ra concentrations in mineral waters and their contribution to the annual committed effective dose in Turkey. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Medley P, Bollhöfer A, Parry D, Martin P. Radium concentration factors in passionfruit (Passiflora foetida) from the Alligator Rivers Region, Northern Territory, Australia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 126:137-146. [PMID: 23994954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, uptake of Ra from soil into the edible fruit of the wild passionfruit species Passiflora foetida was investigated, using selective extraction from the soil samples. A wide range of environmental exposure conditions were represented by the locations that were sampled, including both natural soils, and soils influenced by past and present uranium mining activities. The bioavailable (226)Ra fraction in soils was found to be a better predictor of (226)Ra fruit activity concentrations than the total soil activity concentration, or any of the other fractions studied. Concentration Factors (CFs) derived using the bioavailable fraction varied by only a factor of 7 between different locations, whereas CFs derived using other fractions and total soil varied by up to two orders of magnitude. CFs were highest for those soils containing the lowest concentrations of Mg, Ca and Ba, and approached a saturation value at higher soil concentrations. This finding suggests that group II elements influence radium uptake, most likely the result of increased pressure on the plant to take up essential nutrient group II elements from soil with the lower concentrations, with Ra being taken up as an analogue element. It is also possible that at higher concentrations of bioavailable Ca and Mg in the soil, these ions will outcompete Ra for adsorption sites in the soil and/or on the root surfaces. The study also shows that (228)Ra can potentially be a significant contributor to ingestion doses and should also be considered when assessing committed effective doses from the ingestion of fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Medley
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), Darwin, NT 0801, Australia.
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16
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Radioanalytical techniques for the determination of 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb in the environment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.2013.2052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Different radiometric techniques for the determination of 238U, 226Ra and 210Pb are presented and compared in terms of detection limits with mass spectrometric techniques. It can be concluded that when samples with low activity concentrations have to be measured, the method of choice in the case of 238U should be either RNAA/INAA or alpha particle spectrometry. In the case of 226Ra and 210Pb the best performance can be expected by the alpha spectrometry, whereas drawback of waiting for establishing secular radioactive equilibrium of 210Pb with 210Po makes techniques like beta counting and LSC more attractive for the determination of 210Pb. In addition, a case study on monitoring the former uranium mine Žirovski vrh is presented along with the used methodology and the summarised measurement results.
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18
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El-Shrakawy A, Ebaid YY, Burnett WC, Aldaihan SK. A rapid and inexpensive method for 226Ra and 228Ra measurements of high TDS groundwaters. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 77:89-93. [PMID: 23542120 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A series of laboratory-scale studies was conducted by preconcentrating (226)Ra from spiked water test samples using Purolite ion-exchange resin to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of the resin under varying conditions. After removing the resin from the columns, it was sealed in gas-tight containers and measured via gamma spectrometry. The Purolite resin showed high radium uptake and retention from natural waters in the presence of high iron and total dissolved solids (TDS). This procedure allowed us to process a large number of high TDS samples at a typical rate of 15 samples/day using three germanium detectors. Quality assurance and method validation have been achieved by analyzing selected groundwater samples, with different (226)Ra activities and high TDS values, and comparing the results to those using alpha spectrometry with a (133)Ba yield tracer. There was very good agreement between the obtained (226)Ra activities by both methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- A El-Shrakawy
- National Center for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Control, Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box 7551, Cairo 11762, Egypt.
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19
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Rožmarić M, Rogić M, Benedik L, Strok M. Natural radionuclides in bottled drinking waters produced in Croatia and their contribution to radiation dose. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 437:53-60. [PMID: 22906977 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Activity concentrations of (234)U, (238)U, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (210)Po and (210)Pb in all Croatian bottled drinking natural spring and natural mineral water products, commercially available on the market, were determined. The samples originated from various geological regions of Croatia. Activity concentrations of measured radionuclides are in general decreasing in this order: (234)U>(238)U>(226)Ra>(228)Ra>(210)Pb>(210)Po and (226)Ra>(228)Ra>(234)U>(238)U>(210)Pb>(210)Po for natural spring and mineral waters, respectively. Based on the radionuclide activity concentrations average total annual effective ingestion doses for infants, children and adults, as well as contribution of each particular radionuclide to total dose, were assessed and discussed. The highest doses were calculated for children from 7 to 12 years of age, which makes them the most critical group of population. All values for each type of water, as well as for each population group, were well below the recommended reference dose level (RDL) of 0.1 mSv from one year's consumption of drinking water according to the European Commission recommendations from 1998. Contribution of each particular radionuclide to total doses varied among different water types and within each water type, as well as between different age groups, where the lowest contribution was found for uranium isotopes and the highest for (228)Ra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rožmarić
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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20
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Dai X, Kramer-Tremblay S, Li C. Rapid determination of 226Ra in urine samples. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2012; 151:30-35. [PMID: 22228684 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncr443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A new radiochemical separation method has been developed for rapid analysis of (226)Ra in urine samples. In this method, radium is separated from urine matrix using cation and anion exchange column chromatography. A (224)Ra tracer is added, together with its parent in the (228)Th standard, for chemical recovery correction. After separation, the sample is precipitated with hydrous titanium oxide and then prepared for counting by creating a thin-layer counting source using BaSO(4) micro-precipitation. The radium isotopes are then counted by alpha spectrometry. Replicate spike and blank samples were analysed for validation of the procedure. The detection limit was determined to be 0.22 Bq l(-1) with 4 h of counting for 20 ml of urine sample. Using this method, the results can be reported within an 8 h turn-around time. This method is suitable for quick dose assessment of (226)Ra exposure following a radiation emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongxin Dai
- Chalk River Laboratories, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, ON, Canada.
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21
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Benedik L, Jeran Z. Radiological of natural and mineral drinking waters in Slovenia. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2012; 151:306-313. [PMID: 22345214 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncs009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Various types of water were collected in Slovenia and analysed in order to assess the radiation doses from (238)U, (234)U, (228)Ra, (226)Ra, (210)Pb and (210)Po for three different age groups of the population. It was found in all cases that the calculated median committed effective dose from the investigated radionuclides for each population group was well below the recommended value of 100 µSv y(-1), ranging from 4 to 7 µSv y(-1) for adults, from 8 to 10 µSv y(-1) for children and from 6 to 7 µSv y(-1) for infants. Of the investigated groups of the population children are the most exposed with the highest absolute doses of 19.1 and 18.7 µSv y(-1) after drinking a certain bottled brand of mineral and natural water, respectively. The contribution of each particular radionuclide to total doses varied among different water types and within each type, as well as between different age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Benedik
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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22
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Jia G, Jia J. Determination of radium isotopes in environmental samples by gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and alpha spectrometry: a review of analytical methodology. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2012; 106:98-119. [PMID: 22245211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Radium (Ra) isotopes are important from the viewpoints of radiation protection and environmental protection. Their high toxicity has stimulated the continuing interest in methodology research for determination of Ra isotopes in various media. In this paper, the three most routinely used analytical techniques for Ra isotope determination in biological and environmental samples, i.e. low-background γ-spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and α-spectrometry, were reviewed, with emphasis on new methodological developments in sample preparation, preconcentration, separation, purification, source preparation and measurement techniques. The accuracy, selectivity, traceability, applicability and minimum detectable activity (MDA) of the three techniques were discussed. It was concluded that the MDA (0.1mBqL(-1)) of the α-spectrometry technique coupled with chemical separation is about two orders of magnitude lower than that of low-background HPGe γ-spectrometry and LSC techniques. Therefore, when maximum sensitivity is required, the α-spectrometry technique remains the first choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogang Jia
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, PO Box 275-24, Beijing 102413, China.
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23
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Dirican A, Erden PE, Seferinoğlu M, Pommé S. The use of solid angle for alpha detector efficiency in 226Ra analyses of soil samples. Appl Radiat Isot 2012; 70:2260-2. [PMID: 22425421 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.02.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the frame of proficiency tests organized by IAEA and IRMM, the specific activity concentration of radium-226 in soil has been measured. The BaSO(4) co-precipitation technique has been used. Normally, in this method, the detector efficiency of the alpha spectrometer is determined using a (226)Ra source with known activity. As an alternative to using a (226)Ra standard, we calculated the detector efficiency from the relative solid angle subtended by the detector on the soil samples. The accuracy of this method depends on the uncertainty of geometrical properties and the distribution of activity within the source. An uncertainty budget is provided. The method was applied successfully in the intercomparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dirican
- Turkish Atomic Energy Authority, Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Saray Mah., Atom Cad. No. 27, 06983 Kazan, Ankara, Turkey.
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Strok M, Smodiš B, Eler K. Natural radionuclides in trees grown on a uranium mill tailings waste pile. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2011; 18:819-826. [PMID: 21445539 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-011-0499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to investigate natural radionuclide uptake and allocation by trees. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples from six Scots pines (P. sylvestris), six Norway spruces (Picea abies) and one sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) tree, growing on the Boršt uranium mill tailings waste pile in Slovenia were collected. (238)U, (230)Th, (226)Ra and (210)Pb activity concentrations in wood, shoots and 1-year-old needles or leaves were determined. Particular radionuclides were separated from the samples by appropriate radiochemical procedures and their activity concentrations measured with an alpha spectrometry system. In addition, concentration ratios for different plant parts were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Results showed that for all radionuclides, the highest activity concentrations were found in foliage, followed by shoots and wood. The activity concentrations in trees were from 0.01 to 5.4 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, 0.03-11.3 Bq kg(-1) for (230)Th, 2.7-2,728 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra and 5.1-321 Bq kg(-1) for (210)Pb. All activity concentrations were calculated on dry weight basis. The calculated concentration ratios were from 1.05E-5 to 5.39E-3 for (238)U, 7.65E-6-2.88E-3 for (230)Th, 3.10E-4-3.16E-1 for (226)Ra and 6.70E-4-4.22E-2 for (210)Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Strok
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Štrok M, Smodiš B. Natural radionuclides in milk from the vicinity of a former uranium mine. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2010.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Accumulation of 226Ra, 238U and 230Th by wetland plants in a vicinity of U-mill tailings at Žirovski vrh (Slovenia). J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-010-0708-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Štrok M, Smodiš B, Petrinec B. Natural radionuclides in sediments and rocks from Adriatic Sea. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-010-0705-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Benedik L, Repinc U, Strok M. Evaluation of procedures for determination of Ra-226 in water by α-particle spectrometry with emphasis on the recovery. Appl Radiat Isot 2010; 68:1221-5; discussion 1225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Benedik
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Strok M, Smodis B. Fractionation of natural radionuclides in soils from the vicinity of a former uranium mine Zirovski vrh, Slovenia. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2010; 101:22-28. [PMID: 19762128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
As a result of former uranium mining and milling activities at Zirovski vrh, Slovenia, 0.6 million tons of uranium mill tailings (UMT) were deposited onto a nearby waste pile Borst. Resulting enhanced levels of natural radionuclides in UMT could pose threat for the surrounding environment. Therefore, sequential extraction protocol was performed to assess mobility and bioavailability of (238)U, (234)U, (230)Th and (226)Ra in soils from the waste pile and its surrounding. The radionuclides associated with exchangeable, organic, carbonate, Fe/Mn oxides and residual fraction, respectively, were determined. Results showed that the highest activity concentrations for the studied radionuclides were on the bottom of the waste pile. In non-contaminated locations, about 80% of all radionuclides were in the residual fraction. Considering activity concentrations in the UMT, (238)U and (234)U are the most mobile. Mobility of (226)Ra is suppressed by high sulphate concentrations and is similar to mobility of (230)Th.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Strok
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Strok M, Smodis B. Comparison of two sequential extraction protocols for fractionation of natural radionuclides in soil samples. RADIOCHIM ACTA 2010. [DOI: 10.1524/ract.2010.1710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Taheri M, Sohrabi M, Jaleh B, Hosseini T, Montazer Rahmati MM. Low level determination of (226)Ra in water using a micro-precipitate track method for large-scale environmental monitoring. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2009; 29:535-543. [PMID: 19923643 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/29/4/008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In the present paper a method has been developed for the determination of (226)Ra in water by the detection, using a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD), of alpha particles from (226)Ra in equilibrium with (222)Rn in micro-precipitates collected on a filter. The micro-precipitates were prepared from environmental water samples by collection of radium with lead as Pb/RaSO(4). Several factors affect the (226)Ra precipitation on the filter and its recovery, in particular the filter pore size. Therefore in this experiment Whatman #42 and Millipore filters with different pore sizes were used. Using a 0.45 microm Millipore filter, the recovery efficiency was increased up to 96%, and the alpha self-absorption and scattering decreased remarkably. For efficient detection of alphas from (226)Ra/(222)Rn in equilibrium, three types of SSNTD were used-polycarbonate (PC) electrochemically etched (ECE), CR-39 and LR-115 chemically etched (CE). By preparing a standard micro-precipitate on a filter with known (226)Ra/(222)Rn characteristics, the calibration response of each detector and its minimum detection limit (MDL) were determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Taheri
- National Radiation Protection Department, Iranian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, PO Box 14155-1339, Tehran, Iran.
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Decaillon JG, Bickel M, Hill C, Altzitzoglou T. Validation of methods for the determination of radium in waters and soil. Appl Radiat Isot 2004; 61:409-13. [PMID: 15177380 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This article describes the advantages and disadvantages of several analytical methods used to prepare the alpha-particle source. As a result of this study, a new method combining commercial extraction and ion chromatography prior to a final co-precipitation step is proposed. This method has been applied and validated on several matrices (soil, waters) in the framework of international intercomparisons. The integration of this method in a global procedure to analyze actinoids and radium from a single solution (or digested soil) is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-G Decaillon
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg, Geel B-2440, Belgium.
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Blanco P, Lozano JC, Tomé FV. On the use of 225Ra as yield tracer and Ba(Ra)SO4 microprecipitation in 226Ra determination by alpha-spectrometry. Appl Radiat Isot 2002; 57:785-90. [PMID: 12406617 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8043(02)00231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A simple procedure for the determination of 226Ra in geological samples using alpha-spectrometry is presented. The method uses 225Ra as yield tracer, and microprecipitation of Ba(Ra)SO(4) for source preparation. Extensive studies were performed in order to determine the chemical yield of the proposed procedure with precision. The method was tested on a geological reference sample, and gave satisfactory results and high reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Blanco
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Campus Univer Avda. de Elvas s/n, 06071, Badajoz, Spain
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Eikenberg J, Tricca A, Vezzu G, Bajo S, Ruethi M, Surbeck H. Determination of 228Ra, 226Ra and 224Ra in natural water via adsorption on MnO2-coated discs. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2001; 54:109-131. [PMID: 11379067 DOI: 10.1016/s0265-931x(00)00170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A fast procedure based on sorption of Ra on MnO2 coated polyamide discs is presented for determination of radium isotopes (i.e. 228Ra, 226Ra, 224Ra) in aqueous samples. The sample discs can be used directly for low-level alpha-spectrometry without the need for further separation and preparation methods to produce planar sample sources. While the activity of alpha-emitting 224Ra and 226Ra can be determined during a first measurement, beta-emitting 228Ra is obtained via ingrowth of the progeny 228Th on the same sample disc after a standing time of about six months. Calculations are presented for optimizing the analytical accuracy as well as for predicting the sorption yield or chemical recovery of radium on the sample disc as a function of exposure time because the sorption uptake proceeds with first-order kinetics. The analyses can be carried out on small samples of 0.5-11 and, for long counting times of one week and use of high-purity silicon surface barrier detectors, a detection limit of 0.15 mBq l-1 is obtained for 226Ra. Since the half-life of 224Ra is only 3.7 d and since 228Th (as a measure for 228Ra) is built up only partially on the sample disc, a slightly higher detection limit of 0.24 mBq l-1 results for the latter isotopes. The procedure is therefore sufficiently sensitive to allow the investigation of Ra isotope relationships in aquifers at typical environmental levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eikenberg
- Paul Scherrer Institute CH-5232 Villigen (PSI), Switzerland.
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