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Pankratz K, Warner NR. Radioactivity from oil and gas produced water accumulated in freshwater mussels. Sci Total Environ 2024; 927:172151. [PMID: 38575010 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Legacy disposal of oil and gas produced water (OGPW) to surface water has led to radium contamination in streambed sediment creating a long-term radium source. Increased radium activities pose a potential health hazard to benthic organisms, such as freshwater mussels, as radium is capable of bioaccumulation. This project quantifies the impact of OGPW disposal on adult freshwater mussels, Eurynia dilatata, which were examined along the Allegheny River adjacent to a centralized waste treatment facility (CWT) that historically treated and then discharged OGPW. Radium isotopes (226Ra and 228Ra) were measured in streambed sediment, mussel soft tissue, and mussel hard shell collected upstream, at the outfall, 0.5 km downstream, and 5 km downstream of the CWT. Total radium activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in mussel tissue (mean = 3.44 ± 0.95 pCi/g), sediment (mean = 1.45 ± 0.19 pCi/g), and hard shell (mean = 0.34 ± 0.11 pCi/g) samples 0.5 km downstream than background samples collected upstream (mean = 1.27 ± 0.24; 0.91 ± 0.09; 0.10 ± 0.02 pCi/g respectively). Mussel shells displayed increased 226Ra activities up to 5 km downstream of the original discharge. Downstream soft tissue and hard shell 87Sr/86Sr ratios, as well as hard shell metal/calcium (e.g., Na/Ca; K/Ca; Mg/Ca) and 228Ra/226Ra ratios demonstrated trends towards values characteristic of Marcellus OGPW. Combined, this study demonstrates multiple lines of evidence for radium retention and bioaccumulation in freshwater mussels resulting from exposure to Marcellus OGPW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Pankratz
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802-1408, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel R Warner
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802-1408, United States of America.
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2
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Maglas NNM, Qiang Z, Ali MM, Al-Osta A, Alwarqi MS, Najar M. Natural radioactivity level in Yemen: A systematic review of radiological studies. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 210:111343. [PMID: 38739998 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
This paper aimed to conduct a systematic review of 26 published articles from 13 different regions in the Republic of Yemen related to the study of natural radioactivity (NORM) and enhanced artificial radioactivity (TENORM). The study relied on the analysis of various sample types, including air, groundwater, surface water, hot spring water, soil, sand, rocks, building materials, and oil field samples. It also analyzed the study areas, the types of detectors employed, and the study's timeframe. The analytical results raised significant concerns regarding the high levels of radioactivity observed in many of the studied regions. Moreover, some regions indicated the absence of any prior radiological study, despite apparent effects on the population and the environment, which suggest the presence of potential radionuclide concentration. Based on this study, it is strongly recommended that researchers conduct further radiological studies in regions previously studied over extended periods and in areas where no prior radiological studies have been conducted to assess potential radionuclide concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najeeb N M Maglas
- College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China; Thamar University, Republic of Yemen, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Yemen; National Atomic Energy Commission-Yemen (NATEC), Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Zhao Qiang
- College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - MohsenM M Ali
- College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China; National Atomic Energy Commission-Yemen (NATEC), Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Ahmed Al-Osta
- Thamar University, Republic of Yemen, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Yemen
| | - M Salah Alwarqi
- Thamar University, Republic of Yemen, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Yemen
| | - Merouane Najar
- College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China
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3
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Figueredo JL, Guillén J, Salas A, Tejado JJ, Muñoz-Muñoz JG, Caballero JM. Assessment of environmental radiological impact in former metallic mines in Extremadura (Spain): A case study. J Environ Radioact 2024; 275:107412. [PMID: 38498959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Metal mining in the Extremadura region was very important in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, due to different reasons the great majority of mines ceased operations, leading to plenty of abandoned mining sites, most of them with on-site waste dumps. Although metal extraction is not radioactive per se, it is considered a NORM activity. In this study, three former mining sites, in which Pb-V-Zn-Ag, Pb-Ag, and Pb-Zn were extracted, were selected to assess the radiological impact on the population and the environment. The external γ exposure was estimated by determining the effective dose and elaborating isodose maps of the sites. The presence of the mining sites increased up to 0.41 mSv/y the effective dose over the surrounding background, which is below the reference value of 1 mSv/y. In only one mining site, the uranium and radium activity concentration of waste dumps were higher than the surrounding soil. The soil to plant (wild grass) transfer factors were similar to other reported values without the influence of NORM activities. So, no enhanced transfer of radionuclides was observed. The radiological impact on the environment was assessed by the risk to non-human biota using the tiered approach developed in ERICA Tool. The sum of the risk quotients of all considered radionuclides in the most conservative Tier 1 was below 1. Total dose rates for several terrestrial Reference Animal and Plants (RAPs) were estimated using Tier 3, obtaining values below 40 µGy/h. Therefore, the impact on non-human biota can be considered as negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Figueredo
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J Guillén
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - A Salas
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J J Tejado
- INTROMAC, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J G Muñoz-Muñoz
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J M Caballero
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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Elghawi U, Elammari M. Assessment of occupational external radiation exposure of workers in the Southwest of Libya using portable NaI detector. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 206:111246. [PMID: 38402844 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
In this study, gamma dose rates generated from the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) were measured in the waste streams of a large scale and sludge onshore petroleum operations. Measurements conducted in this work involved: sludge recovery from separation tanks, sludge forming, NORM storage, scaling in oil tubulars, scaling in gas production and sedimentation in produced water evaporation ponds. Field work was carried out in many places of different terrain of an operation oil exploration and production in Murzuq basin in the Southwest of Libya. The radiation dose rates were measured using portable InSpector-1000. A total of 400 dose rates were acquired. The highest dose rate was 70 μSv/h acquired in sludge stored in barrels. The estimated mean annual equivalent doses in this field were in the range of 0.2-2.8 mSv/y in the first scenario, while in the second scenario the calculated mean annual equivalent doses were in the range of 0.04-0.68 mSv/y. It is assumed that workers may face various exposures in the field where measurements took place, considering the total annual effective dose to be 1.53 mSv/y. The main radioisotopes detected in these samples indicated by the display of the measuring device were 226Ra and 228Ra but detecting both radioisotopes in the same run is not achievable by using the display of the screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usama Elghawi
- Libyan Atomic Energy Establishment, P.O. Box 397, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - Meftah Elammari
- Libyan Atomic Energy Establishment, P.O. Box 397, Tripoli, Libya.
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MacIntosh A, Oldfield DT, Cendón DI, Langendam AD, Howell N, Howard DL, Cresswell T. Naturally occurring radioactive materials in offshore infrastructure: Understanding formation and characteristics of baryte scale during decommissioning planning. J Hazard Mater 2024; 465:133506. [PMID: 38237435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Contaminants, including naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) of the 238-uranium and 232-thorium decay series, have been recognized as a global research priority to inform offshore petroleum infrastructure decommissioning decisions. This study aimed to characterize pipeline scale retrieved from a decommissioned subsea well tubular pipe through high-resolution elemental mapping and isotopic analysis. This was achieved by utilizing transmission electron microscopy, Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence, photostimulated luminescence autoradiography and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. The scale was identified as baryte (BaSO4) forming a dense crystalline matrix, with heterogenous texture and elongated crystals. The changing chemical and physical microenvironment within the pipe influenced the gradual growth rate of baryte over the production life of this infrastructure. A distinct compositional banding of baryte and celestine (SrSO4) bands was observed. Radioactivity attributed by the presence of radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra) throughout the scale was strongly correlated with baryte. From the detailed scale characterization, we can infer the baryte scale gradually formed within the internals of the tubular well pipe along the duration of production (i.e., 17 years). This new knowledge and insight into the characteristics and formation of petroleum waste products will assist with decommissioning planning to mitigate potential radiological risks to marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy MacIntosh
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, Locked Bag 2001, NSW, 2232, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Wallumattagal Campus, Macquarie University, Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Daniel T Oldfield
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, Locked Bag 2001, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | - Dioni I Cendón
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, Locked Bag 2001, NSW, 2232, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | | | - Nicholas Howell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, Locked Bag 2001, NSW, 2232, Australia
| | | | - Tom Cresswell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, Locked Bag 2001, NSW, 2232, Australia
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Tohver H, Salupere S. Breaking the cycle of excessive conservatism: Evaluating the γ-radiation dose from building materials. J Environ Radioact 2023; 268-269:107250. [PMID: 37531913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Radionuclide content in building materials is regulated in most European countries by calculating the activity concentration index. The I-index does not account for the properties nor the application of the material but provides a conservative evaluation of the annual γ-radiation dose. Using a Monte Carlo toolkit, EGSnrc, this study calculated doses from building materials in less conservative set-ups by focusing on materials with a potential for recycling NORM residues, such as Portland cement, ceramics, gypsum, and mineral insulation. It was observed that proper consideration of building material geometry strongly affected the indoor dose rate. Regulating low-density materials and finishing materials such as gypsum and insulation under the same framework as high-density and high-bulk materials proved problematic because the doses differ by orders of magnitude. The current reference values for radionuclide concentrations used in calculating the I-index do not apply to most construction materials. For many types of building materials, higher radionuclide concentrations in the material could be allowed without contradicting the annual effective dose reference for the public. This illustrates the potential for boosting the use of NORM residues in various construction applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hando Tohver
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Siiri Salupere
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
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Rahmat MA, Ismail AF, Rodzi ND, Aziman ES, Fadzil SM, Hidzir NM, Idris MI, Rahman IA, Mohamed F. A window into the future: case study of long-term radiological risk modelling posed by unregulated mining waste repurposing activities. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:714. [PMID: 37221312 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11308-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to assess long-term radiological exposure risks and effects to both industrial workers and occupants living in the near vicinity of local tailing processing plants. The detrimental effects of licensing exemption were studied by comparing contaminated soil collected from 7 unlicensed-by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board-tailing processing plants with soil from control location. It was found that the average concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K for all seven processing plants fell between the range of 0.1 ± 0.0-7.21 ± 0.1 Bqg-1, 0.1 ± 0.0-16.34 ± 0.27 Bqg-1, and 0.18 ± 0.01-1.74 ± 0.01 Bqg-1, respectively, showing observable indication of soil contamination with Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive (TENORM) material. The annual effective dose was calculated which showed that most samples exceeded the recommended value of the ICRP of 1 mSvy-1 for non-radiation workers. Assessment of radiological hazards in the environment was done by calculating the radium equivalent value; revealing the exposure risk posed by the contaminated soil is substantial. Using the relatable inputs, the RESRAD-ONSITE computed code revealed that the dose due to internal exposure via inhalation of radon gas contributes the most to the overall exposure. The covering of the contaminated soil with a clean layer is effective in reducing external dose but ineffective for radon inhalation. RESRAD-OFFSITE computer code also revealed that the contribution of exposure via contaminated soil in the neighbouring vicinity is below the recommended 1 mSvy-1 threshold but still contributes to a significant amount cumulatively when considering other exposure pathways as well. The study proposes the introduction of clean cover soil as a viable option in reducing external dose from contaminated soil as 1 m of clean cover soil is able to reduce dose exposure by 23.8-30.5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdullah Rahmat
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aznan Fazli Ismail
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Nursyamimi Diyana Rodzi
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Eli Syafiqah Aziman
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syazwani Mohd Fadzil
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahidah Mohd Hidzir
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Idzat Idris
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Irman Abdul Rahman
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faizal Mohamed
- Nuclear Science Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Nuclear Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Mrdakovic Popic J, Haanes H, Di Carlo C, Nuccetelli C, Venoso G, Leonardi F, Trevisi R, Trotti F, Ugolini R, Dvorzhak A, Escribano A, Perez Sanchez D, Real A, Michalik B, Pannecoucke L, Blanchart P, Kallio A, Pereira R, Lourenço J, Skipperud L, Jerome S, Fevrier L. Tools for harmonized data collection at exposure situations with naturally occurring radioactive materials ( NORM). Environ Int 2023; 175:107954. [PMID: 37187003 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) contribute to the dose arising from radiation exposure for workers, public and non-human biota in different working and environmental conditions. Within the EURATOM Horizon 2020 RadoNorm project, work is ongoing to identify NORM exposure situations and scenarios in European countries and to collect qualitative and quantitative data of relevance for radiation protection. The data obtained will contribute to improved understanding of the extent of activities involving NORM, radionuclide behaviours and the associated radiation exposure, and will provide an insight into related scientific, practical and regulatory challenges. The development of a tiered methodology for identification of NORM exposure situations and complementary tools to support uniform data collection were the first activities in the mentioned project NORM work. While NORM identification methodology is given in Michalik et al., 2023, in this paper, the main details of tools for NORM data collection are presented and they are made publicly available. The tools are a series of NORM registers in Microsoft Excel form, that have been comprehensively designed to help (a) identify the main NORM issues of radiation protection concern at given exposure situations, (b) gain an overview of materials involved (i.e., raw materials, products, by-products, residues, effluents), c) collect qualitative and quantitative data on NORM, and (d) characterise multiple hazards exposure scenarios and make further steps towards development of an integrated risk and exposure dose assessment for workers, public and non-human biota. Furthermore, the NORM registers ensure standardised and unified characterisation of NORM situations in a manner that supports and complements the effective management and regulatory control of NORM processes, products and wastes, and related exposures to natural radiation worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Mrdakovic Popic
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), Grini Næringspark, 13, Østerås, Norway.
| | - Hallvard Haanes
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), Grini Næringspark, 13, Østerås, Norway
| | - Christian Di Carlo
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Nuccetelli
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Venoso
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Centre for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Leonardi
- National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL), DiMEILA, Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosabianca Trevisi
- National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL), DiMEILA, Monteporzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Trotti
- Environmental Protection Agency of Veneto (ARPAV), Verona, Italy
| | | | - Alla Dvorzhak
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Alicia Escribano
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Danyl Perez Sanchez
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Almudena Real
- Research Centre on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Boguslaw Michalik
- Central Mining Institute, Silesian Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (GIG), Plac Gwarków, 1, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
| | - Lea Pannecoucke
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Antti Kallio
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, (STUK), Lähteentie 2, 96400 Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Ruth Pereira
- GreenUPorto - Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua de Agrária, 747, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lindis Skipperud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Environmental Chemistry Section, P. O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Simon Jerome
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Environmental Chemistry Section, P. O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Laureline Fevrier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE, 13115 Saint Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France
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Caño A, Suárez-Navarro JA, Puertas F, Fernández-Jiménez A, Alonso MDM. New Approach to Determine the Activity Concentration Index in Cements, Fly Ashes, and Slags on the Basis of Their Chemical Composition. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:2677. [PMID: 37048970 PMCID: PMC10095990 DOI: 10.3390/ma16072677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The manufacture of Portland cement entails high energy and environmental costs, and various solutions have been implemented in recent years to mitigate this negative impact. These solutions include improvements in the manufacture of cement clinker or the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash (FA) or slag as a replacement for a portion of the clinker in cement. The incorporation of these SCMs in cement may increase its radiological content as they are naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). The Activity Concentration Index (ACI) is a screening tool established in the European EURATOM Directive 2013/59 to determine the radiation protection suitability of a final construction material. The ACI is determined by the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, usually determined by gamma spectrometry. The methodology of gamma spectrometry is accurate and appropriate, but this technique is not available in all laboratories. For this reason, and taking into account that there is a relationship between the chemical and radiological composition of these building materials, a new approach is proposed to determine the radiological content of these materials from a chemical analysis such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA) is used to establish the relationships between the chemical composition and radiological content of cements, FAs, and slags of different natures. Through PCA it was possible to group the cements based on two variables: CaO content and Fe2O3-Al2O3-TiO2 content. A lower correlation was observed for the FAs and slags, as the sample scores were centered around the origin of the coordinates and showed greater dispersion than the cements. The clusters obtained in the HJ-Biplots allowed the determination, using multiple regression, of models relating the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th (212Pb), and 40K to the oxide percentages obtained for the three matrices studied. The models were validated using five cements, one FA and one slag with relative percentage deviations (RSD(%)) equal to or less than 30% for 89% of the activity concentrations and 100% of the ACI determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Caño
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Suárez-Navarro
- Environmental Radioactivity and Radiological Monitoring Unit (URAyVR), Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avda Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Puertas
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Jiménez
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - María del Mar Alonso
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain
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Lee J, Yi SC. Accurate measurement of uranium and thorium in naturally occurring radioactive materials to overcome complex matrix interference. Appl Radiat Isot 2023; 193:110649. [PMID: 36669269 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A standard addition (SA) calibration method for determining uranium and thorium in naturally-occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) was studied. Pretreatment method using fusion was established and optimized. The SA method was validated (LOD, LOQ, linearity, selectivity, and accuracy) using certified reference materials (SRM 2709a, RM-ZR, and RM-BX). The results were evaluated for bias, and a correction equation that included a contribution to the expanded uncertainty was used. All performance criteria were satisfied; the results agreed well with certified and reference values.
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Affiliation(s)
- JuHyun Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea; Department of NORM Analysis, Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, 62 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34142, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chul Yi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Skoko B, Brkanac SR, Kuharić Ž, Jukić M, Štrok M, Rovan L, Zgorelec Ž, Perčin A, Prlić I. Does exposure to weathered coal ash with an enhanced content of uranium-series radionuclides affect flora? Changes in the physiological indicators of five referent plant species. J Hazard Mater 2023; 441:129880. [PMID: 36067557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Coal ash deposited in open landfills is a potential source of environmental pollutants due to the contained toxic element content. The weathered coal ash used in this study additionally contains enhanced activity concentrations of 238U series radionuclides. This study aimed to determine the physiological effects of enhanced ionizing radiation and toxic elements on five plant species (smilo grass, sticky fleabane, blackberry, mastic and pine tree) inhabiting the coal ash disposal site. Among the potentially toxic measured elements, contents of Sb, As and especially V significantly exceeded their respective levels at the control site, as well as the content of 238U and its progenies. Significant changes in photosynthetic pigments were recorded following chronic exposure to the plants growing on the coal ash site. Different responses were also observed in the plant species regarding the activity of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The level of lipid peroxidation markedly increased in plants from the disposal site, except in blackberry, wherein GST activity was the strongest, indicating an important role of that enzyme in the adaptation to coal ash pollutants. The results of this study suggest that the modulation of the studied biochemical parameters in plants growing on coal ash is primarily species-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Božena Skoko
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sandra Radić Brkanac
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Željka Kuharić
- Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Mirela Jukić
- Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Mirogojska 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marko Štrok
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Leja Rovan
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Željka Zgorelec
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Aleksandra Perčin
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivica Prlić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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12
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Olatunji MA, Khandaker MU, Nwankwo VUJ, Idris AM. The status of natural radioactivity in Nigerian environments. Radiat Environ Biophys 2022; 61:597-608. [PMID: 36175773 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-022-00993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Proper documentation of baseline radiation data of different environments is an important step toward adequate environmental monitoring, and it provides quick means to quantitatively check and determine possible radionuclide contamination by anthropogenic sources. Besides, such documentation is useful for decision making processes, assessment of dose rates to the public, epidemiological studies, and environmental regulations. This review summarizes the results of studies conducted on radioactivity in Nigerian environments. For most soil samples, the levels of radioactivity are well within the world averages of 33, 45, and 420 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. Other soil samples from regions such as Abeokuta in the southwest, and Jos in the northcentral have been described as high background radiation areas with radioactivity values comparable with those obtained from known high background radiation areas such as the Odisha (formerly Orissa) coast in India (with values reported as 350, 2,825, and 180 Bq kg-1 for 238U/226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively). In some parts of Nigeria, surface and underground water sources used for drinking and other purposes also present elevated levels of 226Ra above the world range of 0.01 to 0.1 Bq l-1 and the tolerable levels recommended by the World Health Organization and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Corresponding radiation doses due to measured radioactivities from different environments were estimated and compared with those reported in similar studies around the world. More so, the human and environmental health hazards that might be associated with the reported radioactivity in different environmental settings are discussed. The present report is expected to support authorities in developing appropriate regulations to protect the public from radiation exposure arising from environmental radioactivity. The report also examines other areas of consideration for future studies to ensure adequate radiation monitoring in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Olatunji
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
- Space, Atmospheric Physics & Radio Wave Propagation Laboratory, Department of Physics, Anchor University Lagos, Lago, Nigeria
| | - Mayeen U Khandaker
- Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of General Educational Development, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, Daffodil International University, DIU Rd., Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh.
| | - Victor U J Nwankwo
- Space, Atmospheric Physics & Radio Wave Propagation Laboratory, Department of Physics, Anchor University Lagos, Lago, Nigeria
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 61431, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Estokova A, Singovszka E, Vertal M. Investigation of Building Materials' Radioactivity in a Historical Building-A Case Study. Materials (Basel) 2022; 15:ma15196876. [PMID: 36234216 PMCID: PMC9570568 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper investigates a possible hazard originating from natural radionuclides in building materials in a selected historical building being reconstructed for housing. Both outdoor and indoor risks were evaluated through the radiological indices and estimated doses, based on measured activities of natural radionuclides in stone and brick materials of the building. The average measured activity concentrations of radionuclides were 7.32 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 40.05 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 546.64 Bq/kg for 40K radionuclides. The average total activity concentration in building materials (594.0 Bq/kg) exceeded the world average value. A correlation was found between the potassium content in the building material samples and the total activity of radionuclides. The gamma indices, Iγ, calculated for the samples, ranged in an interval of 0.26-0.60, not exceeding the restricted limit for bulk materials Iγ = 1. The average annual effective dose due to building materials was 0.53 mSv/y, which does not exceed the limit (1 mSv/y), however, it contributes to a gamma dose excess that is higher than recommended (0.3 mSv/y at the most). The bricks were responsible for a higher level of natural radiation than natural stone material. Nevertheless, based on the radiation protection requirements, it can be concluded that the building can be used for residential purposes after the reconstruction, as no significant human health impact is expected due to the radioactivity of building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Estokova
- Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolská 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-602-4265
| | - Eva Singovszka
- Department of Strategic Development, Municipality of Kosice, Trieda SNP 48/A, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Marian Vertal
- Institute of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolská 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
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14
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Pepin S, Black P, Koliabina D, Paulley A, Bruffel L, Punt A, Shubayr N, Zhu M, Yankovich T. Intermodel comparison for the radiological assessment of the Zapadnoe and Tessenderlo case studies with implications for selection of remediation strategy. J Radiol Prot 2022; 42:020510. [PMID: 35499259 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac66a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessment provides a key input for determining the need for and extent of remedial actions necessary for sites contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material or nuclear legacy sites. The choice of a modelling approach for risk assessment, and the corresponding toolsets should fit the assessment context, taking account of the complexity, and be clearly related to the questions to be addressed in the decision-making process. One of the objectives of Working Group 1 of IAEA Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments II (MODARIA II) Programme is to perform intermodel comparisons for case studies of selected sites, in particular, to help illustrate the applicability of different models and approaches as inputs to decision-making processes. This intercomparison exercise, which included the analysis of potential consequences on the management strategy for contaminated sites, has been performed for two sites: The former uranium mill tailings facility at Zapadnoe, Ukraine, and the phosphate processing facility at Tessenderlo, Belgium. Several models and computer codes have been used for one or both of these cases: AMBER, GoldSim, NORM And LegacY Site Assessment, Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRG)-dose compliance concentration calculator, and RESRAD-OFFSITE. The assessments explore the implications of using differing assessment frameworks and assumptions, as well as alternative modelling tools, on model outputs and as input for corresponding decisions on remediation strategy. This paper reviews both similarities and differences in the results of assessments performed using these different models. It discusses how different approaches can complement one another to help build confidence in the evidence base underpinning decisions. It also discusses the appropriateness of the different modelling approaches in a given assessment context. In one of the case studies in particular (Tessenderlo case study), the remediation strategy is essentially driven by the contamination of the site with heavy metals, such as cadmium. This has significant consequences on the choice of the most adequate approaches and scenarios for assessing the radiological risk and balancing their relative importance with other impacts. The development of a holistic approach to risk assessment is, therefore, highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Pepin
- Federal Agency for Nuclear Control, rue du Marquis 1A, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
| | - Paul Black
- Neptune and Company, Inc, 1435 Garrison Street, Suite 110, Lakewood, CO 80215, United States of America
| | | | - Alan Paulley
- Quintessa Limited, 633/635 Birchwood Boulevard, Birchwood, Warrington WA37QU, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Bruffel
- Quintessa Limited, 633/635 Birchwood Boulevard, Birchwood, Warrington WA37QU, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Punt
- RadEcol Consulting Ltd, 5 The Chambers, Vineyard, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3PX, United Kingdom
| | - Nasser Shubayr
- Department of Diagnostic Radiography Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences/Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Al Maarefah Road, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ming Zhu
- U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Tamara Yankovich
- IAEA, Division of Radiation, Transport & Waste Safety, Department of Nuclear Safety & Security, Vienna International Centre, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
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15
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Morais VHT, de Luna Filho RLC, Dos Santos Júnior JA, Siqueira WN, Pereira DR, Lima MV, Fagundes Silva HAM, Joacir de França E, Amaral RDS, de Albuquerque Melo AMM. Use of Biomphalaria glabrata as a bioindicator of groundwater quality under the influence of NORM. J Environ Radioact 2022; 242:106791. [PMID: 34894453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian northeast is known to have sedimentary areas that contain minerals with anomalous concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). This characteristic can contribute to the elevation of natural radiation in the air, soil, and groundwater. Due to the inefficiency of drinking water distribution in this region, the use of water from wells has become essential for the population. Therefore, the objective of this research was to monitor the concentration of 238U and 232Th associated with biomonitoring with the species of mollusc Biomphalaria glabrata in waters of residential artesian wells, used for domestic consumption, in the municipalities of Abreu e Lima and São José do Sabugi, Brazil. To check the concentration of 238U and 232Th, ICP-MS was used. For biomonitoring, ecotoxicity techniques such as embryotoxicity and genotoxicity were used. The monitoring results confirmed high concentrations of natural uranium in one of the residential artesian wells, the data being above the limit allowed by the Ministry of Health of Brazil, whose study reference is the World Health Organization (WHO). The results of the bioassays showed embryotoxicity, with malformations and deaths in the exposed organisms being observed. The comet assay showed that groundwater caused changes in the mollusc's DNA, indicating genotoxicity. The bioassays suggest that embryotoxicity and genotoxicity were caused mainly by the high concentration of natural uranium. Therefore, the bioindicator B. glabrata was shown to be sensitive to the toxic effects of anomalous concentrations of NORM present in groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Henrique T Morais
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Luiz C de Luna Filho
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - José A Dos Santos Júnior
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Williams N Siqueira
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departament of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Avenue da Engenharia, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Dewson R Pereira
- Departament of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Avenue da Engenharia, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Maíra V Lima
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil; Departament of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Avenue da Engenharia, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Hianna A M Fagundes Silva
- Departament of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Avenue da Engenharia, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Elvis Joacir de França
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil; Environmental Analysis Service (SEAMB), Northeast Regional Nuclear Science Center, 200 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50.740-545, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Romilton Dos S Amaral
- Department of Nuclear Energy, Center for Technology and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, 1000 Avenue Professor Luiz Freire, 50740-540, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Ana Maria M de Albuquerque Melo
- Departament of Biophysics and Radiobiology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Avenue da Engenharia, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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16
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Ralph MI, Cattani M. A review of radiation doses and associated parameters in Western Australian mining operations (2018-20). J Radiol Prot 2022; 42:012501. [PMID: 34814129 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac3c90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the 2019-20 reporting period, 19 mining operations in Western Australia were identified as having workers who were likely to be exposed to ionising radiation stemming from naturally occurring radioactive materials, 17 of which, known hereinafter as reporting entities (REs), were required to submit an annual report of the dose estimates of their workforce to the mining regulatory authority. In 2018 the International Commission for Radiological Protection published the revision of the dose coefficients (DCs) for occupational intakes of radionuclides of the uranium-238 and thorium-232 decay series, in ICRP-137 and ICRP-141. The 2019-20 annual reports are the first to apply the revised DCs to estimate worker doses. The mean effective dose (ED) reported by the 17 REs increased by 32.4% to 0.94 mSv in 2019-20 from 0.71 mSv reported in 2018-19, indicating that the mean ED is approaching the 1 mSv annual dose estimate at which regulatory intervention should be considered. The mean committed effective dose (CED) from inhalation of dusts containing long-lived alpha-emitting (LLα) nuclides has increased by 35% from 0.40 mSv in 2018-19 to 0.54 mSv in 2019-20. The maximum CED from LLαincreased by 16.3% from 3.20 mSv in 2018-19 to 3.72 mSv in 2019-20. The authors consider that, in the absence of other explanations provided by the REs, the increase is largely attributable to the revised DC's published in ICRP-137 and ICRP-141, but highlight that there are significant variations between REs that make a generalised conclusion problematic. The maximum reported ED in 2019-20 was 6.0 mSv, an increase of 36.4% from 2018 to 2019 (4.4 mSv). The 2019-20 reporting period is the first time in a decade in which mine worker EDs have been elevated to the point that EDs have exceeded 5 mSv, a level at which personal monitoring and additional institutional controls are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin I Ralph
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Marcus Cattani
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
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Hassan SJ, Rashid JM. Determination of natural radioactivity material concentrations consumed widely during Corona pandemic in Thi Qar province. Mater Today Proc 2022; 49:2636-2640. [PMID: 34868887 PMCID: PMC8629341 DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2021.08.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to assess the potential radiation hazards to the public, especially the persons who consumed onion and garlic plants widely during coronavirus disease in Thi Qar province South of Iraq. Nine samples collected from the market (5 samples onion and 4 sample Garlic), which classified according to their origin. Using 3″x3″ NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectroscopy system, the radioactivity concentrations of the natural radionuclides radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 were determined. The results obtained showed that the average concentration of radioactivity of radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 is 3.398 Bqkg-1, 4.667 Bqkg-1 and 216.738 Bqkg-1, respectively, for onion and 2.808 Bqkg-1, 3.524 Bqkg-1, and 172.064 Bqkg-1 for garlic. The results also showed that the average annual total effective dose of the three nuclides is 122.955 μ S v . y - 1 for onion and 97.231 μ S v . y - 1 for garlic. Other relevant risk parameters were also calculated, such as equivalent activity concentrations, absorbed dose, excess lifetime cancer risks, and other health risk parameters. One of the most important conclusions reached by this study is that the natural radioactive elements in onions and garlic do not pose a great danger to their consumers, especially those infected with the COVID-19. Because the concentrations of these radioactive elements do not exceed the permissible limits recommended by recognized scientific organizations and agencies such as International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and World Health Organization (WHO).
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18
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Gutiérrez-Álvarez I, Guerrero JL, Martín JE, Adame JA, Vargas A, Bolívar JP. Radon transport events associated with the impact of a NORM repository in the SW of Europe. Environ Pollut 2021; 289:117963. [PMID: 34426198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Two radon measurement stations located to the north and south of a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) repository of phosphogypsum (southwest of Europe) were used to monitor radon behavior during 2018. The stations are located at opposing sides of the repository, one in Huelva City to the north and other one in a rural area to the south. This setup aimed to identify the influence of the NORM repository on each station and use radon levels as a marker of atmospheric transport in the local area. To achieve this, a comparison was carried out with other coastal stations in the south of Spain, finding higher average concentrations in Huelva City, ~3.3 Bq m-3. Hierarchical clustering was applied to identify days with different radon patterns at each Huelva station, detecting possible local radon transport events from the repository. Three events were investigated with WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) and FLEXPART-WRF (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model). It was found that both sampling sites required atmospheric stagnant conditions to reach high radon concentration. However, under these conditions the urban station showed high radon regardless of wind direction while the rural station also required radon transport from the repository, either directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gutiérrez-Álvarez
- Integrated Sciencies Department, University of Huelva, Spain; Research Centre of Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
| | - J L Guerrero
- Integrated Sciencies Department, University of Huelva, Spain; Research Centre of Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - J E Martín
- Integrated Sciencies Department, University of Huelva, Spain; Research Centre of Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - J A Adame
- Atmospheric Sounding Station - El Arenosillo, Atmospheric Research and Instrumentation Branch. National Institute for Aerospace Technology, INTA, Mazagón, Huelva, Spain
| | - A Vargas
- Institute of Energy Technologies, Technical University of Catalonia, Spain
| | - J P Bolívar
- Integrated Sciencies Department, University of Huelva, Spain; Research Centre of Natural Resources, Health and the Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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19
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Salazar S, Castillo LA, Montes L. Evaluation of naturally occurring radioactive materials ( NORM) in the soil, in a potential area for unconventional reservoirs in the Rancheria Sub-Basin. Chemosphere 2021; 283:131098. [PMID: 34144289 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring radioactive elements depend on lithology geogenic characteristics, such as depositional, environmental, or diagenetic. Thus, evaluating these elements constitutes a tool to define ionizing radiation effect from rocky sequences. This study carried out in the Rancheria Sub-Basin establishes both characterization and assessment of this kind of material, known as NORM. The sampling included uranium-238, thorium-232, potassium-40, radon-226, and radon-222 in soil samples, cutting samples from the Molino-1 well, and radon in surface water. Bases on a radiometric methodology with a gamma-ray spectrometer for uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40 and emanometric with ionizing chambers for radio-226 and radon-222. The analysis and results of the activity concentrations in soil samples of U-238, Th-232, K-40, and Ra-226 are 11.7 BqKg-1, 33.0 BqKg-1, 424.5 BqKg-1, and 15.59 BqKg-1, respectively, among the acceptable global averages. However, in some areas, observed values indicate high activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, K-40, Ra-226, and Rn-222 in the soil of 50.2 BqKg-1, 62.8 BqKg-1, 1596.3 BqKg-1, 44.25 BqKg-1, and 112546.79 Bqm-3, respectively. Those activity concentrations were associated with zone lithology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L A Castillo
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Departamento de Geociências, Manaus Amazonas, Brazil.
| | - L Montes
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Sede Bogotá. Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Geociencias, Colombia.
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20
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Belyaeva O, Movsisyan N. Evolution of radioecology in Armenia: a short review. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 98:404-409. [PMID: 34477477 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1976866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The article generalizes the evolution of radioecological studies conducted by female scientists in Armenia in the period of 1950-2020. Radioecological studies were launched in 1958, prior to the construction of the ANPP and major nuclear disasters. CONCLUSION The obtained results allowed the revealing peculiarities of distribution and accumulation of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and artificial radionuclides in the natural environment, urban sites and industrial centers. Series of national environmental monitoring programs were designed in order to reveal the main migration pathways of NORM and artificial radionuclides, as well as the assessment of exposure to natural and induced radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Belyaeva
- Radioecology Department, Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies of NAS RA, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
| | - Nona Movsisyan
- Radioecology Department, Center for Ecological-Noosphere Studies of NAS RA, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia
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21
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Bangou C, Otoo F, Darko EO. Performance testing and comparative study of natural radioactivity in soil samples using high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. MethodsX 2021; 8:101397. [PMID: 34430293 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
High Purity germanium (HPGe) detectors are found to be suitable for nuclear techniques for measuring radionuclides with very good energy resolution. Inter-comparison exercise is an important tool for external quality control that enables determination of the accuracy and uncertainty of detector measurement system. In this work, a comparative study of natural radioactivity in soil samples was conducted between the laboratory of Autorité nationale de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (ARSN), Burkina Faso and the laboratory of Radiation Protection Institute of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (RPI-GAEC),Ghana to ascertain the reliability and accuracy of measurements made in Burkina Faso. For this purpose:Some replicate soil samples, assumed as proficiency test samples, were analyzed on both the High Purity Germanium detector of ARSN and RPI. The statistical performance indicators of z-score, precision, trueness and relative bias were used for the evaluation. The limit for acceptable precision and the maximum acceptable bias for all the radionuclides were set to 20% and 15% respectively.
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22
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Dos Reis RG, de Melo Ferreira AC. Methodology applied to ensure compliance with the remediation goals of an old rare earth production plant contaminated with radionuclides in Brazil. J Radiol Prot 2021; 41:S189-S199. [PMID: 33975289 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/abfff7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the past, Brazil has already exploited its immense mineral reserves of rare earth elements. The industrial plants that processed these rare earth ores were contaminated with radionuclides, this happened because at that time there was no legal framework to prevent it. When it was necessary to close these sites, the areas contaminated with radionuclides were remedied during the decommissioning process. This article reports on the steps in the remediation process of an area in one of these facilities and also describes and discusses the methodology applied to ensure that the final planned and authorized radiation levels were effectively achieved during the remediation of this area, located in the largest city in the country. For that, results of the analyses carried out by the operator were the object of comparative analytical tests to verify the quality of the reported data. In order to avoid contaminated and abandoned facilities in the future, it is recommended that the financial planning of industrial facilities with specific environmental and radiological characteristics take into account all the associated costs to be considered environmentally sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rócio Glória Dos Reis
- Environmental and Occupational Radioprotection Division, Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina de Melo Ferreira
- Environmental and Occupational Radioprotection Division, Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Joseph SR, Kim J. Radiological Dose Assessment to Members of the Public Using Consumer Products Containing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Korea. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7337. [PMID: 34299788 PMCID: PMC8303814 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Various products containing a small number of added radionuclides are commonly available for use worldwide. However, frequent use of such products puts the public at risk of radiation exposure. In this study, dose assessments to members of the public using consumer products containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) were conducted for various usage scenarios to evaluate the external and internal exposure dose. Data for this study were obtained from previous literature and were statistically analyzed using Boxplot to determine the input data for assessment. A normalized value of activity concentration was used for dose evaluation. In addition to other external and internal dose calculation codes, analytical calculations were used to perform age-dependent. Based on analytical calculations, the highest total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) received from necklace products at the upper whiskers with an activity concentration of 4.21 Bq/g for 238U, 24.4 Bq/g for 232Th, and 0.55 Bq/g for 40K for various age groups is 2.03 mSv/y for 1 year old, 1.24 mSv/y for 10 years old and 1.11 mSv/y for adult, which are above the international commission for radiation protection (ICRP) recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv/y. Results of external and internal exposure dose obtained using Microshield code, IMBA code and Visual Monte Carlo (VMC) code are all below the recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv/y.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juyoul Kim
- Department of Nuclear Power Plant Engineering, KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School, 658-91 Haemaji-ro Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 45014, Korea;
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Bituh T, Petrinec B, Skoko B, Babić D, Rašeta D. Phosphogypsum and its potential use in Croatia: challenges and opportunities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 72:93-100. [PMID: 34187110 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Phosphogypsum (PG) is a waste by-product (residue) originating from the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilisers. PG contains chemical and radioactive impurities, which is why it is mostly stockpiled in controlled areas. Worldwide, only about 15 % of PG is recycled or reused. Today, policies and business strategies prioritise sustainable development through circular economy, which certainly includes PG. This provides new opportunities for Croatia to manage its PG and make an effort to use it as an additive in different industries, such as agriculture and construction. Due to its chemical and radiological properties, PG can potentially cause problems for the environment and human health. Hence, before using PG, detailed knowledge of potential hazards is necessary to protect people and the environment. The aim of this review is to summarise available data on Croatian PG, compare them with other countries, and to identify knowledge gaps and the lack of data on potential hazardous substances in PG in order to assess the opportunities of using PG in Croatia.
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Ahmad F, Morris K, Law GTW, Taylor KG, Shaw S. Fate of radium on the discharge of oil and gas produced water to the marine environment. Chemosphere 2021; 273:129550. [PMID: 33508689 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the speciation and fate of radium during operational discharge from the offshore oil and gas industry into the marine environment is important in assessing its long term environmental impact. In the current work, 226Ra concentrations in marine sediments contaminated by produced water discharge from a site in the UK were analysed using gamma spectroscopy. Radium was present in field samples (0.1-0.3 Bq g-1) within International Atomic Energy Agency activity thresholds and was found to be primarily associated with micron sized radiobarite particles (≤2 μm). Experimental studies of synthetic/field produced water and seawater mixing under laboratory conditions showed that a significant proportion of radium (up to 97%) co-precipitated with barite confirming the radiobarite fate pathway. The results showed that produced water discharge into the marine environment results in the formation of radiobarite particles which incorporate a significant portion of radium and can be deposited in marine sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraaz Ahmad
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Williamson Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Morris
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Williamson Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth T W Law
- Radiochemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Kevin G Taylor
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Williamson Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Shaw
- Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal and Williamson Research Centre, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Williamson Building, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
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26
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Marques L, Vale A, Vaz P. State-of-the-Art Mobile Radiation Detection Systems for Different Scenarios. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:s21041051. [PMID: 33557104 PMCID: PMC7913838 DOI: 10.3390/s21041051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, the development of more compact and lightweight radiation detection systems led to their application in handheld and small unmanned systems, particularly air-based platforms. Examples of improvements are: the use of silicon photomultiplier-based scintillators, new scintillating crystals, compact dual-mode detectors (gamma/neutron), data fusion, mobile sensor networks, cooperative detection and search. Gamma cameras and dual-particle cameras are increasingly being used for source location. This study reviews and discusses the research advancements in the field of gamma-ray and neutron measurements using mobile radiation detection systems since the Fukushima nuclear accident. Four scenarios are considered: radiological and nuclear accidents and emergencies; illicit traffic of special nuclear materials and radioactive materials; nuclear, accelerator, targets, and irradiation facilities; and naturally occurring radioactive materials monitoring-related activities. The work presented in this paper aims to: compile and review information on the radiation detection systems, contextual sensors and platforms used for each scenario; assess their advantages and limitations, looking prospectively to new research and challenges in the field; and support the decision making of national radioprotection agencies and response teams in respect to adequate detection system for each scenario. For that, an extensive literature review was conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Marques
- Centro de Investigação da Academia da Força Aérea, Academia da Força Aérea, Instituto Universitário Militar, Granja do Marquês, 2715-021 Pêro Pinheiro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Alberto Vale
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Pedro Vaz
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal;
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27
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Marini M, Panicacci S, Donati M, Fanucci L, Fanchini E, Pepperosa A, Morichi M, Albéri M, Chiarelli E, Montuschi M, Raptis KGC, Serafini A, Strati V, Mantovani F. An Easily Integrable Industrial System for Gamma Spectroscopic Analysis and Traceability of Stones and Building Materials. Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:E352. [PMID: 33430193 DOI: 10.3390/s21020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the building material and stones market, lots of restrictions are coming in different world zones. In Europe, a recent regulatory set up the maximum level of radiological emissions for materials intended for use in public and private building structures. For this reason, companies need to have a very efficient radiological measurements system in their production chain, in order to respect all the rules and to be competitive in the world market. This article describes CORSAIR, a Cloud-Oriented Measurement System for Radiological Investigation and Traceability of Stones. Our cyber-physical system consists of sensing nodes network connected to a data collection gateway through LoRaWAN protocol, and interfaces with a centralized cloud application. CORSAIR introduces a fast, repeatable, real-time and non-destructive method to measure radiological emissions and other parameters of each single building material item, uniquely identified by an applied RFID tag. The validity of this system is confirmed by in-situ measurement campaign compared with high-precision laboratory analysis. The results demonstrate the accuracy of the CORSAIR sensor and the possibility to easily integrate it in the company production chain without any change.
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28
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Thomas R, Mantero J, Pérez-Moreno SM, Ruiz-Canovas C, Vioque I, Isaksson M, Forssell-Aronsson E, Holm E, García-Tenorio R. 226Ra, 210Po and lead isotopes in a pit lake water profile in Sweden. J Environ Radioact 2020; 223-224:106384. [PMID: 32919820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A pit lake arises as a consequence of anthropogenic activities in opencast mining areas. These water bodies may be enriched in hazardous stable contaminants and/or in naturally occurring radionuclides depending on the local geological conditions. Mining legacy in Sweden produced hundreds of these pit lakes and most of them are used for recreational purposes in the southern part of the country. In this paper, one pit lake was selected for having enhanced levels of natural radionuclides. Physico-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen and depth), elemental composition (via Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) and radiometric characterization (via alpha spectrometry of 226Ra, 210Po and 210Pb) were carried along the depth of a 60 m depth pit lake, with the main aim to describe how natural radionuclides and elements behaves with depth in a non-uraniferous pit lake. Based on observed changes in physico-chemical parameters, a thermocline and a chemocline region were identified at around 10 and 30 m depth respectively. Concerning radionuclides, 226Ra ranged from 75 ± 3 up to 360 ± 12 mBq/kg while 210Po ranged from 11 ± 1 up to 71 ± 3 mBq/kg. 210Pb distribution with depth was also determined via secular equilibrium with 210Po after 2 years and also stable Pb was measured. Disequilibrium 226Ra-210Pb was found and the residence time of 210Pb in the water column was assessed. Additionally, different vertical distributions between 210Pb and Pb were found which points out different sources for different lead isotopes in the water body.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Thomas
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden
| | - J Mantero
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden; Department of Applied Physics II, ETSA, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, 41012 Spain.
| | - S M Pérez-Moreno
- Group of Radiation Physics and Environment, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - C Ruiz-Canovas
- Department of Earth Sciences & Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment. University of Huelva, Huelva, 21071, Spain
| | - I Vioque
- Department of Applied Physics II, ETSA, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, 41012 Spain
| | - M Isaksson
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden
| | - E Forssell-Aronsson
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden
| | - E Holm
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, 413 45, Sweden
| | - R García-Tenorio
- Department of Applied Physics II, ETSA, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, 41012 Spain; Spanish National Accelerator Centre (CNA), US-JA-CSIC, Sevilla, 41092, Spain
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29
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Muñoz-Muñoz JG, Guillén J, Salas A. Modification of natural radionuclide uptake by wheat using a NORM by-product as soil amendment. Appl Radiat Isot 2020; 167:109458. [PMID: 33059190 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTPs) can be optimised for removal of natural radionuclides, thus meeting EU legislation. Removed radionuclides (234,238U, 226Ra and 210Po) go into sludges. What would happen if these sludges were used in agriculture? Wheat plantlets were cultivated in original and sludge-amended soils under laboratory controlled conditions. Soil-to plant transfer was significantly increased in factors ranging 1.2-3.7, 2.0-5.6, and 1.6-2.4 for 234,238U, 226Ra and 210Po, respectively. The additional input was preferentially accumulated in roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Muñoz-Muñoz
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J Guillén
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - A Salas
- LARUEX, Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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30
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Ajemigbitse MA, Cannon FS, Warner NR. A rapid method to determine 226Ra concentrations in Marcellus Shale produced waters using liquid scintillation counting. J Environ Radioact 2020; 220-221:106300. [PMID: 32560888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in Marcellus Shale produced water presents a challenge for effective management and treatment, because of the vast fluid volumes generated. With an increased emphasis on beneficial reuse and resource recovery from the produced waters, a rapid, yet reliable, method for quantifying radium in these produced waters is needed. The high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration introduces difficulties when measuring 226Ra by recommended EPA methods that were specifically developed several decades ago for drinking water. While other techniques for measuring radium in these high-TDS fluids have since been developed, these newer techniques often require extensive and complicated pre-concentration steps; and they thus require extensive analytical chemistry skills, utilize hazardous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, demand long holding times or measurement times, and require high sample volumes. We present a rapid method for 226Ra measurements in high-TDS produced waters by liquid scintillation counting, which has been corroborated herein by concurrent gamma spectrometry analyses. Samples were prepared for analysis by evaporating the fluid and re-suspending the evaporate with acidified distilled deionized water prior to liquid scintillation counting for 1 h. This protocol yielded radium recoveries ≥93%. Per this protocol, the alpha and beta spectra of 226Ra and its daughters were computationally separated by alpha-beta discrimination and spectrum deconvolution. The minimum detectable activities of 226Ra was 0.33 Bq/L (9.0 pCi/L) when the counting time was 60 min and the sample volume was 4 mL. Nine produced waters of varying TDS and radium concentrations from the Marcellus Shale Formation were analyzed by this method and compared with gamma spectroscopy; and these yielded comparable results with an R2 of 0.92. The reduced sample preparation steps, low cost, and rapid analysis position this as a well-suited protocol for field-appraisal and screening, when compared to comprehensive radiochemical analysis. We offer that for a given produced water region, routine and local liquid scintillation analyses can be compared and calibrated with infrequent gamma spec analyses, so as to yield a near-real time protocol for monitoring 226Ra levels during hydrofracturing operations. We present this as a pragmatic and efficient protocol for monitoring 226Ra when produced water samples host low levels of 228Ra-since the progeny of 228Ra can significantly confound the LSC analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses A Ajemigbitse
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
| | - Fred S Cannon
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 225 Sackett Building, Pennsylvania, 16802, United States.
| | - Nathaniel R Warner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 231E Sackett Building, Pennsylvania, 16802, United States.
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31
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Cagno S, Lind OC, Popic JM, Skipperud L, De Nolf W, Nuyts G, Vanmeert F, Jaroszewicz J, Janssens K, Salbu B. Micro-analytical characterization of thorium-rich aggregates from Norwegian NORM sites (Fen Complex, Telemark). J Environ Radioact 2020; 219:106273. [PMID: 32339145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study we performed microscopic characterization of mineral particles that were collected in the thorium-rich Fen Complex in Norway and identified and isolated based on autoradiography in function of their radioactivity. For this we combined information obtained with X-ray absorption μ-CT, μ-XRF and μ-XRD, both in bi- and in three-dimensional (tomographic) mode. We demonstrate that radionuclides and metals are heterogeneously distributed both within soil samples and within individual Th-enriched aggregates, which are characterised as low-density mineral bulk particles with high density material inclusions, where Th as well as several metals are highly concentrated. For these sites, it is important to take into account how these inhomogeneous distributions could affect the overall environmental behaviour of Th and progeny upon weathering due to human or environmental factors. Moreover, the estimated size of the Th-containing inclusions as determined in this work represents information of importance for the characterization of radionuclides and toxic metals exposure, as well as for assessing the viability of mining for Th and rare-earth metals in the Fen Complex and the associated environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cagno
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Ole Christian Lind
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Jelena Mrdakovic Popic
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway; Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), PO Box 329 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lindis Skipperud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
| | - Wout De Nolf
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Avenue des Martyrs 71, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Gert Nuyts
- AXES, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 121, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Frederik Vanmeert
- AXES, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 121, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jakub Jaroszewicz
- Faculty of Materials Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Woloska 141, 02-507, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Koen Janssens
- AXES, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 121, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Brit Salbu
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Center of Excellence in Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway
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32
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Doering C, Akber R, Bollhöfer A, Lu P. Radon-222 diffusion length and exhalation characteristics of uraniferous waste rock and application to mine site remediation in the Australian wet-dry tropics. J Environ Radioact 2020; 216:106186. [PMID: 32056790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The diffusion length of 222Rn in uraniferous waste rock was determined through a novel experiment. Large PVC columns were filled to different depths in the range from 0.5 m to 3.0 m with waste rock material from the Ranger uranium mine and the build-up of 222Rn activity concentration in the column headspace above the material was measured after closing the columns with a lid. Measurements were made approximately one month after filling the columns and again after approximately one and two years. The average 222Rn diffusion length derived from the measurements was 1.9 ± 0.2 m in the dry material. The corresponding diffusion coefficient was (7.3 ± 0.7) × 10-6 m2 s-1. For an infinitely thick layer of the dry material, the average value of the 222Rn exhalation flux density relative to the 226Ra activity concentration was estimated as (5.3 ± 0.3) × 10-4 Bq m-2 s-1 per Bq kg-1. From the diffusion length, the waste rock material was characterised as both a source and attenuator of 222Rn for its proposed use as the surface cover on the final landform of the remediated Ranger uranium mine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
| | - Riaz Akber
- Safe Radiation Pty Ltd, Unit 19, 8 St. Jude Court, Browns Plains, QLD, 4118, Australia
| | | | - Ping Lu
- Energy Resources of Australia, GPO Box 2394, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia
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33
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Szajerski P. Distribution of uranium and thorium chains radionuclides in different fractions of phosphogypsum grains. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:15856-15868. [PMID: 32095961 PMCID: PMC7190684 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This work presents results obtained using gamma spectrometry measurements of phosphogypsum samples on a non-fractionated (native) and fractionated phosphogypsum byproduct. The phosphogypsum was divided into particles size fractions within the range of < 0.063, 0.063-0.090, 0.090-0.125, 0.125-0.250, and over 0.250 mm and analyzed after reaching radioactive equilibrium using high-resolution gamma spectrometry technique. It was found that there is no significant differentiation between 226Ra distribution among particular grain size fractions of this material; however, tendency for preferential retention of radionuclides in particular grain size fractions is observed. The detailed analysis of results revealed that radium is preferentially retained in smaller grain size fractions, whereas lead and thorium in coarse fractions. The results indicate that overall 226Ra activity concentrations between particular fractions of phosphogypsum vary globally between - 34 and + 47% regarding non-fractionated material, and for 210Pb activity concentration, fluctuations are found between - 26 up and + 38%. Presumably, the mechanism of radium incorporation into gypsum phase is based on a sequence of radium bearing sulfate phases formation followed by a surface adsorption of these phases on the calcium sulfate crystals, whereas for lead and thorium ions, rather incorporation into crystal lattice should be expected as more likelihood process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Szajerski
- Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Wroblewskiego 15, 93-590, Lodz, Poland.
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Gowing CJB, Dinsley JM, Gallannaugh EL, Smedley PL, Marriott AL, Bowes MJ, Green KA, Watts MJ. Method development for rapid quantification of Rn-222 in surface water and groundwater. Environ Geochem Health 2020; 42:1109-1115. [PMID: 31175489 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00335-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the risks of a developing unconventional hydrocarbons industry, including shale gas, to the chemical quality of surface water and groundwater involves firstly establishing baseline compositions against which any future changes can be assessed. Contaminants of geogenic origin are of particular interest and radon has been identified as one potential contaminant from shale sources. Robust measurement and monitoring of radon in water at environmental concentrations is essential for ensuring protection of water sources and maintaining public confidence. Traditional techniques for Rn-222 determination in water, such as inference by gamma spectrometry and direct alpha counting, are impractical for direct field measurement, and the relatively short half-life of Rn-222 (~ 3.82 days) means that longer analytical protocols from field to the laboratory may result in greater uncertainty for Rn-222 activity. Therefore, a rapid and low-cost method would be beneficial. We have developed and refined a laboratory procedure for Rn-222 monitoring using liquid scintillation counting (LSC). The accuracy of Rn-222 activities obtained via this procedure was evaluated by the analysis of almost 200 water samples collected from streams and boreholes as part of a detailed baseline investigation in the Vale of Pickering, Yorkshire, one potential location for future shale gas exploration. LSC was preferred for measurement of Rn-222 and had comparable accuracy to gamma spectrometry and direct alpha counting. The methodology provided a rapid, portable and low-maintenance option relative to the two established techniques and is shown to be a favourable choice for the measurement of radon in surface water and groundwater at environmental concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J B Gowing
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK.
| | - James M Dinsley
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Gallannaugh
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Pauline L Smedley
- Groundwater Science Directorate, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Andrew L Marriott
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Michael J Bowes
- Groundwater Science Directorate, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Kay A Green
- Groundwater Science Directorate, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Michael J Watts
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
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Borbinha J, Romanets Y, Teles P, Corisco J, Vaz P, Carvalho D, Brouwer Y, Luís R, Pinto L, Vale A, Ventura R, Areias B, Reis AB, Gonçalves B. Performance Analysis of Geiger-Müller and Cadmium Zinc Telluride Sensors Envisaging Airborne Radiological Monitoring in NORM Sites. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:s20051538. [PMID: 32164377 PMCID: PMC7085614 DOI: 10.3390/s20051538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiological monitoring is fundamental for compliance with radiological protection policies in the aftermath of radiological events, such as nuclear accidents, terrorism, and out-of-commission uranium mines. An effective strategy for radiation monitoring is to use radiation detectors coupled with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), enabling for quicker surveillance of large areas without involving the need of human presence in the target area. The main aim of this study was to formulate the parameters for a UAV flight strategy in preparation for future field measurements using Geiger-Muller Counters (GMC) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) spectrometers. As a proof of concept, the prepared flight strategy will be used to survey out-of-commission uranium mines in northern Portugal. Procedures to assure the calibration of the CZT and verification of the GMCs were conducted, as well as a sensitivity analysis of the sensors considering different acquisition times, distance to source, and detector response time. This article reports specific parameters, such as UAV distance to ground, time of exposition, speed, and the methodology to perform the identification and calculate the activity of possible radioactive sources. An effective flight strategy is also presented, aiming to use radiation detectors coupled with UAVs to undertake extensive monitoring of areas with enhanced levels of environmental radiation, which is of prime importance due to the lasting hazardous effects of enhanced environmental radiation in the nearby ecosystem and population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Borbinha
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7. 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (Y.R.); (P.T.); (J.C.); (P.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Yuriy Romanets
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7. 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (Y.R.); (P.T.); (J.C.); (P.V.)
| | - Pedro Teles
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7. 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (Y.R.); (P.T.); (J.C.); (P.V.)
| | - José Corisco
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7. 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (Y.R.); (P.T.); (J.C.); (P.V.)
| | - Pedro Vaz
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Estrada Nacional 10, ao km 139,7. 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (Y.R.); (P.T.); (J.C.); (P.V.)
| | - Diogo Carvalho
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (Y.B.); (R.L.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (B.G.)
| | - Yoeri Brouwer
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (Y.B.); (R.L.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (B.G.)
| | - Raul Luís
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (Y.B.); (R.L.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (B.G.)
| | - Luís Pinto
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (Y.B.); (R.L.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (B.G.)
| | - Alberto Vale
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (Y.B.); (R.L.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (B.G.)
| | - Rodrigo Ventura
- Institute for Systems and Robotics, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Bruno Areias
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (B.A.); (A.B.R.)
| | - Andre B. Reis
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (B.A.); (A.B.R.)
| | - Bruno Gonçalves
- Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; (D.C.); (Y.B.); (R.L.); (L.P.); (A.V.); (B.G.)
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Almasoud FI, Ababneh ZQ, Alanazi YJ, Khandaker MU, Sayyed MI. Assessment of radioactivity contents in bedrock groundwater samples from the northern region of Saudi Arabia. Chemosphere 2020; 242:125181. [PMID: 31671301 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recognizing the vast uses of water in human life, the presence of α and β particles emitting radionuclides in groundwater of northern Saudi Arabia has been evaluated as a means of water quality assessment of the region. A liquid scintillation counting technique was used to determine the gross α/β, and 228Ra radioactivities in water samples, while the radioactivity concentrations of 234,238U and 226Ra were determined using alpha spectrometry after the separation process. Present results show that all water samples contain a higher level of gross α and β radioactivity than the WHO recommended limits; the average gross α activity is about 7 times greater than the limit value of 0.5 Bq L-1, while the average gross β activity value is about 3.5 times greater than the limit value of 1 Bq L-1. Correlations of TDS and pH with gross α and β radioactivity in the studied samples were investigated. The activity ratio of the measured U and Ra alpha emitters to the gross α radioactivity and the ratio of the measured β emitters to gross β radioactivity were also discussed. Furthermore, interesting information on thorium abundance and radioactive disequilibrium in U series were observed by studying the activity ratio of 228Ra/226Ra, 226Ra/238U, and 234U/238U. Although these samples are not directly used for human being drinking, and mainly used in irrigation, the higher gross α/β radioactivity may cause health risks to humans, since these radionuclides may enter the food chain through irrigation water. Thus, further radioactive risk assessment is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad I Almasoud
- Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P·O.Box 6086, Riyadh, 11441, Saudi Arabia; Department of Soil Sciences, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Zaid Q Ababneh
- Physics Dept., Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 211-63, Jordan; College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef J Alanazi
- Nuclear Science Research Institute (NSRI), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P·O.Box 6086, Riyadh, 11441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Center for Biomedical Physics, School of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M I Sayyed
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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37
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Mutafela RN, Mantero J, Jani Y, Thomas R, Holm E, Hogland W. Radiometrical and physico-chemical characterisation of contaminated glass waste from a glass dump in Sweden. Chemosphere 2020; 241:124964. [PMID: 31604195 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Around former glass factories in south eastern Sweden, there are dozens of dumps whose radioactivity and physico-chemical properties were not investigated previously. Thus, radiometric and physico-chemical characteristics of waste at Madesjö glass dump were studied to evaluate pre-recycling storage requirements and potential radiological and environmental risks. The material was sieved, hand-sorted, leached and scanned with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). External dose rates and activity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials from 238U, 232Th series and 40K were also measured coupled with a radiological risk assessment. Results showed that the waste was 95% glass and dominated by fine fractions (<11.3 mm) at 43.6%. The fine fraction had pH 7.8, 2.6% moisture content, 123 mg kg-1 Total Dissolved Solids, 37.2 mg kg-1 Dissolved Organic Carbon and 10.5 mg kg-1 fluorides. Compared with Swedish EPA guidelines, the elements As, Cd, Pb and Zn were in hazardous concentrations while Pb leached more than the limits for inert and non-hazardous wastes. With 40K activity concentration up to 3000 Bq kg-1, enhanced external dose rates of 40K were established (0.20 μSv h-1) although no radiological risk was found since both External Hazard Index (Hex) and Gamma Index (Iγ) were <1. The glass dump needs remediation and storage of the waste materials under a safe hazardous waste class 'Bank Account' storage cell as a secondary resource for potential future recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard N Mutafela
- Department of Biology & Environmental Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - Juan Mantero
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Applied Physics II, E.T.S.A., University of Seville, 410 12, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Yahya Jani
- Department of Biology & Environmental Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Rimon Thomas
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elis Holm
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - William Hogland
- Department of Biology & Environmental Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-391 82, Kalmar, Sweden
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38
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Lowdon M, Martin PG, Hubbard MWJ, Taggart MP, Connor DT, Verbelen Y, Sellin PJ, Scott TB. Evaluation of Scintillator Detection Materials for Application within Airborne Environmental Radiation Monitoring. Sensors (Basel) 2019; 19:E3828. [PMID: 31487922 DOI: 10.3390/s19183828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, there has occurred the unabated growth in the number of airborne platforms developed to perform radiation mapping-each utilising various designs of a low-altitude uncrewed aerial vehicle. Alongside the associated advancements in the airborne system transporting the radiation detection payload, from the earliest radiological analyses performed using gas-filled Geiger-Muller tube detectors, modern radiation detection and mapping platforms are now based near-exclusively on solid-state scintillator detectors. With numerous varieties of such light-emitting crystalline materials now in existence, this combined desk and computational modelling study sought to evaluate the best-available detector material compatible with the requirements for low-altitude autonomous radiation detection, localisation and subsequent high spatial-resolution mapping of both naturally occurring and anthropogenically-derived radionuclides. The ideal geometry of such detector materials is also evaluated. While NaI and CsI (both elementally doped) are (and will likely remain) the mainstays of radiation detection, LaBr3 scintillation detectors were determined to possess not only a greater sensitivity to incident gamma-ray radiation, but also a far superior spectral (energy) resolution over existing and other potentially deployable detector materials. Combined with their current competitive cost, an array of three such composition cylindrical detectors were determined to provide the best means of detecting and discriminating the various incident gamma-rays.
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39
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Yoo DH, Park HJ, Min CH. Evaluation of the annual effective dose due to the external irradiation induced by using NORM added consumer products. Appl Radiat Isot 2019; 154:108860. [PMID: 31442799 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the annual effective dose from a sleeping mattress containing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). In this study, the dose rate was measured using two different portable radiation detectors, namely the Geiger Müller (GM) tube and portable high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector; the annual effective dose was calculated using annualized usage of the products, and the equivalent does was evaluated via Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and using the model of the human body, which is known as a computational human phantom. The dose rate of the product, excluding background radiation at the shielded room, was measured as 0.22 and 0.13 μSv/h in the GM-tube and portable HPGe, respectively. Assuming that the sleeping mattress was used for an average sleeping of 8 h/day, the annual effective dose was calculated as 0.64 and 0.38 mSv/y using the GM-tube and portable HPGe detectors, respectively. Also, the annual effective dose calculated using MC simulation and radioactivity values from the nuclides analysis was 0.13 mSv/y. The annual effective dose calculated using the two different portable detectors and MC simulation is less than the annual effective dose limit for the general public, which is set at 1 mSv/y. This technique could be used not only for the safety regulation for products containing NORM but also for the accurate evaluation of the effective dose for radiation workers in the diverse radiation field.
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40
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Wilson CA, Hamideh AM, Wang WH. Establishment of a NORM baseline for selected seafood in the Gulf of Mexico. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 145:448-454. [PMID: 31590809 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring radioactive material was characterized in selected seafood samples from three areas in the Gulf of Mexico. Relatively desirable and abundant fish such as Red Snapper, Red Drum, Northern Whiting, and Spotted Trout as well as oysters were collected and analyzed using gamma spectroscopy to determine the concentration of 228Ra, 226Ra, and 40 K. Average total activity concentration from these radionuclides were 0.9 ± 0.6, 1.6 ± 1.2, and 132 ± 57 Bq kg-1 respectively, in the edible portion of wet weight samples. The results were consistent with previous studies for other bodies of water. A small but statistically significant increase in 226Ra was found in comparison to similar research performed 20 years prior. These measurements provide a reasonable baseline for the examined species from the Gulf of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Wilson
- Louisiana State University Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD), United States of America.
| | - Amin M Hamideh
- Louisiana State University Radiation Safety Office, United States of America
| | - Wei-Hsung Wang
- Louisiana State University Center for Energy Studies, United States of America
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41
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Pectol DC, Khan S, Chupik RB, Elsabahy M, Wooley KL, Darensbourg MY, Lim SM. Toward the Optimization of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes as Therapeutics for Smooth Muscle Cells. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:3178-3187. [PMID: 31244220 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) are shown to deliver nitric oxide (NO) into the cytosol of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which play a major role in vascular relaxation and contraction. Malfunction of SMCs can lead to hypertension, asthma, and erectile dysfunction, among other disorders. For comparison of the five DNIC derivatives, the following protocols were examined: (a) the Griess assay to detect nitrite (derived from NO conversion) in the absence and presence of SMCs; (b) the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay for cell viability; (c) an immunotoxicity assay to establish if DNICs stimulate immune response; and (d) a fluorometric assay to detect intracellular NO from treatment with DNICs. Dimeric Roussin's red ester (RRE)-type {Fe(NO)2}9 complexes containing phenylthiolate bridges, [(μ-SPh)Fe(NO)2]2 or SPhRRE, were found to deliver NO with the lowest effect on cell toxicity (i.e., highest IC50). In contrast, the RRE-DNIC with the biocompatible thioglucose moiety, [(μ-SGlu)Fe(NO)2]2 (SGlu = 1-thio-β-d-glucose tetraacetate) or SGluRRE, delivered a higher concentration of NO to the cytosol of SMCs with a 10-fold decrease in IC50. Additionally, monomeric DNICs stabilized by a bulky N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), namely, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolidene (IMes), were synthesized and yielded the DNIC complexes SGluNHC, [IMes(SGlu)Fe(NO)2], and SPhNHC, [IMes(SPh)Fe(NO)2]. These oxidized {Fe(NO)2}9 NHC DNICs have an IC50 of ∼7 μM; however, the NHC-based complexes did not transfer NO into the SMC. Per contra, the reduced, mononuclear {Fe(NO)2}10 neocuproine-based DNIC, neoDNIC, depressed the viability of the SMCs, as well as generated an increase of intracellular NO. Regardless of the coordination environment or oxidation state, all DNICs showed a dinitrosyl iron unit (DNIU)-dependent increase in viability. This study demonstrates a structure-function relationship between the DNIU coordination environment and the efficacy of the DNIC treatments.
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Doering C, McMaster SA, Johansen MP. Modelling the dispersion of radionuclides in dust from a landform covered by low uranium grade waste rock. J Environ Radioact 2019; 202:51-58. [PMID: 30797160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The dispersion of radionuclides in dust and inhalation dose rates to the public from the planned remediation of the Ranger uranium mine in the wet-dry tropics of Australia was modelled using RESRAD-OFFSITE. Dust inhalation dose rates were predicted to be highest on the remediated site and decrease with an approximate inverse square to inverse cubic dependence with distance from the site. The annual dose above natural background to a hypothetical individual permanently occupying the remediated site (representing the worst case scenario for radionuclide in dust exposure) was estimated to be 5.3 × 10-3 mSv. The estimated doses from exposure to radionuclides in dust were two to three orders of magnitude lower than those from exposure to 222Rn. A sensitivity analysis showed that source-related and receptor-related model parameters had direct proportional influences on dust inhalation dose rates. Four transport-related model parameters (atmospheric stability class, deposition velocity of particulates, precipitation and wind speed) were also influential and generally had an increasing influence with distance from the source. The results of this study may provide general guidance to similar sites elsewhere on the relative importance of dust versus gaseous 222Rn transport pathways and the relative influence of dispersion modelling parameters on predicted exposures and doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
| | - Scott A McMaster
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
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Paiva I, Marques R, Santos M, Reis M, Prudêncio MI, Waerenborgh JC, Dias MI, Russo D, Cardoso G, Vieira BJC, Carvalho E, Rosa C, Lobarinhas D, Diamantino C, Pinto R. Naturally occurring radioactive material and risk assessment of tailings of polymetallic and Ra/U mines from legacy sites. Chemosphere 2019; 223:171-179. [PMID: 30776762 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Old mine tailings from Northern and Central Portugal were studied in order to perform a radiological and chemical characterization. The evaluation of massic activity of natural radionuclides and concentrations in tailings of polymetallic and Ra/U mines was performed by gamma spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Iron speciation was carried out by Mössbauer spectroscopy. In polymetallic tailings with physical ore processing (Cumieira and Verdes - exploited for Sn, Nb-Ta) higher contents of Th, 228Ra and 226Ra in the coarser materials occur, probably due to their presence in host rock and ore fragments. In finer tailings, washing may explain the lower 226Ra and 210Pb massic activity. In tailings with physical/chemical ore processing (Covas - exploited for W and Sn) high U contents and a tendency for higher 226Ra and 210Pb massic activity in the fine materials is observed, probably due to their incorporation in nano-sized particles of iron oxides. A high variation of the 210Pb/226Ra ratio occurs in polymetallic tailings; a deficit of 210Pb can be observed particularly in deposits of settling tanks drained from dumps of chemically treated ore. In Ervideira-Mestras tailings (Ra/U exploitation) where no ore process in situ was performed, a near equilibrium between 210Pb and 226Ra occurs. Dose risk assessment was carried out by calculating external outdoor Annual Effective Dose Rate; the dose rates in air due to terrestrial gamma radiation are low for the polymetallic tailings (<47 nGy/h), and higher for tailings of Ra/U (up to 4130 nGy/h), in the worst scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Paiva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal; Laboratório de Protecção e Segurança Radiológica (LPSR), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Rosa Marques
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Marta Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal; Laboratório de Protecção e Segurança Radiológica (LPSR), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Mário Reis
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal; Laboratório de Protecção e Segurança Radiológica (LPSR), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Maria Isabel Prudêncio
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - João Carlos Waerenborgh
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Maria Isabel Dias
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Dulce Russo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Guilherme Cardoso
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Bruno J C Vieira
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, EN 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066, Bobadela, Portugal.
| | - Edgar Carvalho
- Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, SA. (EDM), Rua Sampaio e Pina, nº 1, 7º, 1070-248, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Rosa
- Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, IDL - Instituto Dom Luiz, Ed. C6, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Daniela Lobarinhas
- Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, SA. (EDM), Rua Sampaio e Pina, nº 1, 7º, 1070-248, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Diamantino
- Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, SA. (EDM), Rua Sampaio e Pina, nº 1, 7º, 1070-248, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rui Pinto
- Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, SA. (EDM), Rua Sampaio e Pina, nº 1, 7º, 1070-248, Lisboa, Portugal.
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44
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Smetsers RCGM, Tomas JM. A practical approach to limit the radiation dose from building materials applied in dwellings, in compliance with the Euratom Basic Safety Standards. J Environ Radioact 2019; 196:40-49. [PMID: 30388427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Individuals receive a significant part of their radiation exposure indoors. We anticipate that this exposure is likely to increase in the near future, due to a growing use in the building industry of recycled materials and materials previously regarded as waste. Such materials often contain elevated levels of natural radionuclides. Directive 2013/59/Euratom ('Basic Safety Standards', BSS) pays comprehensive attention to indoor exposure from natural radionuclides, but proper implementation of all corresponding BSS regulations is not straightforward, especially when regarding the regulation of building materials containing so-called Annex XIII materials. In this paper, we discuss the most relevant deficiencies in the BSS and present a practical approach to cope with these. Our most important observation is that adequate methods for assessing the annual dose due to gamma radiation from building materials are not provided by the BSS. This is in particular difficult because compliance of single building materials has to be tested, but the corresponding BSS reference level refers to gamma radiation emitted by all building materials present in a room. Based on a simple model of three layers of building materials, we present a set of operational conditions for building materials, either used for construction purposes ('bulk layers') or for the finishing of walls, floors and ceilings ('superficial layers'). Any customary combination of building materials meeting these conditions will stay below the BSS reference level for gamma radiation. This statement holds for the middle of a reference room, but is not always the case close to the walls, especially when low density materials with a relatively high content of natural radionuclides are present at the inner side of the room. This can be avoided by applying more strict conditions for those kind of materials than presented in this paper. We further focus on the indoor exposure to thoron progeny. Building materials that pass the test for gamma radiation can still be a significant source for indoor air concentrations of thoron progeny. When the average annual thoron inhalation dose were to be restricted to 1 mSv a-1 - a level comparable to the BSS reference level for gamma radiation - the activity concentration of Ra-224 in (especially porous) building materials used for wall finishing purposes should be limited to a value of typically 50 Bq kg-1. Even if our suggested approach of the BSS regulations is fully implemented, it still allows for a significant increase in the average radiation exposure in dwellings due to external radiation and thoron progeny. However, the situation will be worse if a less strict interpretation of the BSS regulations will be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald C G M Smetsers
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, NL-3721 MA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Jasper M Tomas
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, NL-3721 MA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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45
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Doering C, McMaster SA, Johansen MP. Modelling the dispersion of radon-222 from a landform covered by low uranium grade waste rock. J Environ Radioact 2018; 192:498-504. [PMID: 30114620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The dispersion of 222Rn from the planned remediation of the Ranger U mine in the wet-dry tropics of Northern Australia was modelled. Dry and wet season contour maps of 222Rn dose normalised to 226Ra activity concentration in the proposed waste rock substrate on the remediated landform were developed. Three example exposure scenarios were assessed based on an anticipated waste rock 226Ra activity concentration of 800 Bq kg-1. The estimated above-background annual dose from 222Rn to hypothetical receptors at the Aboriginal community at Mudginberri (∼10 km NNW) was 0.005 mSv and at the township of Jabiru (∼7 km W) was 0.033 mSv. The estimated above-background annual dose for the hypothetical worst case scenario, representing a receptor 1 km WNW of the landform centroid during the dry season and at the centroid during the wet season, was 0.13 mSv. Variability analysis on the 20 y meteorological dataset used in the dispersion modelling showed that the dry and wet season 222Rn dose predictions in any single year could be approximately double those of an average year, which suggests that estimates of average 222Rn dose should potentially be doubled if the assessment aim is to demonstrate compliance with the public dose limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
| | - Scott A McMaster
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Locked Bag 2001, Kirrawee DC, NSW, 2232, Australia
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46
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Barros H, Diaz-Lagos M, Martinez-Ovalle SA, Sajo-Bohus L, Estupiñan JL. Alpha emitter NORM crystal scales in industrial pipelines: A study case. J Environ Radioact 2018; 192:342-348. [PMID: 30031316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Radioactive related pollution due to suspended particulate matter dispersion is an important workplace and health care issue. Recycling oil production ducts and contaminated production equipment, represent a health hazard to workers and public alike. Radioactive plate-out NORM scales with crystal deposit is analyzed by different techniques; results provide proper information on physico-chemical features and emitted alpha particles. Recommendations for handling and recycling procedures are included in relation to health risk and radiological hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Barros
- Universidad Simón Bolívar, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - M Diaz-Lagos
- Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja-Boyacá, Colombia
| | | | | | - J L Estupiñan
- Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja-Boyacá, Colombia
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47
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García-Tenorio R, Manjón G, Vioque I, Jiménez-Ramos MC, Mantero J, Díaz-Francés I. Grey monazite (rare earths) mining in centre of Spain: Characterization and pre-operational radiological evaluation. Chemosphere 2018; 208:691-697. [PMID: 29894970 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A radiological evaluation associated to the future mining of grey monazite nodules enriched in light rare-earths, from a modest superficial deposit located in the centre of Spain, has been performed at pre-operational level, and the main results are shown in this paper. Although the monazite nodules in the deposit are clearly enriched in radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series with activity concentrations higher than 1 Bq/g, the size of these nodules (in the 0.5 mm-2 mm grain size interval), its refractory behaviour that prevents the leaching or dissemination of natural radionuclides to waters or other ecosystem compartments and consequently the impact in the food chain, and its presence quite diluted in the deposit at concentrations of 2.5-3 kg/m3, conducted to conclude that pre-operationally the area to be mined for the extraction of the monazite is generating a negligible radiological impact in the public and the nearby environment. Additionally, the extraction of the raw material and the restoration of the area after mining (i.e. the mining activities which will be done in-situ, in the mining area) will be exempted of any radiological regulation attending to the European Union legislation being expected that will not generate a radiological impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- R García-Tenorio
- Applied Nuclear Physics Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (Universidad Sevilla-Junta Andalucía-CSIC); Sevilla, Spain
| | - G Manjón
- Applied Nuclear Physics Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - I Vioque
- Applied Nuclear Physics Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - M C Jiménez-Ramos
- Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (Universidad Sevilla-Junta Andalucía-CSIC); Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Mantero
- Applied Nuclear Physics Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - I Díaz-Francés
- Applied Nuclear Physics Group, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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48
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Suárez-Navarro JA, Gascó C, Alonso MM, Blanco-Varela MT, Lanzon M, Puertas F. Use of Genie 2000 and Excel VBA to correct for γ-ray interference in the determination of NORM building material activity concentrations. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 142:1-7. [PMID: 30245436 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The γ-radiation emitted by building materials is calculated from the activity indices for 232Th, 226Ra and 40K and expressed as the activity concentration index (ACI). Gamma spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique frequently used to simultaneously determine the indices for several radionuclides. Spectral interpretation poses a number of challenges, including identification of γ-lines subject to summing-in effects, interference from other γ-ray emitting radionuclides and the time required to reach secular equilibrium. These challenges are not fully addressed by Canberra Industries' Genie 2000, the software used by many laboratories to analyse samples. This article describes a Microsoft Excel workbook that exploits Genie 2000 flexibility to program applications with Visual Basic using Canberra's Nuclear Data Access Library and batch procedure tools. The workbook determines 40K activity concentration after correcting for 228Ac interference and 226Ra activity directly from the γ-peak at 186.5 keV. The method proposed was tested by participating in 13 national and international scale inter-comparison exercises. The results were statistically indistinguishable from the reference values at a coverage factor of k = 3 and no statistically significant differences were identified between the respective means by a Student's t pairwise comparison.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Suárez-Navarro
- Unit of Environmental Radioactivity and Radiological Surveillance, CIEMAT, Avda Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - C Gascó
- Unit of Environmental Radioactivity and Radiological Surveillance, CIEMAT, Avda Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - M M Alonso
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences, IETcc-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - M T Blanco-Varela
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences, IETcc-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Lanzon
- Departamento de Arquitectura y Tecnología de la Edificación, ARQ&IDE, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 50, 30203 Cartagena, Spain
| | - F Puertas
- Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences, IETcc-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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49
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Llanes MC, González MJG, Moreno SMP, Raya JPB. Recovery of ilmenite mud as an additive in commercial Portland cements. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:24695-24703. [PMID: 29916151 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This work is focused on the manufacture of commercial cement using as additive ilmenite mud, a waste generated during TiO2 pigment production. The cements were produced by adding different proportions of mud (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The ilmenite mud and the ilmenite mud cements (IMCs) were characterised physico-chemically by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the technological properties of the IMCs were evaluated and compared with a reference material (OPC). Since waste from the TiO2 industry is classified as a NORM (naturally occurring radioactive material), the concentrations of radionuclides were measured by high-resolution low-background gamma and alpha spectrometry techniques. Finally, the TCLP leaching test (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure, USEPA), the radiological index ("I") and the Ra equivalent concentration were also calculated to evaluate the environmental risks. As a final conclusion, it can be pointed out that the addition of ilmenite mud to OPC plays a beneficial role since it reduces the heat of hydration, the final setting time, the expansion and the linear retraction compared to standard OPC. The compression strength improves with the addition of up to 5 wt% mud. Moreover, the environmental impact of IMC2.5 and IMC5 can be considered negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Contreras Llanes
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain.
| | | | - Silvia María Pérez Moreno
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Bolívar Raya
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain
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50
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Kaniu MI, Angeyo HK, Darby IG, Muia LM. Rapid in-situ radiometric assessment of the Mrima-Kiruku high background radiation anomaly complex of Kenya. J Environ Radioact 2018; 188:47-57. [PMID: 29103631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the radiometric survey results of the Mrima-Kiruku high background radiation (HBR) anomaly complex of south coastal Kenya. Utilizing a portable γ-ray spectrometer consisting of a 2.0 l NaI(Tl) backpack detector integrated with GPS to perform the relevant in-situ radiometric measurements, a novel geospatial gating method was devised to represent the measurements. The goal of this study was to assess radiation exposure and associated natural radioactivity levels in the complex and to compare the results obtained with those from previous preliminary related studies. Absorbed dose-rates in air were found to range <60-2368 nGy h-1. These rates were observed to correspond with the spatial variability of the underlying geology and terrain, increasing toward the summits of both Mrima and Kiruku Hills which implies that the complex is a geogenic HBR anomaly. The activity concentrations of 232Th in the study area are generally higher than those of 40K and 238U: The means of 40K, 238U and 232Th ranged 235±19-603±28 Bq kg-1, 68±6-326±24 Bq kg-1 and 386±12-1817±51 Bq kg-1 respectively. It was concluded that the high air absorbed dose-rate values that were measured (>600 nGy h-1) are due to elevated activity concentrations of 232Th. Therefore there is significant (>1 mSv/y) radiological hazard to the inhabitants of the area particularly those who reside at the foothills of both Mrima and Kiruku Hills.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Kaniu
- Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya; IAEA Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, Physics Section, A-2444, Seibersdorf, Austria.
| | - H K Angeyo
- Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - I G Darby
- IAEA Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory, Physics Section, A-2444, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - L M Muia
- Department of Physics and Space Science, Technical University of Kenya, P.O. Box 52428-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
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