Application of gamma-ray spectrometry in a NORM industry for its radiometrical characterization

Abstract Industrial activities involving Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) are found among the most important industrial sectors worldwide as oil/gas facilities, metal production, phosphate Industry, zircon treatment, etc. being really significant the radioactive characterization of the materials involved in their production processes in order to assess the potential radiological risk for workers or natural environment. Read more about Application of gamma-ray spectrometry in a NORM industry for its radiometrical characterization[…]

210Pb determination by gamma spectrometry in voluminal samples (cylindrical geometry)

Abstract In this paper a simple method for the direct analysis of 210Pb (T1/2=22.3 years) by gamma-ray spectrometry in sediment samples with coaxial Ge detectors is outlined. This method, developed for a cylindrical sample geometry, accounts for variable sample heights and provides a fundamental advantage: individual self-absorption corrections can easily be determined knowing the apparent Read more about 210Pb determination by gamma spectrometry in voluminal samples (cylindrical geometry)[…]

A comprehensive calibration method of Ge detectors for low-level gamma-spectrometry measurements

Abstract This paper aims to show a general and simple method for gamma-ray efficiency calibration in the 186–1500 keV energy range with special attention to applications on environmental studies. This method accounts for differences in densities, composition and counting geometries between real and calibration samples. Self-absorption corrections can be easily determined from a single spectral measurement Read more about A comprehensive calibration method of Ge detectors for low-level gamma-spectrometry measurements[…]

Radioactive impact in sediments from an estuarine system affected by industrial wastes releases

Abstract A big fertilizer industrial complex and a vast extension of phosphogypsum piles (12 km2), sited in the estuary formed by the Odiel and Tinto river mouths (southwest of Spain), are producing an unambiguous radioactive impact in their surrounding aquatic environment through radionuclides from the U-series. The levels and distribution of radionuclides in sediments from Read more about Radioactive impact in sediments from an estuarine system affected by industrial wastes releases[…]

A simple method for efficiency calibration of HPGe detectors in γ-spectrometric measurements

Abstract In this paper a simple, rapid and general method for γ-ray efficiency calibration of Ge detectors for environmental samples is presented. This method is based on the use of an active natural solid sample with several γ-emissions (in our case, 226Ra) as the calibrating matrix for determining the full energy peak efficiency (FEPE) εc Read more about A simple method for efficiency calibration of HPGe detectors in γ-spectrometric measurements[…]