Categoría: Science Direct

Natural radioactivity in waters and sediments from a Spanish mining river

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Abstract In this work we present results of a study concerning the distribution and behaviour of several natural radionuclides (U, Th-isotopes, 210Po and gamma-emitters) in a mining river located in the southwest of Spain. Enhancements of U concentrations relative to other analysed isotopes within the U series have been observed, being due to co-precipitation of Read more about Natural radioactivity in waters and sediments from a Spanish mining river[…]

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

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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[…]

Radioecological study of an estuarine system located in the south of Spain

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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 (south-west of Spain), are producing an unambiguous radioactive impact in their sourrounding aquatic environment, through radionuclides from the U-series. The levels and distribution of radionuclides in the different water Read more about Radioecological study of an estuarine system located in the south of Spain[…]

On self-attenuation corrections in gamma-ray spectrometry

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Abstract In this paper we discuss and justify the dependence on the sample density and gamma energy of the self-attenuation correction factor, f, in the transmission method for the full energy peak efficiency calibration of Ge detectors. It is suggested as a method for the direct computing of f in the case that the sample Read more about On self-attenuation corrections in gamma-ray spectrometry[…]

A method for the determination of counting efficiencies in γ-spectrometric measurements with HPGe detectors

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Abstract In this paper a general method for γ-ray efficiency calibration is presented. The method takes into account the differences of densities and counting geometry between the real sample and the calibration sample. It is based on the γ-transmission method and gives the correction factor f as a function of Eγ, the density and counting Read more about A method for the determination of counting efficiencies in γ-spectrometric measurements with HPGe detectors[…]

Radioactive impact of some phosphogypsum piles in soils and salt marshes evaluated by γ-ray spectrometry

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Abstract A generalized transmision method has been applied for the evaluation of the radioactive impact generated by a very large extension of phosphogypsum piles (about 1200 Ha) on their surrounding soils and salt-marshes. The results obtained show that the radioactive impact is produced through natural radionuclides that had previously been mainly leached/dissolved from the piles Read more about Radioactive impact of some phosphogypsum piles in soils and salt marshes evaluated by γ-ray spectrometry[…]

Anthropogenic contamination of an estuarine system evaluated by PIXE

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Abstract A study of the elemental concentrations of sediments, collected in the estuary formed by the confluence of the rivers Tinto and Odiel in Huelva, Spain, has been performed by PIXE. 2.5 MeV protons from the 3 MV Van de Graaff accelerator of the ITN, Sacavém (Portugal), were used and two runs for each sample Read more about Anthropogenic contamination of an estuarine system evaluated by PIXE[…]

Enhancement of natural radioactivity in soils and salt-marshes surrounding a non-nuclear industrial complex

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Abstract The existence of a very high extension (about 1000 ha) of phosphogypsum piles, sited in the estuary formed by the mouths of the Tinto and Odiel rivers (SW Spain), produce a quite local, but unambiguous radioactive impact in the surrounding salt-marshes. In these piles the main by-product formed in the manufacture of phosphoric acid Read more about Enhancement of natural radioactivity in soils and salt-marshes surrounding a non-nuclear industrial complex[…]

Environmental impact of fertilizer industries evaluated by PIXE

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Abstract In this paper the environmental impact of several phosphogypsum piles sited in the southwest of Spain is studied using multielemental analysis by PIXE of 12 salt marsh and soil samples collected in their surroundings. The piles are used to store the main by-product formed in the production of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers. The Read more about Environmental impact of fertilizer industries evaluated by PIXE[…]