A semi-empirical approach for determination of low-energy gamma-emmiters in sediment samples with coaxial Ge-detectors.
A simple method for the determination in sediment samples of low-energy gamma-emitters with coaxial Ge detectors and using a cylindrical sample geometry is outlined. This method allows an easy estimation of self-absorption effects by knowing the apparent densities and the composition of the investigated samples. As calibration matrixes solid samples enriched in known amounts of natural radionuclides emitting low-energy gamma rays were used. In this way, the difficult homogenisation steps needed when liquid spikes are added to a solid blank for manufacturing the calibration sample are avoided. The method has been carefully checked and validated by applying it to sediment samples with known activities of some low-energy gamma-ray emitters. Additionally, these sediment measurements have allowed to evaluate the magnitude and importance of the self-absorption corrections.
San Miguel
E G
EG
Departamento de Física Aplicada, EPS La Rábida, 21819-Palos, Huelva, Spain.
Perez-Moreno
J P
JP
Bolivar
J P
JP
García-Tenorio
R
R
D000465:Algorithms; D002138:Calibration / Q000592:standards; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D005857:Germanium; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D013051:Spectrometry, Gamma / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014159:Transducers
D011868:Radioisotopes; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D005857:Germanium