High-resolution alpha spectrometry under field conditions - fast identification of alpha particle emitting radionuclides from air samples.
Alpha particle emitting radionuclides may be released into the atmosphere as a result of a severe nuclear accident, the malevolent use of radioactive material or some other incident. Rapid detection methods are then of crucial importance for carrying out well-timed protective actions. The present paper demonstrates that a method in which an aerosol sample is collected on a filter and directly analysed by high-resolution alpha spectrometry in a vacuum chamber, but without radiochemical sample treatment, is suitable for field measurements. A detection limit of less than 0.1 Bqm(-3) for (239)Pu is achieved assuming 1-h sampling using a glass-fibre filter and 1-h data acquisition. This value is higher than in the case when sampling is performed using a porous membrane filter. A measurement system consisting of standard components is mounted in a vehicle designed for rapid field measurements.
Pöllänen
R
R
STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, P.O. Box 14, FIN-00881 Helsinki, Finland. roy.pollanen@stuk.fi
Siiskonen
T
T
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D000512:Alpha Particles; D005374:Filtration; D011005:Plutonium / Q000032:analysis; D016062:Porosity; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014501:Uranium / Q000032:analysis
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D011868:Radioisotopes; D014501:Uranium; D011005:Plutonium