Analysis of isotopic radium in thorium mill effluents.
A simple and rapid method has been developed for the determination of isotopic radium, based on gamma-ray spectrometry. (228)Ra and (224)Ra are assayed by measuring the intensities of the photo-peaks in the 0.94 and the 2.62 MeV regions of the gamma-spectrum. The interference in these measurements, arising from the presence of the (226)Ra(210)Pb chain in the sample, is obviated by the almost complete expulsion of (222)Rn from the system. The precision of the method is +/-2% and +/-3 % in the determination of (228)Ra and (224)Ra respectively, the absolute sensitivities being 2 and 0.5 nCi. The method has been applied to evaluate the distribution of these isotopes in the various products of the Indian Rare-Earths Factory, Alwaye.
Kamath
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VA
Analytical Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Bombay-74, India.
Parekh
P P
PP