An efficient and simple method for measuring (226)Ra using the scintillation cell in a delayed coincidence counting system (RaDeCC)

J Environ Radioact. 2008 Dec;99(12):1859-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2008.08.008. Epub 2008 Oct 23.

Abstract

A delayed coincidence counter (RaDeCC), developed to determine ultra-low levels of (223)Ra (half life = 11.1 days) and (224)Ra (half life = 3.6 days) in seawater, was adapted to measure (226)Ra (half life = 1622 years). After pre-concentration of Ra from seawater onto MnO(2)-coated fiber we show in this study that the (226)Ra activity can be determined using the RaDeCC's ability to record alpha decay of its daughters as total counts. For sufficient ingrowth of (222)Rn, the Mn-fiber is hermetically sealed in a column for a few days. Then, the ingrown (222)Rn is circulated through the RaDeCC air-loop system followed by shutting down of the pump and closure of the scintillation cell for equilibration. Counting may be completed within a few hours for seawater samples. Sample measurements with this method agreed well with data obtained using gamma-ray spectrometry. This proves that a set of Ra isotopes ((223)Ra, (224)Ra, and (226)Ra), commonly used for geophysical studies such as mixing rates of different water masses and submarine groundwater discharge, can be efficiently and rapidly measured using the RaDeCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Korea
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods
  • Radium / analysis*
  • Radon / analysis*
  • Scintillation Counting / methods
  • Seawater / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Radon
  • Radium