The influence of particle size on radionuclide activity concentrations in Tejo River sediments

J Environ Radioact. 2014 Jun:132:65-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.01.019. Epub 2014 Feb 19.

Abstract

Sediment samples from Tejo River were analyzed for (228)Ra, (226)Ra, (137)Cs and (40)K by HPGe gamma spectrometry. The activity concentration data were statistically analyzed. The activity concentrations values were in the range of about two orders of magnitude for each radionuclide. The influence of the particle size on the radionuclide concentrations was observed. The different environmental origins of the radionuclides (228)Ra, (226)Ra, (137)Cs and (40)K, in the sediments were demonstrated through correlation analysis. Cluster analysis showed a close relationship between (228)Ra and (226)Ra and a different behavior for (40)K. The data obtained in this study provides useful information on the background radioactivity of the studied area and can be further used for radiological mapping of the Tejo River.

Keywords: Gamma spectrometry; Particle size; Sediments; Statistical analysis; Tejo River.

MeSH terms

  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Geography
  • Geologic Sediments / analysis
  • Geology
  • Particle Size
  • Potassium Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods
  • Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Radon / analysis*
  • Rivers
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Spain
  • Spectrometry, Gamma / methods*

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Potassium Radioisotopes
  • Radioisotopes
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Radon