Speaker
Dr
ANA PANTELICA
(Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH))
Description
This paper presents the radioactivity levels of 137Cs man-made and naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 235U, 238U-decay series, and 232Th-decay series) in Romanian soils from several industrial sites, determined by low background gamma- ray spectrometry.
Agricultural soil samples were collected from the vicinity of the phosphate fertilizer plant at Turnu Magurele, as well as from non-ferrous and chemical industry sites at Copsa Mica and Pitesti. Control samples from agriculture and non-specific industry locations were considered (Crevedia and Magurele).
Surface soil samples were collected from six locations with different degrees and types of industrial activity (Baia Mare, Copşa Mică, Deva, Galaţi, Oradea, Afumati), and a background site with relatively clean air in the Carpathian Mountains (Fundata).
This method makes it possible to assess U, Th, and K concentrations in soil samples by measuring 238U and 232Th (in equilibrium with their radioactive daughters), and 40K specific activities. Their values were found to be in agreement with those determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), through neutron irradiation of soil samples and appropriate standards at TRIGA reactor of the Institute of Nuclear Researches in Pitesti.
The radioactivity levels in the investigated soils were compared with Romanian norms for the environmental radioactivity and literature data.
The research was supported in part by PNCDI II 72-172/ 01.10.2008 Project in Romania.
Primary author
Dr
ANA PANTELICA
(Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH))
Co-authors
Prof.
Eugen Pincovschi
(University “Politehnica” Bucharest, Polizu Str. 1, 78123 Bucharest, Romania)
Prof.
I. Iulia Georgescu
(University “Politehnica” Bucharest, Polizu Str. 1, 78123 Bucharest, Romania)
