Standard Guide for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometry of Soil Samples

Importancia y uso:

5.1 Gamma-ray spectrometry of soil samples is used to identify and quantify certain gamma-ray emitting radionuclides. Use of a germanium semiconductor detector is necessary for high-resolution gamma-ray measurements.

5.2 Much of the data acquisition and analysis can be automated with the use of commercially available systems that include both hardware and software. For a general description of the typical hardware in more detail than discussed in Section 7, see Ref (19). For best practices on set-up, calibration, and quality control of utilized spectrometry systems, see Practice D7282.

5.3 Both qualitative and quantitative analyses may be performed using the same measurement data.

5.4 The procedures described in this guide may be used for a wide variety of activity levels, from natural background levels and fallout-type problems, to determining the effectiveness of cleanup efforts after a spill or an industrial accident, to tracing contamination at older production sites, where wastes were purposely disposed of in soil. In some cases, the combination of radionuclide identities and concentration ratios can be used to determine the source of the radioactive materials.

5.5 Collecting samples and bringing them to a data acquisition system for analysis may be used as the primary method to detect deposition of radionuclides in soil. For obtaining a representative set of samples that cover a particular area, see Practice C998. Soil can also be measured by taking the data acquisition system to the field and measuring the soil in place (in situ). In situ measurement techniques are not discussed in this guide.

Subcomité:

C26.05

Referida por:

C0999-17, E0181-23, E3376-23

Volúmen:

12.01

Número ICS:

13.080.20 (Physical properties of soil)

Palabras clave:

coincidence summing; gamma-ray; high-purity germanium; HPGe; photopeak; Poisson; radionuclides; shield; soil;