Measurement of radioactive nuclides in the environment

Abstract

The sources of environmental pollution by natural and technogenic radionuclides (³H, ¹⁴C, ⁸⁵Kr, ¹²⁹I, ⁹⁰Sr, ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹⁴⁴Ce and the transuranium elements) have been considered. Data on the content of transuranium elements in environmental samples and the distribution of plutonium in surface ecosystems are presented. In addition, data concerning the radiation dose received by the human body due to natural and technogenic sources are given. Various radiochemical and radiometric methods for the determination of radionuclides in soils, sediments, natural waters and biological materials are discussed.