Measurement of 224Ra and 226Ra activities in natural waters using a radon-in-air monitor

Kim, G.; Burnett, W. C.; Dulaiova, H.; Swarzenski, P. W.; Moore, W. S.

Abstract:

We report a simple new technique for measuring low-level radium isotopes (224Ra and 226Ra) in natural waters. The radium present in natural waters is first preconcentrated onto MnO2-coated acrylic fiber (Mn fiber) in a column mode. The radon produced from the adsorbed radium is then circulated through a closed air-loop connected to a commercial radon-in-air monitor. The monitor counts alpha decays of radon daughters (polonium isotopes) which are electrostatically collected onto a silicon semiconductor detector. Count data are collected in energy-specific windows, which eliminate interference and maintain very low backgrounds. Radium-224 is measured immediately after sampling via 220Rn (216Po), and 226Ra is measured via 222Rn (218Po) after a few days of ingrowth of 222Rn. This technique is rapid, simple, and accurate for measurements of low-level 224Ra and 226Ra activities without requiring any wet chemistry. Rapid measurements of short-lived 222Rn and 224Ra, along with long-lived 226Ra, may thus be made in natural waters using a single portable system for environmental monitoring of radioactivity as well as tracing of various geochemical and geophysical processes. The technique could be especially useful for the on-site rapid determination of 224Ra which has recently been found to occur at elevated activities in some groundwater wells.

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Article

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70023399

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Kim, G.; Burnett, W. C.; Dulaiova, H.; Swarzenski, P. W.; Moore, W. S.

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4683

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English

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Environmental Science and Technology

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Measurement of 224Ra and 226Ra activities in natural waters using a radon-in-air monitor; 2001; Article; Journal; Environmental Science and Technology; Kim, G.; Burnett, W. C.; Dulaiova, H.; Swarzenski, P. W.; Moore, W. S.