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228Ra and 226Ra measurement on a BaSO4 co-precipitation source

Medley, Peter, Martin, Paul, Bollhofer, Andreas and Parry, David L. (2015). 228Ra and 226Ra measurement on a BaSO4 co-precipitation source. Applied Radiation and Isotopes,95:200-207.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 84473306xPUB78
Title 228Ra and 226Ra measurement on a BaSO4 co-precipitation source
Author Medley, Peter
Martin, Paul
Bollhofer, Andreas
Parry, David L.
Journal Name Applied Radiation and Isotopes
Publication Date 2015
Volume Number 95
ISSN 0969-8043   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84910021266
Start Page 200
End Page 207
Total Pages 8
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher Pergamon Press
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
Abstract One of the most commonly-used methods for determination of 226Ra, particularly in water samples, utilises co-precipitation of Ra with BaSO4, followed by microfiltration to produce a source for alpha counting. This paper describes two extensions to BaSO4 co-precipitation methods which enable determination of 228Ra using the same source. The adaptations presented here do not introduce any contaminants that will affect the separation of radium or alpha counting for 226Ra, and can be used for re-analysis of already existing sources prepared by BaSO4 co-precipitation. The first adaptation uses detection of 228Ac on the source by gamma spectrometry. The detection efficiency is high, allowing analysis of water samples at sufficiently low activity to be suitable in testing for compliance with drinking water quality standards. As 228Ac grows in quickly, taking less than 2 days to reach equilibrium with the 228Ra parent, this can also be useful in radiological emergency response situations. The second adaptation incorporates a method for the digestion of BaSO4 sources, allowing separation of thorium and subsequent determination of 228Th activity. Although ingrowth periods for 228Th can be lengthy, very low detection limits for 228Ra can be achieved with this technique.
Keywords Alpha spectrometry
BaSO4 co-precipitation
Drinking water
Gamma spectrometry
Radium-226
Radium-228
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.09.015   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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