Conveners
Environmental Measurements
- Robbie Lindsay (UWC)
Environmental Measurements
- Daniel BONGUE (Centre for Atomic Molecular Physics and Quantum Optics (CEPAMOQ) - Faculty of Science - University of Douala - Cameroon)
The Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory of iThemba LABS, in the Department of Subatomic Physics has been using radiation detectors for measurements of anthropogenic (man-made) and natural radionuclides present in our environment. The radiation detectors consist of a laboratory-based HPGe detector, field-based MEDUSA detector systems and a flexible radon monitor, RAD7. To assist in the...
In environmental gamma-ray spectroscopy, it is essential that the detectors employed have high efficiency and excellent energy resolution in order to give accurate assessment, identification and quantification of radionuclides present in the sample being measured.
As part of a joint project with the Environmental Radioactivity Research Centre at the University of Liverpool a Mirion...
The activity concentrations of $^{238}$U and $^{232}$Th series radionuclides in beach sand were measured using a gamma-ray spectrometer comprising four LaBr$_3$:Ce (2" x 2") detectors without background shielding. The sample was placed 10 cm equidistant from the detectors and counted for 48 hours. This spectrometer allowed for measurement in singles and coincidence (gamma-gamma) modes....
Soil samples were obtained from Ijero, Nigeria where the chemical and radiotoxicity of soil is under question due to ongoing and unprofessional mining activities. The soil samples were crushed, sieved, dried and sealed in identical cylindrical containers. The activity concentration of primordial radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K was measured using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector...
High concentrations of radionuclides and toxic elements in abandoned gold mine facilities present a potential health hazard to the people living around these former mining areas and lead to a degradation of the environment. Environmental measurements were performed around the areas designated as gold mines, coal mines, coal power stations, mine dumps and abandoned mines. Soil and water samples...
Radon 222Rn is a natural radioactive gas directly produced from the decay of Radium, 226Ra found in rocks and soil. Since radon is a gas, it can move freely through the soil allowing it to escape into the atmosphere or flow into buildings. Elevated radon-in-air levels are associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Over the years comprehensive surveys of indoor radon levels...
Abstract:
Radioactivity has existed since the beginning of time and is part of our planet Earth. Several studies have been well documented to monitor natural radioactivity as a source of radiation exposure to the environment and to human beings. In order to determine the effects of natural radioactivity in around areas of former uranium mines in the West-Rand area, an investigation of...
The National Nuclear Regulator is funding a project to plan a residential radon survey in South Africa. This is a very large project and we are looking at ways to decide if different areas are likely to be radon prone. Two of the important parameters to predict the radon levels in houses is the radium concentration in the soil and the emanation coefficient. This project aims to measure the...
In order to monitor future environmental pollution and to enforce uranium mining regulations during and after mining, several efforts have been made to establish pre-mining baseline data at proposed uranium mines in Tanzania1-6. However, these attempts did not produce the desired baseline data because there was no clearly defined sampling area. The basis of the methods used for selection and...
The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in some commonly consumed leafy vegetables cultivated through surface water irrigation in Lagos metropolis were determined using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. To assess the radiation hazards associated with the consumption of these vegetables, annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were also determined. The...
This work investigated the radioactivity due to some selected radionuclides in the vegetation, soils and waters in an urban settlement around a cement producing factory. Samples of the vegetation, soils and waters of were collected from different locations close the factory and there treated for HPGe gamma spectroscopy to detect and measured the activity concentration of the radionuclides...
