Experiences of radioactivity measurement in various environmental samples

An overview on our activity of environmental radioactivity measurement is reported. Radionuclide concentration have been evaluated in the particulate air, soils and rocks, drinking and surface water, wastewater, marine sediments and so on. Most of radionuclide concentration evaluation were performed using facilities of DEIM Department of Palermo University. In particular, particulate collection was performed by suction of atmospheric air through 45x45 Sofiltra-Poelman HYN-75 (Bleu type) cellulose filter paper using a high-volume air sampler located on the roof of our department building (20 m above ground-level), located within an undisturbed large park area in the city of Palermo (latitude 38° 7’ North, longitude 13° 21’ East). The studies here described and carried out for several years deal with the development of methods for filtration of particulate matter, techniques for measuring the flow rate and total volume of filtered air, the determination of the activity of radionuclides present on filter using gamma spectrometry, and so on. The review is complemented by the analysis of the concentrations of radionuclides of natural origin, mainly 7Be and 210Pb, and ratios of their concentration values. Other experiences regard the measurement of radionuclide concentration in water samples contained in Marinelli beakers, in soil and rock samples to determine the radionuclide inventory to correlate with geomorphologic features, dating of a bay sediment, measurement on wastewater from a dynamic system of sewers. This multi-year research dedicated to the development of techniques for sampling and design and realization of more sensitive and efficient measuring systems, it can be a valuable learning platform for students of Master Courses, as well as contribute to the exchange of experience with other researcher of other institutions or Universities.