Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2002-8-1
pubmed:abstractText
Development and performance of a low-background gamma-ray spectrometer are described. The spectrometer consists of a 131% efficient Ge detector in U-type configuration. The passive shielding consists of ultrapure lead of 6" thickness. A top muon guard is used as an active shielding. The spectrometer and shielding are positioned inside a steel room made of 6"-thick pre-World War II iron. The steel room is located underground with 33 m of water-equivalent overburden. The total integrated background rate in the energy range 50-2,700 keV was measured at 0.068 counts per second per 100 cm3 Ge volume. The spectrometer serves as a reference instrument for low-level and highly accurate environmental radioactivity measurements. One specific application of 228Ra determination in drinking water is described. With a 1 l water sample, 1-step chemical procedure, and 1,000 min counting time, a detection limit Ld = 20 mBq/l (0.55 pCi/l) was reached, which meets the EPA mandated limit of 1 pCi/l. Methods of upgrading the spectrometer as well as the predicted improvements in 228Ra detection, including direct counting of water without chemical processing, are discussed.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:status
PubMed-not-MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Aug
pubmed:issn
0969-8043
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
57
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
213-23
pubmed:dateRevised
2003-11-3
pubmed:year
2002
pubmed:articleTitle
Low-background gamma spectrometry for environmental radioactivity.
pubmed:affiliation
Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509, USA. semkow@wadsworth.org
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article