Localisation and identification of radioactive particles in solid samples by means of a nuclear track technique

• Published in: Radiation measurements Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 650 - 653
• Main Authors: Boehnke, Antje, Treutler, Hanns-Christian, Freyer, Klaus, Schubert, Michael, Holger Weiss
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alpha-emitting radionuclides; Autoradiography; CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detector; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Geochronology; Industrial dust; Isotope geochemistry. Geochronology; Pollution, environment geology; Autoradiography; Alpha-emitting radionuclides; Industrial dust; CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detector; atmospheric emission; radiation damage; fine-grained materials; SEM data; industry; radionucleids; pollution; electrons; enrichment; land use; soils; dust; scanning electron microscopy; detection; autoradiography; etching; middens; mining; grains; quality; materials; particle track; radioactive decay; alpha rays
• ISSN: 1350-4487; 1879-0925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2005.04.013

This study is aimed to develop a generally applicable methodology of investigation that can be used for the localisation of single alpha-active particles in solid samples, such as industrial dust or natural soils, sediments and rocks by autoradiography using solid-state nuclear track detectors. The developed technique allows the detection of local enrichments of alpha-emitters in any solid material. The results of such an investigation are of interest from technical, biological and environmental points of view. The idea behind the methodology is to locate the position of alpha-active spots in a sample by attaching the track detector to the sample in a defined manner, thoroughly described in the paper. The located alpha-active particles are subsequently analysed by an electron microscope and an electron microprobe. An example of the application of this methodology is also given. An ultra-fine -grained ore-processing residue, which causes serious environmental pollution in the respective mining district and thus limits possible land use and affects quality of life in the area, was examined using the described technique. The investigation revealed considerable amounts of alpha-active particles in this material.