Chapter 11 Determination of radionuclides in environmental samples

Publisher Summary A determination of radionuclides in environmental samples is important in relation to the protection of human health. This chapter summarizes the main aspects of the problem of the determination of radionuclides in the environment. Environmental radiation monitoring is mainly conducted with the aim of estimating an exposure dose for people near nuclear power facilities and of protecting public health and safety. Many radionuclides, both natural and man-made, are distributed through all the compartments of the environment. They contribute to the dose received by man by inhalation, digestion, or direct exposure. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to develop experimental procedures capable of measuring even minute activities of all radioisotopes. Such capabilities exist and that the progress in this field will result in reduced minimum detection limits. An important aspect of this type of measurement is quality control, which has been receiving increased attention.