Characterisation of environmental radioactive particles

Control samples produced as 1pm size uranium oxide particles are described for the calibration of the instrumental techniques when applied for the characterisation of environmental radioactive particles. The efficiency of nuclear track methods is demonstrated for the location of hot spots in swipe and environmental samples. Examples of the characterisation in terms of morphology, structure, elemental and isotopic composition of radioactive environmental particles detected in sediments and soil samples from different origin are illustrated. The characteristics of the particles are related with the source term and the release scenarios. Correlation between measurements of bulk samples and particles are given.