Zenith angle dependence on cosmic-ray background in HPGe gamma spectrometers by using GEANT4 simulation.

In this study, we investigate the impact of zenith angle variations on cosmic-ray induced background in High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometers using a coincidence technique based on plastic scintillator-Germanium detectors. We utilize an HPGe detector (Model GC2018 Mirion Ge Detector) enclosed within a low-activity cylindrical lead shield (Model 747E Mirion Lead Shield). For cosmic ray detection, a coincidence detection system with plastic scintillator detectors was positioned on top of the lead shielding. The zenith angle at the Germanium detector is computed using the dimensions of the square plastic scintillator and its distance from the Germanium detector center. We carried out measurements of cosmic-ray induced background in an HPGe gamma spectrometer with a square plastic configuration (80cm x 80cm), equivalent to a 45° zenith angle. The experimental measurements were compared with GEANT4 simulation data. The results demonstrate a good agreement between the measured energy spectrum and the simulated data across the energy range of 0.05 to 47 MeV. Further investigations into the effects of varying zenith angles provide valuable insights for optimizing HPGe spectrometer setups with minimized background interference.

Treatment for removing radium in soil and groundwater.

The results of 226Ra activity concentration measurements in 50 soil and groundwater samples in Ninh Son region, Vietnam were evaluated in the present study. Average activity concentration in the soils was significantly higher than the worldwide average concentration in soils published by UNSCEAR, 2008. 90% of groundwater samples had concentrations of 226Ra that were higher than the USEPA drinking water standard. The results showed that there was a linear correlation between the 226Ra radioactivity in the soils and the concentration of 226Ra in the groundwater samples. The procedure for removal of 226Ra from soil and groundwater samples was built upon the chemistry behavior of radium. 226Ra in contaminated groundwater samples was removed by using MnO2 fiber. The removal efficiency of 226Ra reached ∼ 91% for the groundwater samples and ∼ 70% for the soil samples. Chemical removal of 226Ra from soils was investigated using a three-step extraction procedure (Easily leachable and exchangeable, Acid-reducible, and Oxidisable-organic). A moderate mobility of 226Ra (22-52%) was noted and mainly found in acid-reducible fractions, which suggests that 226Ra is mainly bound to Fe/Mn oxides and hydroxides. A multiple regression indicates that the 226Ra removal efficiency appears to be significantly dependent on Fe/Mn and organic matter content.