PADC nuclear track detector for ion spectroscopy in laser-plasma acceleration.

The transparent polymer polyallyl-diglycol-carbonate (PADC), also known as CR-39, is widely used as detector for heavy charged particles at low fluence. It allows for detection of single protons and ions via formation of microscopic tracks after etching in NaOH or KOH solutions. PADC combines a high sensitivity and high specificity with inertness towards electromagnetic noise. Present fields of application include laser-ion acceleration, inertial confinement fusion, radiobiological studies with cell cultures, and dosimetry of nuclear fragments in particle therapy. These require precise knowledge of the energy-dependent response of PADC to different ion species. We present calibration data for a new type of detector material, Radosys RS39, to protons (0.2-3 MeV) and carbon ions (0.6-12 MeV). RS39 is less sensitive to protons than other types of PADC. Its response to carbon ions, however, is similar to other materials. Our data indicate that RS39 allows for measuring carbon ion energies up to 10 MeV only from the track diameters. In addition, it can be used for discrimination between protons and carbon ions in a single etching process.

Impact of the geological substrate on the radiological content of Galician waters.

Galicia (NW of Spain) is home to a highly-fractured soil rich in (238)U minerals, being the widest radon-prone area of the Iberian Peninsula. High precipitation levels confer a rich variety and abundance of both surface and groundwaters, which are extensively used for human consumption. Nevertheless, there exists no comprehensive body of information about the impact of the high environmental radioactivity on the radiological content of Galician waters. Measurements of (222)Rn, gross alpha/beta, (226, 224)Ra and (3)H activity were undertaken over a significant range of traditional springs, waters for spas and bottling plant wells. A seasonal survey was also performed for five network water suppliers to the largest Galician cities. The main outcome of this study has been the determination of statistical correlations between the water's radiological content and different environmental factors. Water measured at bottling plants reveal radiological values exceeding the U.E. limits, however this is eliminated in the industrial bottling process before reaching the consumer. Neither significant values nor seasonal variations were obtained for network waters.

(222)Rn concentration in public secondary schools in Galicia (Spain).

In the framework of a (222)Rn screening campaign that was carried out in 58 public secondary schools in Galicia (NW Spain), the largest radon-prone area in the Iberian Peninsula, a positive correlation between indoor (222)Rn concentration and outdoor gamma exposure rate was obtained. A new approach to the data acquisition in screening surveys was tested, improving the performances of this type of study and gathering useful data for future remedial actions. Using short-period detectors (charcoal canisters) firstly, in order to detect places showing (222)Rn concentrations over 400Bqm(-3), the number of locations to be measured with long-period detectors (etched track detectors) is reduced. In this screening campaign, 34% of the schools surveyed presented at least one site exceeding the 400Bqm(-3) recommended action level established by the EU, and 15% had at least one site with (222)Rn values over 800Bqm(-3). The maximum value recorded was 2084+/-63Bqm(-3). These results are discussed and compared with data obtained in schools of several countries with similar geology. Seven schools were also studied for seasonal variations of (222)Rn activity concentration. The results were not conclusive, and no significant correlation between season and (222)Rn concentration was established. Finally, a continuous (222)Rn concentration monitor was placed in the secondary school exhibiting a mean value of the (222)Rn concentration very close to 400Bqm(-3). Maximum (222)Rn concentration values were found to occur at times when the school was unoccupied.

An approach to the subslab depressurization remedial action in a high (222)Rn concentration dwelling.

Galicia (NW Spain) is a radon-prone area in the Iberian Peninsula. Measurements were carried out at a rural dwelling, with an annual average of radon concentration over 4000 Bq m(-3) and a maximum of 9000 Bq m(-3), found during a radon screening campaign held in the Autonomous Community of Galicia. We performed a detailed study to identify the main contamination source and the behaviour of the radon concentration, in which a linear dependence with temperature was verified, once corrected for relative humidity. We used different passive methods (charcoal canisters and two types of etched track detectors) as well as a radon concentration monitor that provided continuous measurement. Subsequent to this characterization, and in order to reduce the high radon concentration, a remedial action was developed using different passive and forced ventilation methods. A modified subslab depressurization technique was found to be the most effective remedy, providing a radon concentration reduction of around 96%. This method also has the advantages of being inexpensive and reliable over time.

Uncertainty assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofuran and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl analysis in stationary source sample emissions in accordance with the impending European standard EN-1948 using fly ashes.

The analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) present in stack gas emissions and solid residues from incinerators will be mandatory in the foreseeable future. European standard EN-1948 is in the process of being updated through the addition of a new Part 4 related to the analysis of the 12 dl-PCBs. Therefore, either a comprehensive and reliable method capable of analyzing all of these 29 compounds (12 dl-PCBs and 17 2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs) needs to be developed, or the existing PCDD/F analytical procedure must be adapted to include the dl-PCBs. This study has taken the latter approach of modifying PCDD/F methodology and in particular the fractionation step, by isolating dioxins and dl-PCBs into separate fractions ready for high resolution gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) analysis. Results obtained from the analysis of Certified Reference Materials (CRM-490 and CRM-615) and fly ashes from the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) intercalibration study demonstrated that the proposed methodology is appropriate to determine the dl-PCBs in accordance with the impending European standard EN-1948. Uncertainty values obtained during the validation of the analytical methodology were 13% total I-TEQ (International Toxic Equivalent) for PCDD/Fs and 31% total WHO-TEQ (World Health Organization Toxic Equivalent) in the case of dl-PCBs. In addition, 'real' samples such as emissions and fly ashes were successfully analyzed following the proposed analytical method.

Measurements of indoor radon concentrations in the Santiago de Compostela area.

Galician soils are among those with the highest 222Rn exhalation rates in Spain. A year-round study of the indoor 222Rn concentration in buildings in the Santiago de Compostela area (Galicia, Northwest of Spain) was performed. The study is based on systematic samplings with active charcoal canisters, following a modified EPA 520/5-87-005 protocol. These measurements were complemented by others obtained using etched track dosimeters. Each data set follows a log-normal distribution, with a geometric mean of (253+/-3) Bq m(-3) for charcoal canisters and (285+/-2.5) Bq m(-3) for etched track detectors. After correcting for the different measuring conditions, the mean value of both methods differed by only 2%. A careful analysis of the seasonal dependence of our measurements did not reveal any significant seasonal variations in the 222Rn concentration. Parallel to these measurements, different meteorological parameters were recorded, which revealed a direct correlation between the indoor radon concentration and the outdoor temperature derivative with respect to time.

An episode of dioxin contamination in feedingstuff: the choline chloride case.

In 2000, as part of a survey programme, the German authorities detected high levels of dioxins in a choline chloride (CC) premix used as animal food component. The contaminated additive consisted of different products of mineral and vegetable origin acting as a carrier. The CC was manufactured in Belgium. The final product was produced in and distributed from a plant in Spain. The German authorities informed all European Community members of the incident. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Regional Authorities immediately conducted a survey in collaboration with the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) to determine and isolate the source of the contamination. Analysis of a large number of samples of pure CC, pine sawdust, almond shell and other substances currently used in the preparation of the premix confirmed the presence of a significant amount of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans in mixtures in which pine sawdust was present. An analysis of the congener profiles revealed similarities with those found in technical pentachlorophenol (PCP) formulations. The conclusion was that PCP-contaminated sawdust as carrier for CC was source of dioxin contamination in feedingstuff.