Measurement of absolute γ-ray emission probabilities in the decay of 227Ac in equilibrium with its progeny.

The emission probabilities of γ rays produced in the 227Ac decay series were determined by high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry of sources with standardised activity. The sources were prepared quantitatively on glass discs by drop deposition of a solution with 227Ac in radioactive equilibrium with its daughter nuclides. Their activity was measured by a primary standardisation technique based on alpha-particle counting at a defined low solid angle. Four laboratories performed γ-ray spectrometry and derived absolute γ-ray intensities. Mean values were calculated and compared with literature data and the currently recommended evaluated data. New values on certain γ-ray emission probabilities are proposed.

Measurement of absolute γ-ray emission probabilities in the decay of 235U.

Accurate measurements were performed of the photon emission probabilities following the α decay of 235U to 231Th. Sources of highly enriched 235U were characterised in terms of isotopic composition by mass spectrometry and their activities were standardised by means of alpha-particle counting at a low defined solid angle. The standardised sources were subsequently measured by high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry with calibrated high-purity germanium detectors to determine the photon emission probabilities. Four laboratories participated in this work and reported emission probabilities for 33 γ-ray lines. Most of them agree with previously published evaluated data. In addition, new values are proposed for γ-lines which have been measured only once in the past.

Characterization and calibration of a novel detection system for real time monitoring of radioactive contamination in water processed at water treatment facilities.

Characterization and calibration measurements were carried out at the National Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology of ENEA on the TAp WAter RAdioactivity (TAWARA) Real Time Monitor system recently developed for real time monitoring of radioactive contamination in water processed at water treatment facilities. Reference radiations and radionuclides were chosen in order to reflect energy ranges and radiation types of the major water radioactive contaminants possibly arising from environmental, industrial or terroristic origin. The following instrument parameters were tested: sensitivity, selectivity, background, short/long term stability, linearity with respect to activity.

Comparison of (18)F activity measurements at the VNIIM, NPL and the ENEA-INMRI using the SIRTI of the BIPM.

In 2014, the first three comparisons of activity measurements of (18)F were carried out at the VNIIM, NPL and the ENEA-INMRI using the BIPM's Transfer Instrument of the International Reference System. The transfer instrument and the NMIs primary measurement methods are briefly described. The degrees of equivalence with the key comparison reference value defined in the frame of the corresponding SIR comparison have been evaluated. World-wide consistency of activity measurements of (18)F is demonstrated.

Correction for radon distribution in solid/liquid and air phases in gamma-ray spectrometry.

The effect of radon diffusion and distribution between a (226)Ra matrix and the top air gap inside sample containers for gamma-ray spectrometry was studied. Containers filled at almost 100% or just 70% of total capacity yielded correction factors of about 7% and 20% respectively. Applying these correction factors allowed activity values calculated from (226)Ra or radon decay products to agree within 2%.

Air pollution impact assessment on agroecosystem and human health characterisation in the area surrounding the industrial settlement of Milazzo (Italy): a multidisciplinary approach.

In order to evaluate the impact of atmospheric pollutants emitted by the industrial settlement of Milazzo (Italy) on agriculture, sulphur dioxide and ozone levels in air were monitored and the data were used to estimate yield losses of the most widespread cultures. Trace element concentrations in crops and soils were also detected and metabolic profiles of soil microbial communities were considered. Vibrio fischeri test was used to appraise airborne pollutant ecotoxicity and epidemiological studies on causes of death distribution were carried out to characterize health state of people living in the area. All the sampling points were selected in farms on the basis of a theoretical meteo-diffusive model of industrial air pollutants. Experimental SO2 and O3 values mainly exceeded the threshold established by Italian and EU regulations to protect vegetation and they correspond to estimated significant crop losses. Conversely toxic element residues in soils and in agroalimentary products were generally lower than the fixed values. SO2 and O3 concentrations, toxic element contents and ecotoxicity levels of airborne pollutants were not related only to industrial site emissions, while the fluctuations on metabolic profiles of soil microbial communities seem to agree with the predicted deposition of xenobiotic compounds from the industrial plants. The epidemiological study evidenced a better health state of populations living in the investigated area than in the Messina province and the Sicily region but, inside the area, males living in the municipalities closest to the industrial settlement exhibited a worst health state than those in the very far ones.