Applications of the gamma detection technique in environmental sciences

G. CURUTCHET, D.E. DI GREGORIO, J.O. FERNNDEZ NIELLO, R. GARGARELLO, H. HUCK, AND H. SOMACAL

Iguazú, Argentina

Congreso; VI Latin American Symposium on Nuclear Physics and Applications; 2005

  Ultra-low background gamma-detection systems represent a powerful tool to measure radioisotopes commonly present in environmental samples.  For example, from the depth profiles of some radionuclides sufficient information can be obtained to determine time scales for marine, lake, and river sediments. The need to understand sediment dynamics and sedimentary processes is essential to asses a number of chronic problems in coastal waters. Two different applications of this technique that are been carried out in our laboratory: 1) Measurements of 210Pb and 137Cs concentrations in sediment samples from Río Santiago (Buenos Aires, Argentina). 2) Development of a possible way for the bioremediation of uranium contaminated effluents