Chapter 1 - Environmental radioactivity monitoring

Abstract

The chapter provides the understanding of the term environmental measurement as the entire process from site selection through sampling, sample preparation and analysis, or in situ measurement up to data interpretation. The process results in a determination of some physical quantity, which is an input into a dose assessment procedure. The methods for assessing radioactivity in the environment are selected by the prevailing circumstances and the objective of the investigations; thus, monitoring is of little use without a clear and explicit definition of the reasons for the monitoring and the objectives that it will satisfy. Over the past years, the analytical methods have been optimized for low-level detection and quantification of releases. Developments and trends of environmental monitoring are discussed, with a special focus on the sampling of the different media, which are of special interest in an environmental monitoring program. Although not a direct element of the analytical part of an environmental program, measurements of external dose and mobile detection systems are briefly summarized.