Comparison of analytical methods used to determine 235U, 238U and 210Pb from sediment samples by alpha, beta and gamma spectrometry

Abstract

An intercomparison of the methodology (alpha, beta and gamma spectrometry) used for 238U, 235U and 210Pb determination was carried out based on 38 sediment samples. The activity range of the samples varied from 10–700 Bq/kg for 210Pb, 1–35 Bq/kg for 235U and 10–800 Bq/kg for 238U. Results obtained using the three methods were not statistically different at high activity levels, but agreement between the results decreased at lower sample activity levels. For 210Pb, the smallest difference was found between alpha and gamma spectrometry. A good correlation between results from alpha and gamma spectrometry was observed over the whole activity range. In beta spectrometry, the results were slightly higher than those obtained by alpha or gamma spectrometry due to the impurity of 228Ra. In 238U analysis, good correspondence was observed between 238U determined by gamma and alpha spectrometry, particularly at higher 238U activity concentrations over 100 Bq/kg. In 235U analysis, attention needs to be paid to interference from 226Ra and its reduction.