Abstract
A new method for measuring 224Ra in sediments is established by use of a pulsed ionization chamber (PIC). Based on the difference in their half-lives, 220Rn can be distinguished from 222Rn so that one can easily measure 224Ra and its parent 228Th in sediment samples. Results show that the measurement efficiency is 0.22 ± 0.02 cpm/dpm, and is not readily affected by moisture. At an optimum airflow rate of 1.2 L/min, the precision of the 224Ra and 228Th measurements is estimated at ±8%. Based on controlled experimental field application and a field application, we show that the 224Ra/228Th disequilibrium in sediments can be assessed and both 224Ra deficits and ingrowth to equilibrium may be quantified. The PIC device is simple to use, inexpensive and portable, making it especially suitable for determinations of sediment samples in the field.
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