Analysis of a single hot particle by a combination of non-destructive analytical methods

Radioactive substances are often released to the environment in the form of particles. The determination of their chemical composition is a key factor for overall understanding of their environmental behaviour. The aim of this investigation was to identify the source of one single radioactive “hot” particle found on a sandy beach and to understand its fate in the environment and human body fluids. As the particle was supposed to be analyzed for its dissolution behaviour in the human being after ingestion, it was necessary to gain as much information as possible on the chemical and isotopic composition by means of non – destructive analysis such as SEM, SIMS, µ-XRF and µ-XANES beforehand. In this paper, an overview of the different non – destructive methods applied for analysis of this particle and the results obtained is given. Additionally, the dissolution behaviour in human digestive solutions is discussed.

HRNECEK Erich;  ALDAVE DE LAS HERAS Laura;  CARLOS MARQUEZ Ramon;  BIELEWSKI Marek;  BETTI M.; 

2013-09-04

IAEA

JRC84133

978-92-0-135610-9,   

0074-1884,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC84133,