Portable X-ray fluorescence system to measure Th and U concentrations

Author(s)

Guazzelli da Silveira, Marcilei A. ^[1] ; Pereira, Bruno Ribeiro ^[1] ; Medina, Nilberto H. ^[2] ; Rizzutto, Marcia A. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Ctr Univ FEI, Sao Bernardo Do Campo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Fis, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY; v. 189, p. 250-254, SEP 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

This study reports the results obtained in the analysis of waste material samples generated by the industries of phosphate fertilizers, in particular, the use of specific filters in a portable X-ray fluorescence system, a simple equipment allowing the characterization, identification and quantification of low concentrations of Th and U (ppm). The industrial byproduct is classified as a Technologically-Enhanced, Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Material - TENORM, and therefore requires monitoring for its radio-toxic activity due to the presence of radioactive thorium and uranium families. From the results obtained, it is concluded that this technique is able to determine the contents of these elements to concentrations of tens of ppm in measurements of about 300 s, and a small sample amount (similar to 0.1 g). (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/04663-3 - Study of natural radiation and characterization in brazilian soil
• Grantee: Marcilei Aparecida Guazzelli
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants