U-238, Th-232 series, and Pu-239 + Pu-240 concentration analysis in biological samples of high natural background radiation residents by alpha spectrometry.

The purpose of this research was to determine the isotope concentration of the actinide radioelements 238U, 232Th series, and 239Pu in biological samples (urine) using the alpha spectroscopy system. The samples were selected from the residence of high natural background radiation (HNBR) area and analyzed using chemical procedure. The separated sample was placed on a membrane filter by the sedimentation method, and it was prepared for counting with the alpha spectrometry system. The average radioactive concentrations found in these samples were as follows: 234U > 226Ra > 230Th > 228Ra > 228Th > 224Ra > 232Th > 239Pu. The average concentrations of 234U and 226Ra were much greater than the other radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]