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Title: Sequential Determination of U and Th Decay Series in Santana Cave, Southwest Brazil

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2991221· OSTI ID:21152453
; ;  [1]
  1. Centro de Metrologia das Radiacoes Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2242-Cidade Universitaria-CEP 05508 000 Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Parque Estadual Turistico do Alto Ribeira (PETAR) is located in the South-western part of Sao Paulo State, in the Ribeira Valley. In this national state park a large number of caves are found, which are among the most visited of the country. These caves, located in a karstic zone, are characterized by the presence of carbonaceous rocks frequently fractured and collapsed. Although, carbonates (dolomites and calcitic rocks) usually have low U content, this element can be found in the structure of the surrounding rocks. This paper aims to determine {sup 238}U, {sup 234}U, {sup 226}Ra and {sup 210}Pb concentration in samples of rock, soil, river water and sediment, in Santana cave. The radionuclide {sup 238}U was determined by alpha spectrometry using a surface barrier detector. {sup 226}Ra and {sup 210}Pb were determined by measuring the gross alpha and beta activity on a gas flow proportional counter.

OSTI ID:
21152453
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1034, Issue 1; Conference: NRE-VIII: 8. International symposium on the natural radiation environment, Buzios, RJ (Brazil), 7-12 Oct 2007; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2991221; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English