Fast self-absorption correction procedure for low energy 210Pb gamma emission in environmental samples.

Gamma ray spectrometry is a convenient method to determine the concentration of 210Pb in environmental samples. It normally requires corrections for self-absorption of gamma rays, as environmental samples often differ in composition from each other and from the calibration standards. The procedure proposed, based on the use of a special shaped source for the absorption measurement, is more accurate than the conventional point source and, at the same time, as simple and quick.