Methods for tentative determination of presence of artificial nuclides in air using NuRMS EGS air sampler and WIMP 120 gross alpha/beta counter.

The determination of the presence of artificial radionuclides in the air is mainly accomplished by using gamma spectrometry analysis of filter samples. This work suggests very fast, reliable and efficient methods for tentative quantitative determination of the activity of artificial nuclides such as transuranic elements, strontium, yttrium, etc. in the air based only on the gross alpha and beta volume activity. The main aspect of these methods is to provide information about approximate results for the gross alpha and beta activity of air filters, thus it is convenient as a triage technique. Unlike gamma spectrometry, the methods are not qualitative but it allows the preliminary estimation of the presence of non-natural radionuclides. The influence of increment of the dust layer on self-absorption of alpha/beta particles was also studied. The methods are particularly suitable for screening situations where radionuclide identification is not necessary.