An efficient and simple method for measuring (226)Ra using the scintillation cell in a delayed coincidence counting...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Oceanography

Background:

• Radium isotopes are vital tracers for geophysical studies, including ocean mixing and submarine groundwater discharge.
• Existing methods for measuring radium isotopes, particularly Radium-226, can be time-consuming or require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the RaDeCC (Radium Delayed Coincidence Counter) system for the accurate measurement of Radium-226 in seawater.
• To establish a rapid and efficient method for quantifying multiple radium isotopes commonly used in geophysical research.

Main Methods:

• Radium isotopes were pre-concentrated from seawater samples onto Manganese dioxide (MnO2)-coated fibers.
• The MnO2-coated fiber was sealed to allow ingrowth of Radon-222 (daughter product of Radium-226).
• Ingrown Radon-222 was circulated through the RaDeCC system for detection via alpha decay, with counting completed within hours.

Main Results:

• The adapted RaDeCC method successfully measured Radium-226 activity by detecting the alpha decay of its daughter products.
• Results obtained using this method showed good agreement with traditional gamma-ray spectrometry measurements.
• The study demonstrated the capability to efficiently measure a suite of radium isotopes (Ra-223, Ra-224, and Ra-226) using the RaDeCC.

Conclusions:

• The RaDeCC system can be effectively adapted for the rapid measurement of Radium-226 in seawater.
• This method provides a valuable tool for geophysical studies requiring efficient and accurate quantification of radium isotopes.
• The adapted RaDeCC offers a significant advancement for studying oceanographic processes and submarine groundwater discharge.