Radionuclide metrology methods and analysis of the Joint Danube Survey 4 sediment samples

This low-level radionuclide metrology research work was carried out within the Joint Danube Survey 4 (JDS4), coordinated in 2018-2020 by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR). The gamma-emitting radionuclides of the sediment samples were analysed by low-level gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentration of ⁹⁰Sr was determined by liquid scintillation counting (LSC) after isolating the radio-strontium using a new radiochemical separation method. The results of the radiometric analysis of ⁹⁰Sr, ¹³⁷Cs and naturally occurring radionuclides ⁴⁰K, ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra in recent riverbed sediment are presented and discussed focused on public health.