Modeling the (212)Pb activity concentration in the lower atmosphere

J Environ Radioact. 2010 Feb;101(2):89-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.08.014. Epub 2009 Oct 28.

Abstract

A worldwide radionuclide network of 80 stations, part of the International Monitoring System, is being setup to monitor compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The radioactivity sampled at these stations is primarily (220)Rn progenies affecting the detection capability. A model linking the (220)Rn emanation with the sampled (212)Pb activity was developed and is presented here. The model and the performed measurements show that the variation of the sampled (212)Pb activity can be fully explained by the variation of the local (220)Rn activity concentration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Atmosphere / chemistry*
  • Background Radiation
  • Lead Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Models, Biological
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Radiation Monitoring*
  • Radon / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Lead Radioisotopes
  • Radon