Research findings of natural radioactivity of materials widely used in industrial and civil construction, are presented. The research is carried out according complex techniques which include measurement and calculation of radiation parameters establishing natural radioactivity of materials – specific radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, summarised specific radioactivity, equivalent dose rate and radon flow density. Finish and masonry materials were used as principle objects of the research. The obtained findings allow to make a conclusion that all the studied materials are related to the first class and may be used unrestricted. Comparison with foreign data is provided. Correlation between radiation parameters is established. The data received may be deployed for comparative analysis of the Russian and European approaches to assessment of radiation safety to use the studied types of building materials.

Abstract.One of the most effective methods of wastewater treatment is a biochemical method that almost completely disposes various dissolved organic matter. To improve the oxidation capacity of aerotanks and to control the biochemical processes of wastewater treatment, it was necessary to determine experimentally biocenosis variability influenced by the environment and other factors.The goal of the present research is intensification of biological wastewater treatment by means of direct effect upon the metabolism of activated sludge microorganisms. The experiment studied the organization of species and quantitative composition of active sludge biocenosis in aerotanks while removing contaminants from wastewater. The experiments were carried out in continuous-flow aerotanks of publicly owned treatment facilities. Everyday over a period of three weeks, samples of microorganisms were obtained from aerotanks, quality and quantity objectives of purified water.