Identification and inventory of TENORM sources in Slovenia

Abstract

The paper addresses identification of industries and activities handling NORM and inventory of TENORM in Slovenia. The identification is based on survey of historical information available, results published in scientific papers, research reports made by research institutions within Slovenia, as well as original research aimed at obtaining more detailed picture of the areas investigated. For this purpose, gamma dose-rate measurements were performed on site, sampled TENORM/NORM materials were measured by high-resolution gamma spectrometry for determination of 210 Pb, 238 U, 232 Th, 228 Th and 226 Ra. Waste water and ground water samples were analysed for 238 U, 226 Ra and 210 Pb using RNAA, LSC and beta proportional counting. The inventory of the investigated sites is presented, giving the information on amounts of the deposited wastes, specific activities of the natural radionuclides and geographical distribution of the inventories in Slovenia.