Radon alpha track counting on solid state nuclear track detector by an ImageJ-based software macro

Frutos-Puerto, Samuel; Hurtado-Sánchez, M.C.; Pérez, J. de la Torre; Gil, Eduardo Pinilla; Miró, C.

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109695

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…This comprehensive approach ensured a thorough investigation of the tracks and facilitated the collection of a considerable amount of data for subsequent analysis. We employed ImageJ software to facilitate the examination and analysis of the tracks (Bator et al, 2015;Alexandropoulou et al, 2019;Frutos-Puerto et al, 2021). Due to the high density of tracks observed within each field and the need to apply specific visibility criteria such as circularity and track diameter, the software implemented a customized macro.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Alpha Radiation from the Soil at a Prehispanic Ancient Sacred Site in Lima, Perú

Díaz,

Liza,

Rojas

et al. 2023

Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol.

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In the present work, we investigate the concentration of radon and its alpha-emitting progeny at the archaeological site of Huaca 20 in Lima, Peru. The site holds significant cultural and historical importance as an ancient pre-Inca ruin, providing valuable insights into the lives and rituals of its former inhabitants. We quantified the radon levels accurately with passive CR-39 TM detectors deployed within specially designed chambers at the site for 28 days. In a controlled laboratory environment, we processed the detectors afterward, examining and analyzing the resulting tracks using advanced microscopy and the ImageJ analysis software. The ground-level concentration of radon and its alpha-emitting progeny was determined, revealing elevated levels ranging from 2.4 ± 0.6 to 8.9 ± 0.9 (kBq/m 3 ). These findings underscore the unique presence of radon at Huaca 20 and highlight the potential impact on microorganisms at ground level. Likewise, these results can contribute to studies on the radiological risks faced by visitors, excavators and archaeologists. Finally, we show the spatial distribution of radon concentrations within the site by creating an iso-concentration map. The iso-concentration map reveals a relation between areas with elevated radon levels and the good preservation of funerary contexts.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Alpha Radiation from the Soil at a Prehispanic Ancient Sacred Site in Lima, Perú

Díaz,

Liza,

Rojas

et al. 2023

Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol.

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“…Passive detectors are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a popular choice for radon measurement. 36 However, they do require a longer measurement period than active detectors, which may not be suitable for situations where real-time measurements are necessary. The main type of passive detectors can be described as follow:• The alpha track detector is the most commonly used type of passive detector.…”

Section: Indoor Rn Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Indoor radon mitigation strategies: The Alto Minho region (Northern Portugal) practical case

Nunes

Curado

Lopes

2023

Indoor and Built Environment

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The article explores techniques for mitigating indoor radon in buildings, including soil depressurization, anti-radon coatings and membranes, interior mechanical building pressurization, and natural and forced ventilation procedures. The effectiveness of each technique depends on various factors, such as indoor radon level or building construction type. The region of Alto Minho, Northern Portugal, mostly comprises single-family housing with different structures and materials, and performing an assessment stage is crucial for selecting the appropriate mitigation method. The ageing and declining population in the region suggests that the rehabilitation of existing buildings is more likely than the implementation of new construction. The article also emphasizes the potential impacts of soil depressurization and pressurization on soil geotechnical properties. Anti-radon barriers and mortars have been effectively used in high indoor radon concentration situations and can be combined with natural or forced ventilation procedures and real-time multi-parameter monitoring for improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency of buildings.

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“…As a rule, standard methods for monitoring the radiation background using various detecting devices are used to solve these problems. The most common method for determining radon concentration and its decay products is based on solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) [11][12][13][14][15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of UV-Vis Optical Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Methods to Describe the Effect of Alpha-Emitting Radionuclides (Radon) When They Are Detected by Solid-State Film Detectors

et al. 2022

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This work aims to evaluate the application of optical and X-ray spectroscopy methods to determine the effect of alpha-emitting radionuclides on the properties of solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) based on nitrocellulose during their detection. The proposed estimation methods are alternative methods to standard technologies, making it possible to determine the concentration of radon and its decay products without the chemical etching of film detectors and subsequent direct counting of the formed latent tracks from interacting particles. During the research, it was found that the use of optical spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods makes it possible to qualitatively determine the irradiation effect on changes in the properties of film detectors when α-particles with different energies pass through them. At the same time, a comparison of the data of optical spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and the visualization of latent tracks after chemical etching made it possible to establish that a part of the registered α-particles in living quarters has an energy of less than 2.5 MeV, which is not enough to pass through the polymer film of the detector, as a result of which well-like tracks are formed. An increase in the intensity of the interference bands in the region above 700 nm and a decrease in the intensity of diffraction reflection characterized the changes in optical transmission. The penetration of the α-particles through the detecting film decreases the film’s transmission capacity, forming an anisotropic change in diffraction reflections associated with a change in the film’s structure and defective fractions distorting the molecular structure.

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Radon alpha track counting on solid state nuclear track detector by an ImageJ-based software macro

Cited by 7 publications

References 24 publications

Environmental Alpha Radiation from the Soil at a Prehispanic Ancient Sacred Site in Lima, Perú

Environmental Alpha Radiation from the Soil at a Prehispanic Ancient Sacred Site in Lima, Perú

Indoor radon mitigation strategies: The Alto Minho region (Northern Portugal) practical case

Application of UV-Vis Optical Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Methods to Describe the Effect of Alpha-Emitting Radionuclides (Radon) When They Are Detected by Solid-State Film Detectors

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