| Gross Alpha and Gross Beta
Concentrations: The total radioactivity due to alpha or beta
particle emission. Gross analyses are generally made first to
determine the total amount of radioactivity, of a certain type, that is
present. The more extensive specific analyses of beta- and
alpha-emitting isotopes are only made if the gross measurements are
above background levels.
Iodine-131: Charcoal
cartridges are analyzed for gamma emitting radionuclides, specifically
Iodine-131. Iodine-131 is of great interest because it is produced
in relatively large quantities by nuclear fission and has a half-life of
only eight days. This means any Iodine-131 that is detected would
be from a recent release of fission products. The charcoal
cartridges are analyzed in batches. Because of this batch testing,
results from several locations may be the same. |