[en] In order to estimate the radionuclide content in the monazite sand of the Atlantic shore of Espirito Santo, Brazil, 20 samples of sands were collected on the beaches of Guarapari and Meiaipe. Concentrations of background radionuclides in samples were determined by γ-ray spectroscopy with a HPGe detector. ²²⁶Ra ranged from 1.3 to 2412 Bq kg^-1; ²³²Th ranged from 2.3 to 36620 Bq kg^-1. Computed dose rates obtained through the Beck formula oscillated between 2.2 and 25378 nGy h^-1. (author)

[en] The regional structures of environmental radioactivity monitoring had been established as provided in the art. 109 of D.P.R. 185/64, which assigned the control of environmental radioactivity and foodstuffs to Health Minister, and in the subsequent regulations (D.P.R. 4/72, D.P.R. 616/77, L. 833/78). The art.7 of L. n. 833 of 1978 deputed the Regions to accomplish the administrative functions concerning the control of environmental radioactivity. Such a delegation required to create a monitoring network throughout the regions which allows to evaluate the global impact of the various sources in the area, integrated by controls on each source. In the Regional Sanitary Plan 1981/83, the Emilia Romagna Region has given the Presidio Multizonale di Prevenzione (PMP) of Unita Sanitaria Locale (USL) of Piacenza (now Agenzia Regionale Prevenzione e Ambiente - ARPA) specific tasks over the whole region related to: monitoring the radioactive waste, analysing and checking complex plants, monitoring the environmental radioactivity

[en] The aim of this work was to determine the background airborne radioactivity in the town of Natal, Brazil. Indoor radon concentrations were measured inside 24 buildings using solid state nuclear track detectors which were exposed for a period of about 180 days. The average indoor radon level resulted to be 15.4±10.6 Bq x m^-3. Measurements of gross α- and β-activities were performed at six different sites for airborne particulate samples collected over cellulose nitrate filters. Mean values of 0.15±0.06 mBq x m^-3 and 0.42±0.10 mBq x m^-3 were obtained for the gross α- and gross β-activity, respectively. (author)

[en] Sampling and sample preparation are known to carry large, but typically unknown uncertainty contributions to the final analytical data and there is a lack of qualitative and quantitative data on the comparability of results achieved by different sampling methods. To this end an intercomparison exercise was carried out to compare different methods for the collection of suspended material used for the monitoring of environmental radioactivity in freshwater bodies. This paper presents the results of this intercomparison exercise in which 'in situ' particulate sampling devices were compared in field exercises performed in the Kiev Reservoir (Ukraine) and in the Po River (Italy). The main criterion for this intercomparison was the agreement among the ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations associated with the suspended particles expressed as Bq x g^-1 and among the (C/N) molar ratios measured on the suspended particles. In addition, an estimate of the uncertainties associated with each measuring method has been performed. (author)

[en] Full text: The evaluation of the pattern of environmental contamination is vitally dependent on reliable data, which derive from complex analytical processes, in which each step of the process, i.e. sampling, sample transportation, treatment, analysis and evaluation and interpretation of the results can affect to some degree the accuracy and precision of the final analytical data. Advances in analytical techniques and improved laboratory practice have reduced many sources of uncertainties which can originate during the laboratory analytical procedures, but the assessment of uncertainties associated with sampling of environmental components has not been fully considered in the past, since collaborative field studies require noteworthy organisational efforts. Sampling and sample preparation/processing are known to carry large, but typically unknown uncertainty contribution to the final analytical data and there is a lack of qualitative and quantitative data on the comparability of results achieved by the different sampling methods. To this end an intercomparison programme was founded by the European Commission, in which Institutions from the European Union and from Ukraine participated using their own in situ methods for collection of suspended material and fixation of dissolved radiocaesium in fresh water bodies. This paper presents the outcome of this study: limits and field applicability of the most widely used sampling methodologies for water and suspended particle in aquatic environments. (author)