Measurement of the tritium contamination of the biosphere

Sources of natural and artificial tritium activities are discussed. Environmental tritium concentrations were determined either by a low background proportional counter after converting tritium to hydrogen, methane or ethane gas or by a liquid scintillation coincidence counter when tritium was found in the form of water. Tritium can be enriched electrolytically. The radioactivity of tritium in the Danube, in ground and rain water was determined before commissioning the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. Based on the analysis of tritium concentrations in wines and in annual rings of trees it is possible to detect local contaminations. (V.N.) 6 refs.; 16 figs