Environmental radioactivity measurements in Tunisia

Developing countries that are starting new programs in the field of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology usually start their programs with the measurement of background environmental radioactivity. The samples collected, typically soil, water and vegetation, usually contain low levels of radioactivity, disregarding whether they are of natural origin, such as 238U, 232Th and 40K, or anthropogenic, such as 137Cs. Several techniques exist for the determination of low levels of these radionuclides and one is usually faced with the problem of choosing the most suitable analytical technique to acquire. The choice of a particular measurement technique depends, on the ease of implementing the method, and the cost of so doing. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to discuss the efforts being made by the Nacional Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies to monitor the environmental radioactivity in soil, vegetation and water in several locations in Tunisia. Results of the radioactivity measured in soil, water and grass samples are given. Measurements are being taken on a continuous basis in order to accumulate a useful database on natural and possible man-made radionuclides found in the area. This information is necessary in order to monitor future nuclear activities and to have a baseline for comparison purposes