Measurement and analysis of ambient radioactivity levels in Beijing

Objective: To explore the ambient radioactivity level and its relationship with air quality. Methods: The air samples were collected with the SNOW WHITE large flow sampler for continuous 24 hours per day from September to December 2017. The radioactivity levels on the filter surfaces were monitored by the TBM-3 S. Their results were compared with the air quality grade and the concentration of PM2.5, PM10 particles in the atmosphere. Results: The radioactivity levels of 37 collected aerosol samples ranged from 1.051 Bq/cm² to 2.831 Bq/cm², with an average of 1.802 Bq/cm². There was no significant difference between the radioactivity level and air quality grade (P ≥ 0.05), and no significant difference between the radioactivity level and the particulate matter concentration (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: During the monitoring period, the change of air quality and particulate matter content did not cause the change of radioactivity level in the atmosphere, and the air quality was not related to the atmospheric radioactivity level. (authors)