Measurement of atmospheric beryllium-7 concentrations at a specific location in an urban area of Navi Mumbai, India

Natural radionuclides have been used as tracer in the study of stratospheric/tropospheric folding events. Beryllium-7 is among one which is extensively used for this purpose. This paper presents details of the study on measurements of atmospheric beryllium-7 concentrations at a specific location of Navi Mumbai, India (19deg 04' N, 72deg 59' E). The study was conducted for the period December 2002- June 2004. Air samples were collected on weekly basis on the terrace of beryllium plant building. Beryllium-7 activity measured by gamma spectrometry ranged from 2.07 - 13.9 mBq/m3 with an average concentration of 8.0± 3.2 mBq/m3 (n= 31). The observed 7Be concentrations were correlated with humidity, temperature and with the values of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) at the study area. We found no significant correlation between 7Be levels and the meteorological parameters. The study indicates that the concentration levels are found to be comparable with the literature values. The elevated 7Be levels during middle period of the study indicate significant upper air intrusion into the study area. (author)