The analysis of environmental materials using gamma spectrometry

Over the past ten years the problems of the poor photon peak resolution of NaI detectors have been eliminated by the production of lithium-drifted germanium detectors and, later, hyperpure germanium detectors. During this period the Directorate of Fisheries Research has maintained a policy of modernising and upgrading old equipment in order to improve analytical quality. We are now equipped with a suite of modern instruments capable of achieving limits of detection of less than 1 Bq kg-1 wet material. The objectives of this paper are: to provide a reference method describing in detail the current method of gamma spectrometric analysis within the Directorate; and to provide the necessary documentation to satisfy part of the requirements for accreditation. (Author)