Uncertainty of gamma-ray spectrometry measurement of environmental samples due to uncertainties in matrix composition, density and sample geometry

This paper is intended to identify the uncertainties of activities in environmental samples measured with gamma-ray spectrometry that result from uncertainties in matrix composition, density and geometrical dimensions of the sample. For that purpose efficiencies were calculated for a wide range of environmental matrices such as fresh and ashed food samples, water samples and soil samples. Compositions were mainly taken from literature. Densities and geometry parameters were varied in a range occurring in practice. Considered energies cover a range from 46.5 keV to 2000 keV. Finally, a couple of recommendations in respect to gamma-ray spectrometric measurements of environmental samples are given. - Highlights: • Uncertainties of gamma-ray spectrometry measurements were assessed. • Efficiencies were calculated for a wide range of environmental matrices. • The effect of matrix compositions and density on efficiency was studied. • The effect of geometry parameters on efficiency was considered