Analysis of the distribution of environmental gamma radiation at nodal points in soils of Valparaiso, Zacatecas

Environmental radiation plays an important role in establishing the quality of the environment, thus the need arises to know its distribution in the terrestrial environment. In situ gamma spectrometry has proven to ve a very effective tool since is possible to determine the presence of gamma emitters (natural and artificial) present in the soil. The spectra of natural gamma radiation are made up of different pho topics in the case of natural radioactive series it allows to determine the parents of these ²³⁸U and ²³²Th, in the case of ⁴⁰ K and ¹³⁷Cs is relatively simpler since this is done with their energies characteristics. In addition to knowing the concentration of gamma emitters in the soil, is also possible to make an assessment of possible radiological risks. In situ measurements were carried out in different localities of the municipality of Valparaiso, Zacatecas. The results reported here correspond to 6 measurement points which are nodal points and with different types of economic activity. The gamma spectrometry system used is based on a Canberra GeRe-3522 detector that, unlike commercial systems, the associated electronics is of the Nim/Bin type which is powered by gel batteries and a voltage inverter. This study is part of a large project that aims to carry out a radiological mapping throughout the entire state of Zacatecas. Based on the results reported in other entities of the state, is expected that the specific activity and risk factor are in the order of the normal values reflected in the standard. (author)