Analysis of size-fractionated soil samples by gamma spectrometry

The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of particle size on radionuclides in soil, particularly in relation to depth. A set of soil samples at the 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm depth layers were collected, separated into size fractions using a sieving machine and analyzed by gamma spectrometry to determine ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, and ¹³⁷Cs. Significant variations between different size fractions and depth layers were observed. A 0–20 cm depth profile was also investigated. - Highlights: • Analysis of 2 cm resolution depth profile in size fractions. • ²¹⁰Pb increased in 0–10 cm, finer size fractions. • Variation among size fractions. • Analysis of ¹³⁷Cs, ²³⁸U, ²¹⁰Pb and ²²⁶Ra by gamma spectrometry. • Soil sampled at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm depth layer and sieved.