Published 2011 | Version v1
Journal article

Concentrations of natural radionuclides in imported zirconium minerals

  • 1. Radiation and Environmental Protection Department, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, (Serbia)

Description

The natural radioactivity in imported zircon samples used as glaze for ceramic tiles in the ceramics industry has been presented in this paper. The measurements were made by gamma spectrometry with a high purity germanium detector. The average activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th determined in the measured samples (3250 Bq/kg, and 556 Bq/kg, respectively) are much higher than the concentrations found in the Earth's crust. The activity concentration of 226Ra is also high in all analyzed samples, while 40K was not detected. The gamma index, I, the external hazard index,Hcx, the internal hazard index,Hin, and the radium equivalent activity,Racg, were calculated. Due to relatively high activity concentration level of uranium in imported zircon samples, specific regulations are necessary for zircon compound used in ceramic industry. It can be concluded that the investigated samples can be used as the component of ceramic glaze in the concentrations not above 3%.

Availability note (English)

Also available online from http://ntrp.vinca.rs

Additional details

Identifiers

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection
Journal Volume
26
Journal Issue
2
Journal Page Range
p. 110-114
ISSN
1451-3994

Optional Information

Notes
22 refs., 3 figs, 6 tabs.