Rapid determination of selected gross alpha and beta emitters in environmental matrices by solid-state scintillation technique is discussed. This method is based on sample treatment using microwave reactor and direct measurement of digested products using powder scintillator and alkaline solution as a substitute for traditional liquid scintillation cocktail. The selected group of radionuclides was chosen with respect to their use in nuclear industry, high radiotoxicity, and the possibility of potential misuse. The work aimed at verifying the connection of microwave decomposition using alkaline solution with solid-state scintillation using a powder scintillator YAP:Ce together with an alkaline medium.

• Klíčová slova
• Microwave digestion, Rapid determination, Solid-state scintillation, YAP:Ce,
• MeSH
• americium analýza   MeSH
• monitorování radiace metody   MeSH
• plutonium analýza   MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   MeSH
• radioizotopy stroncia analýza   MeSH
• scintilace - počítání metody   MeSH
• uran analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• americium MeSH
• plutonium MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radioizotopy stroncia MeSH
• uran MeSH

The main limitation in the high-sensitive HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry has been the detector background, even for detectors placed deep underground. Environmental radionuclides such as 40K and decay products in the 238U and 232Th chains have been identified as the most important radioactive contaminants of construction parts of HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. Monte Carlo simulations have shown that the massive inner and outer lead shields have been the main contributors to the HPGe-detector background, followed by aluminum cryostat, copper cold finger, detector holder and the lead ring with FET. The Monte Carlo simulated cosmic-ray background gamma-ray spectrum has been by about three orders of magnitude lower than the experimental spectrum measured in the Modane underground laboratory (4800 m w.e.), underlying the importance of using radiopure materials for the construction of ultra-low-level HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers.

• Klíčová slova
• Background, HPGe gamma-spectrometry, Modane underground laboratory, Monte carlo simulation, Radioactive contaminants,
• MeSH
• laboratoře MeSH
• metoda Monte Carlo MeSH
• monitorování radiace * MeSH
• počítačová simulace MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   MeSH
• radionuklidy MeSH
• spektrometrie gama * MeSH
• thorium analýza   MeSH
• uran analýza   MeSH
• záření gama MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Francie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radionuklidy MeSH
• thorium MeSH
• uran MeSH

Ingestion intakes of 137Cs of the Czech population were calculated in two different ways - either from the measured activity of 137Cs in components of food in combination with statistical data about consumption rates or from retention of 137Cs in the human body obtained by whole body counting or calculated from daily urinary excretion of 137Cs. Data from the time period since 1986 to 2015 are used. The daily ingestion intake was about 25 Bq d-1 in 1986 and is around 0.1 Bq d-1 at present. Both approaches of ingestion intake calculation have their advantages and disadvantages. Ingestion intake calculated from 137Cs body content was assumed to be the most accurate as it requires fewer assumptions than the calculation from food consumption. However, calculation of 137Cs intake from food consumption is an important tool for prediction doses after the release of radionuclides into environment. The best agreement exceeding the intakes from urine measurement 5 times at maximum was achieved when intakes calculated from food also included products from the natural environment. Without this, the ingestion intake could be under-predicted seriously up to 6 times, especially in the longer time after the release of 137Cs into environment. Ingestion intakes up to 11 Bq d-1 in a group of people with significant consumption of game meat containing elevated activity of 137Cs activity were included as a special case. Various groups of foodstuffs had varying effects on the total committed effective dose from 137Cs. Dose estimates for the Czech population from 137Cs ingestion intake achieved 80 μSv in 1986 and not more than 2 μSv currently and were similar to those incurred by the population of neighbouring countries.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• přijímání potravy MeSH
• radiační expozice statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• radioaktivní kontaminace potravin analýza   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   MeSH
• radioizotopy cesia analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radioizotopy cesia MeSH

The complex radiological study of the basin of sludge from the uranium ore mining and preprocessing was done. Air kerma rates (including its spectral analysis) at the reference height of 1 m above ground over the whole area were measured and radiation fields mapped during two measuring campaigns (years 2009 and 2014). K, U and Th concentrations in sludge and concentrations in depth profiles (including radon concentration and radon exhalation rates) in selected points were determined using gamma spectrometry for in situ as well as laboratory samples measurement. Results were used for the analysis, design evaluation and verification of the efficiency of the remediation measures. Efficiency of the sludge basin covering by the inert material was modelled using MicroShield code.

• MeSH
• hodnocení programu MeSH
• hornictví * MeSH
• monitorování radiace metody   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• odpadky - odstraňování metody   MeSH
• radioaktivní odpad * MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   MeSH
• radioizotopy draslíku analýza   MeSH
• radon analýza   MeSH
• regenerace a remediace životního prostředí * metody   MeSH
• spektrometrie gama * MeSH
• thorium analýza   MeSH
• uran * analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní odpad * MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radioizotopy draslíku MeSH
• radon MeSH
• thorium MeSH
• uran * MeSH

Contents of uranium in coals from Odeř in the northernmost part of the Sokolov Basin, Czech Republic, in the vicinity of the well known St. Joachimsthal uranium ore deposits, reach extremely high values. In the present work, coal samples with contents of uranium ranging from 0.02 to 6 wt.% were studied. The study employing a whole complex of analytical techniques has been aimed at identification of changes in the structure of coal organic matter, which are associated with the high contents of uranium in coal. The study includes proximate and ultimate analyses, multielement analysis by instrumental neutron and photon activation analyses, micropetrographic analysis by optical microscopy, ESEM/EDX analysis of mineral matter, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), and analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS). The study has confirmed previously proposed explanation of uraniferous mineralization in sedimentary carboniferous substances by the mechanism of reduction and fixation of soluble U(VI) (uranyl, UO2(2+)) species (e.g., humic, carbonate/hydroxo/phosphate complexes) by sedimentary organic matter under diagenetic or hydrothermal conditions, and formation of insoluble U(IV) species as phosphate minerals and uraninite. The process is accompanied with alteration and destruction of the coal organic matter. The changes in the structure of coal organic matter involve dehydrogenation and oxidation mainly in the aliphatic, aromatic and hydroxyl structures, and an increase in aromaticity, content of ether bonds, and the degree of coalification.

• Klíčová slova
• Coal, Organic matter, Sokolov Basin, Uranium,
• MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   MeSH
• uhlí analýza   MeSH
• uran analýza   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• uhlí MeSH
• uran MeSH

A pilot study aimed on possible occurrence of elevated activity of non-exchangable organically bound tritium (NE-OBT) in biota was performed. The first results showed a significant surplus of NE-OBT activity in biota of the valley of Mohelno reservoir and Jihlava river. The liquid releases of HTO from the nuclear power plant Dukovany is the source of tritium in this area. This area can be a source of various types of natural samples for future studies of tritium pathways.

• Klíčová slova
• Biota, Combustion, HTO, NE-OBT, NPPs,
• MeSH
• jaderné elektrárny MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování radiace přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• radioaktivní látky znečišťující vodu analýza   MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• řeky chemie   MeSH
• rostliny metabolismus   MeSH
• scintilace - počítání přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• společenstvo MeSH
• tritium analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní látky znečišťující vodu MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• tritium MeSH

Since the early 1990s, the Czech Republic has been one of the countries that carry out a radon programme on its territory, with the aim of protecting people from unnecessary long-term exposure in their homes. Since that time, many achievements have been registered, and many unexpected difficulties have cropped up. This may be the right moment to take some time out to analyse the state of the programme and to determine the direction for its future development. An extended SWOT analysis can serve as a useful tool for this purpose. Originally, SWOT analyses were used exclusively by for-profit organisations aiming to evaluate their perspectives, develop strategies and make plans in order to achieve their objectives. More recently, it has been used in a wide range of decision-making situations when a desired end-state is to be defined. Here, an extended SWOT analysis is used to formulate possible beneficial strategies for advancing anti-radon policy in the Czech Republic.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování radiace normy   MeSH
• programy národního zdraví * MeSH
• radiační ochrana normy   MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• radon škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radon MeSH

The influence of energy-saving measures on indoor radon concentration has been studied on the basis of a family house made of clinker concrete wall panels containing from 1000 up to 4000 Bq kg(-1) of 226Ra. Thermal retrofitting based on installing external thermal insulation composite system on the building envelope and replacing existing windows by new ones decreased the annual energy need for heating 2.8 times, but also reduced the ventilation rate to values<0.1 h(-1). As a consequence, the 1-y average indoor radon concentration values increased 3.4 times from 337 to 1117 Bq m(-3). The additional risk of lung cancer in the thermally retrofitted house increased to a value that is 125 % higher than before conversion. Methods for dealing with this enhanced risk by increasing the ventilation rate are discussed. Recovery of investments and the energy consequences of increased ventilation are studied in a long-term perspective.

• MeSH
• bydlení * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování radiace normy   MeSH
• projektování a výstavba zařízení normy   MeSH
• radiační ochrana normy   MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• radon škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• větrání MeSH
• znečištění vzduchu ve vnitřním prostředí analýza   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radon MeSH

The radon concentration in underground workplaces may reach tens of thousands of Bq m(-3). A simple MCNPXTM Monte Carlo (MC) model of a cave was developed to estimate the influence of radon on the in situ gamma spectrometry results in various geometries and radon concentrations. The detector total count rate was obtained as the sum of the individual count rates due to 214Bi in the air, radon in the walls and deposition of radon daughters on surfaces. The MC model was then modified and used in the natural conditions of the Mladeč Caves, Czech Republic. The content of 226Ra was calculated from laboratory gamma spectrometry measurements, and the concentrations of unattached and attached 214Bi were measured using the FRITRA4 device (SMM-Prague). We present a comparison of the experimental results with results calculated by the MCNPXTM model of the Gamma Surveyor spectrometry probe (GF Instruments) with a 3″×3″ NaI(Tl) detector and a 2″×2″ BGO detector.

• MeSH
• dceřiné produkty radonu MeSH
• jeskyně chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metoda Monte Carlo * MeSH
• monitorování radiace * MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky analýza   MeSH
• radon analýza   MeSH
• spektrometrie gama přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• dceřiné produkty radonu MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radon MeSH

Results from epidemiological studies on lung cancer and radon exposure in dwellings and mines led to a significant revision of recommendations and regulations of international organisations, such as WHO, IAEA, Nordic Countries, European Commission. Within the European project RADPAR, scientists from 18 institutions of 14 European countries worked together for 3 y (2009-12). Among other reports, a comprehensive booklet of recommendations was produced with the aim that they should be useful both for countries with a well-developed radon programme and for countries with little experience on radon issues. In this paper, the main RADPAR recommendations on radon programmes and policies are described and discussed. These recommendations should be very useful in preparing a national action plan, required by the recent Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování radiace normy   MeSH
• radiační ochrana normy   MeSH
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• radon škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• směrnice jako téma * MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí zákonodárství a právo   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• znečištění vzduchu ve vnitřním prostředí prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• radioaktivní znečišťující látky MeSH
• radon MeSH