Determination of a minimum detectable activity through a measurement of Pu isotopes in environmental samples

Abstract

In this paper, several parameters affecting the sensitivity and determining the minimum detectable activity (MDA) for the measurement of the Pu isotopes were investigated. Among the parameters affecting the determination of the MDA values for the Pu isotopes in the environmental samples, amounts of the samples appeared to be crucial factors in decreasing the MDA values. The MDA for the Pu isotopes in the environmental samples were calculated by varying the counting time of the samples and background. The results obtained in this study can be used for an environmental radiation monitoring program regarding the level of concern for a radionuclide beyond which some action may need to be taken.