ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MEASUREMENTS OF NEAR-SURFACE AIR IN ORONO, ME 04469.

ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MEASUREMENTS OF NEAR-SURFACE AIR IN ORONO, ME 04469.

By Anna Jeanne Schliep

Thesis Advisor: Dr. Charles T. Hess

A Lay Abstract of the Thesis Presented

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the

Degree of Master of Science

(in Physics)

May, 2012

Keywords: Environmental Radiation, Fukushima, Beryllium-7, Cesium-137, Iodine-131, Gamma-ray Spectroscopy

Measurements of Be-7, I-131, Cs-137, and other radionuclide concentrations in near-surface air have been carried out in Orono, Maine utilizing gamma ray spectroscopy of air filters. Beryllium-7 (Be-7) concentrations and seasonal variability have been measured for the past two years. Measurements of Be-7 will aid in our investigation of the relationship between radionuclides produced by the interaction of cosmic rays in our atmosphere and solar activity Applications of this research are in aiding us to better understanding the distribution and behavior of Be-7 in surface air. The values of the activity concentrations in Be-7 have an average value of 3.4±1.6 mBq per cubic meter of air Orono, ME.  

Using the same apparatus and samples we can check for other radionuclides such as those found naturally in our environment or those found as a result of nuclear accidents. We have measured both radioactive iodine (I-131) and cesium-137 (Cs-137) concentrations due to fallout as a result of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. These two isotopes have been measured at 0.84± 0.07 mBq per cubic meter of air and for iodine and 1.8±0.2 mBq per cubic meter of air for cesium. Measuring these isotopes is important for understanding the risks posed by nuclear reactor accidents and assessing the environmental impact of these nuclides in the environment.