Evaluation of soil radioactivities using pedologically based sampling techniques

• Published in: Health physics (1958) Vol. 69; no. 3; p. 406
• Main Authors: Meriwether, J R, Burns, S F, Thompson, R H, Beck, J N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.1995
• Subjects: Soil Pollutants, Radioactive - analysis
• ISSN: 0017-9078
• DOI: 10.1097/00004032-199509000-00015

A new type of soil sampling protocol is suggested which has applicability to surveys of environmental radioactivity. Often there is a higher concentration of radionuclides in the lower B horizon than in the upper A horizon of well-drained, well-developed soils. It is recommended that soils be sampled pedologically, i.e., by soil horizon, rather than incrementally in depth. An example is given from a site in northern Louisiana where surface and/or the classical 15 cm ("six-inch") deep sampling could lead to erroneous conclusions regarding anthropogenic contamination.