Levels of [sup.131]I and six natural radionuclides in sludge from the sewage treatment plant of valladolid, Spain

The levels of [sup.131]I and six natural radionuclides ([sup.238]U, [sup.226]Ra, [sup.210]Pb, [sup.228]Ra, [sup.224]Ra, and [sup.40]K) were determined in sewage sludge samples obtained from an urban wastewater treatment plant that services a medium-sized town in Spain. Secondary treatment of wastewa...

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Published inWater, air, and soil pollution Vol. 217; no. 1-4; p. 515
Main Authors Jimenez, Fernando, Deban, Luis, Pardo, Rafael, Lopez, Raul, Garcia-Talavera, Marta
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Springer 01.05.2011
Subjects
Nuclear radiation
Purification
Radioactive pollution
Sewage
Sludge
Uranium
Wastewater
Water utilities
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Summary:The levels of [sup.131]I and six natural radionuclides ([sup.238]U, [sup.226]Ra, [sup.210]Pb, [sup.228]Ra, [sup.224]Ra, and [sup.40]K) were determined in sewage sludge samples obtained from an urban wastewater treatment plant that services a medium-sized town in Spain. Secondary treatment of wastewater consisting of anaerobic, anoxic, and oxic stages is collectively called A2O processing. Radio analytical determinations were performed by gamma spectrometry using a highpurity germanium detector. This technique has proven useful in identifying local radioactive pollution. This type of pollution was consistently detected throughout the year, with several increases associated with authorized discharges from hospitals. Finally, we examined the radiation dose that workers are exposed to due to the presence of [sup.131]I in the sludge. We found inhalation risk to be negligible, with external radiation as the main source of exposure to [sup.131]I. Keywords [sup.131]I * Gamma spectrometry * Sewage sludge * Radioactive exposition * A2O process
ISSN:0049-6979
DOI:10.1007/s11270-010-0605-8