The pattern of distribution of polonium-210 in the superficial soil layer in Moscow
Korenkov, I.P.; Shatokhin, A.M.; Loginov, A.A.; Ivliev, M.V.
Gigiena i Sanitariia 3: 15-17
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-9900 PMID: 10900787 Document Number: 525005
The pattern of distribution of 210Po, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was studied in the superficial soil layer of Moscow. There was a correlation between the soil levels of the natural uranium decay products 210Po and 226Ra. The ratio of specific 210Po, 226Ra activities was 1.3 +/- 2.6 in the soil samples. There is a close correlation between the soil levels of 210Po and its organic substance. The specific activities of the natural radionuclides in the Moscow soil were as follows: 210Po 30-50 Bk/kg, 226Ra 10-30 Bk/kg, 232Th 10-30 Bk/kg, and 40K 200-400 Bk/kg. These levels are no greater than those of those of natural radionuclides in the Earth's crust.