Gross beta counting method in radiation protection system of animal production cycle

Abstract

The research investigated the potential application of the gross beta counting method in radiation protection of animal production under conditions of environmental contamination. Mushroom samples, animal and agricultural products as well as samples from proficiency tests were analyzed using both the gross beta counting method and the gamma spectrometric analysis as a control. The findings revealed that the quantitative measurements of total beta emitters in the tested samples, obtained with the gross beta counting method, can be effectively employed as a triage approach in scenarios involving radioactive contamination. It is important to notice that successful implementation of this method relies on prior knowledge of the average levels of total potassium or its isotope 40K in the samples being analyzed. Control measurements and assessments based on the results obtained from the gamma spectrometric method demonstrated an acceptable uncertainty for the triage of contaminated samples as well as for the implementation of protective measures within the animal production system under conditions of environmental contamination.