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Souza, I., Pennafirme, S., Santos, N., Domingues, A., Silva, A., & Lima, I. (2025). Investigation into Radionuclides Presence and Radioactivity Levels in Coastal Sediments Proximate to the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 225, Article 111940.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111940

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Accurate Determination of 232Th through 208Tl Using Ultra-Low Background Gamma Spectrometry in Environmental Matrices

  AUTHORS: Abdul J. Khan, Umme-Farzana Syed, Cynthia A. Costello

  KEYWORDS: 232Th, 208Tl, Soil, Sediment, Ultra-Low Background Gamma Spectrometry, True Coincidence Summing

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, Vol.14 No.4, April 8, 2026

  ABSTRACT: Accurate measurement of thorium-232 (232Th) in environmental samples is essential for geochemical research, ecological monitoring, and radiological safety. Because 232Th emits gamma radiation at a low probability, its activity is often estimated from short-lived daughter isotopes such as 228Ac, 212Pb, 212Bi, and 208Tl, assuming secular equilibrium. This study used ultra-low-background high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry to measure the 232Th activity in certified reference materials and environmental sediment and soil samples. The 2614.5 keV gamma line of 208Tl provided the most accurate and consistent results, although corrections for true coincidence summing (TCS) effects were necessary. Gamma lines from 228Ac and 212Pb exhibited minimal summing losses, which helped verify equilibrium-based measurements. Statistical analysis confirmed consistency across all daughter nuclides, validating the use of 208Tl and related decay products for 232Th determination. This method proves effective for routine environmental analysis and regulatory compliance.