Speaker
Description
Since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, interest in marine radioactivity monitoring has increased significantly, increasing demand for trained personnel capable of reliable gamma spectrometric analysis. However, education and training in seawater radioactivity measurement remain challenging, as low-level radionuclide analysis typically requires expensive high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors and radiochemical pre-concentration processes such as ammonium phosphomolybdate (AMP) coprecipitation.
In this study, an education-oriented virtual marine radioactivity spectrum database is developed to support training without reliance on actual measurement infrastructure. Background gamma-ray spectra were derived from experimentally measured seawater samples, while artificial radionuclide spectra were independently calculated using Monte Carlo simulations. These two components were combined to construct a library of virtual training spectra, allowing systematic variation of radionuclide type and activity concentration. This approach enables generation of diverse and realistic training datasets representing a wide range of artificial radionuclide scenarios in marine environments.
To ensure applicability to practical training scenarios, representative seawater sample geometries and detector configurations were defined, and virtual spectra were generated for varying activity levels and counting conditions. The generated spectra were validated through energy calibration and spectral consistency checks against experimental measurements, demonstrating agreement within acceptable limits for educational use.
The resulting database enables trainees to practice spectrum interpretation, peak identification, and basic quantitative analysis in a realistic yet controlled environment. This approach is intended for capacity-building programs in Pacific islands where marine monitoring needs are increasing but radiological infrastructure is limited. The proposed framework provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for marine radioactivity education.
| Minioral | Yes |
|---|---|
| IEEE Member | No |
| Are you a student? | No |