Method for Monitoring Radioactive Cesium Concentration in Water Using Cesium Adsorption Disk and GM Survey Meter

Abstract

  A method for monitoring radioactive cesium concentration in water using a cesium adsorption disk and a GM survey meter has been developed to ascertain whether the water quality meets standards on radiological contaminants in water. In this method, both dissolved and suspended forms of radioactive cesium are collected on the cesium adsorption disk by means of filtration of a water sample. Beta count rate of the disk is converted into radioactivity using a conservative calibration factor obtained here. The present method was applied to monitoring of decontaminated water of an outdoor school swimming pool in Date City after Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.