The Environmental Radioactivity Section (URA) maintains a network of high-volume aerosol samplers (HVS) to measure aerosol-bound radioactivity in outdoor air.
Step 1: Collection
Duration : 168 hours
In each of the 6 measurement sites in Switzerland a filter with the dimensions 50 cm*50 cm is placed in an HVS* for a sampling period of one week. This sampling method allows aerosol particles from an air volume of about 100’000 m3 to be deposited on the filter..
* High Volume Sampler
Step 2. Dispatch to laboratory
Duration : 24 hours
After one week of sampling, the on-site operator removes the filter, sends it to the URA laboratory by mail and mounts a fresh filter.
Step 3. Preparation
Duration : 8 hours
Upon arrival in the URA laboratory, all the relevant filter data (sampled air volume, sampling period, etc.) are entered into the LIMS database. The filter is pressed (20 tons) in order to fit the measurement geometry.
Step 4. Spectrometry
Duration : 48 hours
The pressed filter is placed in a gamma spectrometer that acquires a spectrum over an acquisition period of 24 to 48 hours
Step 5. Evaluation & publication
Duration : 48 hours
The spectrum is analysed and the activity concentration of the detected radionuclides calculated. The results are read into the LIMS database and published on radenviro.ch.
High Volume Sampler data and additional information can be found at the following addresses:
- Radenviro
- Radioactivity in the air (FOPH website)
- A map with the data is also available on map.geo.admin.ch.
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