Establishing a monitoring system that can detect the levels of radionuclides in these environments

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 142 views

Identification and Determination of Natural Radioactivity in Volcanic Ash, Cold Lava, and Lau Borus River Water with Gamma HPGE Gamma Spectrometer

Introduction

Natural radioactivity is a phenomenon that occurs in various natural environments, including volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water. The presence of radionuclides in these environments can pose a risk to public health, especially in areas prone to volcanic activity. In this study, we aimed to identify and determine the concentrations of natural radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung using a sophisticated device, the HPGE (High Germanium) Gamma detector spectrometer.

Background

Mount Sinabung is an active volcano located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The volcano has been erupting intermittently since 2010, producing large amounts of volcanic ash and lava. The ash and lava can contain high levels of radionuclides, which can pose a risk to public health. In this study, we aimed to measure the concentrations of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung.

Materials and Methods

The HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer is a sophisticated device used to measure the concentrations of radionuclides in various samples. The device uses a high-purity germanium detector to detect the gamma rays emitted by radionuclides. In this study, we used the HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer to measure the concentrations of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung.

Results

The measurement results show that for volcanic ash samples, the average radionuclide activity concentration is as follows:

210pb: 0.69 ± 0.45 bq/kg
228th: 35.45 ± 0.48 bq/kg
232th: 36.55 ± 0.74 bq/kg
226ra: 15.10 ± 0.27 bq/kg
238U: 22.62 ± 13.22 BQ/kg
40K: 538.78 ± 3.85 bq/kg

Meanwhile, in cold lava samples, the concentration of radionuclide activity is detected at a lower level, which is:

210pb: <0.05 bq/kg (under MDC)
228th: 27.01 ± 0.38 bq/kg
232th: 28.76 ± 0.60 BQ/Kg
226RA: 11.72 ± 0.23 BQ/Kg
238U: 17.47 ± 6.70 BQ/Kg
40K: 428.56 ± 3.10 BQ/Kg

As for river water samples, no radionuclide element is detected, with all values below the minimum detection limit (MDC), which is <0.11 BQ/Kg.

Discussion

The results of this study show that the concentrations of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung are below the safe limit, as specified by the Republic of Indonesia Government Regulation No. 101 of 2014. The maximum limit of natural radioactivity in an element is permitted up to 1000 BQ/kg. With the results of this study, it can be concluded that all samples studied are still below the safe limit, so as not to pose a risk to public health.

Conclusion

This research is very important in the context of monitoring natural radioactivity, especially in areas that are prone to volcanic activity. The data obtained can be used as a basis for the development of risk mitigation and protection policies for people who live around Mount Sinabung. In addition, this information also provides a clearer picture of the environmental impact of volcanic activity on radionuclide concentration, which is very important to ensure the safety and health of the public.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, we recommend that the government and relevant authorities take necessary measures to monitor and control the levels of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water from Mount Sinabung. This can be done by establishing a monitoring system that can detect the levels of radionuclides in these environments. Additionally, the government and relevant authorities should also provide education and awareness programs to the public on the risks associated with natural radioactivity and the importance of monitoring and controlling its levels.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study only measured the concentrations of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung. It did not measure the concentrations of radionuclides in other environments, such as soil and air. Secondly, the study only used the HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer to measure the concentrations of radionuclides. Other methods, such as alpha and beta counting, were not used. Finally, the study only measured the concentrations of radionuclides in a limited number of samples. A larger number of samples should be measured to obtain more accurate and reliable results.

Future Research Directions

Based on the results of this study, we recommend that future research directions include:

Monitoring and controlling the levels of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water from Mount Sinabung
Establishing a monitoring system that can detect the levels of radionuclides in these environments
Providing education and awareness programs to the public on the risks associated with natural radioactivity and the importance of monitoring and controlling its levels
Measuring the concentrations of radionuclides in other environments, such as soil and air
Using other methods, such as alpha and beta counting, to measure the concentrations of radionuclides
Measuring the concentrations of radionuclides in a larger number of samples

By following these research directions, we can obtain more accurate and reliable results on the levels of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water from Mount Sinabung, and provide a clearer picture of the environmental impact of volcanic activity on radionuclide concentration.
Q&A: Identification and Determination of Natural Radioactivity in Volcanic Ash, Cold Lava, and Lau Borus River Water with Gamma HPGE Gamma Spectrometer

Q: What is natural radioactivity?

A: Natural radioactivity is a phenomenon that occurs in various natural environments, including volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water. It is caused by the presence of radionuclides, which are radioactive isotopes of elements that occur naturally in the environment.

Q: Why is it important to measure natural radioactivity in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water?

A: Measuring natural radioactivity in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water is important because it can pose a risk to public health. Radionuclides can be absorbed by the body and cause harm, especially if they are ingested or inhaled. By measuring the levels of radionuclides in these environments, we can determine whether they are safe for human consumption or exposure.

Q: What is the HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer?

A: The HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer is a sophisticated device used to measure the concentrations of radionuclides in various samples. It uses a high-purity germanium detector to detect the gamma rays emitted by radionuclides.

Q: How does the HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer work?

A: The HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer works by detecting the gamma rays emitted by radionuclides. The device uses a high-purity germanium detector to detect the gamma rays, which are then analyzed to determine the concentration of radionuclides in the sample.

Q: What are the limitations of the HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer?

A: The HPGE Gamma detector spectrometer has several limitations. It can only detect gamma rays, which means it may not be able to detect alpha or beta particles. Additionally, the device may not be able to detect radionuclides that are present in very low concentrations.

Q: What are the results of the study?

A: The results of the study show that the concentrations of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung are below the safe limit, as specified by the Republic of Indonesia Government Regulation No. 101 of 2014. The maximum limit of natural radioactivity in an element is permitted up to 1000 BQ/kg.

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The implications of the study are that the concentrations of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and Lau Borus river water from Mount Sinabung are safe for human consumption or exposure. However, it is still important to monitor and control the levels of radionuclides in these environments to ensure public health and safety.

Q: What are the recommendations of the study?

A: The recommendations of the study are that the government and relevant authorities take necessary measures to monitor and control the levels of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water from Mount Sinabung. This can be done by establishing a monitoring system that can detect the levels of radionuclides in these environments. Additionally, the government and relevant authorities should also provide education and awareness programs to the public on the risks associated with natural radioactivity and the importance of monitoring and controlling its levels.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The future research directions include:

Monitoring and controlling the levels of radionuclides in volcanic ash, cold lava, and river water from Mount Sinabung
Establishing a monitoring system that can detect the levels of radionuclides in these environments
Providing education and awareness programs to the public on the risks associated with natural radioactivity and the importance of monitoring and controlling its levels
Measuring the concentrations of radionuclides in other environments, such as soil and air
Using other methods, such as alpha and beta counting, to measure the concentrations of radionuclides
Measuring the concentrations of radionuclides in a larger number of samples