Proposed detection limits for radioactivity concentrations in water in the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities

Abstract

The Dismantling and Decommissioning (D&D) of nuclear facilities poses several challenges for radioactivity measurement laboratories involved in environmental radiation monitoring plans. One of them is the definition of the detection limits to be achieved for the radionuclides analysis in different samples. The detection limits should be set in such a way that the obtained concentration values for each radionuclide are easily discriminated from certain maximum activity concentration levels. These maximum activity concentration levels are usually set in view of the respective dose contributions from each radionuclide. There are some national legislations that settle detection limits for drinking water. However, there is no regulation containing detection limits for groundwater or surface water. In this way, different institutions or companies require very different detection limits for radioactivity concentration assessment in those types of water associated with D&D activities. In this work, we focus on the detection limits required for the D&D activities in rainwater, surface water and groundwater. We propose detection limits obtained by applying the WHO methodology for maximum activity concentration levels and compare with those requested by radioactive waste management agencies and regulatory bodies. Some real cases where our proposal allows identification of events are analysed and conclusions are extracted.