On the possibility of dating and isotopic pattern determination for samples from the Danube Delta region via gamma ray spectrometry

Abstract

Several samples from the Danube Delta region are analysed by gamma ray spectrometry in an attempt to quantify timing and precision associated to isotopic pattern determination and dating of recent sediments in a laboratory under development. Various detectors, electronic configurations and shielding options were used to test the detection limits and system stability on samples which were prepared and encapsulated in several ways. The results evidence the capacity of dealing with some 300 samples per year and per detector of 30% relative eficiency for an overall 5 to 8% relative uncertainty associated to typical activities of environmental samples.