ANSTO :: Browsing by Author "Loosz, T"

Browsing by Author "Loosz, T"

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131I discharges to the marine environment and uptake by algae in Sydney, Australia
(South Pacific Radioactivity Association, 2008-11-25) Veliscek-Carolan, J; Hughes, CE; Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T
The use of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine results in radioactive material being discharged to the sewer as human waste. Treated sewage effluent is in turn discharged to the marine environment through coastal and deepwater outfalls. 131l is the dominant medical isotope discharged to the environment as treatment doses can be large (up to 8 GBq) and excretion from patients is rapid. Also, 131l has a half life (8.04 days), which is significantly greater than the effluent residence time in the sewerage system (< 1 day), and a low Kd resulting in a low removal during treatment. 131l levels from <1 to 150 Bq/L have been measured in effluent from Sydney sewage treatment plants. Following discharge of effluent to ocean outfalls, 131l levels in the seawater are likely to be low as a result of dispersion and dilution of the effluent. However, 131I is easily detected in macroalgae growing near coastal outfalls as the algae bio-accumulate iodine. In fact, 131I levels between 1 and 375 Bq/kg have been observed in various macroalgae species near the outfall from Cronulla sewage treatment plant in Sydney, since November 1995. This paper presents data on 131l levels in effluent and uptake by algae growing near shoreline outfalls in the Sydney region. Radiation doses to marine biota from 131l discharged to coastal waters are calculated to be very small and below the ERICA screening level of l0 uGy/hr. Human dose assessment is also discussed.
Comparison of radium-228 determination in water among Australian laboratories
(Elsevier, 2017-11) Zawadzki, A; Cook, M; Cutmore, B; Evans, F; Fierro, D; Gedz, A; Harrison, JJ; Loosz, T; Medley, P; Mokhber-Shahin, L; Mullins, S; Sdraulig, S
The National Health and Medical Research Council and Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council of Australia developed the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines which recommend an annual radiation dose value of 1 mSv year−1. One of the potential major contributors to the radiation dose from drinking water is radium-228, a naturally occurring radionuclide arising from the thorium decay series. Various methods of analysing for radium-228 in water have been established and adapted by analytical radiochemistry laboratories. Seven laboratories in Australia participated in analysing radium-228 spiked water samples with activity concentrations ranging from 6 mBq L−1 to 20 Bq L−1. The aim of the exercise was to compare and evaluate radium-228 results reported by the participating laboratories, the methods used and the detection limits. This paper presents the outcome of the exercise. Crown Copyright © 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites, 1999
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2000) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Mokhber-Shahin, L
Results are presented of environmental and effluent monitoring conducted in 1999 at the two sites owned and operated by ANSTO at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC). All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from LHSTC controlled airborne discharges were estimated for 1999 using the PC-Cream atmospheric dispersion and dosimetry code. The potential effective doses to the public in 1999 were estimated to be less than 0.010 mSv/year for all receptor locations on the LHSTC 1.6 km buffer zone boundary or beyond. This value represents 1% of the I milli sievert (mSv) per year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 3.3% of the LHSTC site dose constraint of 0.3 mSv/year. It is concluded that there is no impact on the health of the community staff or the environment as a consequence of operations at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre or the National Medical Cyclotron.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites, 2000
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2001) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Mokhber-Shahin, L
Results are presented of environmental surveillance and effluent monitoring conducted in the calendar year 2000 at the two sites owned and operated by ANSTO at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC). All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from LHSTC controlled airborne discharges were estimated for 2000 using the PC-Cream atmospheric dispersion and dosimetry code. The potential effective doses to the public in 2000 were estimated to be less than 0.01 mSv/year for all receptor locations on the LHSTC 1.6 km buffer zone boundary or beyond. This value represents 1 % of the 1 milli sievert (mSv) per year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 3.3% of the LHSTC site dose constraint of 0.3 mSv/year. It is concluded that there is no impact on the health of the community staff or the environment as a consequence of operations at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre or the National Medical Cyclotron.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites, 2001
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2001) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T
Results are presented of environmental surveillance and effluent monitoring conducted in the calendar year 2001 at the two sites owned and operated by ANSTO at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC). All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from LHSTC-controlled airborne discharges were estimated for 2001 using the PC-Cream atmospheric dispersion and dosimetry code. The potential effective doses to the public in 2001 were estimated to be less than 0.01 mSv/year for all receptor locations on the LHSTC 1.6 km buffer zone boundary or beyond. This is well below the ALARA objective of 0.02 mSv per year for off-site doses that ANSTO has set and much lower than the public dose limit of 1 mSv per year (above natural background and medical doses) and the natural background dose in Australia of 1.5 mSv per year (Webb et al; 1999). It is concluded that there is no impact on the health of the community as a consequence of operations at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre or the National Medical Cyclotron.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites, 2004-2005
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2005-11) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Ferris, JM; Harrison, JJ
This report presents the results of ANSTO's environmental and effluent monitoring at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC) sites, from July 2004 to June 2005. Effective doses to the critical group of members of the public potentially affected by routine airborne emissions from the LHSTC were less than 0.005 mSv/year. This estimated maximum potential dose is less than 24% of the ANSTO ALARA objective of 0.02 mSv/year, and much lower than the public dose limit of 1 mSv/year that is recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). The effective doses to the critical group of members of the public potentially exposed to routine liquid effluent releases from the LHSTC have been realistically estimated as a quarter (or less) of the estimated doses to the critical group for airborne releases. The levels of tritium detected in groundwater and stormwater at the LHSTC were less than those set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The airborne and liquid effluent emissions from the NMC were below both the ARPANSA-approved notification levels and Sydney Water limits for acceptance of trade wastewater to sewer. Results of environmental monitoring at both ANSTO sites confirm that the facilities continue to be operated well within regulatory limits. ANSTO's routine operations at the LHSTC and NMC make only a very small addition to the natural background radiation dose of ~1.5 mSv/year experienced by members of the Australian public.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites, 2005-2006
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2007-03) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Ferris, JM; Harrison, JJ
This report presents the results of ANSTO's environmental and effluent monitoring at Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC) sites, from July 2005 to June 2006. Estimated effective doses to the critical group of members of the public potentially affected by routine airborne emissions from the LHSTC were less that 0.005 mSv/year. The maximum potential dose was 23% of the ANSTO ALARA objective of 0.02 mSv/year, much lower than the public dose limit of 1mSv/year that is recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority (ARPANSA). The effective doses to the critical groups of members of the public potentially exposed to routine liquid effluent releases from the LHSTC have been realistically estimated as a quarter (or less) of the estimated doses to the critical group for airborne releases. The medium tritium concentrations detected in groundwater and surface waters at the LHSTC were typically less than 2% of those set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The airborne emissions from the NMC were below the ARPANSA-approved notification levels. Results of environmental monitoring at both ANSTO sites confirm that the facilities continue to be operated well within regulatory limits. ANSTO's routine operations at the LHSTC and NMC make only a very small addition to the natural background radiation dose of ~1.5 mSv/year experienced by members of the Australian public.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites, 2006-2007
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2008-03) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Ferris, JM
This report presents the results of ANSTO’s environmental and effluent monitoring at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC) sites, from July 2006 to June 2007. Estimated effective doses to the members of the public potentially affected by routine airborne emissions from the LHSTC were lower than in previous years due to the closure of the HIFAR research reactor. The maximum potential off-site dose of 0.002 mSv/year was 10% of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) objective of 0.02 mSv/year, and much lower than the public dose limit of 1 mSv/year that is recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). The effective doses to the critical group potentially exposed to routine liquid effluent releases from the LHSTC have been realistically assessed at less than 25% of the estimated doses to the critical group for airborne releases. Based on releases of liquid effluent from the LHSTC during 2006-07, a radiological risk assessment was conducted for marine biota in the receiving environment at Potter Point. The possible dose-rates to various species of marine biota were evaluated against international criteria recommended for the protection of biota from radiological hazards. In all cases it was concluded that the radiological risk to marine biota from ANSTO’s effluent releases was negligible. The median tritium concentrations detected in groundwater and surface waters at the LHSTC were typically less than 2% of those set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The airborne emissions from the NMC were below the ARPANSA-approved notification levels. Results of environmental monitoring at both ANSTO sites confirm that the facilities continue to be operated well within regulatory limits. ANSTO’s routine operations at the LHSTC and NMC make only a very small addition to the natural background radiation dose of approximately 1.5 mSv/year experienced by members of the Australian public.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at ANSTO sites: 2003-2004
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 2004-10) Hoffmann, EL; Ferris, JM; Harrison, JJ; Loosz, T
This report presents the results of ANSTO's environmental and effluent monitoring at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) and the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC) sites, from July 2003 to June 2004. Effective doses to the critical group of members of the public potentially affected by routine airborne emissions from the LHSTC were less than 0.004 mSv/year. This estimated maximum potential dose is less than 20% of the ANSTO ALARA objective of 0.02 mSv/year and much lower than the public dose limit of 1 mSv/year that is recommended by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). The effective doses to the critical group of members of the public potentially exposed to routine liquid effluent releases from the LHSTC have been realistically estimated as a quarter (or less) of the estimated doses to the critical group for airborne releases. The levels of tritium detected in groundwater and stormwater at the LHSTC were less than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The airborne and liquid effluent emissions from the NMC were below the ARPANSA-approved notification levels and NSW Department of Environment and Conservation limits, respectively. Results of environmental monitoring at both ANSTO sites confirm that the facilities continue to be operated well within regulatory limits. Members of the public are exposed to only very small doses of radiation from ANSTO's routine airborne and liquid effluent releases.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at Lucas Heights Research Laboratories, 1994
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1995-12) Hoffmann, EL; Camilleri, A; Loosz, T; Farrar, Y
Results are presented of environmental and effluent monitoring conducted in the vicinity of the Lucas Heights Research Laboratories (LHRL) during 1994. All low level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from controlled airborne discharges during this period were estimated to be less than 0.015 mSv/year for receptor locations on the 1.6 km buffer zone boundary around HIFAR. This value represents 1.5% of the 1 mSv/ year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 5 % of the site dose constraint of 0.3 mSv/year adopted by ANSTO.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre, 1995
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1996-05) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Farrar, Y
Results are presented of environmental and effluent monitoring conducted in the vicinity of the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHS&TC) during 1995. All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from controlled airborne discharges during this period, were estimated to be less than 0.01 mSv/year for receptor locations on the 1.6 km buffer zone boundary around HIFAR. This value represents 1 % of the 1 mSv/year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 3.3 % of the site dose constraint of 0.3 mSv/year adopted by ANSTO.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre, 1996
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1997-06) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Farrar, Y
Results are presented of environmental and effluent monitoring conducted in the vicinity of the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHS&TC) during 1996. All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from controlled airborne discharges during this period, were estimated to be less than 0.010 mSv/year for receptor locations on the 1.6 km buffer zone boundary around HIFAR. This value represents 1 % of the 1 mSv/year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 3.3% of the site dose constraint of 0.3 mSv/year adopted by ANSTO.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre, 1997
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1998-11) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Farrar, Y
Results are presented of environmental and effluent monitoring conducted in the vicinity of the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) during 1997. All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorisations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from controlled airborne discharges from HIFAR were estimated utilising the PC-Cream atmospheric dispersion and dosimetry code. The potential effective dose to the public was estimated to be less than 0.010 mSv/year for all receptor locations on the 1.6 km buffer zone boundary around the HIFAR research reactor. This value represents 1% of the 1 mSv/year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 10% of the HIFAR dose constraint of 0.1 mSv/year.
Environmental and effluent monitoring at Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre, 1998
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1998) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Farrar, Y; Mokhber-Shahin, L
Results are presented of environmental and effluent monitoring conducted in the vicinity of the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre (LHSTC) during 1998. All low-level liquid and gaseous effluent discharges complied with existing discharge authorizations and relevant environmental regulations. Potential effective doses to the general public from controlled airborne discharges from HIFAR were estimated utilising the PC-Cream atmospheric dispersion and dosimetry code. The potential effective dose to the public was estimated to be less than 0.010 mSv/year for all receptor locations on the 1.6 km buffer zone boundary around the HIFAR research reactor. This value represents 1% of the 1 mSv/year dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council and 3.3% of the site dose constraint of 0.3 mSv/year approved by the Nuclear Safety Bureau. It is concluded that there is no impact on the health of the community staff or the environment as a consequence of operations at the LHSTC.
Environmental survey at Lucas Heights Research Laboratories, 1991
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1994-05) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T
In common with many other nuclear facilities ANSTO undertakes an extensive program of meteorological measurements. The prime reason for such a program is to allow estimates to be made of the downwind concentration of any airborne pollutants particularly radionuclides released from the site through routine operations or under accident conditions. The data collection from this program provide the necessary input to the atmospheric dispersion model called ADDCOR (ANSTO 1989) which can be used to compute the effective dose to an individual due to the routine airborne or accidental release of radionuclides from the LHRL. None of the samples taken from possible human food chains in the vicinity of the Lucas Heights Research Laboratories contained radioactivity which could be attributed to the operation of the site. Discharges of airborne radioactive gases were within authorised limits when averaged over the year. The dose to the most sensitive members of the public from iodine-131 release was < 0.4 x 10 -3 mSv/year and the calculated dose from released noble gases to the most exposed individuals was less than 0.01 mSv/year. These figures represent less than one per cent of the most restrictive limits recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. The annual average liquid effluent discharge to the Water Board Sewer during 1991 was less than 29 per cent of the permitted level. For tritium the concentration was less than 2 per cent of the specified limit. The data presented in this report clearly shows that the environmental impact of operations at LHRL has been very low. The effective dose to residents living in the immediate neighbourhood of the reactor are very difficult to measure directly but calculated dose estimates are far lower than those due to natural background radiation and medical exposures.
Environmental survey at Lucas Heights Research Laboratories, 1992
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1994-07) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T
Results are presented of the environmental survey conducted in the neighbourhood of the Lucas Heights Research Laboratories during 1991. No activity which could have originated from these laboratories were found in samples collected from possible human food chains. All low-level liquid and gaseous waste discharges were within authorised limits. The maximum possible annual dose to the general public from airborne waste during this period is estimated to be less than 0.01 mSv, which is one per cent of the limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Environmental survey at Lucas Heights Research Laboratories, 1993
(Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, 1995-04) Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T
Results are presented of the environmental survey conducted in the neighbourhood of the Lucas Heights Research Laboratories during 1993. No activity which could have originated from these laboratories was found in samples collected from possible human food chains. All low-level liquid and gaseous waste discharges were within authorised limits. The maximum possible annual dose to the general public from airborne discharges during this period is estimated to be less than 0.01 mSv which is one per cent of the dose limit for long term exposure that is recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Movement of a tritium plume in shallow groundwater at a legacy low level radioactive waste disposal site in eastern Australia
(Elsevier, 2011-10-01) Hughes, CE; Cendón, DI; Harrison, JJ; Hankin, SI; Johansen, MP; Payne, TE; Vine, M; Collins, RN; Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T
Between 1960 and 1968 low-level radioactive waste was buried in a series of shallow trenches near theLucas Heights facility, south of Sydney, Australia. Groundwater monitoring carried out since the mid1970s indicates that with the exception of tritium, no radioactivity above typical background levels hasbeen detected outside the immediate vicinity of the trenches. The maximum tritium level detected ingroundwater was 390 kBq/L and the median value was 5400 Bq/L, decay corrected to the time ofdisposal. Since 1968, a plume of tritiated water has migrated from the disposal trenches and extends atleast 100 m from the source area. Tritium in rainfall is negligible, however leachate from an adjacentlandfill represents a significant additional tritium source. Study data indicate variation in concentrationlevels and plume distribution in response to wet and dry climatic periods and have been used todetermine pathways for tritium migration through the subsurface.Crown Copyright © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd
Movement of a tritium plume in shallow groundwater at a legacy low-level radioactive waste disposal site in eastern Australia over four decades
(South Pacific Radioactivity Association, 2008-11-23) Hughes, CE; Cendón, DI; Collins, RN; Hankin, SI; Harrison, JJ; Hoffmann, EL; Loosz, T; Payne, TE; Pham, AN; Twining, JR; Vine, M; Waite, TD
Between 1960 and 1968 radioactive Wastes with low levels of activity were buried by the Australian Atomic Energy Commission in a series of shallow trenches in bushland near the Lucas Heights facility, on the outskirts of Sydney. Groundwater monitoring carried out since the mid 1970’s has found that no radioactivity, with the exception of tritium, has been detected outside the immediate vicinity of the trenches. However, over this period of more than 40 years, a plume of tritiated water has migrated om the trenched area and extends at least 100 m from the source. The peak tritium activity detected in the mid l970’s was 390 kBq/L directly adjacent to the trenches. Modem tritium activity in the groundwater is less than the drinking water standard of 7.6 kBq/L and poses no radiological risk to the community or local environment. The tritium dataset will be presented and analysed to determine the effects of rainfall and drought periods on tritium levels and plume transport.
Radionuclide uptake in vegetables & herbs cultivated within the ANSTO Buffer Zone
(South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association, 2018-11-06) Gedz, A; Loosz, T; Corry, M; Hoffmann, EL
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) operates the production OPAL research reactor for the production of medical radioisotopes, scientific research, and the irradiation of silicon for use in microelectronics and other specialised irradiations for research and industry. During routine operations, small amounts of radionuclides are released through filtered emissions to air and treated liquid effluent discharged to the Sydney Water sewer. Airborne emissions from licenced facilities are bound by regulatory limits for radioactivity set by ARPANSA and are continuously monitored. Analysis of local environmental media provides confirmation as to the radionuclides released. including radioiodines from medical isotope production and low levels of tritium from the OPAL reactor. The effective dose to the local population from ANSTO’s authorised airborne releases is modelled quarterly as meteorology and stack emission data. At less than 5 uSv/year. the maximum potential airborne dose to the pus : residing at the 1.6 km Buffer Zone boundary remains well below the 1 mSv/year dose limit recommended by ARPANSA, As there is no longer any commercial food production within the Buffer Zone, sampling of foodstuffs has not been part of the ANSTO Environmental Monitoring program since the last dairy was closed in the 1980's. However, the construction of a new nuclear medicine facility and a childcare centre at ANSTO, in addition to proposed housing developments in the local community, has highlighted the need for renewed testing of locally-grown foodstuffs. In November 2017 and January 2018, two separate sampling campaigns were conducted at ANSTO as part of a scoping study to investigate potential radionuclide uptake in vegetation cultivated on-site, in particular radioiodine. Following these investigations, a working garden was established to determine seasonal radionuclide uptake in common vegetable and herb varieties, and to assess the potential dose from consumption of this produce. Results will be presented from gamma spectrometry analysis conducted to date, as well as a short discussion on the methodology and challenges associated with quantifying the radionuclides of interest and determining detection limits. The World Health Organisation General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (CODEX STAN 193-1995) will be applied for the calculation of potential dose associated with the ingestion of vegetables and herbs containing radioactivity.

Browsing by Author "Loosz, T"

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