Radioactivity in silt from the River Lea, England

Abstract

Measurements have been made to determine the levels of radioactivity in silt in the River Lea using the gross beta count rate method and γ-ray spectrometry. The results show that the environmental levels are very low and appear to be due to naturally occurring potassium, uranium and thorium and a small amount of ¹³⁷Cs, probably from fallout. The evidence suggests that pollution due to radioactivity present in the river is negligible.