Vol. 337 No. 2 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/2/5129
Isotopic analysis of aerosol particles and soils in Northern Tajikistan
Relevance. The study of uranium and thorium isotope content in samples of aerosol particles and soils of Northern Tajikistan is relevant for understanding and solving problems related to regional radioactive load in the zone of impact of operating facilities of hydrometallurgical processing of radioactive ores. Aim. To assess the specific activity of radioactive isotopes in samples of aerosol particles and soil, as well as compare the obtained results with the data for the southern and central regions of Tajikistan. Objects. Samples of aerosol particles and soil collected in the investigated area. Methods. The specific activity of isotopes (40К, 137Cs, 210Pb, 212Bi, 212Pb, 214Pb, 214Bi, 226Ra, 227Th, 228Th, 228Ac, 231Th, 235U, 238U) in the samples was measured using a gamma spectrometer equipped with a high-purity germanium detector (Canberra, USA). The gamma spectra were processed using the Genie-2000 software package. Results and conclusions. A comparative analysis of isotope concentrations in atmospheric aerosols and soils of the northern regions of the country revealed that the levels of isotopes such as 40К, 137Cs, 210Pb, 211Bi, 212Bi, 212Pb and228Ac in aerosol particles are higher than their concentrations in the soils of Northern Tajikistan. The analysis of comparable data shows that, in the northern part of the country, the activity levels of isotopes – except 137Cs – in soil are significantly higher than in the south-central regions of Tajikistan. This indicates a higher degree of soil contamination in this area, likely due to prolonged exposure to elevated background radiation caused by long-term uranium mining, as well as the presence of radioactive waste storage sites and various industrial facilities with hazardous emissions.
Keywords:
uranium and thorium series isotopes, specific activity, aerosol particles, soil, tailings storage, isotopic composition, sample, gamma spectrometry
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