Parallel radioisotope collection and analysis in response to the Fukushima release

Two independent radionuclide aerosol air samplers were operated at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in close proximity during the Fukushima reactor releases. One system was an automated aerosol collection and analysis unit, whereas the other was a manual sampler of simpler design. The samples collected from each sampler showed correlation in radionuclide activity, although some variations were observed. During this unique event, the small variations observed between the co-located air samplers illustrate the effectiveness of a way to acquire useful parallel samples for scientific purposes. The results in radionuclide activity concentration show that, in some circumstances, use of a manual high volume air sampler in parallel to a complex automated sampler can produce results that are of comparable quality to International Monitoring System samples.