The temporal variations of 7Be, 210Pb and 210Po in air in England

We have conducted measurements of naturally occurring radionuclides Be-7, Pb-210 and Po-210 in air at ground level at Chilton, Oxfordshire, England. The sampling and analysis regime for the latter two isotopes has been optimised to minimise uncertainties in measurement due to decay of Po-210 and in-growth of Pb-210 during the sampling and analysis period. Analysis times were reduced by using Cerenkov counting to assay the Bi-210 daughter of Pb-210. Monthly data collected over a four-year period are presented and discussed. Be-7 activity concentrations appear to peak in spring. Pb-210 activity concentrations also follow a seasonal trend reflecting different Rn-222 emanation rates from soil during winter and summer. Data for Po-210 show no such trend. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.