Applications of X-ray spectroscopy to air, water, and soil pollution studies are covered in detail in this essential publication. Air pollution can hardly be studied by any other method to such an extent. Much of our present knowledge in this field was obtained by laboratories using many of the same methods described in this work. A number of examples illustrate the contribution of X-ray emission spectroscopy and its capabilities in the area of water pollution. Examples of soil pollution studies by the use of biological monitors is also presented. A comprehensive reference list with the help...

Numerous sources of ionizing radiation can lead to human exposure: natural sources, nuclear explosions, nuclear power generation, use of radiation in medical, industrial and research purposes, and radiation emitting consumer products. Before assessing the radiation dose to a population one requires a precise knowledge of the activity of a number of radionuclides. The basis for the assessment of the dose to a population from a release of radioactivity to the environment, the estimation of the potential clinical heath effects due to the dose received and, ultimately, the implementation of...