Scintillating Fiber Optic Groundwater Monitors with Radionuclide-Selective Hydrophilic Cladding

75352-Many DOE sites require the monitoring of radionuclide contamination in surface water, groundwater, soils, and the vadose zone ¿ often in real-time and with remote monitoring capability. However, existing site characterization procedures typically involve the collection and shipment of samples to an off-site laboratory, leading to costly delays in site remediation as well as to increased risk to personnel. This project will develop a scintillating fiber-optic-based sensor system with a hydrophilic, radionuclide-selective cladding material for the detection of Technetium-99 and/or Strontium-90 in groundwater. The configuration can be easily adapted to real-time and remote monitoring scenarios. Phase I will prepare and evaluate dual-purpose (radionuclide-enriching and optically functional) cladding materials for use with plastic scintillating optical fibers. The selectivity and detection limits of these sensors will be evaluated for Technetium-99 and Strontium-90. A simple sensor will be demonstrated, using actual Hanford groundwater samples spiked with the radionuclide of interest. Expansion of the technology to other radionuclides will occur in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The fiber optic sensor configuration should find primary application in DOE site remediation activities and in the long-term environmental monitoring of these sites. Related radiation sensors could have application in the quality control of food irradiation, in medical sterilization, and in pinpoint dosimetry for newly emerging cancer radiation therapies such as stereotactic radiosurgery.