This report is a guide for analytical and radioanalytical laboratories. The protocols described in the report help specialists to improve the quality and reliability of their analysis. The report will help Member State laboratories in developing countries to assess environmental contamination of soils and develop strategies for remediation.

The evaluation of radioactive releases to the environment is important for the support of sustainable development of agriculture, due to the potential for released radioactivity to enter food chain. The impact of radionuclides on the food chains are normally assessed by means of measurements of radioactivity in environmental samples, which include soils, feedstuffs, foodstuffs, and water. Sampling of agricultural soils and food, as well as measurement of various radionuclides for radioactivity requires efficient, cheap, effective and easily implemented techniques. The lack of such techniques may prevent the development of national infrastructures in providing the required level of food safety. This document provides the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sampling and measurements of radionuclides in agriculture. It also includes an overview of the techniques relevant for agricultural soil and crops. Supplementary techniques such as the assessment of radiocaesium mobility in soils are also presented. The document is intended for individuals and authorities dealing with sampling and measurement of radionuclides in agricultural environments, and answered the many request for assistance from the IAEA Members in radionuclide measurements in agricultural soils and food items.

This publication addresses the sampling of soil and vegetation in terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural, forest and urban environments, contaminated with radionuclides from events such as radiation accidents, radiological incidents and former nuclear activities. It considers sampling strategies and programmes, which are relevant for both emergency and existing exposure situations. Practical advice is provided on the design and implementation of sampling programmes for soil and vegetation within the framework of environmental monitoring. Examples of best practice on the formulation of optimized sampling strategies for different exposure situations are given based on the experience and lessons learned from implementation of past and existing programmes.

Remediation of Contaminated Environments summarises - amongst other things - what happened to the people and environment around Chernobyl (and other nuclear sites) and what measures need to be taken in future in the event of nuclear accidents etc. plus it has a very important and currently topical use in detailing what to do in the event of a terrorist dirty bomb attack on a city. - Remediation, including characterization of contaminated sites; safety requirements; remediation planning; effectiveness of individual measures in different environments; social, ethical and economic considerations; application of modern decision aiding technologies - Applicable to different categories of contaminated environments and contaminants, comprising areas contaminated by radiation accidents and incidents, nuclear weapon tests, natural radionuclides associated with nuclear fuel cycle, fossil material mining and gas and oil production - Associated side effects (environmental and social) and human based remediation measures, comprising perception of this activity by the population; with particular regard to stakeholders and population involvement in making decisions on environmental safety and remediation of contaminated sites

Reports on the outcome of an IAEA coordinated research project in the area of measurement and characterization of radioactive particles in the environment. This publication summarizes the achievements and findings of the project participants and gives guidance for application of the techniques for evaluation of contaminated areas.

Over the past decade significant progress has been achieved in the development of waste characterization and control procedures and equipment as a direct response to ever-increasing requirements for quality and reliability of information on waste characteristics. Failure in control procedures at any step can have important, adverse consequences and may result in producing waste packages which are not compliant with the waste acceptance criteria for disposal, thereby adversely impacting the repository. The information and guidance included in this publication corresponds to recent achievements and reflects the optimum approaches, thereby reducing the potential for error and enhancing the quality of the end product. -- Publisher's description.

Stable isotope techniques can help improve soil management and crop nutrition. To ensure the quality of stable isotope analysis through isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), appropriate sample preparation is crucial. This publication presents methods for proper plant and soil sample processing for IRMS analysis. The information on such methods is often described in a summarized and non-comprehensive way without illustration of every step. This publication fills this gap and presents a selection of standard operating procedures and provides highly detailed guidance on sample preparation that will support practitioners in conducting reliable isotope analysis on plant and soil materials.