Radiation measurements provide key data needed in the management of nuclear or radiological emergencies. In this paper, the strategic aspects of radiation monitoring under emergency conditions are highlighted. The most important requirements for defining a good emergency monitoring strategy are presented for a country threatened by severe nuclear accidents. The implications of the new ICRP publications 103, 109 and 111 on the emergency management and the radiation monitoring strategy are also presented.

The properties and behavior of ²²²Rn and ²²⁰Rn in the free atmosphere are presented. The emanation and transport in materials with the principal mechanism are discussed. The aerosols formation process and surface deposition are also very important in view of environment radioactivity evaluation being a very important task in the contingency planning for radiological and/or nuclear emergency.

The decontamination of equipment and nuclear installations is a concern from many points of view. The method adopted can minimize the radioactive waste, preventing the environmental pollution and optimizing the environmental protection. For this purpose a research study was developed to evaluate the efficiency of two products, solutions for chemical and radioactive clean-up recently introduced to the market. The ability of the agent to remove the contamination was tested for five types of materials. The objective of the study was to evaluate the deftness of the solutions to remove the contamination with ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co. The results were quantitative by evaluated using the percent of contamination removal by gamma-ray spectrometry.

When facing a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incident, decontamination is a key element in safeguarding individuals and property. First responders are using decontamination technique to minimize exposure to hazardous substances and limit the spread of contamination. The disposables decontamination means and methods are very divers, and an evaluation of the most appropriate aspects often encountered in the real cases could determine the adequate methods to be used. However, there is not only one universal method applicable in all situations, but a smart combination of known decontamination methods can be used to obtain very best results. The main goal in using the decontamination methods is to try to restore the initial state of the affected surface whether on the objects or living beings. In this respect, the present paper is focused to present a short introduction in the means and methods used to minimalize the CBRN effects.

The Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is an analyzing method of highest sensitivity. Applications will be presented for providing a rapid response to the aims of the Romanian – Bulgarian cross-border cooperation program concerning chemical and nuclear disasters. AMS machineries and their broad range of applications are described such as the detection of produced and existing nuclear pollution, mapping of current and past nuclear contamination, forensic science and nuclear activity surveillance.

The RODOS (Real Time On-line Decision Support) system was developed in the EU framework programs aimed to help the decision makers in choosing the right decision to mitigate the consequences in the case of radioactive material release in the environment. In the last years a new version of RODOS, a JAVA based version named JRODOS, has been developed introducing a cross-platform solution capable to run on most operation systems. The JRODOS system has a friendly interface and easy system administration and in addition, three important simulation modules are integrated in JRODOS. These three modules are ICRP (based on recommendation of ICRP 103), ERMIN (European Inhabited Area Model) and AGRICP (Agricultural Countermeasure Program). JRODOS system is installed and running in Romania and NIPNE (National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering “Horia Hulubei”) has the task to test and customize the newer JRODOS releases in the 7-th framework program, in projects NERIS-TP and PREPARE. The RODOS system and its new version JRODOS was used to evaluate consequences and countermeasures for some Probabilistic safety Assessment level 3 or during nuclear emergency exercises organized by IGSU (General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations).

The paper points at several aspects on the current agendas of the emergency management, in particular of preparedness and response following a nuclear and chemical event. Addressed are especially issues relating to the role of models and software tools in the emergency management process, as well as to the particularities and similarities in assessing the risk and potential disruptive events in both the nuclear and chemical industries.

A radiological characterization methodology has been developed and implemented for assessment of radiological parameters during the partial dismantling of IRT – 2000 research reactor facilities at the Nuclear Scientific Experimental and Educational Centre (NSEEC). To assess the radiological situation in the places of dismantling activity a number of measurements were carried out prior and during the dismantling activities and after their accomplishment. Samples of different kind were taken and analyzed to provide a reliable database of information on quantities, type and distribution of radionuclides, comprising activation or contamination products, generated during the operation of the reactor.

The paper presents the process of modernization, extending and development of the e-Learning platform performed by Nuclear Training Centre within “Horia Hulubei” National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering – IFIN-HH. The Learning Management System (LMS), an important component of an e-Learning platform, is described. A course on radiation protection in medical field was developed within platform as a sample of e-Content. Several software applications that were developed are presented.

The present study summarizes the development of meteorological survey system at IFIN-HH, the largest research institute in Romania dedicated to physics and nuclear engineering. The IFIN-HH site is located in a peri-urban area with non-homogenous terrain (land use, obstacles). The vertical wind and temperature profiles in complex terrain differ comparing with the flat homogenous terrain. Consequently, the assessment of the stability classes is difficult to achieve and special procedures were developed. The monitoring of the external gamma dose in real time is correlated with on-line measurements of precipitation and ²²²Rn concentration in air. The data analysis in the last years demonstrates that the short-term increasing of external gamma dose due to natural causes can be easy detected and the attention limit for anthropic radioactive pollution can be decreased.

This paper proposes a comparative study of a HP-Ge detector efficiencies for various geometrical configurations of the calibration samples with properties close to the environmental ones. The detection efficiency for the studied analysis geometries was calculated using the LabSOCS software (Laboratory Sourceless Calibration Software). This program calculates the detector efficiency versus incident photons energy, for the operator’s set analysis geometry, by the Monte Carlo simulation. The detection efficiency variation was studied as function of the analyzed sample shape, height and mass.

Radon has an important contribution to natural radiation dose received by population. In some areas Radon contribution to total dose goes up to a level of 95% leading to an exposure to natural radiation much higher than normal. The paper present the investigations conducted in order to evaluate the radiation protection measures applied at Baita Bihor radioactive waste repository in accordance to national and international regulations and to analyze the efficiency of the ventilation system. Radon accumulation in uranium ore mine galleries used as final repository for radioactive waste, such as Baita repository, is a complex issue and deals with certain properties that make it harmful to humans. The study was conducted taking into consideration two different seasons (summer and fall) in order to observe the influence of atmospheric conditions. There were analyzed the variations of radon concentration during four experimental sessions conducted in various environmental conditions. Representative time samples were taken into account, including also specific parameters as operational periods inside repository, the time distribution through the year.

TL measurements, independently performed on 114 rock salt samples collected at a depth of between 130 and 210 m from the Cantacuzino mine located in the SlanicPrahova halite deposits and on Fimel^TM GR200A TL dosimeters, showed a monotonous decrease of the dose rate with depth in good correlation with the muon flux. The latter was calculated on the bases of experimental determinations on the salt deposits surface as well as at 210 m depth. Concurrently, the gamma spectra of salt samples collected from the same locations showed a quasi-absence of the natural radioactive elements. This, which in correlation with TL data and muon flux vertical profile points towards muon as the main depositor of energy in salt, makes the Slanic-Prahova rock-sat deposits a sui generis natural muon detector.

Laboratory analysis were performed for radiological characterization of the underground pipes connecting the 30 m³ buffer tank of liquid effluents belonging to the Nuclear Reactor VVR-S to the 300 m³ tanks from the IFIN-HH Radioactive Waste Treatment Station.
Measurements for the assessment of the contaminants inside of the pipelines were done using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry, with the detector placed inside of the pipe. Due to the specific measurement geometry, experimental efficiency calibration was not possible; therefore the peak efficiency curve was obtained by Monte Carlo simulation using GESPECOR software.

This paper presents a study over the influence of some fertilizers with amino acids and proteins on the absorption capacity of the phosphorous (³²P) present in the soil. In order to evaluate the ³²P quantity translocated from the soil into the plant under the influence of three types of fertilizers, we inoculated in the soil from the pots in which the sunflower plants were cultivated certain quantities of ³²P. After the inoculation, we applied the three fertilizer solutions in three successive foliar treatments (one solution/pot). The vegetal material was harvested, conditioned and the quantity of ³²P translocated from the soil to the air organs of the plants (leaves, stems and flowers) was measured. The results showed that the applied fertilizer solutions increased the absorption of ³²P from the soil, favoring the translocation of ³²P to the flowers. We observed that the ³²P translocation degree was different depending on the composition of the three fertilizer solutions.

The aim of this study was to determine heavy metals levels (i.e. Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn and Fe), in different samples (i.e. surface water, depth water and therapeutic mud) collected from seven salt lakes from Romania. The concentrations of metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The obtained results show that heavy metal concentrations were higher in mud samples comparative with water samples. The relationships between physicochemical parameters (i.e. pH, conductivity, turbidity, salinity, and TDS) and heavy metal concentrations were assessed, as well.

A study based on retrospective dosimetry of radon gas was conducted in Băiţa-Ştei radon-prone area, Bihor County (Romania). The activity of ²¹⁰Po in glass objects was assessed using the CR-LR technique in 16 dwellings. The two detectors were mounted in pairs (33), out of which 22 were fixed as duplicates on the same glass objects. These detectors were exposed for 50 days. The results indicate that the geometric mean for retrospective radon concentration is lower (273 Bq/m³) than the contemporary one (649 Bq/m³). Nevertheless, a moderate correlation (r = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.26 – 0.86, p < 0.01, n=18) was found between log of retrospective and contemporary radon concentrations.

This study focuses on the atmosphere composition and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) with mass spectrometer enabling to analyze samples in normal conditions. For this purpose, one e-nose mass spectrometer has been used to measure the gas composition of the samples collected from the center of Athens and from industrial area around Athens (about 20 km outside the city), during three months (October, November, December 2012). Three types of VOCs and sulfur dioxide are analyzed, due to their impact on the human health. The method to evaluate their concentration is based on the relative abundance. The study highlights evolution in average of the pollutant concentration in industrial and in the center of Athens; while the concentration increased in center of Athens, in the industrial area remains constant when the weather change from October to December.

The main aim of this work is to describe the methodology of dust characterization applying a combination of procedures and algorithms. The methodology for dust characterization starts with determination of the dust source and air mass backtrajectory forecast. Next, are analyzed Multiwavelength Raman Depolarization Lidar and Sun photometer data. The inversion of aerosol microphysical properties based on the lidarsunphotometer combination codes is the last step. The algorithms used give an opportunity to acknowledge the dust presence in the atmosphere and to determine its properties with high accuracy.

Characterization of dust properties is applied for 2 Saharan dust intrusion cases over the Magurele measurement site (44.35° N, 26.03° E). Magurele is situated in the region influenced by Saharan dust outbreaks. First case is related to dust intrusion from 20^th of May, 2013. Dust layer was detected between 3 and 4.5 km after 10:30 AM UTC. Volume depolarization ratio varties from 25 to 30%. Ängström Exponent is relatively low varying from 0.3 to 0.4 indicating coarse particles. Size distribution of aerosol particles revealed the peak in coarse mode as well. Based on the microphysical retrieval, coarse spheroid particles peak is justified between 2.5 and 4 km. Second case is associated with dust intrusion from 10^th of June, 2013. Layer consisted of dust particles was detected between 2.5 and 4 km during night measurements after 17:47 PM UTC. Volume depolarization ratio doesn’t exceed 25%. Ängström Exponent varies from 1.2 to 2.1 indicating fine particles. Size distribution is bimodal with two peaks in fine and coarse particles. Microphysical retrieval shows the peaks not only in coarse spheroids but in fine and coarse spherical mode as well.

The heat waves, severe weather events, are generally associated with high pressure synoptic systems and tropical air mass advection. The study of the main causes and effects of these particular situations and their subsequent impacts focuses on the analysis of connections between heat waves and large-scale circulation. Daily maximum temperatures from 105 meteorological stations were used to identify the heat waves. The heat waves are identified by using thresholds imposed to the maximum temperature and to the duration of heat waves. After identification, heat waves were associated to circulation types established with GWT and WLK Catalogues developed within the COST733 Action. The most prolonged heat wave episode (18 days) was registered in 1994 at the Oradea synoptic station. The results reveal the persistence over the southeastern Europe of high pressure synoptic systems, having a northeastern circulation component at sea level and a northwestern or southwestern circulation component in altitude. These circulation types are generally responsible for extreme temperatures episodes over most parts of Romania.

Water resources are very important for ecosystems and water deficit may cause serious social and economical issues. The aim of this study is to analyze the performances of prediction procedure based on Multiple Linear Regression Model (MLRM), for the precipitation amounts for yearly and seasonal time scales, in Romania. For this purpose we have used as predictand annual and seasonal amount of precipitation and as predictors Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP), geopotential height at 300 hPa (HGT300), wind speed at 700 hPa (WS700), temperature at 850 hPa (T850) and Total Column Water (TCW). The selection of predictors is based on the collinearity and multicollinearity analysis. Multicollinearity problems occur only during winter. All data sets used in this study are reanalysis gridded data with a spatial resolution of 2º x 2º lat./lon. and are obtained from 20th Century Reanalysis Version 2 (20CR V2) Project. The analysis is made for a period of 140 years between 1871 and 2010, the period 1871 – 2000 being used to build the MLRM and the period 2000 – 2010 for testing the prediction performances of the MLRM. Using MLRM we have obtained some good correlation between predicted and measured precipitation amount. The correlation coefficient varies between 0.34 and 0.98, with the smallest values in winter and the greatest values in spring. The Spearman correlation was also used to validate the MLRM, and correlation coefficients are between 0.25 for winter and 0.98 for spring.

The main concern for specialists is to increase the security in electricity supply from electric power stations or electrical transformer posts of the fixed electric installations, by adequate selection of insulating materials, correlating with exploitation conditions from environment and ensured a high resistance at aging of polymeric materials which composing the power cable and this paper will characterize the physicochemical parameters of the exploitation medium of the cable in burial conditions of soil. The premature aging phenomena observed in the case of insulating materials has been explained by induction of manufacturing defects such as air pockets, or the inclusion of certain impurities. Chemical aging is in fact chemical degradation, which is caused by formation of free radicals, which leads to bond breaking or unzipping of the polymer structure. The process can be initiated by thermal or mechanical means, by oxidizing reactions, by hydrolysis, or by UV or ionizing radiation. Polluted environments may cause a direct attack upon a polymer. This has been studied in the context of atmospheric pollution and strong industrial acids/alkalis, but studies applicable to PVC have been limited. For many plastics used in electrical insulation, metals accelerate oxidative pyrolysis. Metallic contaminant inclusions can cause “extreme oxidative degradation”, and such metallic contaminants can act to produce initiation sites for electrical treeing. The kinetics of the aging process of insulating materials, direct-buried in different sites, is depending on the physicochemical and microbiological composition of the soil in the specific case sites. Electrical cables used in electricity transmission and distribution of medium and low voltage buried or aerial are materials systems type sandwich which include along with conductor certain materials with insulating role, which assure mechanical and physical-chemical protection